Top Glamping Retreats Near U.S. National Parks

Our national parks preserve some of the tallest mountains, ancient rock formations, and the most surreal landscapes in the United States. It’s no surprise they are so cherished. Camping in these stunning areas offers immediate access to the natural marvels and diverse wildlife that make each park worth exploring—but it’s not for everyone. If you're seeking a more luxurious experience while still immersed in nature, consider booking one of these glamping spots near national parks, designed to enhance your outdoor adventure while placing you right at nature’s doorstep.

Under Canvas

With 12 locations throughout the United States, Under Canvas has perfected the art of sMytouri-inspired lodging near some of the nation’s most renowned national parks. Each site is situated within 30 miles of a national park (or national monument, such as the Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase site). The various types of tents feature en suite bathrooms and accommodate between three and seven guests in king-size beds. Every campsite provides activities tailored to the region, including hot-air balloon rides over Moab, llama treks in Glacier National Park, private yoga classes in Zion, or exhilarating white-water rafting trips in the Smokies.

In 2023, the brand introduced a more upscale venture, Ulum Moab, located near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks—one of our top new hotels for 2024. Each of the 50 suite-style tents is equipped with a king-size bed, a rain shower featuring Aesop bath products, a cozy seating area, a private patio, and a wood-burning stove. Guests can also enjoy a stunning main lodge overlooking the desert, hot and cold dipping pools, a yoga deck, fire pits, and an expansive patio where local musicians perform acoustic sets under the stars on most nights.

The Resort at Paws Up

Experience Montana’s breathtaking landscapes at the Resort at Paws Up, which features a range of family-friendly accommodations (including lodges and home rentals) and is located approximately two-and-a-half hours from Glacier National Park.

For glamping enthusiasts, six luxurious campsites—each featuring six tents—are nestled in private areas of the property, including the banks of the Blackfoot River and the tranquil Elk Creek. Tents can accommodate between two to six guests.

From mid-May to mid-October, enjoy heated slate bathroom floors, spacious showers, and rustic yet refined decor in the well-appointed tents. Each camp includes a chef who prepares exquisite, family-style ranch meals and a butler to assist in planning your daily activities and teach you how to create the ultimate s’more.

Capitol Reef Resort

Experience the charm of the Wild West in luxury with handcrafted Conestoga wagons, reminiscent of their 19th-century counterparts that once transported goods between urban and rural areas. Located just miles from the national park, Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah, offers unique and luxurious accommodations. These stationary wagons, equipped with air conditioning and positioned along Scenic Byway 12, can accommodate up to six guests, featuring a king bed and two sets of twin bunk beds. Enjoy stunning red-rock vistas from the seasonal heated outdoor pool or the year-round hot tub. Alternatively, arrange a personalized adventure with the resort, including options like a llama day hike or a Jeep tour through the national park.

Acadia Yurts

Acadia Yurts, situated on Maine’s Mount Desert Island and reachable by car or ferry, elevates luxury with its 24- and 30-foot-wide yurts, accommodating up to four or six guests, respectively. Just a few miles from Acadia National Park, these yurts feature classic lattice walls, skylights, and vibrant, playful decor. With a full bathroom and a kitchen area, they blend traditional charm with modern comfort. The on-site wellness center includes a sensory deprivation float tank, sauna, and yoga studio, along with options for massage therapy, featuring CBD and Himalayan hot stone treatments.

Alpenglow Luxury Camping

Experience the untouched Alaskan wilderness right outside your door at Alpenglow Luxury Camping. Located approximately two-and-a-half hours from Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and four hours from Denali National Park, Alpenglow features 12-by-14-foot canvas tents that can accommodate up to three guests and include covered porches with stunning views of the Matanuska Glacier and the surrounding valley.

Here, the experience is a bit more rustic. The tents are devoid of electricity, but you can charge your phone or portable lantern batteries in the communal area. The site opens on Memorial Day weekend each year and usually closes by the first weekend of September. Daytime summer temperatures range from 60 to 80 degrees, while nights can drop to between 50 and 60 degrees; although the tents aren't heated, extra blankets are readily available. While there are no showers on the premises, Alpenglow provides a bucket of hot water and sponges for rinsing off before you relax in the site’s cedar hot tub, which boasts stunning mountain views.

AutoCamp

With seven locations across the United States, including four situated near national parks, AutoCamp turns a collection of stylish, modern Airstream trailers into luxurious accommodations equipped with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, spa-like bathrooms, and private patios complete with fire pits. Each trailer accommodates up to three guests. Additionally, cabin-style suites and luxury tents—featuring accessible options at each site—provide extra space for a comfortable stay.

Central to each location is a communal area, restaurant, and shop where guests can relax, pick up essentials (don’t forget to grab the signature s’more and barbecue kits), and enjoy live music on select evenings. The Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Zion locations also feature a swimming pool—ideal for cooling off after a long day of hiking, biking, or exploring the great outdoors.

AutoCamp is set to unveil its newest location near California’s Sequoia National Park in the fall of 2024 (with bookings now available), bringing its total to eight properties across the USA.

Dunton River Camp

Situated less than two hours from Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, the expansive 500-acre Dunton River Camp features eight luxurious tents boasting breathtaking views of the San Juan Mountains or the west fork of the Dolores River. Each tent accommodates two guests. When you're not exploring the ancient cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, you can enjoy a steam in a riverside sauna, take a complimentary mountain bike ride, or visit Colorado's only active geyser, conveniently located on-site at Dunton River Camp.

Are you keen on hiking, fly-fishing, or horseback riding? Each day, a guided tour departs from the camp, included in your stay. You can also book à la carte activities such as rock climbing, rafting, and photography lessons. After a day of adventure, relax in your tent’s six-foot soaking tub, with a towel warmer conveniently placed nearby to keep you cozy.

Basecamp Terlingua

Big Bend National Park earned its status as a premier stargazing locale when it was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. At Basecamp Terlingua, located just under 10 miles from Big Bend, you can reserve a "bubble"—a transparent plastic dome with walls and a ceiling that lets you enjoy the stars without leaving your queen-size bed. Nestled in a former ghost town, the resort also offers a range of other accommodations, including adobe casitas, luxury tepees, and lotus tents that blend yurt and bell tent features. The seven available bubbles come in different sizes, including a deluxe two-room option with a private hot tub and pool. All bubbles are heated, air-conditioned, and equipped with an indoor bathroom and an outdoor firepit complete with lounge chairs.

This article was initially published in 2019 and was updated on July 11, 2024, with new details. Reporting for this story included contributions from Jessie Beck.