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Glamping has become the go-to option for families and couples looking for time outdoors in comfortable accommodations. This type of camping, which includes more luxurious accommodations than traditional camping, has soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it continues to be a great choice for those still looking for time in the wilderness away from all the crowds.
There are plenty of glamping spots to choose from, some with basic amenities to those with high-end offerings, but all offering incredible opportunities to experience nature at its finest, with hiking, biking, kayaking, and more activities to make the most of the warmer months.
Here, we’ve put together three glamping options, located in the mountains of Baja California, forests of South Dakota, and on the shores of Bay of Fundy in Canada.
Rancho Cacachilas, La Paz, Baja California, Mexico
Rancho Cacachilas Adventure Camp sits in the mountains of Sierra de Las Cacachilas, overlooking the town of Ventana and the Bay of La Ventana. This sustainable property, located just 40 minutes southeast of La Paz, is a private working ranch offering all-inclusive adventure experiences, from outdoor activities to culinary experiences, in the middle of a gorgeous slice of Baja California wilderness, replete with rock-strewn slopes, Cardón cacti, and rolling green hills.
Wake up to the first rays of the sunshine in your Palapa Casita tented camp and begin your day with a refreshing gourmet ranch-to-table breakfast in the dining area. The property has 10 palapa casitas overlooking the bay, which come in double, triple, or quadruple occupancy. Each casita has a terrace with a hammock, table and chairs to take in the views.
Spend your day learning about the workings of the ranch and their organic gardens, mountain biking or hiking the many trails (from easy to challenging) with a guide, or simply lounging by the sparkling pool overlooking the mountains in the distance. When night falls, the sky fills up with millions of stars. Sit by the roaring campfire near the clubhouse (games room, reading, and restroom), and listen to your guide as he regales you with local stories and facts about the constellations.
Each meal features delicious dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients from the ranch’s organic gardens. Culinary experiences include workshops on sustainable gardening, bee and honey, and artisanal goat cheese making.
The all-inclusive package includes three meals a day and snacks. The package also includes a certified bilingual guide to make your experience educational and enriching. Bathroom and shower facilities are within walking distance from your tented camp.
- Cost: $300 per person, per night. $150 per child, per night.
Under Canvas Mount Rushmore, South Dakota, United States
Under Canvas offers tented camps near America’s National Parks, and one of them is the Mount Rushmore location, which goes by the tagline, “upscale adventure with monumental views.” This location in fact has one of the best views-- of the carved rock face featuring four presidents-- Mount Rushmore. Visitors to Under Canvas Mount Rushmore can enjoy secluded tented camps, complete with ensuite bathrooms with showers - right at the doorstep of the National Monument.
Each of the tented camps sits on wooden platforms among the Ponderosa pines and Common Juniper trees, and come in three options: Deluxe, Suites, and Stargazer. The latter provides a glass dome over the bed ideal for sleeping under the twinkling stars. These safari-inspired tents have king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, chairs/couches, and a small deck outside to spend your leisure time. The resort also offers tents with access to a community bathhouse.
The airy and expansive main lobby features comfortable and cozy West Elm furniture. The onsite bar/cafe offers seasonally inspired food made with locally sourced produce that guests can enjoy in the al fresco dining area. At night, take advantage of the complimentary s’mores and sit by the fire with friends and family.
There’s no shortage of activities to do at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore. The resort offers live music, yoga, and kids' activities and has access to the wooded Black Hills area for hiking. Those looking to venture outside the camp can drive to popular destinations such as Custer State Park and Crazy Horse Memorial. Those who enjoy long road trips can plan a day for a visit to marvel at the rugged beauty of Badlands National Park and stop by the famous Wall Drug along the way.
- Cost: Rates range from $223 to $409.
oTENTik or Yurts, Fundy National Park, New Brunswick, Canada
New Brunswick’s Bay of Fundy, along the southern coast of the province, is famously known for the highest tides in the world and the iconic Hopewell Rocks. More than 160 billion tons of water rushes in and out of the bay, twice a day, revealing giant rock formations, giving visitors a unique chance to walk on the seafloor. For outdoor lovers looking to take in all that this National Park has to offer, Parks Canada offers multiple accommodations, from the basic oTenTik tents to Yurts.
The oTenTik tents combine the features of a tent with the appeal of an A-frame rustic cabin and come equipped with beds and furniture on a raised floor. These tents, located in the Headquarters, Chignecto, Point Wolfe campgrounds, are perfect for campers looking for a little extra comfort while adventuring in the national park. Guests are encouraged to bring their own sleeping bags, blankets, and pillows, along with cooking gear, and typical camping items. Each tent comes with a parking space for one vehicle, picnic table, two deck chairs, and a fire pit (at Chignecto and Point Wolfe campgrounds only).
The Headquarters campground is in a semi-wooded area located near the East entrance, offering great views of the Bay of Fundy and is close to the Village of Alma. Point Wolfe campground provides access to many hiking trails along the rugged shoreline. Chignecto is located northwest of the Headquarters in a large wooded area on the highlights of Fundy National Park.
For those who want a little more comfort, a stay at a yurt at the Headquarters campground can be a good option. These circular structures have insulated walls and roofs, and come with a propane stove and comfortable furniture. Showers and washrooms are in a separate service building. Guests can cook meals at the cook shelter located nearby.
- Cost: Rates start at $96 per night for the tents. Keep in mind that prices vary depending on the season.