If you’re a luxury lover, then you already know that “glamping” – a portmanteau (or mash-up) of the words “glamour” and “camping” – has been a Big Thing for quite a while now. And post pandemic, it’s become even more popular as a luxury vacation for 2021 – what better way to ease into the New Normal than with an outdoor adventure with lots of social distance from your fellow visitors? It can be a great romantic escape, or a wonderful family vacation. Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy (an experienced glamper herself) has curated a list of 10 luxury travel vacation destinations for the best post-pandemic romantic glamourous camping trip (glamping camp site) in 2021.
10 luxury camp sites for the best post-pandemic travel experience
At first glance, glamping might be considered the antithesis of an authentic, grounded outdoorsy experience. Aren’t you supposed to rough it and make do with less? Braving the elements, reconnecting with nature and all that? Perhaps.
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But there is also pride in just owning our appreciation of creature comforts and the great outdoors. The two do not have to be mutually exclusive. Foxes curl up in their cozy, multi-room burrows. Bears nap the days away in intimate dens. And us? We like our hikes to end with a safari-style tent with a heated floor and ensuite bathroom.
We’ve previously reviewed our experience glamping on New York’s Governor Island (highly recommended!) which converted us to this delightful and unique type of retreat. As Americans feel more comfortable traveling again, we’ve rounded up some highlights of new and established glamping sites around the country. It’s the ideal accommodation if you’re in the in-between stage of avoiding high-traffic hotels but not wanting to be isolated, freezing, and bug-bitten in the woods.
10 luxury camp sites for the best post-pandemic travel experience
east coast
1. firelight camps — new york
Nature meets luxury in the Finger Lake region of upstate New York where travelers enjoy fully furnished tents with plush king or queen beds, rocking chairs, writing desk, and outlets. There is a complimentary breakfast as well as a bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from local purveyors. Additional activities to channel your inner wood nymph include wild foraging hikes, drum-making and outdoor yoga. The camp is well-situated, only 5-minutes away from the charming town of Ithaca.
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2. under canvas acadia — maine
New this year is upscale, outdoor hospitality group, Under Canvas’ Maine location. Ideally situated to explore Acadia National Park, the basecamp overlooks 100 beautiful acres of land with over 1,200 feet of untouched Maine coastline. All tent options have their own bathrooms and are styled with West Elm furnishings. Guests can enjoy complimentary programming ranging from yoga classes and crafts to acoustic live music and outdoor games.
3. autocamp cape cod — massachusetts
The location can’t be beat at Autocamp’s Cape Cod location. Close to the shore, it’s just a few minutes from multiple beaches in Falmouth, Woods Hole, and the ferry to Martha’s Vineyard. Visitors can choose from a few different styles of accommodations: nostalgic metal Airstreams, tiny houses, and canvas tents all outfitted with stylish, modern amenities. It’s easy to have a cookout as every suite and tent feature mini refrigerators and basic cookware, dishes, and utensils. Outdoor fire pits with a grill top are also included at every suite.
south and southeast
4. little raccoon key — georgia
Glamping in the woods is one thing but glamping on your own private island? Transcendent. Little Raccoon Key is a reef island off the coast of Georgia featuring unspoiled and abundant marine, land, and bird life. Only one reservation is accepted at a time so you will be the only guest on the island. That might sound spooky or like punishment but amenities like grocery delivery, an ancient oyster reef lesson, marine history boat ride, and chef prepared meals on request make it a truly luxurious escape.
5. asheville glamping — north carolina
Whether you choose to glamp in a tree house, Airstream, tent, or clear dome, nature hikes in the surrounding mountains or exploring downtown Asheville is only a few minutes away. Each accommodation comes with air conditioning and some include extras like a grill, fire pit, and hot tub. For those traveling with kids, be sure to check out Dome 3- The Mega Dome which includes a twisty slide coming down from the lofted bed area.
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6. westgate river ranch — Florida
We never knew we wanted to sleep in a Conestoga wagon! On this 1,700-acre Florida dude ranch about an hour south of Orlando, guests can fulfill all their cowboy and cowgirl dreams. Along with luxe wagons, teepees, and cabins, every booking includes all-inclusive and unlimited activities like horseback riding, swimming, fishing, trap and skeet shooting, archery, airboat rides, and a complimentary golf cart.
7. collective retreats hill country — texas
This sanctuary overlooks the scenic Montesino Ranch in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Collective Retreats prides itself on upscale accommodations, exceptional culinary experiences, and genuine hospitality. Expect signature spa bath products and amenities, luxury robes, plush Turkish towels, 1,500 thread-count linens, and complimentary breakfasts. Aside from hiking in Hill Country, visitors can participate in wellness activities like yoga class and sound meditation. More adventurous souls can try their hand at bow & arrow, tomahawk, and knife throwing!
mountain west and west coast
8. the resort at paws up — montana
Fall asleep to the rushing sounds of the 10 mile long Blackfoot River, in 37,000 acres of pristine Montana land. The luxury tents feature chic rustic furnishings, art-adorned walls, electricity, air conditioning, and heat. We’d be remiss not to mention the camping butler who awaits your beck and call. There are even rain showers, jetted tubs, and heated floors. Outside, a playground awaits. Think boating, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, paintball, rafting, rappelling, swimming and more.
9. under canvas lake powell – grand staircase — utah
If you’re keen on visiting the natural wonders of Utah, stay in one of Under Canvas’ new safari-style tents located on 220 acres at the edge of Utah’s Canyon Rim Plateau. Expect views of both Lake Powell and the Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument, with easy access to Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend, and Grosvenor Arch. After an action packed day, come back to camp for a delicious seasonal and locally sourced menu and complimentary S’mores. Doze off while watching the stars from your private deck.
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10. treebones resort big sur — california
The yurts at Treebones are spacious and tastefully furnished with polished pine wood floors and French doors that open to spectacular coastal views. There is an on-site restaurant featuring garden-to-table food in a casual, relaxed setting, as well as a sushi bar offering an inspired omakase menu. Adventure seekers can explore Big Sur’s famous misty redwood filled canyons, waterfalls, and rocky beaches. And those seeking relaxation can cultivate their inner zen at daily yoga and meditation classes or visit the massage studio and hot tub.
10 luxury camp sites for the best post-pandemic travel experience
If you haven’t tried glamping yet, we can’t think of a better year to try it. These 10 luxe camping sites just might be the perfect post-pandemic travel experience.
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.