Love nature, but not quite enough to tolerate the bugs, the backache from sleeping on the ground, and the whole peeing without a real toilet thing? Me too. But fortunately there’s a way to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the creature comforts you need: glamping. Glamping—a portmanteau of glam and camping (yes, really)—has been one of the hottest travel trends of the last few years.
Picture this: You get out to the woods, and there’s already a gorgeous safari-style tent set up, complete with a queen-size bed and luxury linens, an en-suite bathroom chock-full of lavish amenities, and the most Instagram-worthy decor (plus wifi to post those pics!). That’s just the start of what you can expect when you’re glamping.
So grab your girls, stock up on rosé, and get ready for a glorious way to experience nature. Here are the best glamping destinations in America and beyond. (And since we love ya, we’ve added some bonus tips on making traditional camping a little more luxe for women who want to stay true to their Girl Scout roots.)
HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Destinations in the U.S.
Looking for an outdoorsy getaway that’s not too far from home? The top glamping sites in America have got you covered. Here are a few of the chicest spots from coast to coast.
Eastwind Hotel & Bar (Upstate New York)
Take on the Catskills in style at one of the area’s newest places to stay, Eastwind Hotel & Bar. Originally a 1920s-era bunkhouse for outdoor enthusiasts, the hotel has recently undergone a modern makeover with rustic designs, Frette linens, and private fireplaces. But the real draw of this property, located in Windham, New York, is its Scandinavian-style glamping sites called Lushna cabins.
Minimalists, eat your hearts out: These A-frame structures are simple in design without skimping on the comforts you’d expect from glamping. You’ll have access to a private bathroom, sauna, wireless speaker, barbecue kits, and (of course) wifi—essential for sharing your picture-perfect view of the mountains.
Price: Starts at $159/night per room + $179/night per Lushna cabin
Collective Yellowstone (Big Sky, Montana)
The perfect marriage of rustic and sumptuous, Collective Yellowstone’s luxury camping accommodations in the shadow of Lone Mountain are the perfect home base to find respite after exploring Yellowstone National Park, without giving up the hotel-style experience. The tents look like heirloom cabins under canvas, complete with over-the-bed chandeliers, high thread-count linens, snuggly Pendleton wool blankets, and wood-burning stoves.
When it comes to amenities, this glamping destination has pulled out all the stops: A library of books, board games, coffee and tea, Turkish bathrobes and towels, and even homemade snacks are available in every tent—just in case Yellowstone didn’t have enough to nourish your mind, body, and soul.
Price: $500–700/night
Asheville Glamping (Asheville, North Carolina)
Think tents have to be triangles? Think again—staying true to the creative spirit of the local community, Asheville Glamping has turned dome structures into fun and funky glamping experiences. Each of the three glamping domes comes with its own personality.
Dome 1 features an overhead skylight for premium stargazing opportunities that match its celestial-printed bed linens. Dome 2 is an interior design lover’s glamping dream come true, with a muted color palette, paper lanterns draped from the ceiling, air plants, a cowhide carpet, and accents that echo the shape of the geometric structure—no clutter, all sleek. And the whopping 1,300-square-foot Dome 3 has a 9-foot slide to take you through the bilevel structure in style. Your inner child will love it.
Price: Starts at $135/night
Urban Glamping at The Gwen Hotel (Chicago, Illinois)
Long left to the great outdoors, now glamping’s gone urban with an ultra-luxury tent on the 16th floor of The Gwen Hotel, right on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. The picturesque tent exudes an “eclectic bohemian aesthetic” you might expect to see at your independently wealthy, hippy-ish aunt’s home in California.
Think drum side tables, macramé seat cushions, braided Indian jute rugs, and lanterns galore, all on a one-of-a-kind site that overlooks the Chicago skyline. You might not have a campfire, but the staff will bring you s’mores at turndown, and that trade-off is A-OK with us.
Price: Starts at $5,500/night
Mendocino Grove (Mendocino, California)
With its crashing ocean coastline, humbling old-growth redwoods, and fern canyons fit for fairies, Northern California offers experiences in nature like no other place in the world. The best way to take it all in: Mendocino Grove’s glamping sites.
The property features 60 spacious tents with lavish beds, indoor plants, private porches, and romantic twinkle lights. In the morning, fuel up at the complimentary outdoor breakfast bar—then hit the trails. Let us know if you make it to the rare pygmy forest.
Price: Starts at $120/night
HealthyWay’s Picks for Glamping Your Way Around the World
Luxury camping is far from a strictly American trend. If you’re looking to add some stamps to your passport, check out these glamping sites in far-flung locales.
Wadi Rum Night Camp (Jordan)
Set deep within the bright orange Wadi Rum desert, you’ll feel like you’re in another world at Wadi Rum Night Camp. The private Bedouin-style tents look like retreats for Princess Jasmine herself, with crisp white cloth draped from the ceilings, plush beds with royal red throw pillows, ornate mirrors, and even genie lamps.
Take a private Jeep tour of the desert at sunset, then settle in and enjoy tea around the campfire with your fellow glampers.
Price: Starts around $211/night
Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (Norway)
Glamping is often all about the tent. Not the case with the Lofoten Summer Glamping Experience (although its traditional Sami tents do look charming). Here, it’s all about the spectacular views of the mountains across the fjords. The company’s two-night, three-day luxury camping itineraries are perfect for people who want to see nature with a little bit of structure.
You’ll observe wildlife by cruise (fingers crossed you’ll spot white-tailed sea eagles or a whale!), take a wilderness cooking class (you’ll fish for your own dinner!), hike to the area’s best viewing spots, and visit a local goat farm. You’ll also have the chance to help with a beach clean-up—perfect for travelers who want to give back to the destinations they fall in love with.
Price: Starts around $1,990 for two nights/three days
Cabañas CuatroCuatros (Mexico)
This company has given 19 classic Mexican “yurts” near the Valle de Guadalupe wine region the royal treatment with luxurious queen- and king-size beds, fireplaces and air conditioning, minibars, indoor-outdoor wooden showers, and private decks.
The vineyard setting overlooking the sea makes it the perfect spot to sip wine and watch the sun set. If that’s not glamping glory, we’re not sure what is.
Price: Starts at $160/night
Clifton Glamping (New Zealand)
Travel to New Zealand is all about the landscape, and Clifton Glamping in Hawke’s Bay is the perfect place to immerse yourself in it. You’ll stay in safari tents that fall somewhere between cozy cabin and a heavenly bed-and-breakfast, each appointed with a super king bed, feather duvets, and vintage-style kitchens.
And while you could rent a bike or take a dip in the clean river, we recommend saving plenty of free time to soak in the private outdoor tub. Talk about a way to unwind!
Price: Around $200/night
John’s Camp at Robin Pope Safaris (Zimbabwe)
There are safari tents…and then there are tents on safari. The latter is exactly what you’ll experience at John’s Camp, an intimate glamping haven from Robin Pope Safaris in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park. Even though all of the six Meru-style safari tents have simple, cozy beds, en-suite bathrooms, and uninterrupted views of the landscape, we doubt you’ll only hang out there.
You’ll be at the only national park in the world that allows visitors to walk freely among exotic animals. The up-close action you’ll get with lions, hippos, African bull elephants, and buffalo would make Eliza Thornberry herself seethe with jealousy. (Don’t worry, you’ll have a guide to protect you.)
Price: Starts at $680/night
Enchanting Luxury Tents in the Agafay Desert (Morocco)
Travelers can escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech into this picturesque glamping site in the Agafay Desert. Surrounded by an endless expanse of golden sand, these elegant tents (lit only by wrought-iron lanterns) feature everything you need to relax in this intense environment: king-size beds, outdoor lounge cushions, en-suite bathrooms, and big tubs.
With no electricity, you’ll be on a digital detox and able to take in even more of this incredible landscape. Dinners come with three courses of French-Moroccan fusion cuisine, followed by stargazing to your heart’s content.
Price: Starts at $100/night
DIY Glamping: Still want to rough it? Glamp up your campsite!
Maybe you’re craving a camping experience that’s a tad more authentic than glamping—more power to you! Here are some luxe touches you can put on your campsite to infuse it with just a little bit of glam:
Your bed is everything if you’re experimenting with glamping.
Inflate an air mattress in your tent (this is a must!), then cover it with your favorite sheets, a fluffy duvet, a throw blanket, and at least half a dozen pillows. The goal of glamping is to sleep outside without feeling like you slept outside.
You can also liven up your overall tent decor.
Start by draping a few strands of solar-powered twinkle lights around the entrance of your abode. Position a few chairs around an outdoor mat just outside your tent to create a deck-like feature. Then, add some glamping-inspired decorations, like streamers, party flags, lanterns, and wind chimes.
Do yourself a favor and set the table up nicely.
The five minutes it takes to place a checkered tablecloth, candles, Mason jars, and real flatware will pay off tenfold in upscale(ish) dinners, breezy breakfasts, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Get your camp food on point.
Whether you’re cooking over the fire or using your portable burner, camp food can be one of the most memorable parts of spending a night outdoors. Up your breakfast game by whipping up a glamping-style brunch. Mountain Standard makes it easy with its new carrot cake pancake mix. Just add water and fry for a few minutes to get gluten-free, golden-brown pancakes studded with apple chunks, raisins, and coconut. (Pro tip: They get even better with a generous pour of maple syrup and a mimosa to wash them down.)
Speaking of food, you’ll need to plan for s’mores. Epic, epic s’mores. Leave your cheap chocolate at home and instead treat yourself to gourmet dark chocolate, cinnamon churro marshmallows, and the fanciest honey-kissed graham crackers you can find. Voilà! The perfect glamping treat before snuggling into your sleeping bag.
Shower in style.
If possible, set yourself up with an outdoor shower in a secluded place (trust us: it beats the coin-op showers in the communal restrooms). You can hang sarongs around the area for a little more privacy. Then, stock it with mini bottles of luxury shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and other amenities that you might find in the en-suite bathrooms at glamping sites. And go ahead and bring along a nice towel. Tiny self-care treats can go a long way toward helping you enjoy your outdoor adventure to its fullest potential.
Give your bar a little attention.
Plan to make a few glamping-themed cocktails and bring along mini bottles of your favorite spirits, tasty mixers, and some fresh garnishes to doll up the Mason jars you’ll use as cocktail glasses. Don’t forget your shaker!
Whether you’re a die-hard camper who’d never even think of letting someone else set up your tent or you’ve got your heart set on a stunning glamping experience with your gal pals this summer, just getting outside and away from it all is the most important thing. You’ll come home refreshed and invigorated—with a newfound appreciation for your own four walls.