5 Great Glamping Destinations in the US

This summer seems to be all about the growing trend of glamping! Growing up in the Midwest included plenty of summers tent camping for my family. We pitched a tent on the banks of a lake, spent the day swimming and fishing, grilling hot dogs in the evening and making s’mores over a late night campfire. After becoming a mom, I knew I wanted to keep this great American tradition going, but I soon learned that the great memories I had as a child, were probably a little different than those that my own mother had! I found that camping with a toddler includes no possible way to contain them in a crib like setting, air mattresses leak allowing you to feel just how hard the earth really is, tent doors left unzipped invite bugs in, and campsite bathrooms tend to be a fairly good hike while carrying a young child on your back! That being said, I truly love the outdoors and I have a sneaky suspicion that it had to be a mother who invented the whole idea of Glamping–because what woman doesn’t also enjoy a nice weekend in king size bed with Egyptian cotton sheets!

What is Glamping?

If you haven’t heard of the wildly popular term Glamping, it is the brilliant fusion of luxury style hotel accommodations with the adventure and peacefulness of camping, while enjoying nature.

Where to go Glamping

As our family created a list of summer vacation ideas, this year we also created a list of our top 5 Glamping destinations, and we decided to pick five spots in the United States. We looked for one or two that could be a romantic getaway for our anniversary, and we also looked for destinations that could accommodate families. I wanted the experience to include a glamping tent, so that it felt like camping…I just don’t want to pitch that tent or hear the sound of an airmatress filling–or slowly leaking!

US Glamping Locations

Glamping at Sinya on Lone Man Creek

Located in the Hill Country of Texas, this glamping destination is a romantic getaway that will perfectly balance the great outdoors. You will be sleeping in a modified-safari tent in a loft-like experience, high up in the hills just 45 miles outside of Austin with an amazing view! Even though you are in a tent, you will also have a bit of simple luxury and plenty of comfort. The site boasts of constant breezes, ceiling fans and even air conditioning!

Glamping in Yellowstone

Located at Moonlight Basin, the Yellowstone Collective Retreat is just 9 miles from Big Sky, Montana. We chose this location because of it’s balance of breath taking scenery and 5 star accommodations–not to mention the ability to fly fish which had my husband excited and paddle boarding for me! The luxury tents have been furnished by a design team and include a king size bed (with plush linens) an outdoor deck, a private en suite bathroom (no uphill climbs to the communal port-a-potty!) and a daily breakfast that is locally sourced and prepared by a chef. Definitely not the camping trip my mother remembers!

Glamping in Colorado

If you are looking for a place to take the kids, the 14ers Ranch in Westcliffe, CO is perfect! This glamping experience is located on the base of Sangre De Cristo mountains, and the property is set up on 85 acres. You can bring your own ATV, bicycles, fishing rods, and you will definitely need a good pair of hiking boots if you plan to connect to any of the 100’s of miles of hiking trails. FYI: Colorado has 58 mountain peaks exceeding 14,000 feet (known as “fourteeners” or “14ers” locally) — the most of any state. Outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels will find peaks ranging from easy to very difficult, with hiking trails for exploring the state’s scenery, wildlife and rugged beauty. Sangre De Cristo is one of these “14ers” thus the unique ranch name!

The 14ers ranch is family owned and operated and takes much pride in customer service and providing for all of the little details that make glamping such a great experience. The Ranch also offers Wi-Fi (think happy teenagers!)

Glamping in the Ozarks

A yurt is kind of like a tent, but is a circular structure with a fabric dome, windows, a deck, and a dome skylight to allow you to actually sleep under the stars! Lake of the Ozarks State Park offers yurts to fit the whole family and even the family dog. This experience is a little “less glamorous” and a lot “more camping” but also is a very family-budget friendly glamping experience at just $55/night. The yurts have two bedrooms (one with a queen size bed and one with twin bunkbeds), air conditioning, full bathroom with tub and shower, and a kitchen with stove, oven, refrigerator (no constant stocking the cooler with ice!) microwave, toaster and coffee maker….ahhhh coffee! The deck overlooks the lake and is a great place to relax after some boating, fishing, and water sports! You will need to bring your own camping gear including lanterns, linens, cooking utensils and water containers. YOU are the chef here!

Glamping in Rock Creek

Rustic Canvas Cabins with top tier luxury are perfect for both couples and families wanting to enjoy this beautiful setting in the Mountains of Montana at Rock Creek. The cabins have luxurious bedding, a gas fireplace (no chopping firewood!) a screened in porch, and private bathrooms. Glamping at it’s best! Activities include horseback riding, fly fishing, archery, ropes courses, hiking with yoga, and a full signature spa for mama! Rock Creek has a shopping venue with handcrafted gifts and more, a fully stocked saloon for happy hour and late night cocktails, and the resort also employees their own gourmet chef who utilizes the local bounty for dinner. It is the world’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ranch and the only US charter member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World collection. This glamping experience is truly an amazing balance of luxury and wilderness!

Make Some Memories

As I scoured the internet, looked at all the galleries of photos, and read the endless reviews, I became excited to plan our glamping experience. I am most excited about all of the memories that we will be making. The United States has regions of breathtaking countryside by rivers, lakes, and mountains. There is an endless amount of ways to explore, relax, and enjoy the view. From a romantic glamping trip to an adventure with the whole family, glamping is made for everyone to enjoy not only nature, but the time spent together. Some of the best advice I ever got was “Take the trip!” So, book your glamping destination, pack your bags, and start making memories!