Glamping: It's Like Camping, but for the Bougie

What is Glamping?

Glamping is a unique way to experience the great outdoors while maintaining some aspects of comfort and luxury. The word "glamping" is a portmanteau of the words "glamour" and "camping". It's like camping but with extra amenities.

It's camping with all the glam. It's camping for the bougie.

Cook your dinner every night using a fire pit. Sleep under the stars without the light pollution. Enjoy the serenity and tranquility of nature, away from the hustle and bustle. Have the camping experience while still sleeping in a real bed, with a full bath, a microwave, and maybe even a hot tub.

Reasons to Love Glamping

I've experienced glamping a few times, and I love this style of lodging for several reasons:

1. It's a unique way to experience a new rural location.
2. They're often pet-friendly so I can bring my Taco bear.
3. They're GREAT for staycations.
4. They're GREAT for slow travel.
5. Most provide adequate wifi, so you can work remotely with a change of scenery.

What to Bring on Your Glamping Trip

While your glamping resort may have plenty of amenities, you'll still want to be prepared for this glamorous, yet still outdoorsy experience. Here are some items that I still found to be valuable to bring on a glamping trip:

• A flashlight
• An extra blanket (or two)
• Hiking shoes
• Refillable water bottle or a pack of water. In my experience, some spots have refillable water stations.
• A first-aid kit
• Can opener, wine opener, and bottle opener
• Swimsuit and sunscreen
• Towels and wash clothes. Again, your accommodation may have these already.
• Insect repellent
• Lighter
• Toiletries
• Tupperware or ziplock bags for food storage
• Sunglass
• Games
• Portable Charger
• Portable speaker

Types of Accommodations

Glamping provides a special blend of comfort and nature-inspired lodging. Various options, such as tipis, yurts, container homes, and pods, offer a unique experience.

Tipis and Yurts

Fabric-made tipis and yurts usually can house 2-4 individuals. While you may often see them as lodging options for glamping, it's important to note their cultural significance among the nomadic tribes of Native America and Central Asia.

A tipi (also spelled "teepee") is a cone-shaped tent traditionally used by Native American tribes. Yurts originate from Central Asia and are circular tents with a wooden frame. Both offer a cozy and unique accommodation option, blending the traditional design with modern comforts.

In my experience, it's best to stay in one of these when the weather is mild (not too hot, and not too cold).

Geodesic Domes

Geodesic domes have a globe-like design and a modern appeal. This sleek and futuristic style typically includes a way for you to star gaze within the comfort of being indoors.

Pods, Tiny Homes, and Container Homes

Pods, tiny homes, and container homes are other unique options for outdoor lodging that have gained popularity in recent years.

Pods are small, futuristic-looking structures that offer a compact yet comfortable living space.

Tiny homes are miniature houses designed to maximize space and minimize environmental impact.

Container homes, as the name suggests, are homes made from repurposed shipping containers. They're super unique and can be built with an upper terrace to serve as a private deck.

Best Glamping Spots in the US

Here are some of the best glamping destinations in the US, according to Booking.com.

Arizona

• Under Canvas Grand Canyon - Safari-style canvas tents voted best for couples with king size beds and woodfire stoves. Williams, AZ.
• Silver Spur Homestead Luxury Glamping - Experience the old wild west with the Dragoon Mountains in the background. Tombstone, AZ.
• Backland - Offering luxury tents with a patio, private bathroom, and mountain views. Williams, AZ.

Tennesse

• Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains - Luxury tents with morning yoga and kid-friendly activities in the Great Smoky Mountains. Gatlinburg, TN.
• Smoky Hollow Outdoor Resort - Camp out in tipis, wagons, cabins, and treehouses in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sevierville, TN.

Texas

• Camp Elena - Luxury tents with a desert landscape and mountain views. Terlingua, TX.
• Udoscape Eco - Star gaze in these geodesic glamping pods with outdoor seating and a private hot tub. ADA-compliant options are also available. Near Austin in Lago Vista, TX.
• The Juniper Ranch and Retreat - The ideal getaway in the heart of Hill Country with glamping tents, private hot tubs and plenty of outdoor activities at Canyon Lake and Guadalupe River State Park. West of Austin and San Antonio in Lake Canyon, TX.
• Collective Hill Country - Enjoy an immersive experience in nature with your very own outdoor sanctuary in these glamping tents. Outside of Austin and San Antonio in Wimberley, TX.
• Happy Goat Retreat - A countryside retreat near Lake Conroe with 14 cargo homes, an elegant rustic house, and top-of-the-line amenities, such as the heated pool. Did we mention the pygmy goats?? Near Houston in Willis, TX.

DC/Maryland/Virginia

• River Mountain - Great for yoga, hiking, and group retreats, experience the serenity of the mountains alongside the luxuries of hot springs, fire pits, and daily happy hour. Hours from DC, Baltimore, and Philly in Everett, PA.
• Skyline Yurt - Experience this one-of-a-kind getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains, equipped with a private hot tub, EV charging station, game consoles, and more. One hour from DC, and two hours from Baltimore in Front Royal, VA.
• Cherry Hill Park - Offering yurts, glamping pods, cabins, and more ways to explore a unique camping experience. Near DC in College Park, MD.

Best Glamping Spots Around the Globe

• Golden Glamping - Featuring luxury glamping domes with private hot tubs, wifi, and bathroom. Outside of Bogota, Colombia.
• Ribno Alpine Glamping - Luxury wooden glamping houses with wooden hot tubs. Also suitable for winter. Did we mention the Finnish sauna?? Bled, Slovenia.
• Glamping Do Mar - Ok these are by far the coolest glamping accommodations out there. They're *squints eyes* ellipsoid domes! Equipped with a full bathroom, kitchen, and hydromassage bathtub. On the Atlantic Coast in Pontevedra, Spain.

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Edits as of Oct 6, 2024

The following resorts have been removed from the list as they are no longer taking bookings at the time of this edit:‍

1. Desert Sage Retreat Colorado City, UT