12 Glamping Spots for People Who Don’t Like Camping
Megan is a Senior Editor, SEO for SmarterTravel Media.
Megan started with SmarterTravel Media’s Airfarewatchdog way back in 2008, moved over to FamilyVacationCritic, and finally SmarterTravel in 2021. Originally from Massachusetts, she has lived in Nova Scotia, London, and New York City. She has spent nearly every summer (or at least part of it) on Prince Edward Island. She has started to go out of her comfort zone while traveling- most recently exploring caves and boogie boarding on a FlowRider.
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Asheville Glamping - Asheville, NC
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Autocamp Yosemite - Mariposa, CA
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Capitol Reef Resort - Torrey, UT
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Collective Yellowstone - Big Sky, MT
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Ventana Big Sur - Big Sur, CA
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El Cosmico - Marfa, TX
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Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains - Pigeon Forge, TN
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Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo - River Ranch, FL
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Longitude 131 - Yulara, Australia
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Nomade Tulum - Tulum, Mexico
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Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge - Vancouver Island, Canada
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Buubble Hotel - Selfoss, Iceland
What happens when couples are split on camping? One loves it, the other hates it. Sure, the camping lover can go without the camping hater, but it would be nice if it was a shared experience. Enter: Glamping. Camping with a little more structure to the living quarters, but without being a five-star hotel. Here are some glamping spots sure to satisfy everyone’s needs.
Not just fancy tents, Asheville Glamping has a 1952 Royal Spartanette (the “Glaminal"), domes, and even a treehouse you can stay in! Dome 3, which sleeps eight, even has a nine-foot slide attached to the loft sleeping area (and stairs to access the loft as well). Every unit has air conditioning, and some even have heat, some have hot tubs, several have private fire pits, and while none have bathrooms inside, about half have private bathhouses outside.
Located about forty minutes west of the Arch Rock Entrance to Yosemite National Park, Autocamp Yosemite offers classic Airstreams, luxury tents, cabins, or basecamps- which provide an airstream with a luxury tent for extra space. Airstreams and cabins have private bathrooms, while visitors staying in luxury tents can use the shared “mid-century modern, chic Signature Clubhouse” bathrooms. Autocamp offers a pool, daily events like yoga, wine tastings, and storytime for the younger guests, or you can use one of the complimentary bikes available.
While Capitol Reef Resort has traditional hotel accommodations and cabins, it’s their TeePees and Conestoga Wagons that give it full glamping status. That’s right, you can stay in a covered wagon, based on 19th century designs. TeePees and Covered Wagons have WiFi and private bathrooms, completing your luxurious camping experience in the Red Rock Cliffs.
Did you say “in-tent massage?” Sign me up! Yes, Collective Yellowstone offers in-tent massages, King sized beds, 1,500 thread-count linens, en-suit bathrooms, daily breakfast, and so much more. Plus, you’ll have access to the Moonlight Basin Club, where you can utilize the moonlight basin pool, hot tub, fitness center, and use of canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. There is also hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting, and other more traditional camping activities for you to enjoy. Collective has locations in New York City, Ghent, NY, Wimberley, TX, and Wolcott, CO as well.
Related: 8 of the World's Most Gorgeous Glamping Destinations
If soaking in an infinity hot tub while gazing at the beauty of redwoods is on your bucket list, then Ventana Big Sur is the spot for you. Besides the infinity hot tub, there are Japanese baths, and a meadow pool to relax in. Your luxury tent has a custom-designed mattress, fire pit, Adirondack chairs, electric lamps, and power outlets, and access to the Bath House. Located within the Ventana resort, guests typically have access to all resort facilities, however, that has been limited due to social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, so be sure to check what the current policy is before you book your stay.
You have your pick from a kasita, trailers, yurts, tepees, and safari tents for your glamping experience at El Cosmico. All vintage trailers have A/C and heat, and you can choose from small, medium, large and extra large, depending on how much room you need. All accommodations (trailers, yurts, tepees and tents) have electrical outlets. El Cosmico has several events to choose from during your stay: yoga, karaoke, corn hole, plus various festivals and special events throughout the year. Nearby attractions include the Marfa Mystery Lights, Chinati Hot Springs, and, of course, Prada Marfa, the mock Prada store just off Highway 90.
There is nothing like a tent with a private bathroom, which is exactly what you will get at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains. Located just minutes from the entrance to the National Park, tent options include suites, which sleep up to four people, a stargazer tent, which has a viewing window above the bed so you can stare at the night sky while you fall asleep, and you also have the option of a suite, stargazer or safari tent with a kids tent adjacent, giving plenty of room for everyone. Safari tents have a shared bath. Amenities include a fire pit, picnic area and grills, USB battery packs, and on-site dining.
Complete with air conditioning, ceiling fan, and private bathroom, you may forget you are in a tent when you “glamp” at Westgate River Ranch and Rodeo. Choose from a canvas tent, luxury canvas tent, luxe Conestoga wagon, or luxe teepee, Since you’ll be right on the ranch, there are loads of activities to choose from, like archery, horseback riding, and even an Adventure Park where thrills include bungee jumping, a mechanical bull and a zip line.
Related: 10 Incredible National Park Glamping Locations
Longitude 131 offers two types of accommodations: luxury tents or dune pavilions. Luxury tents have floor to ceiling glass with stunning views of Uluru, a massive sandstone monolith, ensuite bathrooms, and a private deck. Their dune pavilions offer views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa, which are awe-inspiring domed rock formations. The pavilions feature two bedrooms (both ensuite), a separate living space, EcoSmart fireplaces, and a private plunge pool for a truly luxurious glamping experience. You can visit the spa, hike, and view stunning sunsets. Rates include “dining, open bar with French Champagne, premium wines and spirits (cellarmasters list additional), in-tent bar, signature experiences and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers.”
Glamping and wellness collide at Nomade Tulum. While there are suites available, they have tents and treehouses available to book as well, for your glamping experience. Tents and treehouses have air conditioning and bathrooms. To complete the wellness journey, Nomade has a full schedule of weekly programs that include yoga, meditation, fitness classes, tea ceremonies and other unique experiences to nurture your body and mind.
Glamping at its finest, Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge is an all-inclusive resort that will bring you close to nature. Choose from rainforest delux tents or waterfront tents, both with ensuite options. Tents that are not ensuite have private bathrooms just steps away from the tent. Your stay includes one 60-minute massage, food, drink, a horse-drawn wagon shuttle, and other amenities.
Related: The Ultimate Camping Packing List: 29 Essentials
If you have ever wanted to sleep in a hanging bubble, then Bubble Hotel is here to make your dreams come true. Also dubbed the “5 Million Star Hotel,” it offers no food, no real amenities, just a bed in a bubble, and glorious views of the northern lights and night sky. Bubbles are for up to two adults, and children under six are allowed to share a bed with their parents.