Glamping Time
Some of my favorite memories are camping . . . in the Bay Area with my family, in the middle of the Andes, the Serengeti, and on the beaches of Zanzibar.
I feel very fortunate to have had the experience of camping in beautiful places around the world. But camping is a lot of work - packing the food, the gear, pitching the tent, building the fire - it takes a lot of time and effort. As I get older, I’ve become obsessed with glamping! I've glamped in Peru, Bali, Kenya, California and more.
Glamping is the perfect combination of outdoor living and hotel comfort.
Glamping comes in different shapes, sizes, and locations all over the world. There are several destinations sprinkled throughout the U.S. near national forests, state parks, and along coastlines. Glamping sites typically feature tents, yurts, stationary Airstreams, or other unique accommodations like geodesic domes, covered wagons, nests, and more.
My favorite glamping spots. . .
Cost:
Tents start at $130 to more than $300 depending on the site and amenities. Airstreams start at $300.
Locations:
We stayed at the Russian River Location - BLOG POST.
They have locations near Yosemite National Park, Joshua Tree just opened, and I can’t wait to book in 2024 in Sequoia! They also have Zion, Cape Cod and more.
Details:
Each site features a modern Airstream or glamping tent with high-end, boutique-style amenities, mid-century modern design, and welcoming hospitality. Campgrounds also include personal fire pits, communal clubhouses, and yard games.
Cost:
Standard tents start at $159.
Location:
And most recently Lake Powell’s Grand Staircase - separate blog post to come.
Under Canvas locations are situated outside of national parks across the U.S. You can glamp near Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, and Glacier national parks.
Details:
Under Canvas aims to respect the natural landscape as much as possible. You will fall asleep under the stars to the sounds of wildlife and wake up to the natural landscape at sunrise. Some locations have a restaurant onsite, fire pits for roasting smores and live music. The team onsite are hospitable and accommodating.
Cost:
Standard tents start at $385 - $600
Location:
Sonoma, California. I visited this location over 10yrs ago, I'm sure there has been updates.
Details:
Consider it the Sonoma Serengeti. Great for families! “The mission of Safari West is to actively promote conservation and environmental education while imparting knowledge that helps each individual make well-informed choices in regard to the environment and wildlife conservation. Years ago, we stayed overnight in a luxurious Safari West tent. Imported from Botswana and customized on property, their thirty tents include a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom, polished hardwood floors, and because it’s camping, all the wildlife sounds of the Sonoma Serengeti! Get a great night’s sleep while getting closer to the wild wonders of Safari West!” Continental Breakfast included.
Cost:
Standard tents start at $305
Details:
One of the most spiritual and beautiful locations I have gone to. The structures are designed to preserve the integrity of the environment. Gorgeous beach front restaurants inspired by Moroccan design, multiple yoga classes, and healing/spiritual offerings will make this location a one of a kind glamping experience.
Cost:
Treehouses start at $275 - $500 depending on size.
Location:
Nestled in a lush forest 30 minutes east of Seattle, TreeHouse Point is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
I stayed in the Upper Pond Treehouse for a girlfriend's birthday. It was such a fun girls trip, but treehouses could be great for a couples trip, family trip etc.
Details:
TreeHouse Point is home to seven iconic, rentable treehouses; a central Lodge; a multi-purpose event space; and two cedar-lined bathhouses. All indoor spaces are heated, and they provide bedding, towels, and even shampoo and conditioner, so come prepared as you would for a typical hotel stay.
Complimentary Wi-Fi, books, board games, snacks, and dishware are available inside the Lodge for guests to enjoy. Each morning, talented cooks prepare a delicious, wholesome breakfast in the Lodge.
What to Pack for Glamping?
The luxury of glamping is you don’t have to pack and lug all of your gear. But what should you pack when you’re not quite camping, but not staying in a hotel?
Packing Tips:
Headlamp
Battery packs
Bug repellent
Hotspot
Hanging bathroom caddy
Shower shoes
Cooler
Cookware
Snacks
If you decide to take advantage of the fire pit on-site, then it’s also recommended to plan accordingly with cookware, cooler, and food if your accommodations don’t provide.
OTHER:
BIG SUR - BLOG POST
I would love to stay in a yurt at Treebones with an onsite pool, restaurant, big sur hiking trails, yoga, and massage.
COST: Yurts start at $360
Glamping guests will not have access to the resort and will no longer be subject to a resort fee, which I personally think is a bummer, but they added enhancement packages that feature coolers, s'mores ingredients, and more!
COST: $245+
OJAI
A tropical twist to glamping
COST: $386
BIG BEAR
I'm planning to try this location soon and will report back!
COST: $147 - $427