Let's Go Glamping
Despite the frills and creature comforts of luxury camping, aka 'glamping,' nature is still the focus for most campers
Camping has always been a popular vacation idea, and outdoor hospitality continues to grow. But roughing it isn't everybody's canteen of tea.
Luckily, luxury camping, aka "glamping," is trending. According to the 2024 North American Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, sponsored by Kampgrounds of America (KOA), "The array of services and amenities will likely continue to develop and evolve, blending the more traditional type of campground/outdoor resort with offerings of traditional resorts."
Still, despite the frills and creature comforts of glamping, nature and the great outdoors are still the focus for most campers. From Airstreams to fancified tents, here are some unique glampsites for happy glampers this summer.
New York City
Think camping, and The City that Never Sleeps is probably the last spot on the planet that jumps to mind. But car-free Governor's Island in New York Harbor, just 800 yards and an eight-minute ferry ride from Manhattan, hosts a glamping experience from Collective Retreats, an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) experiential travel company that includes views of stars and the Statue of Liberty.
Think camping, and The City that Never Sleeps is probably the last spot on the planet that jumps to mind.
Governor's Island dates to 1755 as a colonial militia base and also served as headquarters for the US Army and Coast Guard until it closed in 1966. Today it is a sought-out nature respite from the concrete jungle of NYC with frequent art and cultural performances. It is also a prime picnicking spot and home to bicycle trails and forts and castles.
There are camping tents, yes, but these are not Army tents. They are called Summit Tents with king or double twin beds and high-thread count bedding, spacious private waterfront decks with Statue of Liberty views, private en-suite bathrooms, A/C, Wi-Fi and bedside sockets for plugging in.
And last year, the brand debuted modern hard-walled accommodations — villas, suites and shelters. Each features A/C, heat, floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lady Liberty and Governors Island, and spacious outdoor decks, too.
Also expect "glamped-up" meals including continental breakfast (fresh-baked pastries, yogurt, fruit, French press coffee) delivered tent-side. The dinner menu puts the emphasis on farm-to-island cuisine with seafood grilled over a wood flame (meals here are "heavily fire-based") and served al fresco at Three Peaks Lodge. Craft beer from local breweries, and cocktails and wine are also served. And, of course, elevated s'mores—a premium s'mores kit for guests and a s'mores bar with the classic graham cracker, marshmallow and Hershey's chocolate bar fixings.
Two-wheel self-guided island tours are available from a cruiser, surrey or go-kart. There are also lawn games (oversized Jenga, cornhole…) and an Italian luxury spa located next to the camping retreat with spa treatments, steam rooms/sauna and outdoor tempered spa pools. Glamping guests get a discount.
Cape Cod
A sleek glamping brand, AutoCamp, celebrates the Cape's woods and sunny strands in Falmouth with luxury camping in contemporary Airstreams.
Iconic to American travel, Airstreams are considered the Cadillacs of camping. The silver bullet-designed accommodations feature memory foam beds, pull-out futons, private bathrooms with rain showers, flat screen TVs, fully-functional kitchens, Bluetooth audio systems and outdoor fire pits and grills.
The glamping site is located adjacent to the 10.7-mile Shining Sea Bikeway that hugs the coast, winding through woods to Woods Hole (the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a cool visit); the trail is accessible by complimentary cruiser bikes or, of course, walking.
Tents are spaced with a 75-plus foot separation with sound dampening insulation for extra privacy from neighbors.
Communal fire pits, outdoor yoga classes, oyster shucking classes and pop-up wine trucks are part of the allure, and there's a clubhouse, too, for purchasing firewood, s'mores kits and ready-to-cook grill kits. There are also meal options from popular local Cape chefs at the The Kitchen. Essential cookware is included in accommodations, and there is the on-site General Store for goodies. Coffee and granola are also offered each morning in The Clubhouse.
And, while Airstreams are at the heart of the camping experience here, there are also AutoCamp's chic classic camping cabins with small kitchens and dining areas, private bedrooms with queen beds, a fold-out queen sofa bed in living area with flat-screen TV and kitchen with convection stovetop and private bathroom with rain shower. Private outdoor fire pits and dining areas are also featured (hello, s'mores).
There are also luxury canvas tents featuring sitting areas and memory foam king beds, high thread-count linens and electric lighting. Deal breaker: bathroom is in the nearby clubhouse.
The Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is Mother Nature's gift to Arizona, and Backland Luxury Camping is a glam camping getaway located in Williams, Arizona, known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon.
Luxury tented suites include king size beds, private luxury en-suite bathrooms, panoramic windows, air conditioning and heat and glass skylights (in some suites). Tents are spaced with a 75-plus foot separation with sound dampening insulation for extra privacy from neighbors.
Spa treatments add camping bling. Complimentary continental breakfast includes fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, crepes and pastries; boxed lunches are up for grabs for off-site excursions or to eat at the campsite. And dinner stars seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, served in a glass-walled restaurant (lunch and dinner are extra.) Day is done with traditional s'mores and stargazing — nostalgic camping rituals.
Nice: The camping site partners with Grand Canyon Adventures for tours — guests are picked up at the campsite and taken to landmarks, with expert insight by guides.
