Go Glamping

Multi-Day Splurge Travel TeensAdultsFamiliesSeniors Mild Day

All the magic of camping — campfire, stars, fresh air — but with a real bed, electricity, and maybe even a hot tub. Nature with room service.

Glamping is for everyone who loves the idea of camping but not the reality of sleeping on rocks. A glamping site gives you nature's best — starry skies, campfire smell, morning birdsong — with the comforts of home. It's the perfect way to introduce kids, reluctant partners, or yourself to the outdoors.

What You Need

  • Glamping reservation (Hipcamp, Tentrr, Airbnb, or state park cabins)
  • Comfortable clothes and layers for cool nights
  • Marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers for s'mores
  • Card games and a Bluetooth speaker
  • Bug spray and citronella candles
  • Camera for golden hour photos
  • Firewood (often available on-site)
  • Cooler with drinks and breakfast supplies

How To Do It

  1. Search for glamping spots — filter by amenities (bed, bathroom, fire pit, kitchen)
  2. Book 2-4 weeks ahead — popular spots fill up fast in summer
  3. Pack light — most sites provide bedding, lighting, and basics
  4. Arrive before sunset — explore, set up your outdoor space, find the fire pit
  5. Make a campfire — s'mores are mandatory, not optional
  6. Stargaze — most glamping sites are away from city lights
  7. Sleep in — that's the whole point. Morning coffee outside is peak glamping.

Pro Tips

Best time: Book a weeknight for better prices and more availability. Friday-Saturday is peak.

Seasonal tip: Late June through early August for the warmest nights. September glamping is underrated — cooler air, fall colors, no bugs.

Good to know: State park cabins are often the most affordable glamping option. Check for midweek discounts.

Safety Note: Check for ticks after hikes. Keep food secured from wildlife. Know the fire rules — some areas have burn bans in dry periods. Cell service may be limited — download maps and entertainment.

Variations by Age

Cabins with bunk beds are a hit. Bring glow sticks for nighttime fun. Nature scavenger hunt during the day. S'mores are the main event.

Bring a hammock, a speaker, and friends. Hike during the day, campfire at night. No parents, no Wi-Fi, peak freedom.

Book a site with a hot tub or soaking tub. Bring wine, a good book, and a charcuterie board. This is couples' retreat territory.

Choose a site with a real bed and bathroom — no roughing it needed. Shorter one-night stays. Book a cabin rather than a tent for easier access and climate control.

Accessibility

Low-mobility: Many glamping cabins are ADA-accessible with ramps and accessible bathrooms. Check listings for accessibility details. Stroller-friendly: Cabin-style glamping with paved paths works for families with little ones.

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