Glamping Adventures with Kids

If you’re like some parents, your idea of camping differs dramatically from your kids. One side balks at the idea of summer camping with no air conditioning and plenty of bugs while the other wants to go adventuring and sleep under the stars. Or maybe someone wants to really rough it and the other wants to sleep in a real bed with fine linens.

It’s possible to find the best of everything with a family-friendly glamping adventure. This upscale camping experience boasts real floors, air conditioning, access to private bathrooms and the opportunity to go exploring and breathe in the great outdoors by day. Here’s where to go.

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, Florida

Sleep under the stars at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo on a luxury dude ranch vacation. A 20-unit glampground features air-conditioned canvas tents complete with one king bed and two twins. Guests receive a key to their own private bathroom facility with a shower just a stone’s throw away. But it’s more than just fancy tents. Guests can also go on hayrides, enjoy horseback riding, rent golf carts and take in a real-life rodeo.

The Rock Ranch, Georgia

Saddle up and head to The Rock Ranch in Georgia for a totally unique glamping experience. Conestoga wagons invite guests for a true pioneer camping experience fitted with bunk beds holding as many as 64 campers! Smaller wagons are also available for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Atlanta. Add on a hot dog dinner and the Rock Ranch will supply you with dinnerware, hot dogs, buns, condiments, drinks and fixings to make s’mores so you can cook up a hot meal around an open fire. During the day, kids enjoy pony rides, a train depot, carousel, ball toss and more before heading back to their home away from home.

The Resort at Paws Up, Western Montana

Paw’s Up offers rugged fun with luxury accommodations. Families head out for a day of hiking, horseback riding, fishing, go-karting, swimming and mountain biking. There’s also kids’ camps for ages 3 on up to 8 for pint-sized fun while Mom and Dad are exploring. After a long day of playing, curl up with the family in a luxury tent complete with hardwood floors, air conditioning and heat, an en suite bath with heated slate floors and the finest linens.

Under Canvas, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park

Situated seven miles from Glacier National Park, Under Canvas offers luxury camping near glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife. Accommodations range from tents with private en-suite bathrooms with flushing toilet and wood stove, multiple twin beds, roll top bath and private deck. It will be challenging to top waking up to this background. Under Canvas can also help arrange tours and activities at the park with horseback riding, stand-up paddle boarding and white water rafting.

Treehouse Hotel, Costa Rica

Kids who dream of exploring a real live jungle can sleep in one in Costa Rica’s Tree Houses Hotel. Eat breakfast surrounded by a bird feeding area to sit among the wildlife before exploring waterfalls, rivers and natural pools. Tree Houses Hotel also offers itineraries and helps organize adventures zip lining, rafting and canyoning with reputable outfitters. After a day in the jungle, come back to your own private tree house with air conditioning, a warm water shower, refrigerator and laundry services so you can relax in luxury.

The only downside to glamping is this will quickly become your family’s new normal. So if you don’t want your kids to ask to go back to the double glamping tents with high thread count linens, private bathroom and maid service, you might want to start slow and just pitch a tent in your backyard.