Once upon a time, camping meant throwing up a two-man tent in the woods, squeezing four unshowered people inside, and leaving the rest to the wonders of nature. It was a blast.
But the unfiltered great outdoors wasn’t for everyone. A gap in the market opened up for people who loved the idea of camping without all the…camping. Glamping tents were born.
Across the world, tents were pitched, trailers were customized, and the masses flocked to manicured campsites where four-poster beds replaced sleeping bags and claw-foot tubs conquered a good old-fashioned splash in the stream…not that we’re complaining.
Years later, the niche has flourished into a widespread phenomenon, thrusting luxury-leaning travelers into the thick of Mother Nature, without the discomfort they once feared.
Here are some of the best places to stay in glamping tents and trailers around the world.
Read also: The Best Dutch Hotels for Tulip Season
The best budget places to stay in glamping tents and trailers
El Cosmico
Location: Marfa, Texas
Price: $89+
Vibe: Quirky in the Lone Star State
The rundown: On the budget end of the spectrum—but no less epic—is El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas. The quirky campsite is a hodgepodge of vastly different accommodations, whether that’s a Native American tee-pee, a decked-out ‘70s-style trailer, or a Mongolian ger.
To add to its coolness, the 21-acre site is also LGBTQIA+ and women-owned, so inclusiveness is never an issue here. It’s the perfect spot to use as a jumping-off point for the High Plains Desert or to simply kick back and do absolutely nothing.
Sandy Pines Campground
Location: Kennebunkport, Maine
Price: $120+
Vibe: One for the family
The rundown: At the opposite end of the country, Sandy Pines has got the glamping art down to a tee. The huge site boasts traditional camp areas for those who miss the bare-bones experience, but also proudly shares its dazzling array of glamping tents and cabins.
Each accommodation is painstakingly designed in a unique manner and is equipped to match a specific type of traveler—whether that’s a couple seeking an outdoorsy romantic getaway or an entire family off on a trip to the great outdoors. Whatever you’re looking for, this New England gem has it.
The best mid-range tulip season hotels
Under Canvas at Mount Rushmore
Location: Keystone, South Dakota
Price: $170+
Vibe: The presidential suite
The rundown: South Dakota’s bleak but beautiful wilderness is a must for any outdoor enthusiast. Paired with the epic Mount Rushmore National Monument, you’ve got the makings of an unbelievable trip. Just four miles from the site, you’ll find Under Canvas, a stunning glamping site designed to be used as a base for exploring the area’s natural wonder.
You’d be forgiven for not knowing it was there. The site’s glamping tents are masterfully hidden amongst ponderosa pine trees on top of an old gold mine, minimizing the visual pollution on the landscape. The glamping tents themselves are a delight: simple designs built with care and style ensure you never forget you’re in the great outdoors, but keep you comfortable after a long day in the Black Hills.
Abeille Maison Glamping Resort
Location: Brac Island, Croatia
Price: $400+
Vibe: Balkan escape
The rundown: Climbing the room-rate ladder a touch we have Abeille Maison Glamping Resort on the beautiful Brac Island in Croatia. Considering the typically approachable hotel rates found in Croatia, the rates for one of Abeille Maison’s glamping tents should give you an indicator of the luxury offered here.
The views of the Adriatic Sea are enough of a draw, but each of the uniquely designed glamping tents comes with its own private pool and terrace, allowing you to soak up the Croatian nature in complete privacy. If you feel like upgrading further, there are fully air-conditioned lodges available, too.
The best high-end places to stay in glamping tents and trailers
Hippo Lakes Luxury African Safari Lodge
Location: Vaalwater, South Africa
Price: $8,000+
Vibe: Wildlife of luxury
The rundown: Of course, no glamping list is complete without a staggeringly beautiful safari lodge. Hippo Lakes Luxury African Safari Lodge is one of the best in the business. Located in Vaalwater, South Africa, guests are in for far more than they bargained for. Trust us, its glamping tents are special, but the daily safaris are the real draw here.
Its safari tents come in multiple shapes and sizes, fitted out for couples or entire families, but all offer vast views of the surrounding nature, including the eponymous lake found nearby—and yes, also as the name implies, there can be hippo sightings. Combine that with tremendous service and you’ve got an unforgettable few days ahead of you.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge
Location: Vancouver Island, Canada
Price: $2,900+
Vibe: Coastal Canadian bliss
The rundown: We covered Vancouver Island already this year, but it’s so damn beautiful we can’t help but head back for another one of its remarkable accommodations. This time, we’re looking at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, and it’s an epic one.
Good things come to those who wait, and you’ll need some patience to reach the lodge—via planes, boats, and other methods of transport—but upon arrival, you’ll understand the fuss. The Canadian wilderness is on full show at Clayoquot and its spectacular glamping tents put a luxurious cherry on top of the adventure. Nature at its most sublime.
by travelers, for travelers.
