For many, the concept of exploring wide open spaces and sleeping under the stars while camping is an alluring one. However, the mere thought of neither running water nor indoor plumbing for an extended period of time is not.
Enter glamping.
For those unfamiliar, glamping is a means to experience the great outdoors without giving up one’s creature comforts. In fact, many places that offer glamping have more luxuries that one might very well find at home. Here are some favorites.
Under Canvas
The best glamping outfitters create a seamless immersive escape for guests, customized to each individual’s wants and needs. Under Canvas certainly falls into this category. Each luxury campsite is made up of safari-inspired canvas lodging tents, which can hold up to seven people and are furnished with Casper mattresses, luxe linens, and a wood-burning stove. Even better: there is daily housekeeping, running hot water, and flushing toilets. Currently, there are Under Canvas sites in Montana, Utah, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Arizona. Its newest locale is Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase. Set on 220 acres of beautiful land colored with hues of orange, red, and yellow, and featuring 50 luxury tents on raised decks, it is conveniently located near Antelope Canyon, Lone Rock Beach at Lake Powell, the Wahweap Marina, and Horseshoe Bend. UnderCanvas.com
Yonder Escalante
This past spring, Yonder Escalante—a 20-acre desert resort—launched in Southern Utah. Located near both the 200-million-year-old Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Bryce Canyon National Park, it is equal parts modern lodging and outdoor living amidst some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in the world. There are 10 renovated-yet-retro airstreams, 22 custom-designed A-frame cabins, and 67 RV sites on property, as well as a pool and hot tub, spa-like bathhouses, an open-air lodge with fire pits, a vintage record player, board games, a library, a sundeck, a telescope, and daily complimentary beverages. There is even a general store with curated provisions and meal kits, as well as a drive-in movie theater complete with vintage cars. StayYonder.com
Castle Hot Springs
Tucked against the Bradshaw Mountains just 50 miles outside of Phoenix, Castle Hot Springs is 1,100 acres of outdoor adventure unlike most other places in the world. That is because in addition to indoor-outdoor living via bungalows and modern raised cabins, as well as horseback riding, adventure courses, guided hikes, archery, electric bikes, spa services, mixology classes, and even farm tours, the award-winning property is home to 13,000-year-old hot springs. These mineral-rich waters, of which there are three onsite offering varying degrees of heat, are known to ease aches and pains, improve mobility, and boost skin rejuvenation. CastleHotSprings.com
Camp Sarika
Amangiri, located in Southern Utah less than 30 minutes from Page, is more than an experiential resort—it's a mystical world unto itself. Spaced over 600 acres of protected land, Amangiri gives guests the opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of the Southwest while still enjoying the ultimate in creature comforts. In 2020, the brand launched Camp Sarika. Just five minutes from Amangiri, this new luxury encampment features just 10 tented pavilions, offering a remote sanctuary with privacy, escapism, and adventure, as well as all of Amangiri’s luxe amenities—notably its full-service spa, spa suites, restaurant, sun deck, swimming pool, and Jacuzzi—and adventures ranging from exploring cliff dwellings and canyoneering to horseback riding and paddle boarding. Aman.com
Arizona Nordic Village
During the winter months, the Arizona Nordic Village—conveniently located in the heart of the Coconino National Forest just 15 northwest of Flagstaff—offers nearly 25 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat tire biking. During the summer and fall months, the landscape turns into magical meadow, offering hiking, biking, and horseback riding—no trail pass required. No matter the season, guests can enjoy it all, from a rugged yet comfortable yurt in the middle of the wilderness. The largest yurts are located along the cross country trails, with views of wildlife 365 days a year. There are also yurts and small cabins closer to the main lodge, so those unable to travel long distances without a vehicle. All options offer access to portable restrooms, a cozy library, a fire pit, sleep pads (or bunk beds), and stoves, and some even have tables and chairs inside. ArizonaNordicVillage.com
Ambiente: A Landscape Hotel
A first-of-its-kind in North America and opening toward the end of the year, Ambiente is uniquely designed to blend in with the mystical red rocks of Sedona and give guests the opportunity to experience and embrace the natural beauty that surrounds them in one of the world’s most stunning locations. Rather than hotel rooms or suites, the property will feature 40 cubed-shaped guest atriums with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, making it feel as if you are engulfed in your surroundings throughout your stay. There will be a pool, as well as provisions, available, and daily programming in line with Sedona’s soulful spirit. AmbienteSedona.com
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Those seeking a spot that is as kid-friendly as it is amenity-rich should look into Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, which is among North America’s leading family camping and glamping outfitters. There are 75 locations across the United States and Canada, and what sets them apart outside of the traditional amenities are their activities that are designed with the whole family in mind. There are waterslides, splashgrounds, kayaking, mini golf, jumping pillows, wagon rides, foam parties, interactions with Yogi Bear characters, and more, all year long. CampJellystone.com