10 Glampgrounds for Families
Want to immerse the family in nature but not a fan of camping? That’s the beauty of glamping, the happy hybrid of camping with glamour. You sleep under the stars, but you don’t have to haul the gear – and everyone gets a good night's sleep. From streamlined simplicity to high luxury, these are the top spots for family glamping.
By:
Clayton Maxwell
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Camp Orenda, Upstate New York
Let your kids roam, catch newts and explore creeks in the rolling hills of the Adirondacks at Camp Orenda. Every detail is well thought out at the family-owned retreat, from the steamy outdoor shower in the woods to meals prepared using ingredients from their heirloom garden.
El Cosmico, Texas
Choose between a spruced-up vintage trailer, yurt or teepee at this 18-acre bohemian oasis in Marfa, Texas, where there is also a campground should anyone choose to pitch a tent the old-fashioned way. It's all in the details at El Cosmico, from Chemex coffee makers in the trailers to writing desks in your yurt – should someone be inspired to write a desert poem. After a hike in the nearby West Texas mountains or a visit to one of Marfa’s art galleries, watch the stars come out while you and the kids lounge in the hammock grove or soak in an outdoor Dutch tub.
Feather Down Farms, England
Cool Dutch design plus the best joys of farm life: this is Feather Down Farms, a European outfit that offers high-style farm vacations to families who really want to get back to the garden. Their Quaker-inspired tents – electricity-free but equipped with a wood burning stove and bedside lanterns – remind you of the thrill of living simply. Kids love to wake up in the morning, tumble down from their bunk beds and make breakfast with fresh eggs they harvest from the henhouse themselves. Choose from dozens of farms across the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Great Britain.
The Resort at Paws Up, Western Montana
The emphasis leans heavily toward the glamorous side of glamping at this all-inclusive 37,000-acre Montana ranch, the outdoor luxury lover’s paradise.
The Resort at Paws Up, Western Montana
Your camping butler tends the campfire and your personal chef serves you Black Angus steaks at a candlelit dinner table under the stars. Kids and adults alike can wear themselves out fly-fishing in the Blackfoot River, hiking and horseback riding in well-planned outings, and at night, they can fall asleep in safari tents decked out like a five-star hotel.
Under Canvas; Yellowstone, Glacier and Moab National Parks
Want to experience the national parks without pitching a tent? That’s the beauty of the snazzy Under Canvas outfit: they’ve created high-style camping retreats at three of the most popular national parks so that you can collapse onto plush beds after a full day of hiking in our most gorgeous national parks.
Under Canvas; Yellowstone, Glacier and Moab National Parks
You can even request a separate teepee for the kiddos for a little independent glamping. And because Under Canvas ranges in price from $95 to $425 and they offer various activity packages, you can easily craft the campout that works best for you.
Rock Ranch, Georgia
Go back to the 19th century by getting campy in a Conestoga Wagon, the domed homes on four wheels in which the pioneers crossed the prairies of the U.S. With four bunk beds in each wagon, you can fit a lot of little campers in each Conestoga. Kids can run themselves ragged with the many activities on the ranch (zip lines and pedal carts, anyone?) during the day and have a weenie roast and storytelling hour around the campfire at night.
Tree Houses Hotel, Costa Rica
Live out your own "Swiss Family Robinson" adventure while staying in a tree house in the canopy of the Costa Rican rainforest, where the monkeys and toucans will be your treetop neighbors. The Tree Houses Hotel is tucked away in an 80-acre nature preserve, and the thrill of the rainforest wildlife sightings will keep the kids enthralled. Head out to hike the nearby Arenal Volcano during the day, or soak in the volcano-heated hot springs. Then return to the Tree Houses for a guided night hike through the rainforest.
Camp Orenda, Upstate New York
Everything is included from the packed lunches they send with you on your canoe trips to the evening cocktails by the fire outside of your cozy custom-made canvas tent.
Cave B Desert Yurts, Quincy, Washington
Wake up to spectacular views from your king-size bed in a desert yurt tucked away by the vineyards of this Washington winery. Overlooking the Columbia River, the wild setting will take your breath away, and with hiking, water sports and skiing nearby, it offers plenty to keep the kiddos busy. The handsome yurts come with their own bathrooms, comfy leather furnishings and a sky dome for star gazing, providing a rustic retreat that feels close to nature – but not too close.
Simply Canvas, France
Eat freshly made French farm meals, stroll in sunflower fields and visit nearby ancient towns like Saint Emilion while staying at this family-owned getaway in the Aquitaine region of Southwest France.
Simply Canvas, France
Let the kids run freely on the 12.5 acres, take a permaculture workshop on the farm and visit nearby castles and wine chateaus. Then retire to a plush little safari tent and fall asleep to the sounds of chirping French crickets.
River Dance Lodge, Idaho
Nestled between two national forests on the banks of the Clearwater River (keep an eye out for moose crossing the river), this friendly, down-to-earth lodge lets you experience the best of Idaho’s outdoor life, while making sure you are comfortable and well fed.
River Dance Lodge, Idaho
A partner of ROW Adventures river outfitters, River Dance Lodge makes it easy for you and the kids to get out on the water, be it rafting the rapids or kayaking the quieter stretches. After a full day of fun, enjoy a soak in the claw foot tub on the back porch of your warm and cozy safari tent surrounded by cedar and fir trees.