These Are the Most Over-the-Top Glamping Experiences in the US
If you’re looking to reconnect with nature but don’t want to forego certain creature comforts, glamping is a great option, and the U.S. has a number of these luxury accommodations from which to choose. From a high-end lodge on a working organic farm in upstate New York to a riverside luxury campground in Montana, we’ve rounded up some of the best glamping experiences around the country.
Under Canvas -- Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Wake up to Yellowstone National Park in the comfort of your own luxury tent with Under Canvas. The camp is located 10 minutes from the West Entrance of the park and offers a number of tents that can sleep between three and seven people. Tents either feature private or communal bathroom facilities, a king-size bed and linens. For breakfast and dinner, visitors can dine at the on-site restaurant, Bar N Ranch. Under Canvas can help you create a personalized itinerary. Try your hand at white-water rafting, enjoy a day of mountain biking or see some of the most sought-after sites within the park on a guided tour.
Rates: The Yellowstone Adventure Package starts from $3,800 for 3 nights for two adults, including meals and activities
Collective Hudson Valley, a Retreat at Liberty Farms -- New York
If you’re looking to escape to the country for a few days but don’t want to travel too far from the city, stay at Collective Hudson Valley, a Retreat at Liberty Farms. The property is located on a working organic farm two hours north of New York City and features a number of luxury tents, in addition to the Three Peaks Lodge. Each accommodation comes with a comfy king-size bed and a private bathroom stocked with boutique amenities. Meals are enjoyed at the Three Peaks Lodge (though private dining in your tent is available for an additional cost) and feature local and seasonal ingredients. During the day, guests can unwind in a private lounge area or participate in activities, such as visiting local wineries, hiking and working on Liberty Farms. Round off your day with a glass of wine next to your tent’s wood-burning stove or choose from one of the many books and board games in each tent.
Rates: Starting from $500 per night, based on double occupancy, including breakfast, snacks and refreshments.
EXP Journeys -- Lake Powell, Utah and Arizona
Those looking for a glamping experience without the stress of planning all of your activities should check out EXP Journeys. Guests can explore the rugged landscape of Lake Powell -- both the Utah and Arizona sides -- through a 4-day schedule that includes kayaking, hiking, boat rides and canyoneering. Travelers return to comfortable, canvas tents after a full day of exploring the surrounding area. The evening is then spent unwinding with a freshly prepared, gourmet meal by the on-site chef. The best times to visit are in April-June and September-November.
Rates: The Lake Powell Adventure starts from $7,400 per person for 4 days/3 nights, based on a group of four people, and includes meals
Dunton River Camp -- Cresto Ranch, Colorado
Spend a quiet evening under the stars on a nearly 500-acre ranch at Dunton River Camp. Open from June to October, the camp is situated on Cresto Ranch, located in the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado. Visitors will find eight luxury tents that include private bathrooms with a 6-foot soaking tub, a king-size bed, Wi-Fi and a gas stove. During the day, take part in one of the many activities run by the camp, including mountain biking (each tent includes two bikes), hiking, horseback riding and fly-fishing on a 9-mile stretch of the West Fork of the Dolores River. For something a bit more opulent, head to the spa tent and indulge in one of the many treatments or book a private yoga session. Meals feature seasonal local ingredients, including a few from the property’s own vineyard and farm.
Rate: Mountain and River tents start from $1575 per night, from May 25 - Oct. 31
North Bank Camp, The Resort at Paws Up -- Greenough, Montana
The Resort at Paws Up, located 35 minutes northeast of Missoula, Montana, features six different luxury camps spread out across a 37,000-acre ranch. If you’re traveling with your family in tow or a larger group of friends, you’ll want to check out the North Bank Camp. This camp features four 2-bedroom tents and two 3-bedroom tents, all situated atop a bluff overlooking the Blackfoot River. Each tent offers riverfront views and includes private bathrooms with heated floors and bathroom amenities. Meals are served at the dinner pavilion, which has a stone fireplace and floor-to-ceiling glass doors, great for capturing that perfect Instagram. After a day of hiking, unwind with the family in front of the fire pit outside the dinner pavilion.
Rates: Fall/spring rates at North Bank Camp start from $992.50 per person, per night; summer rates start from $1490 per person, per night
Dome in the Desert -- Joshua Tree, California
Escape the daily grind and recharge for a night or two at the Dome in the Desert. The dome’s cozy, modern-bohemian decor, paired with its ample interior space, is perfect for hiding away from the world with a good book and a glass of wine. Situated on multiple acres in Joshua Tree (offering guests ample amounts of privacy), the dome is located a few miles from the town center, restaurants and Joshua Tree Visitor Center. Inside, guests find a king-size bed, a full kitchen and a bathroom, plus a wood-burning stove, Wi-Fi, books and games.
Rates: From $170 per night
Ashley Bess is an editor turned freelancer writer who describes herself as short, opinionated, recently repatriated, lover of gin and travel and with a head full of useless song lyrics and movie quotes.