The 7 Best Places to Go Glamping
Now this is our idea of becoming one with nature.
Just because you love the outdoors doesn’t mean you always want to haul a big backpack around, set up a tent, and sleep on two inches of inflatable fabric just to be a little closer to nature.
Enter: glamping, the craze that’s taking the world by storm. That’s not just hyperbole; according to Grand View Research, in 2021, glamping is projected to be a 2.35 billion dollar industry. By 2028, they predict it will be over 5.4 billion.
So, what does that mean for you? It means that there is no shortage of amazing places for you to put down that device and get a nice lung full of beautiful clean, crisp air, all without sacrificing high thread-counts and Michelin-worthy meals.
In This Article
1. Collective Yellowstone
Gallatin Gateway, MT
You’ll need to plan ahead to book one of the truly phenomenal spots at Collective Yellowstone, and for a good reason. Only an hour from Yellowstone Park in Gallatin Gateway, MT, you could be forgiven for thinking that anywhere with the remoteness and views that accompany a stay like this means you’re going to be roughing it, but that’s not the case.
If your idea of a perfect day might include a complimentary breakfast of seasonal ingredients, then some morning zip lining followed by an afternoon in-tent massage, all capped off by a farm-to-table dinner prepared by a private chef, then this is a glamping experience worth the trip.
2. Cedar Ridge Ranch
Carbondale, CO
You’ll find Cedar Ridge Ranch, nestled in the Roaring Fork Valley in Carbondale, CO, just 45 minutes from Aspen. Located on a working farm and horse ranch with over 100 acres to explore, not only will you find beautifully decorated tents ready for you to use, but also one-of-a-kind activities like Alpaca Yoga.
Cedar Ridge also features amazing amenities, from collecting your own breakfast eggs from the chicken coop to providing boarding for your horse. Just in case you aren’t planning to bring your own, they also offer riding lessons on their live-in steeds. Finally, when it comes time to lay down under the stars, you have your choice of a yurt or several safari tents, all fully furnished.
3. Hawley Farm Glamping
Hamilton, MO
Just five minutes outside the idyllic town of Hamilton, MO (the quilting capital of the world!), you’ll find a full-fledged glamping resort set on 210 acres in Hawley Farm. Hawley Farm seeks to recreate the magic of childhood campout with smores around the fire, a pond for fishing and rowboats, and gardens and trails galore. But, unlike childhood camping, you’ll also be indulged with daily fresh linens and coffee and breakfast being delivered to you every morning.
4. Geodesic Dome at Quarry Brook
Putney, VT
For those looking to get truly off the beaten path while still having a freshly made queen-size bed waiting for you when you get there, the Geodesic Dome at Quarry Brook just might fit the bill. Five miles from Putney, VT this dome is amazing spring, summer, or fall when you can set out from your private corner of this working homestead to explore the miles of surrounding trails or the abandoned rock quarry ready to swim or paddle in. But for the hearty and adventurous, it truly shines in winter. The dome is insulated and contains a wood-burning stove (firewood provided), making it the perfect place to cozy in and watch the flakes fall.
5. Kestrel Camp
Bozeman, MT
Run and operated by American Prairie Reserve, Montana’s Kestrel Camp has a mission of creating the largest nature reserve in the United States to preserve as much of the great plains as possible. But don’t think that helping save America’s heartland means you have to sacrifice luxury.
Not only are these exclusive yurts set on hundreds of thousands of acres of some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the world, but your trip to the Bozeman-based camp includes climate-controlled rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and a private camp chef. Also available to you are tours from top biologists and other experts to ensure you make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
6. Little Raccoon Key
Jekyll Island, GA
If your response so far has been “that’s nice, but can you do better?” How would you feel about staying on your own island? That’s exactly what you’ll get with Little Raccoon Key, one of Georgia’s Golden Isles. You could easily spend a week here lounging on the beach and just enjoying the view of dolphins jumping just offshore.Still, with blue crabs on the beach, a 10,000-year-old reef to explore, and ancient artifacts to be found across the island, you’re sure to fall happily exhausted onto your memory foam mattress each night, ready to do it all again the next day. Live out your luxury dreams!
7. Hobbit’s Nest
Bastrop, TX
Finally, something for the nerdier outdoor enthusiast! Presenting the Hobbit’s Nest. While it’s not exactly a hole in the ground (more of a Shire-esque skyscraper), there’s no doubt that Tolkien would have approved of this abode. Set in 42 heavily wooded acres of Texas’ Lost Pines Forest, this treehouse might just be the most unique dwelling on this list.
You could easily spend your entire stay looking out a round window at the majestic treetops or listening from the balcony to a symphony of frogs in the Middle Earth-tastic lilypond below, but if you do decide to venture out, you’ll find Bastrop State Park, the Colorado River, and The Sherwood Forest Faire site all within 10 miles.
