Asheville Glamping: An Off-the-Grid Getaway

A closer look at Asheville Glamping, an incredible off-the-grid getaway. Whether your idea of glamping is in a tent, dome, guesthouse, or a tree house, Asheville Glamping has an accommodation for you — and it likely comes with some surprises, perhaps even a slide.

Unique Accommodations

Opened in 2012, the upscale campsite merges the creature comforts of home with the undeniably dreamy experience of spending the night in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Located about 10 miles, or a 20-minute drive from downtown Asheville, the addresses aren’t revealed until after booking, to preserve the privacy of the campsites.

“Asheville is an outdoor wonderland with endless hiking opportunities including the Appalachian Trail; river sports on the French Broad River; a vibrant art and local business community; and more breweries than I can count,” Asheville Glamping owner Joanna Cahill tells iBestTravel, also praising the food scene and the historic Biltmore Estate. “Asheville is anything but boring.”

The popular Slide Domes offer guests a unique slumber experience. The Slide Dome accommodates up to eight guests in a spacious 1,300-square-foot area boasting a 20-foot ceiling and a nine-foot slide for entertainment. The more luxurious Ultimate Slide Dome can host six guests and features an indoor bathroom, a hot tub, and a smaller yellow tube slide.

Asheville Glamping also provides options for couples and smaller parties. The Star Dome, complete with its own hot tub, offers stunning night views, while the Mountain View Dome provides breathtaking vistas from a high perch. Additionally, the rustic Parkway Domes cater to those seeking a more traditional camping experience, and dog-friendly options ensure that no family member is left behind.

For the adventurous, the five-person Safari Tent features air conditioning, an outdoor grill, and a fire pit. On the other hand, the Deluxe Bell Tent comfortably sleeps two with a memory foam mattress and offers a spacious deck showcasing mountain views and a cozy fire pit. Lastly, Hikers Heaven provides a homey setting with two bedrooms, accommodating eight guests with ideal amenities including bathrooms, a kitchen, and laundry facilities.

Exciting Activities

However, the crowning jewel for many guests is The Nest Tree House, designed for couples. Owner Joanna Cahill describes it as a “true tree house.” Supported by three large poplar trees, it features two suspension bridges leading to its door, a private bathroom, and a small kitchen. “Walking over the suspension bridge to the tree house makes me feel like a kid!” she shares.

Each accommodation offers various amenities, including varying degrees of bathroom privacy and running water, making it vital for guests to check the details prior to their stay.

Future Expansion

Interestingly, the success of Asheville Glamping has inspired Cahill to grow the business further. The anticipated Mirror Hotel, a separate yet ambitious venture, will open in April 2023. Nestled on 55 acres, roughly 25 minutes from downtown, it will comprise 18 cabins designed to harmonize with nature. Utilizing a unique reflective material, these cabins promise not only to mirror the sky by day but to complement the natural landscape during the night.

“We are bursting at the seams with excitement to be bringing this dream project to life as it has been years in the making,” says Cahill. “It was important that the Invisible cabins at Mirror Hotel do not just reflect nature; we wanted them to complement nature as well.”

Cahill’s deep-rooted passion for the outdoors and unique accommodations began in childhood. “Modern Living is so stressful,” she reflects. “Asheville Glamping is a place where we invite guests to unplug, reconnect, and slow down.”