Putting the Great in the Great Outdoors: Glamping at Its Best

Sandy Pines Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine

Interior design goes exterior with a dozen safari-style glamping tents each renovated by a New England expert at Kennebunkport’s Sandy Pines Campground, celebrating its second year this spring. The seaside escape offers resort-level amenities for glampers, RV enthusiasts, tiny home fans and those who want to pitch their own tents near Goose Rock Beach. Everyone gets to experience the Grand Lodge, home to the General Store, and hub for hosted social events like ice cream socials, live outdoor music and lobster bakes (in Maine, but of course). Other Sandy Pines amenities include games like giant Jenga, bocce, badminton; a snack bar with old-fashioned ice cream bars; bikes for rent; and WiFi.

© Sandy Pines Kennebunkport Camp

Huttopia, Albany, N.H. 

French wines, espresso and cheeses? A “chateau” wooden cottage with two stories and a loft? Sign us up! This French brand brings European charm to the woods of the White Mountains with a variety of lodging options that also include canvas tents on wooden platforms with private bathrooms, electricity, two sleeping areas with mattresses, a stove and a fridge. There’s also more modest tents on platforms, but everything comes with linens and beds. Enjoy the heated pool or lake with its private beach, canoe and paddle board rentals, a game hall and activities like crafts and open-air movie screenings.

The Resort at Paws Up

Butlers and concierges … an on-site spa … luxury linens … are we sure this is camping? The vast Montana wilderness gives way for spacious luxury homes and camps that climb all the way up to $3,434 a night. So what else do you get for that tidy sum? Hardwood floors, air conditioning and heat, plus private, en suite bathrooms with heated slate floors and huge showers. Don’t forget included dining with several options — refined rustic ranch at the Pomp Restaurant, hand-cut meats at the Trough, the Tank full-service bar with TVs and a view and fireside dining at the Chuck Wagon.

Under Canvas, Yellowstone, Mont.

Been debating between a trip to America’s national parks or camping? Combine the best of both at Under Canvas, where all-inclusive packages include deluxe tents, park entry fees, all meals and activity fees to explore on horseback and kayak, for instance. You’ll get a shower, sink, flushing toilet and seating options like couches or comfy chairs. Accommodations sleep up to four, with pets welcome for a small daily fee. Options beyond Yellowstone include Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Moab, Zion and beyond.

© Firelight

Conestoga Ranch, Park City, Utah

“Oregon Trail” fans rejoice! You can live like the families in your favorite ‘80s video game with covered-wagon accommodations at Conestoga Ranch. Family wagons include a king bed and two bunks to sleep six, or you can celebrate successfully fording the river by putting wagons together in a circle. Private bathroom facilities are available nearby, as is the open-air Campfire Grill restaurant with views of Bear Lake.

Ventura Ranch, Santa Paula, Calif.

If you ever wanted to know what it’s like to live as a Sioux Native American, Ventura Ranch in Santa Paula, Calif., offers up the option — albeit with a little luxury on the side. There’s no electricity but there’s a queen bed, a bunk bed with a full and twin bed, an additional twin bed and a sleeping mat provided in the largest of the teepees here, which sleeps up to eight (others sleep four or six). Deluxe safari tents have queen beds and a futon that sleeps two, with a microwave, mini-fridge, heater and a fan included. Bedding, towels and toiletries are provided, too. There’s plenty of activities like arts and crafts, a rock climbing tower, gem mining and a pool, but no matter what, there’s lots of California sunshine for the most number of prime days to enjoy the great outdoors.

The Desert Yurts of Cave B Inn & Spa Resort, Quincy, Wash.

Just about the size of a New York City apartment, the 25 desert yurts at Cave B Inn & Spa Resort feature king-sized beds, private bathrooms, a modern sofa, tables and chairs, a mini fridge and a coffeemaker. Yurts are also pretty romantic or set for your mini astronomer, with open skydomes for stargazing. Since there’s an adjacent winery, you don’t even need to BYOB.

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Firelight Camps, Ithaca, N.Y.

Your brood will give two thumbs up to Firelight, where “nature meets luxury” in the Finger Lakes District. It’s no surprise accommodations are so plush given this camp is on the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and its August Moon Spa, so why not take advantage of it while you’re there? (One thing’s for sure — your king or queen camp bed won’t mean you’ll need a back massage!) And forget the burgers — this glampground’s got a steakhouse on site. Breakfast is free and locally sourced, with campfires tended to, on-site games, a bathhouse with hot showers and flushing toilets and a happy hour around a communal campfire with a free tasting of locally sourced wines and beers (and soda and juice for the kids).

© Firelight