I love glamping, because while I love the idea of camping and being outdoors all the time, I prefer sleeping on a bed to sleeping on the ground. If you haven’t figured it out, glamping is the combination of the words glamorous and camping, so you feel like you’re roughing it while you’re really quite pampered. If you’re the same way, check out some of these gorgeous hidden gems for glamping in the U.S., specifically in the western region and midwest region of the country!
Midwest off-the-beaten path glamping
1. Slattery Vintage Estates
Where: Nehawka, Neb.
Why: The charming bungalows at Slattery Vintage Estates in rural Nebraska all come with a porch overlooking the vines. They have full electricity and all the bedding you need. And they’re also just an easy walk to the tasting room where you’ll often find live music on the weekends and wood-fire pizza to order. Breakfast in the morning is available in the tasting room and it was delicious!
Bathrooms are shared and the shower is a refreshing outdoors (but private) experience. When we stayed, it was early summer so the fan wasn’t needed, but I imagine at the peek of a July afternoon, it gets a little warm.
These accommodations are 21+ only and fit up to two people. The bed size varies, but if it’s available, go with the kind size. Reservations open in January each year and you can bet the weekend stays are snapped up quickly. For 2021, prices are start at $70 per night weekdays and $100 weekends, with add-ons available.
Note: Due to the pandemic, the tasting room may be closed temporarily during your stay.
Related post: More incredibly unique places to sleep in Nebraska
2. Yurts at McIntosh Woods State Park
Where: Ventura, Iowa
Why: A great place for off the beaten path glamping in the USA, is a stay at the yurts in McIntosh Woods State Park in Ventura, Iowa. There are two yurts located in a secluded section of the woodland, on the edge of Clear Lake.
The yurts sleep up to four people and have a double futon and a bunk bed. They are very basic with a ceiling light, a small table and chairs and one power outlet. Outside is a fire pit and barbecue and the toilet and shower facilities are in a building close by.
A staircase leads down to a jetty which is a lovely location to enjoy the peaceful lakefront views. A fun part of glamping is cooking food on an open fire, however the town of Clear Lake is located 4 miles away and has several restaurants, bars and cafes.
Related post: More quirky places to stay in Iowa
3. Tentrrr Signature Pine Meadow
Where: Near Traverse City, Mich.
Why: If camping in a secluded meadow and near a pond sounds like the getaway you need, this campsite in Michigan fits the bill. The tent at Signature Pine Meadow is located near a calm pond, though if you’re hoping to swim, it’s best to go to nearby Interlochen State Park and head to Duck Lake.
Traverse City was one of our favorite stops on our Michigan road trip, though we stayed at a beachfront hotel on that trip. It’s a outdoor haven with bike trails, beaches, and proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
4. The Eco Camp
Where: Swanton, Ohio
Why: The spacious luxury tents at The Eco Camp can fit up to four people and each has a terrace and free WiFi (not that you want WiFi when you camp…). Guests can enjoy breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays at the property.
Eco Camp is near a campground and guests there are able to use the amenities of the campground, including the camp store, swimming pond, catch-and-release fishing, arcades, and weekend entertainment.
Having never been to Ohio, I’d love the chance to stay somewhere fairly remote but near a bigger city. These tents are fairly close to Toledo.
5. Under Canvas Mount Rushmore
Where: Keystone, S.D.
Why: There are no shortage of hotel/motel/cabin options near Mount Rushmore, but if you want luxury camping, the pickings are fewer. The coolest option looks to be Under Canvas, which boasts an envious proximity to the national monument…about 4 miles away!
What I like about this place is I heard some tents have their own bathrooms, and some are large enough for families.
Western and southwest glamping options
6. Collective Vail Retreat
Where: Wolcott, Colo.
Why: If you’re looking for views of the mountains plus gourmet food that’s farm-to-table, consider Colorado and the luxurious Collective Vail Retreat. (By the way, gourmet breakfast is complimentary, as is the social hour drinks and artisan s’mores.)
Tents come two options, both have electricity and high tread-count bedding, and one comes with a private bathroom.
The location is about 17 miles from Vail, but they have several on-site activities if you don’t feel like going anywhere, including horseback riding, wine tasting, and fly fishing.
7. Buffalo Valley Ranch
Where: Moran, Wy.
Why: I fell in love with this part of Wyoming when we visited Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. It’s gorgeous country.
Now throw in a night’s stay in a covered wagon outfitted for a family, and you have an unforgettable experience. Buffalo Valley Ranch may not be as luxurious as some of the other listings but it makes up for that with the scenery. it’s also bring-your-own-linens or pay a fee for towels and linens.
Reading some of the reviews, it looks like some people forgot the “camping” part that comes with glamping. It’s a little more rustic than other places.
Buffalo Valley Ranch’s site makes it easy to book activities while you’re there, including float trips and horseback riding.
8. Yellowstone Under Canvas
Where: West Yellowstone, Montana
Why: Similar to the situation for the Under Canvas near Mount Rushmore, the Yellowstone glamping location offers proximity to the national park (specifically the west entrance). If you’re dreaming of seeing Old Faithful, that geyser is about 35 miles from the resort. In national park driving terms, it’s about an hour away.
You can go full-on luxury with a private bathroom with a shower and flushing toilet plus electricity, or you can go rustic with a teepee.
There is a restaurant and bar on site.
9. The Domes at Canyonlands
Where: Monticello, Utah
Why: These sci-fi-looking domes give you the desert experience, without sacrificing all creature comforts. Domes are outfitted with a queen-size bed, kitchenette, and WiFi. Shared bathrooms, though, are a short walk.
The location of the Domes at Canyonlands glamping site is the big draw. You’re not too far from two national parks: Canyonlands and Arches. OK, you’re not at Canyonlands but, you’re about 40 odd miles from there. Even closer are Bears Ears National Monument and Newspaper Rock Recreation Site.
10. Zion Glamping Adventures
Where: Hildale, Utah
Why: Location, location, location. Not only are the tents at Zion Glamping Adventures in a canyon near Canaan Mountain Wilderness Area and the Water Canyon trail head, it’s also pretty close to popular destinations like Zion, Bryce Canyons, and the otherworldly Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Another rare perk of these tents: Air-conditioning. Tents come with a queen size bed, or two if you book a suite. Since the site has a playground, I’d say it’s kid-friendly.
