The Best Glamping Destinations and DIY Ideas

Glamping is all about having the comforts of home while you’re surrounded by nature. Whether you’re creating your own experience or venturing off to amazing glamping resorts, get inspired with these ideas.

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October 11, 2022

By: Chelsey Bowen

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Photo By: Chas Everitt International Property Group, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

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Photo By: Chas Everitt International Property Group, a member of Luxury Portfolio International

Photo By: Durston Saylor

Photo By: Jennie Andrews / PopFizz

Get Outside in Glamping Style

Upgrade your camping experience by bringing everyday extravagance along with you. Many of us want to get outside, enjoy nature and step away from the daily distraction of our phones and computers. But, the roughing-it life is not for everyone. Behold! Glamping blends the love of natural surroundings with our desire for full comfort and a little bit luxury.

These geodesic dome getaways near Chattanooga, TN, have breathtaking mountaintop views. Each one has a private terrace with a hot tub, canopy bed and private firepit. East coast, west coast or somewhere in between, we’ve found the top places to get your glamp on. Plus, ideas for creating your own adventure.

Mirror, Mirror in the Woods

Ready for a vaca you can’t find anywhere else in the United States? Head to Chattanooga, TN, and venture into Bolt Farm Treehouse’s brand-new mirror cabins. They’re the first of their kind in the U.S. Floor-to-ceiling mirrored glass reflects the gorgeous scenery around you and gives you an uninterrupted view of the surroundings when inside, all while maintaining your privacy.

Take a Trip to New England

Head to Maine for an unforgettable New England getaway. Under Canvas Acadia sits on 100 acres of waterfront land and is just 35 minutes away from Acadia National Park. Not only can you explore Cadillac Mountain, Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Jordan Pond, but it’s also the perfect basecamp to visit local coastal towns, such as Bar Harbor.

Back at camp, you’ll be pampered with organic bath products, on-site seasonal dining, live music, morning yoga, and of course, nightly firepits with complimentary s’mores.

An Alaskan Adventure

Stay in luxury near the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska. An escapade like no other, Alpenglow Luxury Camping let's you choose from mountain or forest tents — both of which have beautiful views, private decks and comfy beds with warm down comforters. For an only-in-Alaska experience, you can even take a helicopter to their remote glacier camp — yes, you camp on the glacier!

Visit a National Park

Under Canvas is a unique way to visit national parks. With 10 locations around the United States, most of which are close to a national park or national monument, you’ll be able to explore a variety of landscapes — from the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore to Zion and Yellowstone.

This safari-inspired accommodation is on 182-acres of wooden terrain near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Step into pure luxury with king-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms and in-tent wood-burning stoves.

Luxury in the Montana Wilderness

Escape into the great outdoors without forgoing any creature comforts. The Resort at Paws Up has luxury safari-style tents available from May to mid-October, all situated on a bluff overlooking the Blackfoot River and Elk Creek. You can reserve the entire camp of six tents for a group getaway or individual tents for your family.

Relaxing in the Treetops

The Canopy Crew makes your childhood (and grown-up!) dreams a reality. With 10 treehouses over the Red River Gorge in Kentucky, you can have an experience like no other. Each treehouse has its own unique design — from geodesic domes and cliff dwellings to floating cabins for the whole family.

Take a Vaca in Nature

With locations throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, Huttopia offers fully equipped tents and chalets that are ready for your glamping adventure. A favorite accommodation, the Trapper tent, houses up to five people and offers all the comforts of home, including electricity, a kitchenette, bathroom and relaxing outdoor space.

Stargazing at Its Best

One of the best parts of camping carries over to glamping — stargazing. Without the lights of cities and suburbs, you get a view of the sky that’s unmatched. With Under Canvas’ out-in-nature locales, they boast amazing views of the night sky, as well as fun at-night activities.

Truly Blending the Indoors + Out

Glamping loves to blur the line between camping and resort life. You’re out in nature, where depending on your location, you’ll be hiking, paddleboarding, canoeing or even rock climbing. But you return each evening (or spend the whole day) in the lap of opulence. This private retreat at Bold Farm Treehouse has the most deluxe interior with a copper bathtub, fireplace, air conditioning and fast Wi-Fi, yet it’s all housed in a treehouse.

Escape the City

This New Hampshire locale is just a little over two hours away from downtown Boston. Whether you’re taking a break from the city you love or flying in from another state, head straight to the White Mountain National Forest. Huttopia White Mountains is set on Iona Lake for swimming, kayaking and canoeing and is close to trailheads of the national forest. Plus, they have a converted Airstream trailer food truck that serves homemade pizzas.

Surrounded by Nature

One of the most magical parts about glamping is the 360-degree views of your surroundings, whether it’s the mountains, the forest, the seaside or a glacier. This Alaskan escape has luxe queen beds with warm blankets, big down comforters and a private cedar deck with a pair of Adirondack chairs.

Go See the World

Located on a South African reserve, this expansive pitched tent has ample living space and even a fireplace in the middle. Multiple seating areas give large parties a space to rest and relax before going on safari.

From: Chas Everitt International Property Group

Find the Right Location, Location, Location

Real estate matters in nature, too. Whether you want a creekside site, nestled under the trees or with wide open skies for stargazing, look for the just-right spot for your adventure.

From: Andrea Schumacher

A Warm Gathering Around the Fire

A glamping essential? The firepit. And, of course, cozy chairs around it. Make sure to pack hot dogs, stuff for s’mores or anything else you want to roast while chatting with friends and family. Bring plush blankets to wrap around each other and simply enjoy an evening outdoors.

Embrace the Camper Life

When you travel with your world behind you, you have everything you need. Camper lifestyle definitely makes your camping experience more robust, since you can fill your travel partner with all the food and necessities you desire. Once you get settled in your camping site, extend your living space to the exterior. A firepit area with comfy chairs, a tent for hanging out or sleeping outside and since most camper site have electricity, you can even string outdoor lights.

From: Pure Salt Interiors

A Home Away From Home

With views of the surrounding 25,000-acre game reserve in South African, guests at this glamping quest will never want to leave. A full bathroom with privacy screens gives you all the comforts you’re used to and a compact fireplace and air-conditioning unit help maintain the perfect temperature.

From: Chas Everitt International Property Group

Ready for Leisure

The key to great glamping, beside having amazing amenities, is the cozy factor. Layer rugs, blankets and floor cushions to give you the ultimate in comfort no matter where you’re lounging.

Get Ready for the Kiddos

Sleepaway camp never looked so fun. The Americana-inspired tent is prepped for kids: a pair of twin beds with nightstands for storing essentials and leather-strapped armchairs for relaxing. Tweens and teens love having spaces of their own, so setting up a separate tent designed just for them will be a compelling reason to join the family camping.

From: Andrea Schumacher

Create Your Own Glamp

Ready to turn your own backyard or local campsite into a glamping experience? Invest in a large tent you can stand up in and have ample space — squeezing into a tiny, low-profile tent is not luxurious. Bring an air mattress so you’ll actually get a good night’s sleep, and opt for high-thread count sheets and plenty of blankets to keep you warm. Finally, soften the ground with soft foam floor tiles for extra cushion.

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