If you want to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature this summer but have zero interest in pitching a tent, consider the latest raft of glamping and outdoor resorts. Be it in a treehouse, a tricked-out tent, a geodesic dome or a vintage Airstream, you can vacation near national parks and wake up amid forests and mountains, all without crawling into a sleeping bag. Rather, sink into a memory foam mattress, tuck into a plate of French toast, and savor wine tastings and massages in these scenic getaways from New York to California.
Stonewall, Texas
The handsome interiors at this new 32-acre escape in Texas Hill Country look more like hotel rooms than canvas glamping tents. All have king-size beds (some also have additional twin beds) and en suite bathrooms with rain showers, robes and bath products from San Saba Soap Company in nearby Fredericksburg. Created by Outdoorsy, the peer-to-peer R.V. rental company that branched out into travel endeavors, including high-end outdoor accommodations, the property has 22 climate-controlled tents that sleep two or four people, and have wraparound decks, fire pits, kitchenettes and minibars. If you prefer for someone else to make your favorite drink, head to the outdoor bar for local wines, beers, seasonal cocktails and snacks. There’s also a cafe for light bites. When you need provisions like, say, a steak to grill, pop into the country store by the check-in area.
The property is in the midst of Hill Country’s trails and wineries, and is a short drive to the dance halls of Luckenbach and Albert. It’s also less than a half-hour drive to Fredericksburg, with its boutiques and eye-catching 19th-century buildings. Prefer to stay in? Catch a movie night or play shuffleboard, darts and other games. Prices from $300 a night.
Mornings at this new glamping property — about a 45-minute drive from Yosemite National Park — begin with free coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Set on 36 acres, there are 12 cabins and 30 tents. Inside the tents, which all have decks, you’ll find queen beds with memory-foam mattresses (some tents also have bunk beds for children), rugs and night stands with lamps. Opt for a premium tent and you’ll also get heated mattress pads as well as a larger deck and a gas fire pit. Bathrooms and showers are in a communal bathhouse, and outside there are large sinks and soap for washing cookware (remember to bring your own). There’s a shared barbecue area and fire pit as well.
