Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
If you’re a fan of camping but not looking to sacrifice anything on the comfort front, glamping — or glamorous camping — might be the travel experience you should book this summer. Glamping allows you to enjoy outdoor activities (think swimming, biking and boating) and sleep comfortably in the great outdoors.
Most resorts consist of spread-out accommodations, typically tents, although some are stand-alone cabins or RVs. The best glamping resorts in the U.S. typically offer gorgeous views of the property’s natural surroundings, along with outdoor-focused activities like fishing, hiking, stargazing or biking. Remember that you can expect different levels of service while staying at a glamping resort: Some offer a dedicated camping butler, whereas others have shared campgrounds and a less private setting.
Since 2020, glamping resorts have gained and retained their popularity around the U.S., and now you can even book some — like the Alila Ventana — with hotel loyalty program points. Hilton’s partnership with Autocamp, which debuts on Cape Cod this summer, also comes in handy if you’re looking for an outdoorsy getaway.
Whether you’re hoping to sleep under the stars in a national park or bring your furry friend along to a pet-friendly, outdoor-focused retreat, these are the best glamping resorts in the U.S.
Ulum Moab
With white, safari-style tents, Ulum Moab offers spectacular views of Looking Glass Arch and the surrounding red-sandstone desert. The property, which was one of TPG’s picks for the best new hotels of 2023, is under the umbrella of the luxury outdoor hospitality brand Under Canvas.
Sitting across 200 acres of striking desert landscape, the 50 suite tents offer breathtaking views of the Canyonlands National Park. Each features a king-size bed, luxe Parachute linens, a lounge area with a sofa bed, an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower and a private deck. They also all have cooling fans, electric blankets and wood-burning stoves to create the ideal sleeping environment. The property features the likes of upscale dining and a terrace with dipping pools. Complimentary on-site programs include yoga classes, evening stargazing, hiking and live music.
Rates at Ulum Moab start around $630 per night.
The Resort at Paws Up
The Resort at Paws Up is arguably one of — if not the — most luxurious glamping resorts in the western U.S. Case in point: Guests enjoy a dedicated camping butler who caters to their every need during their stay.
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It’s also worth noting that the property is an all-inclusive resort. Three gourmet meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, transportation to and from the resort, and certain on-site activities are included in the nightly rate. However, there are also unique activities and excursions — ranging from a hot air balloon ride to ATV excursions — that guests can do for an additional cost.
During a visit, you’ll book one of the six exclusive glamping camps, each offering a different experience depending on your needs. For example, North Bank Camp (which offers three-bedroom, two-bathroom tents) is ideal for families. Depending on the camp you book, you might be near a rushing river or enjoy being tucked into the hushed forest.
The property allows guests to book an individual tent or an entire camp if desired. Since it is a dog-friendly resort, you can also bring your furry friends along.
The Resort at Paws Up offers glamping from mid-May to October. Call the property to inquire about glamping rates.
Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains
Under Canvas is a great glamping option for first-timers, thanks to its dozen locations nationwide. Guests staying in the safari-style tents have king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, patios with West Elm furnishings, full bathrooms and hot running water. The brand’s location just outside the popular Great Smoky Mountains National Park feels totally private and secluded with its 182 woodland acres.
Similar to all Under Canvas locations, it has a host of activities, including yoga, trivia nights, painting and guided hikes. Whitewater rafting, driving tours and other adventure activities can be added in with adventure packages. It also has a burgeoning culinary scene where guests can dine on options like steak burgers, pot roasts, charcuterie boards and more.
Rates at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains start around $250 per night.
Related: A non-camper tried ‘glamping’ with Under Canvas — here’s what it’s really like
Amangiri
In the middle of a 900-acre plot in the middle of the Utah desert, Amangiri is one of the most sought-after resorts in the world. While the property is renowned for its incredible suites, the on-site glamping experience in the tented retreat of Camp Sarika at Amangiri is equally as special an experience.
Designed to seamlessly blend into their surroundings, each of the 10 luxury tented pavilions has one or two bedrooms alongside private plunge pools, wide terraces, cozy firepits, a spacious lounge, a bar and a dining area. Bathrooms are outfitted with both indoor and outdoor showers and deep soaking tubs, too.
Situated close to three national parks, guests have the opportunity to take advantage of guided desert or mountain hikes on a private trail system, join storytelling sessions underneath the sky, hit the trail for horseback riding or go on a hot air balloon ride.
However, the property guests to get some rest and relaxation during their stay. Guests are welcome to utilize the spa, restaurant or pool at the main resort; it’s also a short golf cart ride away from Camp Sarika, which has its own main building with reception and a restaurant.
Rates at Amangiri start around $3,650 per night.
Alila Ventana Big Sur
Big Sur, a beautiful section of California’s Central Coast, isn’t home to many accommodation options since it’s generally a bit hard to access. With a location overlooking this gorgeous treasured landscape, Alila Ventana Big Sur is one of the few luxury accommodations in the area. The best part: It’s bookable with points since it’s part of World of Hyatt.
Those looking for an all-inclusive glamping experience in Big Sur can book one through the hotel — although it has a whole slew of luxury hotel rooms and amenities, too. The glamping experience at Alila Ventana Big Sur features tents spread across a 20-acre redwood canyon. All have plush beds, electric lamps, hot and cold potable water with sinks and power outlets. Since it’s glamping, outdoor amenities — including wood-burning fire pits, picnic tables and Adirondack chairs — are also available.
Guests staying on-site can purchase the Spa Alila Day Pass, which includes a massage or facial and poolside meal; it also provides access to the pool, hot tub and sauna. Although the glamping experience is part of the hotel, glamping guests do not have access to certain resort facilities if they don’t pay an additional fee.
Rates for Alila Ventana Big Sur start around $1,915 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Eastwind Oliverea Valley
For a glamping experience close to New York City, you’ll want to check out Eastwind Oliverea Valley in the Catskills. The boutique property, which is part of Mr & Mrs Smith, has 30 Scandianvian-inspired, stand-alone cabins. Surrounded by the lush green forest, each has a unique decor style, but all have private decks and cozy reading nooks.
When you decide to venture out of the cabin, take advantage of the wood-framed sauna, pool, sunrise yoga sessions or seasonal workshops. The property also offers foraging walks, and guests can use complimentary bikes on the nature paths. Hiking, fly fishing and horseback riding are also available.
In terms of dining, farm-fresh restaurant Dandelion is the star of the show. S’mores kits, cocktails, private dining and an all-day a la carte menu round out the on-site dining options.
At the start or end of the day, venture out for forest-bathing in the local woodland where the hotel has hung hammocks amid the trees.
Rates at Eastwind Oliverea Valley start around $280 per night.
Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor
When you stay at Terrramor Outdoor Resort in Maine, you’ll have access to luxe amenities like Frette linens, Pendelton blankets, screened-in porches and private fire pits. However, that’s not all. The 64-tent resort also has a whole slew of wellness-focused experiences, including a Wellness Tent, where guests can receive spa treatments.
The resort also offers an outdoor pool, a hot tub and an Acadia saltwater immersion experience where guests can brave a two-hour guided cold-water plunge. The property also launched a bee apiary activity, in addition to hiking, bird watching, stargazing lectures and live music.
The resort is on Mount Desert Island, which is widely considered the gateway to Acadia National Park and is home to gorgeous views of the nearby Atlantic Ocean. In town, the resort can help arrange everything from self-guided tours to whale watching or kayaking to shopping in the local boutiques. However, for the ultimate glamping experience, take advantage of the private on-site grills. Terramor will provide you with everything you need, ranging from tools to beef patties, scallops and ribeye steaks.
Rates at Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor start around $270 per night.
AutoCamp Joshua Tree
A cozy RV is a fantastic alternative if you’re not a fan of sleeping in a tent. AutoCamp, a glamping brand specializing in Airstream accommodations, has a partnership with Hilton that makes it extremely convenient to use Hilton Honors points to book a glamping experience. While the partnership will be officially kicking off on Cape Cod this summer, Hilton loyalists will be able to book using points at Autocamp’s seven other locations in the coming weeks, according to the brand.
Set in the Southern California desert, the AutoCamp Joshua Tree has an outdoor bar, plunge pool, hot tub and mobile kitchen for different chef resident pop-ups. The 25-acre outpost at Joshua Tree National Park features 47 accommodations spread across three room categories: Airstreams, accessible suites and X suites. All feature modern decor and offer a kitchenette, outdoor dining area and a firepit, in addition to HVAC systems to handle all weather conditions. During a visit, guests can take advantage of the fireside chats, ecology walks, night-sky photography seminars and yoga classes.
Rates at Autocamp Joshua Tree start around $240 per night. Hilton Honors points rates are not yet available.
Bolt Farm Treehouse
For an adults-only experience, Bolt Farm Treehouse is a fantastic option. Nestled across 55 acres on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the property has gorgeous accommodation options, ranging from treehouses to domes to mirror cabins. All are intended to highlight the surrounding nature to allow guests to connect with the outdoors.
With activities like mountaintop yoga sessions, kayaking and hiking, guests have plenty of time to disconnect and unwind. At the end of the day, take in the panoramic views from the oversized soaking tubs, the plush beds or the wide decks with outdoor showers, canvas beds and pizza ovens.
Rates at Bolt Farm Treehouse start around $605 per night.
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