If you want to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature this summer, but have no interest in pitching a tent, consider the latest raft of glamping and outdoor resorts. Whether it’s a treehouse, a tricked-out tent, a geodesic dome, or a vintage Airstream, you can vacation near national parks and wake up amidst forests and mountains, all without crawling into a sleeping bag. Instead, sink into a memory foam mattress, tuck into a plate of French toast, and indulge in wine tastings and massages at these scenic getaways from New York to California.
Stonewall, Texas
The beautiful interiors in this new 32 acre The Texas Hill Country getaway feels more like hotel rooms than canvas tents. Everyone has king-size beds (some also have additional twin beds) and private bathrooms with rainfall showers, bathrobes, and bath products from the San Saba Soap Company in nearby Fredericksburg. Created by Outdoorsy, the peer-to-peer RV rental company that expanded into travel endeavors including high-end outdoor lodging, the property features 22 climate-controlled tents that sleep two or four people and feature wraparound decks, fire pits, kitchens and mini bar. If you’d rather have someone else make your favorite drink, head to the outdoor bar for local wines, beers, seasonal cocktails and snacks. There is also a cafe for light bites. When you need layouts like, say, a steak to grill, enter the country store next to the check-in area.
The property is in the middle of the Hill Country trails and wineries and is a short drive from the Luckenbach and Albert Ballrooms. It’s also less than half an hour’s drive from Fredericksburg, with its boutiques and impressive 19th-century buildings. Prefer to stay inside? Watch a movie night or play shuffleboard, darts and other games. Rates from $300 a night.
Mornings at this new glamping property — about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite National Park — start with complimentary coffee, tea and hot chocolate. On 36 acres, there are 12 cabins and 30 tents. Inside the tents, all of which have decks, you’ll find queen-size beds with memory foam mattresses (some tents also have bunk beds for children), rugs and nightstands with lamps. Opt for a premium tent and you’ll also get heated mattress pads, as well as a larger deck and a gas fire pit. Bathrooms and showers are in a communal bath and outside there are large sinks and soap for washing the cooking utensils (remember to bring your own). There is also a shared barbecue area and fireplace.
Looking for more privacy? Try one of the 12 cabins, which feature large windows, kitchens, bathrooms with showers, heating and air conditioning, and private outdoor seating with fire pits.
A club makes it a breeze to get food, wine, beer and cider. You can also pick up s’mores making kits and picnic items. When you’re not exploring Yosemite, visit downtown Mariposa, less than a five-minute drive away. There you can visit the California State Mining and Mineral Museum and the Mariposa Museum & History Center, along with shops and restaurants. At the end of the day, return to Wildhaven’s pergola to watch the sunset from a hilltop. If you’re game for walking, the property has a nature trail where you can enjoy views of the Sierra Mountains, hills and Mariposa. On-site activities may include yoga, live music, and wine and cider tasting. Tents start at $199 a night in the summer (from $99 a night in the off-season). cabin rates from $399 a night in summer ($199 a night off-season).
This open-air resort in Utah’s stunning Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument recently added 20 luxury cabins to the 20-acre property with a backdrop of cliffs and the area’s fantastic rock columns known as hoodoos. There are now 52 rooms, including vintage Airstreams that sleep up to three people and tiny cabins for two. The new four-person luxury cabins are Offland’s most spacious accommodation and include queen beds and sofa beds, bathrooms (guests staying in Airstreams and tiny cabins use shared bathrooms), private outdoor showers with heaters, and fire pits.
The property, which changed its name this year from Yonder Escalante, is just an hour’s drive from Bryce Canyon National Park and about an hour and a half from Capitol Reef National Park. You will also receive a list of suggested hikes in the area upon check-in. After a full day of exploring, kick back for a dip in the pool, soak in the hot tub, or catch a movie: Ofland Escalante was built on the site of a former drive-in movie theater and offers movies nightly. Stationary classic cars and a concession stand set the mood. Although this is not the only place to get a bite. The open-air Lodge with a fireplace offers complimentary breakfast staples including yogurt and granola, fruit, protein bars, coffee and tea. There’s also a food truck where you can buy hearty breakfast items like burritos and French toast, as well as a general store with snacks, picnic items, meal kits (each with protein, veggies and s’mores) and local wine, beer and cocktail kit. Rates for luxury cabins are from $249 per night (vintage Airstreams are from $175 per night, tiny cabins are from $159 per night).
Whitwell, Tenn.
At this spectacular adults-only getaway near Chattanooga, Tenn., guests can stay in luxurious mountaintop cabins, cabins and treehouses. There are 18 rooms, including four new “honeymoon” treehouses (11 scheduled to open this year) with panoramic views of the valley below, private hot tubs, porch swings, Adirondack chairs, fireplaces, grills, pizza ovens, kitchens, and both indoor and outdoor shower with heated floor. Set on 55 acres, the property’s other accommodations include geodesic domes with stunning views, fireplaces and 1,175 square feet of space, including a deck, as well as glass-walled “mirror cabins” that have glass that reflects their surroundings.
Go for a hike on one of the property’s trails and schedule a massage, facial or body treatment through the spa when you return. When you’re in the mood for a drink or a bite, you don’t have to leave the property to purchase beer, wine, champagne, cocktails or meals you can cook in your pizza oven. (The hotel will help you book a private chef if you prefer.) In the evening, use the projector in your room to watch a movie or just go outside to look at the stars. Rates from $545 a night.
The Catskills (Bethel, New York)
This longtime performance venue and site of the 1969 Woodstock festival has begun offering glamping to spectators in bucolic settings, delivering a dose of nature and a quick stroll to concerts in the Pavilion Auditorium.
Luxury glamping tents come in three sizes for one to six guests. They have beds, bathrooms with showers, Wi-Fi, electricity, fans, portable heaters and outside decks. You’ll also get free admission to the Museum at Bethel Woods, where you can travel back in time through exhibits about Woodstock’s heritage and 1960s culture. In addition to the luxury tents, there are basic glamping cabin tents (for a up to two guests) with beds and power sockets. Shared toilets and showers are nearby. Other camping options at the Pavilion include bringing your own tent or checking into one of the property’s “say-pt RVs.” (There is also a separate camping area called Best Road Camping for all types of vehicles and tents less than half a mile from the Pavilion.) Prices for the new glamping tents are from $335 a night. To book, start by clicking on your preferred gig on the site’s camping page.
Few & Far
Various locations
A new an initiative of the founders of glamping company Under Canvas, Few & Far has begun creating outdoor and glamping experiences for individuals groups in places like Africa, Chile and, this summer, near some of the country’s national parks. In August, for example, the company offers a Grand Teton Luxury Tented Camp trip on a ranch in Daniel, Wyo., about an hour and 20 minutes’ drive from Grand Teton National Park. The itinerary begins with a cocktail and western hat reception before dinner outdoors. Nearby activities may include fly fishing on the Green River, mountain biking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, or climbing in a hot air balloon for a tour. A list of various trips is on the company’s website, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per person for a minimum one-week getaway.
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