3 Best Destinations to Experience Glamping (aka Camping in Style)

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Ok, so have you always wanted to try camping, but let the idea of roughing it in a tent dissuade you?  Then, glamping is probably for you!

Perhaps one day they’ll add 5-star glamping destinations to AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts!

So what exactly is glamping?  I mean look no further than the word itself.  Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping.  It’s much less daunting than your traditional camping, Think of it as luxury camping with cozy beds and fancy tents.  You’ll have all the necessities, while still enjoying nature.  And you won’t have to sacrifice the comfort of a nice bed, soft sheets, and your go-to necessities. Contrary to popular belief, glamping is much more than just a nice tent stuck in the middle of the woods.  There are many different levels and styles of glamping, from high end, 5-star locations to simple canopy’s with basic amenities where you still have to leave the tent to use the bathroom and cook your food fireside. If you’ve never camped and want to test the waters, I’d definitely recommend getting out in to the wild and trying glamping!  Here are some fabulous places to grab your partner, friends, or family and try something new and outdoorsy without sacrificing your peace and comfort! 

1.   Collective Retreats

Collective Retreats has locations in New York, Texas, Montana, Colorado, and a new California location coming soon.  Each location has its own spirit and personality so you can find the one that fits your style best.   The team at Collective Retreats has found some of the most jaw-dropping locations.  And they’ve designed accommodations to fit the landscape with beautiful decor and furnishings.  Plus, you can partake in activities you won’t find anywhere else!

At Collective Retreats locations you can sleep on 1,500 thread-count sheets with a bed chandelier overhead.  Each luxury tent features beautiful designs with locally sourced decor and top-notch amenities, including bathrooms.

The chefs at Collective Retreats create farm-to-table dinners under the stars each night.  And if you want to stay for dessert, there’s an option to cook s’mores around a campfire.  For lunch, they offer a la carte options as well as to-go picnic boxes that include snacks and sandwiches.  For breakfast, the chefs make a seasonal mix of healthy and hearty options with fresh ground coffee and tea.

During the day, you can pick from tons of activities.  There are options to bike, fly fish, hike, and horseback ride.  Or you can kick back, pick a cozy spot, and dive into a book.

Collective Retreats has an on-site concierge service to help you plan your perfect retreat.  So if you’re nervous about getting started, they make it easy to plan and are there at your beckoning if you need something while at the camp.

Rates vary based on location, accommodation type and travel dates.  But staying at one of these retreats will typically cost you between $150 and $400 per night.

2.   Under Canvas 

Under Canvas offers glamping retreats that feature yoga, fly fishing, and health and wellness.  They even offer corporate retreats.  Their tents are comfortable enough to surpass a hotel room and come with the added bonus of being tucked in the thick of the great outdoors.

The tents are safari-inspired and include amenities such as luxurious linens, fresh sheets, plush king-sized beds, daily housekeeping, in-suite bathrooms, and a wood burning stove for cool evenings.

Several of the tents have beautiful wooden decks, ceramic sinks, and hot showers.  And there is even a stargazer specific tent with a private star-viewing window over the king bed for those who want to gaze at the constellations.

If that isn’t enough, there is staff on-call and ready to assist your every need 24 hours per day.

You can find Under Canvas location in:

• Glacier National Park
• Moab
• Mount Rushmore
• The Grand Canyon
• The Great Smoky Mountains
• Yellowstone National Park
• Zion National Park

The company also has pop up events around the US and provides for-hire accommodations for weddings, festivals, parties, film shoots, conferences, trade shows, and temporary housing.

At Under Canvas, you’ll definitely feel like royalty camping in style and living the life of luxury while being immersed in the great outdoors!

3.   Paws Up

Located on Montana’s Blackfoot River, Paws Up was designed for the high-end glamper.  It’s a 5-star glamping experience in a rugged and refined luxury location! Each tent comes with its own camp butler.  And every tent has indoor plumbing, trendy bathtubs, and air conditioning. 

Paws Up is perfect for families, couples, or groups of friends in want of a luxurious getaway.  You can make the trip as romantic or adventurous as you want!The dining options at Paws Up is like none other.  The chefs create a rustic ranch cuisine that blends fresh meat and produce with sophisticated culinary techniques.  Everything is farm-to-table and the wine and spirits can be paired with every dish.

Just because you’re out in the wilderness doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy some pampering.  Paws Up Spa offers an array of pristine white tents carefully stitched together to create the ultimate outdoor, luxury spa.  Inside are full baths and showers, treatment tents with heated massage tables, and views of the meadow that can’t be beat.  You don’t even need spa music here because the tents sit on the side of the brook and you can hear water tricking, birds chirping, and the sound of the wind in the trees.Guests have the option of a wide range of activities to try during the day, including yoga, hiking, riding ATVs, fishing, and mountain bike riding. But Paws Up isn’t cheap!  Nightly rates start at more than $1,200 for a one bedroom.   Once you pick your glamping destination, it’s time to grab your friends, pick a weekend, and head out into the wilderness to enjoy a couple perfect nights under the stars in style and comfort!

Have you been glamping?  I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!