Glamping has become increasingly popular over the past year amongst travelers looking to ~retreat to nature~. While an outdoorsy vacay sounds nice in theory, that’s not to say it doesn’t have drawbacks (Bugs! No cell service! Lack of AC! You get my point). Butttt, those of us (including yours truly) looking to experience all Mother Nature has to offer—sans sleeping in a grimy tent—may consider luxury camping, aka glamping. So, while you’ll never catch me roughing it in, like, an actual sleeping bag, you *can* find me posting up in one of these photogenic AF glamping hotels across the States.
Sandy Pines Campground: Maine
You may equate Kennebunkport with the uber-rich and famous (be it the fictional Roy fam or, like, the actual Bush fam), but it’s not all sprawling oceanfront mansions and coastal granny ‘fits galore. Enter Sandy Pines Campground, which offers rustic-chic glamping units—a combination of cozy cottages, legit tents, wagons (yes, rly), Hideaway Huts (aka wooden A-frames), and hipster-esque vintage airstreams. Each accommodation—which, yes, has electricity—is outfitted with chic furnishings from local designers. Spend your days here hanging by the saltwater pool, kayaking, playing lawn games, biking to the beach, or simply relaxing on the sand with a drink.
Collective Hill Country: Texas
Collective Retreats has several locations throughout the country, but I can’t stop obsessing over the Hill Country one, which is just an hour outside ATX. While I may be the least outdoorsy person you’ve ever met, even I can appreciate the property’s stunning surroundings (think: rolling hills, ‘gram-worthy peaks, winding rivers, and even ancient caves). The Summit Tents offer private decks, plush linens, wood-burning stoves, en-suite bathrooms, and stylish interiors. The food here is equally impressive—from the complimentary breaky to authentic Texas BBQ, to the nightly s’mores—as are on-site activities and amenities like hiking, morning yoga, sound meditation, and horseback riding. Take your stay to the next level by booking a wine tour followed by an in-tent massage and thank me later.
Eastwind Oliverea Valley: New York
Eastwind Oliverea Valley looks like it was designed for Instagram with its Scandi-inspired aesthetic. Guests have the option of staying in one of the traditional hotel rooms (which are also anything but basic with their impressive midcentury-modern furnishings) or Lushnas (wooden A-frames with tons of natural light and cozy bedding; some with private decks). Enjoy breakfast in bed—a spread of fruits, pastries, yogurt, and more delivered to your doorstep in an affordable basket—before hopping in the wood-framed sauna, lounging by the pool, or enjoying a scenic stroll. Then, grab a bite at the on-site Dandelion bar and restaurant, which serves up farm-to-table fare plus refreshing cocktails in a stylish space that’s worthy of an Arch Digest feature. And, while you’re here, go on and snap a Boomerang of your drink by the retro-esque red fireplace while you’re at it—you know you want to.
The Resort at Paws Up: Montana
Make your way to Montana and check into The Resort at Paws Up for the most epic glamping getaway. From mid-May through mid-October, the property offers luxe safari-style tents decked out with private en-suite baths, heated floors, spacious outdoor decks, western-inspired furnishings, and incred river views. Most importantly, AC to keep you cool and comfy, and wifi so you can document everything for the ‘gram. Some tents have bonus features like copper soaking tubs (yes, it’s just as dreamy as it sounds). Beyond activities like ATVing, horseback riding, and flyfishing (v Montana, IK), the property is also home to Spa Town, aka a group of white tents with heated massage tables and views of the surrounding meadows. While rates here are a small fortune (starting around a casual $2,000 per night—NBD), your stay does include chef-prepared meals and select beverages.
Yonder Escalante: Utah
Located within Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument on the grounds of an old drive-in movie theater, Yonder Escalante is perf for those seeking an off-the-grid desert escape. Accommodations include refurbished vintage airstreams and design-forward cabins with private fire pits perfect for s’mores roasting. The property also has a general store (where you can grab DIY meal kits), a food truck that serves up AM staples like breakfast burritos (you know you want one), and a tranquil swimming pool and hot tub lined with lounge chairs. Don’t miss the drive-in movie theater, which plays fan-favorite flicks every night of the week and is equipped with vintage cars you can actually sit in.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon: Arizona
If a trip to the Grand Canyon isn’t already on your bucket list, just know that a stay at Under Canvas Grand Canyon is worth the schlep here alone. The 160-acre safari-inspired resort—which is just 25 minutes away from the canyon’s South Rim entrance—boasts nine different types of tents. You can’t go wrong by booking one of the Suite Tents, which have private bathrooms, separate lounge areas, outdoor decks, and wood-burning stoves. There’s also a lobby area with srsly stunning West Elm furnishings (you wish your apt looked as trendy), nightly s’mores, and activities like yoga and live music. Now, let’s get to the important part: the food. Under Canvas serves breakfast and dinner made with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients (options include s’mores yogurt parfaits and warm cinnamon rolls for breaky and bison chili and spiced trout for din-din).
AutoCamp Joshua Tree: California
TBH, it seems like everyone and their mom (and their gma) have been spending time in Joshua Tree lately. (And, once you get a glimpse of its gorg desert surroundings, you’ll understand why.) Make AutoCamp Joshua Tree your home base for exploring the bucket-list-worthy destination. Guests here can choose from Airstream Suites (complete with functioning kitchenettes and contemporary furnishings plus heating and AC) or Vista X Suites (which offer even more space, making it a 10/10 choice for groups). When you’re not relaxing in your suite or airstream, head to the mid-century modern clubhouse and hang by the fireplace, rent mountain bikes, enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool, go stargazing, sign up for a yoga class, or listen to live music. Then, when hunger calls, head to The Kitchen + General Store for meals, snacks, and drinks (don’t miss the Al Pastor Marg).
Images courtesy of Sandy Pines Campground, Collective Retreats, The Resort at Paws Up/Stuart Thurlkill, Yonder Escalante: Utah, Josh Franer/AutoCamp Joshua Tree, Bailey Made/Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Lawrence Braun/Eastwind
