If you ever went camping as a child, you probably remember crackling campfires, melty s’mores and warm family memories. You might also remember the struggles of putting up a tent and walking to the bathroom in the dark. Glamping — or “glamorous camping” — changes all that. The best glamping destinations elevate how we experience the great outdoors, often with electricity, ensuite bathrooms and more.
Glamping has taken the travel world by storm, driven by Millennials and Gen Z seeking a place to get away without leaving their creature comforts behind. As social distancing and travel restrictions continue to change the way we travel, people of all ages are embracing glamping. Looking for the top places to glamp in the US? We have you covered.
1. Philipsburg, MT
Wow factor: 5/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.8
Our top glamping destination is a bit out there. You’re sure to find peaceful seclusion and scenic beauty in Philipsburg, yet it’s also located conveniently between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.
Stay: The Ranch at Rock Creek is an all-inclusive wonderland, and its 10 canvas cabins, set in wildflower meadows with screened-in porches, are no exception.
Play: There isn’t gold in these hills, but there are sapphires. Go mining at Montana Gems to find your own.
Eat: Build your own burger at Bricks Pub, then head next door to Philipsburg Creamery for dessert.
From wagons to yurts to classic canvas tents, the best places to glamp in the US are just as diverse as the towns they are near. Pick the one that suits your style and get glamping!
2. Grand Canyon Junction, AZ
Wow factor: 5/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.8
There’s no better place for adventure than the Grand Canyon, and if you want to stay in the thick of it all, Grand Canyon Junction—formerly known as Valle, just north of Williams—is your spot.
Stay: There are plenty of top glamping destinations in town, but Clear Sky Resort Grand Canyon is our winner, thanks to its unique, clear sky domes.
Play: You’ll surely be heading to the Grand Canyon, but stop at Raptor Ranch on your way for a live bird of prey show.
Eat: The Grand Canyon Inn and Restaurant has local craft beer, rotating seasonal menus and a laid-back atmosphere.
3. Logan, OH
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Average: 4.6
In the heart of the Hocking Hills Region, just outside Columbus, Logan is a top destination for glamping and outdoor adventure in Ohio. There’s plenty to do here both indoors and out.
Stay: Accommodations at the Inn at Cedar Falls include yurts or its unique geodomes, which not only look cool but have private bathrooms and kitchenettes.
Play: Get your heart rate up at Neville Adventure Park with paintball, four-wheelers or the ropes course.
Eat: In addition to great wine, Hocking Hills Winery offers an array of charcuterie boards and snacks, or you can get delivery from local restaurants.
4. Virgin, UT
Wow factor: 5/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.6
Blink and you might miss this town of just 600 people at the doorstep of Zion National Park. But those in the know come here to hike, sightsee and glamp.
Stay: At Zion Weeping Buffalo, you can stay in a covered wagon or tipi, all with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and great views of the stars.
Play: See this famous national park from a different vantage point with a tour from Zion Helicopters.
Eat: Balcony One brings gastropub style to this small town, with classic pub grub and a great beer selection.
5. Bar Harbor, ME
Wow factor: 5/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Average: 4.4
The “Maine” attraction in Bar Harbor is Acadia National Park, with its rugged coastline and towering cliffs. But the town itself is adorable, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and shops to keep you busy.
Stay: Terramor Outdoor Resort has five tents with amenities varying from outdoor showers to fire pits—and all have electricity and Wi-Fi.
Play: Acadia Outfitters has you covered on both land and sea, with bikes, canoes and kayaks.
Eat: Maine means fresh seafood, and Peekytoe Provisions has the freshest.
6. Sevierville, TN
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Average: 4.4
Outside Knoxville, before you hit the Smoky Mountains and just north of Pigeon Forge, is a hidden gem: Sevierville has museums, wineries and waterparks—and a statue of Dolly Parton, of course.
Stay: Part tent, part cabin, the accommodations at The Ridge Outdoor Resort are truly “glam camping,” and two of their tents are pet-friendly, too.
Play: Get soaked at Soaky Mountain Water Park or stay on dry land at Wahoo Ziplines—either way, you’re guaranteed to have fun.
Eat: After your adventure, head to The Apple Barn for dinner and ice cream.
7. Lodi, WI
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.2
Lodi is another top glamping destination near Chicago, but it’s also convenient to Minneapolis. Rent a car at Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport and follow the Mississippi River before crossing into Wisconsin.
Stay: Smokey Hollow Campground has a variety of fun glamping rentals, including a wagon, yurts and gazebos, all with air conditioning, a microwave and refrigerator and the all-important coffee maker.
Play: Visit the ice age—the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, that is—at Gibraltar Rock State Natural Area.
Eat: Indulge yourself at Buttercream Bakery, which has everything from doughnuts to pie to ice cream.
8. Rice, VA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.2
Virginia may be for lovers, but its best glamping destinations also welcome families and friends. Located 60 miles outside Richmond, Rice is an ideal getaway for everyone.
Stay: Glamp in a fully appointed tipi at Sandy River Adventure Resort. You’ll find kitchenettes and fire pits, plus luxurious touches like heated floors.
Play: You’re in luck—Sandy River Adventure Resort also has bike and boat rentals, ziplining and a pool.
Eat: The Virginia Wine Tasting Cellar is located in Charley’s Waterfront Café, giving you the best of two worlds.
9. St. Bernard Parish, LA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Average: 4.2
You may not think of the “best glamping destinations” when you think of New Orleans, but the quaint parish of St. Bernard, just across the Mississippi River, fits the bill.
Stay: Stella Mansion in Braithwaite is a 1,500-acre destination for weddings, events and glamping. Its five solar-powered, A-frame cabins sit right on its private lake.
Play: Happiness Bayou Tours in Violet is a small operation with an authentic Southern heart.
Eat: You’re in luck—Happiness Tours docks its boats at De Pope Tavern, and you can request crawfish or crab before your tour.
10. Lake George, CO
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 4/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.2
There’s nothing like a scenic road trip to start your glamping trip. When you rent a car at Denver International Airport, your 125-mile drive to Lake George will take you through Colorado Springs and past the famous Pikes Peak.
Stay: Puma Hills has a variety of accommodations, but glamping in a geodesic dome or bubble tent is definitely the coolest option.
Play: In this town, fishing is the name of the game. Head to Tumbling Trout for a guided trip.
Eat: Granite Canyon General Store has everything you need for a delicious picnic with a view of Eleven Mile State Park.
11. Foxborough, MA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 5/5
Average: 4.2
Nestled in between Boston and Rhode Island at the intersection of three major highways, Foxborough is easy to get to—and hard to leave.
Stay: The yurts at Normandy Farms have private bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchenettes and air conditioning. Or book a safari tent with electricity, refrigerator, microwave and Keurig machine.
Play: Normandy Farms has tons of onsite activities, but if you want to venture into town, head to Ace Archers for archery lessons and friendly competition.
Eat: Union Straw offers comfort food with a twist, like duck grilled cheese and bison shepherd’s pie.
12. Copalis Beach, WA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 4/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.0
Situated on the gorgeous coastline of northern Washington, about 70 miles west of Olympia, Copalis Beach beckons with tree-lined scenes, romantic foggy mornings, and plenty of oceanside state parks to explore.
Stay: It doesn’t get any better than glamping on the beach, and Pacific Dunes Beach Resort delivers king-size beds, wood-burning stoves and private patios.
Play: It’s all about the beach here: Head to Copalis Rock for a photo op or explore miles of shoreline and dunes at Griffiths-Priday State Park.
Eat: A cold beer at Green Lantern Pub is sure to hit the spot after your day of adventure.
13. Caldwell, ID
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.0
Idaho is more than potatoes—it also has an incredible wine region in the Snake River Valley. Caldwell is right in the middle of it, but also less than 30 miles from Boise.
Stay: Sawtooth Winery Vino Camp has all the comforts of home: Private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and comfy queen-size beds. Plus, you can roll out of bed and hit a wine tasting.
Play: Wine tours definitely count, but for something even more exciting, take an aerial tour with Skyborne Adventures.
Eat: If you get tired of charcuterie boards, head to Amano for authentic, modern Mexican food.
14. River Ranch, FL
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Average: 4.0
About 85 miles from both Orlando and Tampa, River Ranch is where Floridians go to glamp. With surrounding towns like Yeehaw Junction and Frostproof, you’ll think you’ve traveled to the Wild West.
Stay: Westgate River Ranch is the main attraction, with spacious, air-conditioned platform tents, plus a tipi and a Conestoga wagon.
Play: River Ranch is surrounded by nature, including Three Lakes, Walk-in-the-Water and KICCO Wildlife Management Areas.
Eat: Dine onsite at the Ranch or take a picnic to Robert’s Pit Stop, which has grills and picnic tables.
15. Tonica, IL
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 4/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Average: 4.0
Whether you live in Chicago or fly there, rent a car at O’Hare International Airport for a fun road trip to the tiny town of Tonica, just over 100 miles southwest. It’s got a trendy new glamping spot, tons of parks and plenty of Midwestern hospitality.
Stay: Brand-new Camp Aramoni opened in August 2021 with 11 luxurious safari-style tents.
Play: Head across the river to Vermillion River Rafting for self-guided whitewater rafting.
Eat: Tonica may be in an area known as “Starved Rock Country,” but you can fill up at the No Problem Pub, no problem.
16. Lake Luzerne, NY
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 5/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Average: 4.0
Two hundred miles north of New York City, Lake Luzerne is the “Gateway to the Adirondacks.” Rent a car at JFK International Airport and take the scenic drive up I-87 through Albany.
Stay: Huttopia Adirondacks offers beautiful wood frame tents with electricity, fire pits and wood stoves.
Play: Adirondack Adventure Center has it all: river tubing, whitewater rafting and ziplining.
Eat: Huttopia serves made-to-order meals, or pick up supplies at Luzerne Market and head to Wayside Beach for a picnic.
17. Healdsburg, CA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 5/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 4.0
When you think of Sonoma County, you probably think of wine or even beer—but don’t sleep on Healdsburg as one of the best places to glamp (and drink) in the country.
Stay: Get comfy in the safari-style tents at Wildhaven Sonoma, which have heat, electricity, private river access and, of course, a general store that sells wine.
Play: Book a bike, hike, or kayak tour with Getaway Adventures, or just rent a bike for the day and take yourself around town.
Eat: You’ve had cheese with your wine, but have you had tapas? Visit Bravas Bar de Tapas for an incredible pairing.
18. Redstone, CO
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 3.8
Redstone is a classic alpine village whose charming downtown is a designated National Historic District. Its proximity to some of Colorado’s famous “14ers,” like Maroon Peak and Capitol Peak, makes it one of the best places to glamp for hikers.
Stay: The hot springs at Avalanche Ranch are perfect after a day of hiking, and glamping in its covered wagons will make you feel like a true pioneer.
Play: Based at Redstone Stables, Avalanche Outfitters has guided fishing and horseback riding tours, depending on the season.
Eat: Treat yourself to some deep-dish pizza and a beer at Propaganda Pie.
19. Ilwaco, WA
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 5/5
Accessibility: 3/5
Average: 3.8
There’s nothing disappointing about Cape Disappointment, which lies on the coast at the Oregon border, 160 miles southwest of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Stay: The Cape Disappointment Yurts have heat, picnic tables, fire pits and patios. Better yet, they’re walking distance from the beach,
Play: Go angling for salmon, halibut and sturgeon with local outfit Seabreeze Charters.
Eat: Grab oysters, clams, and chowder at the Salt Pub, or go for classic pub food like burgers and mac and cheese.
20. Southlake, TX
Wow factor: 4/5
Amenities: 4/5
Close to attractions: 3/5
Uniqueness: 4/5
Accessibility: 4/5
Average: 3.8
With a champion high school football team, charming town square, and giant live oak trees, Southlake is as Texas as it gets. Better yet, it’s just 10 miles from Dallas-Fort Worth Airport.
Stay: Treat yourself to the deluxe yurt at Paradise Cove or “rough it” a bit more in a glamping tent with lights, a grill and a fire pit.
Play: Southlake is the perfect home base to visit popular attractions like Six Flags and AT&T Stadium.
Eat: Add a sophisticated Italian meal to your sophisticated glamping trip at Calabrese.
