15 Best Glamping Destinations in the U.S. 2021

In the third and final episode of Oprah and Gayle’s OG Chronicle’s Joy Ride, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams invite the longtime friends to go on a glamping trip. While we don’t know whether Oprah, Gayle, and the women of Destiny’s Child will actually ever set forth on that rustic getaway (though we can fantasize), the mention of glamping inspired us to consider exploring the Great Outdoors on our own.

Glamping, a portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping,” is a relatively new concept—it only officially entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2016. According to Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America, glamping sites are united by a few hallmarks: They’re close to nature; they offer interesting accommodations, like yurts, tents, treehouses, and tiny homes; and they’re comfortable—no roughin’ it necessary.

In short, glamping offers an accessible way to get into nature, especially for those of us who don’t know the first thing about building a tent (raises hand). The sector has exploded in popularity in recent years, especially during the pandemic. Take the growth of Getaway—which offers tiny, WiFi-free, highly Instagrammable cabins—as an example.

Founded in 2015 with three cabins outside of Boston, Getaway stemmed from CEO Jon Staff’s initial desire to build a cabin in the woods where he could “do nothing.” Staff recalls, “It was a weird idea, back in 2015, that people would want to go to a genuinely small place in the middle of nowhere to do nothing.” Now, there are Getaway cabins located outside major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S., from Seattle to Austin to New York. “You can get into nature without equipment or special skills,” he adds.

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Staff’s advice for first-timers? “Just try it. Lean into it. It might be a little bit uncomfortable to go into nature, but we learn something about ourselves.

Ahead, in addition to Getaway, check out a few of the best glamping spots in the United States—but hardly all of them. Given glamping’s popularity, there are options on the East Coast, West Coast, South, and near many national parks. Whether it’s a family-friendly vacation or a solo trip, find a glamping spot near you, then get to packing.

Asheville Glamping

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Where is it? Asheville, North Carolina

What you’ll find: Located in the scenic, mountain-nestled town of Asheville, North Carolina, this glamping site excels in variety. Depending on the number of people in their party, visitors can choose between staying in a dome, airstream, glamping tent or—wait for it—roomy tree house with a slide. There’s also a romantic treehouse just for two. Since these are located just 15 minutes outside of Asheville, visitors can also enjoy all the city has to offer, from breweries to live music, before retiring to the Great Outdoors.

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Borealis Basecamp

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Where is it? Fairbanks, Alaska

What you’ll find: At Borealis Basecamp, the vacation is planned for you–all you need is warm clothing. Borealis Basecamp’s vacation packages offer dog sled tours and sightseeing flights. At the end of your adventures, you can relax in the sauna and hope you catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis. While staying at the Fairbanks, Alaska resort, guests can sleep in one of 12 Borealis Basecamp’s igloos, with large windows that give a glimpse of the Arctic outside, and dine at a restaurant in a yurt.

Camp Sarika

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Where is it? Canyon Point, near Utah’s border with Arizona

What you’ll find: Technically, the ten pavilions at Camp Sarika are tents. But with individual plunge pools and luxury amenities, the tents more closely resemble five-star hotel rooms. With its stacked offerings, Camp Sarika is like a glamorous summer camp for adults—guests can take fitness classes, guided horseback tours, hot air balloon trips over canyons, or unwind at the pool and spa. The resort is located near five National Parks, and this once-in-a-lifetime retreat, which opened in April 2020, is an extension of Utah’s five-star Amangiri Resort…with a similarly high price-tag.

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The Castle House Estate

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Where is it? Joshua Tree, California

What you’ll find: The Castle House Estate is a unique glamping experience in the heart of the desert. Visitors can stay in a yurt, RV, or in one of the two circular, bright white guard towers that give the Castle House Estate its name. The towers have TVs and WiFi, in case the stars aren’t entertaining enough. Escape from the blistering heat at the pool or in an outdoor, solar-powered shower.

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Conestoga Ranch

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Where is it? Garden City, Utah

What you’ll find: Simply put? A blast to the past. Guests to Utah’s Conestoga Ranch can opt for tents or actual Conestoga Wagons, the covered, horse-drawn wagons used by travelers in the late 19th century. Head to the massage tent for yet another amenity that the pioneers didn’t have access to.