Summary
- Sandy Pines Campground: Kennebunkport, Maine
- El Capitan Canyon: Santa Barbara, California
- The Rock Ranch: The Rock, Georgia
- Conestoga Ranch: Bear Lake, Utah
- Firelight Camps: Ithaca, New York
- Safari West: Sonoma County, California
- Under Canvas: Multiple US National Parks
- Westgate River Ranch Resort: River Ranch, Florida
Love the great outdoors but don’t love roughing it? Consider turning to one of the increasing number of campsites and resorts offering a glamping experience. Blending the best of camping and resort amenities, these properties provide surprisingly upscale accommodations in a cabin, yurt, wagon, or luxury tent, along with the chance to commune with nature and enjoy many outdoor activities. In other words, they definitely put the glam in glamping.
Sandy Pines Campground: Kennebunkport, Maine
Located minutes from Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines Campground provides an experience that is authentically Maine, delivering ocean views, salty breezes, and the ambiance of a charming seaside town. The property includes a lodge, rustic general store, and a multitude of resort-level amenities and outdoor activities. The park’s 320 campsites cater to tent campers, RVers, and glampers who can reserve one of 12 beautifully appointed safari tents, each uniquely designed by different New England designers.
El Capitan Canyon: Santa Barbara, California
Set 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara, El Capitan Canyon is a “glampground” offering stress-free camping with rustic style and plenty of family-friendly activities. The 350-acre property—with 161 cabins or tent cabins, a general store, café, and relaxing resort-like ambiance—exudes the appeal of the Central Coast region of California: mild weather and scenic landscapes leading to the beach. Moreover, the accommodations come stocked with nearly all the conveniences you might forget for an outdoor trip, including linens, dishwashing soap, and toiletries.
The Rock Ranch: The Rock, Georgia
Families can embrace their inner pioneer at The Rock Ranch, located an hour south of Atlanta. Accommodation options include large Conestoga wagons outfitted with four sets of bunk beds, perfect for larger families. This resort offers a variety of family fun, from zip lines and paddleboats to mini-train rides and horseback riding. If visiting during the summer, be sure to sample their homemade strawberry ice cream—it’s a must!
Conestoga Ranch: Bear Lake, Utah
Located in the northeastern corner of Utah, about a two-hour drive from Salt Lake City, this 18-acre glamping resort overlooks the turquoise waters of Bear Lake. Families can choose between Grand Tents, authentically styled Conestoga wagons, and traditional tents, all equipped with soft beds and fresh linens. Grand Tents even feature private bathrooms. The resort offers a game tent, a lodge with private spa-style bathrooms, a restaurant, general store, activities field, Wi-Fi, firewood and s’mores kits, along with cruiser bikes for exploring.
Firelight Camps: Ithaca, New York
Nestled in the Finger Lakes district of Upstate New York, a stay in one of the luxurious safari tents at Firelight Camps includes hardwood floors, king or queen beds, sitting porches, lantern lights, daily breakfast, and evening marshmallow roasting. Kids particularly enjoy on-site activities like bocce ball and corn hole.
Safari West: Sonoma County, California
Safari West is a 400-acre wildlife preserve in California wine country, home to over 800 animals. You can stay overnight in a luxury tent cabin, which provides a memorable experience for families with kids. Guests can enjoy a safari jeep tour and parents can sip champagne while observing giraffes. Tents feature comfortable beds, hot showers, polished wood floors, and exceptional handmade furniture.
Under Canvas: Multiple US National Parks
If you’re searching for an unforgettable stay at some of the most stunning US national parks, consider the Under Canvas glamping camps. Families can enjoy luxurious accommodations while fully immersing themselves in nature. Large tents are equipped with comfortable beds, rugs, and many offer plumbing and private bathrooms, making the experience convenient and appealing.
Under Canvas provides glamping options at Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, Glacier National Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Arches and Zion in Utah.
Westgate River Ranch Resort: River Ranch, Florida
Looking to disconnect after visiting Orlando’s theme parks? Located about 90 minutes south, the Westgate River Ranch Resort offers luxurious glamping in Central Florida. Guests can choose one of 10 Luxe Teepees, each providing 651 square feet of space adorned in Native American style. These teepees accommodate up to four guests and feature a stone fireplace, screened patio, private bathroom with a clawfoot tub, and modern amenities including a mini refrigerator. Resort activities include horseback riding, trap and skeet shooting, and exciting airboat rides.