Top glamping destinations in the U.S. for a summer outdoor escape

Editor's note: This post is updated regularly with fresh information and offers.

For camping enthusiasts who don’t want to compromise on comfort, glamping — or glamorous camping — is the perfect summer getaway. It combines outdoor adventures like swimming, biking, and boating with cozy sleeping arrangements under the stars.

Most glamping resorts feature spacious accommodations, often in the form of tents, though some may include standalone cabins or RVs. The finest glamping locations in the U.S. provide stunning views of nature and outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, stargazing, or biking. Be aware that service levels may vary: some resorts have dedicated camping staff, while others offer communal campgrounds with less privacy.

Since 2020, glamping resorts have surged in popularity across the U.S., and you can now book some — like the Alila Ventana — using hotel loyalty points. Additionally, Hilton's collaboration with Autocamp, launching on Cape Cod this summer, makes for an excellent outdoor escape option.

Whether you want to stargaze in a national park or take your pet to a welcoming outdoor retreat, these are the top glamping resorts in the U.S.

Ulum Moab

Featuring elegant, white safari-style tents, Ulum Moab provides stunning views of Looking Glass Arch and the vibrant red sandstone desert. Recognized as one of TPG's top picks for the best new hotels of 2023, this property is part of the luxury outdoor brand Under Canvas.

Spanning 200 acres of breathtaking desert scenery, the 50 suite tents offer magnificent views of Canyonlands National Park. Each tent is equipped with a king-size bed, luxurious Parachute linens, a lounge area with a sofa bed, an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower, and a private deck. Additional amenities include cooling fans, electric blankets, and wood-burning stoves for a perfect sleeping atmosphere. The resort features upscale dining options and a terrace with dipping pools, along with complimentary on-site activities such as yoga classes, evening stargazing, hiking, and live music.

Rates at Ulum Moab begin at approximately $630 per night.

The Resort at Paws Up

The Resort at Paws Up is arguably one of the most opulent glamping resorts in the western U.S. For instance, guests are treated to a dedicated camping butler who attends to their every need throughout their stay.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the property operates as an all-inclusive resort. The nightly rate covers three gourmet meals, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, transportation to and from the resort, and select on-site activities. Unique activities and excursions, such as hot air balloon rides and ATV adventures, are available for an additional fee.

When you visit, you can choose from six unique glamping camps, each tailored to your preferences. For instance, the North Bank Camp features three-bedroom, two-bathroom tents, making it perfect for families. Depending on your choice, you might be situated by a lively river or nestled in a serene forest.

Guests have the option to reserve an individual tent or an entire camp if they prefer. As a dog-friendly resort, you’re welcome to bring your pets along.

The Resort at Paws Up provides glamping accommodations from mid-May to October. Contact the property for details on glamping rates.

Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains 

Under Canvas is an excellent choice for glamping beginners, offering a dozen locations across the country. Guests in the safari-style tents enjoy king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, patios furnished with West Elm decor, full bathrooms, and hot running water. The site, situated just outside the renowned Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offers a truly private and secluded experience across its 182 wooded acres.

Like all Under Canvas properties, this location features a variety of activities such as yoga, trivia nights, painting classes, and guided hikes. Adventure packages can include thrilling options like whitewater rafting and scenic driving tours. The property also boasts an emerging culinary scene where guests can indulge in dishes like steak burgers, pot roasts, charcuterie boards, and more.

Rates at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains begin at approximately $250 per night.

Amangiri

Nestled in the heart of a 900-acre expanse in the Utah desert, Amangiri stands out as one of the world’s most coveted resorts. While the property is famous for its stunning suites, the glamping experience at Camp Sarika is equally remarkable.

Each of the 10 luxurious tented pavilions is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape and features one or two bedrooms, private plunge pools, expansive terraces, cozy fire pits, a spacious lounge, a bar, and a dining area. Bathrooms are equipped with both indoor and outdoor showers, as well as deep soaking tubs.

Located near three national parks, guests can enjoy guided desert or mountain hikes on exclusive trails, participate in storytelling sessions under the stars, go horseback riding, or even take a hot air balloon ride.

The property encourages guests to unwind during their stay. They can take advantage of the spa, restaurant, or pool at the main resort, which is just a short golf cart ride from Camp Sarika, where a reception area and restaurant are also available.

Rates at Amangiri begin at approximately $3,650 per night.

Alila Ventana Big Sur

Big Sur, a stunning part of California's Central Coast, has limited accommodation options due to its remote nature. Overlooking this breathtaking landscape, Alila Ventana Big Sur is one of the few luxury stays available. The highlight: you can book it using points as it is part of World of Hyatt.

For those seeking an all-inclusive glamping experience in Big Sur, the hotel offers packages — along with a variety of luxury hotel rooms and amenities. The glamping setup at Alila Ventana Big Sur includes tents spread across a 20-acre redwood canyon, featuring plush beds, electric lamps, hot and cold potable water with sinks, and power outlets. Outdoor comforts such as wood-burning fire pits, picnic tables, and Adirondack chairs are also included.

On-site guests can buy the Spa Alila Day Pass, which grants access to a massage or facial and a poolside meal, along with the pool, hot tub, and sauna. While the glamping experience is part of the hotel, glamping guests may need to pay extra to access certain resort facilities.

Rates at Alila Ventana Big Sur begin at approximately $1,915 or 35,000 World of Hyatt points per night.

Eastwind Oliverea Valley

For a glamping experience near New York City, consider Eastwind Oliverea Valley in the Catskills. This boutique property, part of Mr & Mrs Smith, features 30 Scandinavian-inspired, stand-alone cabins. Nestled in a verdant forest, each cabin boasts its own unique decor, along with private decks and cozy reading nooks.

When you’re ready to explore outside your cabin, enjoy the wood-framed sauna, pool, sunrise yoga sessions, or seasonal workshops. The property also offers foraging walks, and guests can borrow complimentary bikes to navigate the nature paths. Activities like hiking, fly fishing, and horseback riding are also available.

For dining, the highlight is the farm-to-table restaurant, Dandelion. Guests can enjoy s'mores kits, cocktails, private dining experiences, and an extensive all-day à la carte menu.

At the beginning or end of your day, immerse yourself in nature with forest bathing in the nearby woods, where the hotel has set up hammocks among the trees.

Rates at Eastwind Oliverea Valley start at approximately $280 per night.

Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor 

At Terramor Outdoor Resort in Maine, guests enjoy upscale amenities such as Frette linens, Pendelton blankets, screened-in porches, and private fire pits. Additionally, the 64-tent resort features a Wellness Tent for spa treatments and wellness-focused experiences.

The resort boasts an outdoor pool, a hot tub, and an Acadia saltwater immersion experience, which includes a two-hour guided cold-water plunge. New activities like a bee apiary have been introduced, along with hiking, bird watching, stargazing lectures, and live music events.

Located on Mount Desert Island, the resort serves as a gateway to Acadia National Park, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The resort can assist with arrangements for self-guided tours, whale watching, kayaking, and shopping in local boutiques. For a premium glamping experience, guests can use private on-site grills, with all necessary tools and ingredients provided, including beef patties, scallops, and ribeye steaks.

Rates at Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor start at approximately $270 per night.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree

If tent camping isn’t your style, a cozy RV might be the perfect solution. AutoCamp, a glamping brand known for its Airstream accommodations, has partnered with Hilton, allowing you to easily book a glamping stay using Hilton Honors points. While this collaboration officially launches on Cape Cod this summer, Hilton members will soon be able to use points at AutoCamp's seven other locations, according to the brand.

Located in the Southern California desert, AutoCamp Joshua Tree features an outdoor bar, plunge pool, hot tub, and a mobile kitchen for various chef pop-ups. This 25-acre outpost within Joshua Tree National Park offers 47 accommodations across three categories: Airstreams, accessible suites, and X suites. Each unit is modernly decorated and equipped with a kitchenette, outdoor dining space, and a firepit, along with HVAC systems for year-round comfort. Guests can enjoy fireside chats, ecology walks, night-sky photography workshops, and yoga sessions during their stay.

Rates at Autocamp Joshua Tree begin at approximately $240 per night. Hilton Honors point rates are currently unavailable.

Bolt Farm Treehouse 

For a serene, adults-only getaway, Bolt Farm Treehouse is an excellent choice. Situated on 55 acres near Chattanooga, Tennessee, the property features stunning accommodations, including treehouses, domes, and mirror cabins, all designed to immerse guests in the natural beauty of the area.

With options for mountaintop yoga, kayaking, and hiking, guests can easily disconnect and rejuvenate. As the day winds down, enjoy breathtaking views from the spacious soaking tubs, luxurious beds, or expansive decks equipped with outdoor showers, canvas beds, and pizza ovens.

Rates at Bolt Farm Treehouse begin at approximately $605 per night.