From Alaska to New York City—These Are the Best Luxurious, Glamping Destinations Across the United States. This Isn’t Camping, It’s Glamping!
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JUNE 2023 • 5 min read
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Enter glamping, the luxury camping trend that's attempting to make the outdoors a little more manageable for those who may shy from the idea of pitching a real camping tent. While the blend of "glamour" and "camping" was first coined in 2005, the trend has since taken the country by storm and rewritten the rules on outdoor adventures.
From Fairbanks, Alaska to New York City (yes, that’s correct)—These are the best luxurious, glamping destinations across the United States. This isn’t camping—it’s glamping!
Wylder Hotel Hope Valley (Hope Valley, CA)
Set on 165-acres amid the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Wylder Hotel Hope Valley is just over a 25-mile drive from Lake Tahoe. The Wylder Hotel offers plenty of options for glampers to choose, from yurts with wood fireplaces and private soaking tubs to cabins with fully equipped kitchens that can fit up to 10 guests.
There’s also a restored 1951 vintage Spartan trailer with a kitchen, bathroom, seating area and deck.
Klarhet (Lusten, MN)
Klarhet, which means “clarity” in Swedish, aims to bring just that to its glamping guests. The intimate property is located on the shores of Lake Superior and surrounded by a regenerative food forest, where an assortment of edible plants and animals attempts to mimic natural ecosystems.
Klarhet offers just four domes named, Raidho, Dagaz, Laguz and Berkanan—which all bring the outdoors inside with stellar views of the night sky and lush greenery surrounding you. Each dome is equipped with king and queen-size beds, as well as sustainably sourced cotton bedding and a rainfall shower!
Alila Ventana Big Sur (Big Sur, CA)
Big Sur is the Golden State’s awe-inspiring rocky shoreline where the frothy waves of the Pacific Ocean magnificently collide into the base of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Set within 160-acres of forest on the California coast, Alila Ventana offers safari-style tents in a 20-acre redwood canyon. All equipped with plush beds, electric lamps, instant hot and cold potable water with sinks, and power outlets—plus they’re pet-friendly!
Alila Ventana Big Sur is a place where you see the world, and even yourself, a little bit differently. Where you can find your center, soothe your body, stir your imagination and be one with nature.
Dunton River Camp (Dolores, CO)
Situated on 500-acres in the Colorado Rockies, this former cattle ranch, dating back to the late 1800s, is surrounded on all sides by verdant meadows and forests radiating a sense of adventure. Dunton River Camp is not only stunning but also intimate: It has just eight safari tents on-site from mountain tents to river tents.
Each glamping site sits on a 640-square-foot wooden platform, and comes equipped with luxe amenities including a king-sized bed, a gas stove, complimentary Wi-Fi access, two mountain bikes, a private bathroom with a 6-foot soaker tub and shower, and a towel warmer!
Borealis Basecamp (Fairbanks, AK)
Have you ever dreamed of sleeping beneath the northern lights in Alaska? At Borealis Basecamp, you can do just that! Less than 30 miles north of Fairbanks, Borealis Basecamp unfurls across 100-acres and offers igloos in lieu of tents, further elevating this one-of-a-kind experience.
The igloos are made of fiberglass in a similar construction to the dwellings used in polar expeditions and research centers, ensuring guests will be toasty warm throughout their stay. The camp also offers new "cubes" (think sleek cabins) with floor-to-ceiling windows and "treehouse" beds with viewing windows just for kids!
Firelight Camps (Ithaca, NY)
Experience the natural beauty of upstate New York with a stay at Firelight Camps. This glamping site enjoys a scenic location in a wooded area that's not only minutes away from local state parks including Buttermilk Falls but also less than 4 miles south of Ithaca's popular Collegetown neighborhood, making this particular destination easier to reach than most.
Guests at Firelight Camps can also expect to enjoy artisanal spirits at the on-site bar as well as delicious, complimentary breakfast each morning, thanks to co-founder Emma Frisch, who was a top finalist on season 10 on "Food Network Star" and now has her own cookbook, Feast by Firelight.
The Fields (South Haven, MI)
A big part of what draws folks to glamping is the desire to return to a simpler time when life was slower and less complicated. The Fields curates a one-of-a-kind experience that’s heavy on nature and nostalgia. Exuding wonder and nostalgia—your stay is sure to spark relaxation and a genuine joy for life.
Set on a working blueberry farm, just 3 miles from Lake Michigan, The Fields offers 19 glamping safari tents amongst the luscious green landscape—each fully equipped with lux bedding and decor. This is also a pet-friendly spot, so your furrry family member can you enjoy nature with you.
Collective Governors Island (New York, New York)
Graced with the best island views, the summit tents at Collective Governors Island offer every comfort needed for a truly restorative stay. Expansive private waterfront decks at the front of each tent make the vantage point unforgettable. Inside, the luxe amenities allow you to completely unwind while immersed in the outdoors.
While the “Journey+ Tent” comfortably immerses you in the outdoor with its modern luxuries such as 1,500 thread count linens, wifi, air conditioning, and more adorn each “Journey+ Tent.” Strategically positioned for the best sunset views on your private landscape decks—truly a one-of-a-kind experience at Collective Governors Island.
Autocamp at Zion National Park (Virgin, UT)
The 16-acre site in Virgin, Utah, sits right among the area’s dramatic red rocks landscape, but the biggest perk is that it offers easy access to Zion National Park, as visitors can enter from Kolob Terrace Road, as opposed to the park's main entrance. Another upside: the Virgin River runs right through the Autocamp.
Spend the day exploring the Narrows, hiking Angel's Landing, or enjoying the scenic canyon drive. This Southwestern destination offers something for everyone, from basking in the sun beside the Virgin River right at Autocamp to trying out canyoneering among the sandstone cliffs.
Clear Sky Resorts (Williams, AZ)
At Clear Sky Resorts, the world’s most renowned national parks are your playground. Located near the Grand Canyon National Park, Clear Sky Resorts offer some of the best nighttime views. Each dome is fitted with massive panoramic windows so you can take in the natural beauty of your surroundings, even from inside your dome. The domes also offer unobstructed views of the night skies with their rooftop skylights—perfect for star-gazing.
Clear Sky Resorts offers guests a true glamping experience—one that offers luxe private domes with a real connection to the nature around you, so don’t be afraid to get a little dirty and take in the pure bliss around you.
Note: Stock images may not depict exact location. This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
