The Best Glamping Experiences in the U.S.

Nightly campfire stories and s’mores, breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings, the sense of peace and achievement after a day’s hike... when the weather warms and nature beckons, it’s difficult to ignore. And luckily, with the “glamping” movement over the past decade, you can experience the wonders of the natural world from a luxurious tented camp, complete with five-star service and delicious meals. Glamping allows you to get your camping fix without having to sacrifice the modern comforts you love (although you may feel inclined to sacrifice some anyway). Here are the best glamping offerings in the U.S. from the sweeping meadows of Montana to the desert wonders of Utah.

Lose yourself in the majestic landscapes of this remote Colorado valley, where modern amenities take a back seat to the simple pleasures of the great outdoors. Days at Dunton River Camp are spent fly-fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking and conclude with fireside cocktails and guest’s stories from their daily adventures—in short, here, guests are treated to the ultimate wilderness camping experience. Not to negate the finer aspects of this glamping site. The jewel of each tent is its king-sized bed, towering with cozy comforters and throws. High ceilings give the tents an airy quality while thoughtful details like the curated selection of books, Aesop bath products and Glerup slippers—plus personal bikes and the ever-attentive and ever-active staff—make guests feel catered to and taken care of. Each tent is elevated, with a deck and loungers to allow for optimal views of the forested mountains and bubbling rivers and streams. Community is a primary focus of this property, where guests enjoy family-style dinners served at the restored farmhouse and nightly fire pit gatherings. To quote Indagare contributor Simone Girner who stayed in 2019, Dunton River Camp evokes “a feeling—for once—of being completely in the here and now.”

Live out your Wild West fantasy surrounded by cowboys, wranglers, fly fishermen and mountaineers at this Montana ranch. After a day of horseback-riding through the sprawling meadows, dreamy pine forests and rolling hillsides, you can retreat to the Silver Dollar Saloon, with its bowling alley, billiard tables and saddle barstools. In the summers, take advantage of activities like mountain biking, archery and hiking through the 50 miles of logging trails, while in the winter, embark on snowmobiling adventures, horse-drawn sleigh rides or the drive up to Big Sky for spectacular skiing. Full immersion is key at The Ranch at Rock Creek, and this mission was taken seriously in the design of the riverside tents (part log cabin and part canvas), where palettes are primarily red and chocolate, with animal skins strewn on the wooden floors, footed tubs and gas fireplaces straight from the Old West. Even the dining experience is authentic Montana, with meats, produce and herbs all sourced regionally and locally, prepared in a wood fired grill, Dutch oven or a full kitchen. A favorite of couples, families and groups of friends, it is no surprise the wooden sign that greets you upon arrival reads “Paradise.”

Only a 20-minute drive from Moab, scattered along a hillside overlooking rolling dessert plains and an otherworldly keyhole arch, are the tents of ULUM Moab, the first true “glamping” property by Under Canvas. The prime location is utterly enveloped in outdoor adventure, with Arches and Canyonlands National Park only a stone’s throw away and the scenic Route 128 within easy access just north of Moab. That’s to say nothing of the excursions offered by the property, including hummer safaris, canyoneering and river rafting, plus the opportunity to scale Looking Glass Arch. But ULUM also recognizes the value of of the quiet and subdued, with activities like soap-making and cocktail glasses and wellness offerings like desert yoga and cave massages—a necessity after a day hiking in the parks. The tents themselves all embrace the same layout and aesthetic, with a private deck overlooking the landscape, a small tastefully done seating area (with a pullout couch), a full bathroom with hot and cold running water and a king-sized bed with a heated mattress—a boon especially come October. The common spaces invite guests to take in nature, with tall windows, spacious patios and ample fire pits around which to roast complimentary s’mores. And of course, to combat the desert heat, there is a pool and hot tub.

Nestled beneath a flat-topped mesa and surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes, the 10 tented villas at Camp Sarika from Amangiri put the “glam” in glamping. Expect private plunge pools, fire pits and stunning views at each villa, where Aman’s signature minimalist style meets an old-fashioned safari tent. Inside, fine throws and area rugs join Nespresso machines and soaking tubs beneath the sand-colored canvas, made from recycled plastic bottles. Desert adventure abounds at and around the property, with the Vermillion Cliffs and Lake Powell within an hour of the camp and the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Zion National Park a couple hours’ drive or easy helicopter ride away. Embark on activities like hiking, climbing, hot-air ballooning, horseback riding and daily complimentary fitness and yoga classes. Plus, immerse yourself in the indigenous tradition imbued into the cuisine, spa treatments and activities, with indigenous guided tours of the slot canyons, storytellers and dishes like rack of elk with heirloom beans. While guests can order meals to their tents or dine at Camp Sarika’s restaurant, Camp Sarika guests can also drive or hike to sister-property Amangiri to dine at its restaurant or enjoy its gym, spa or pools.

For a truly customized and privatized adventure, Indagare can offer private tented luxury in some of the U.S.’s most stunning landscapes. Experience the glory of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Moab, where you’ll gain access to the beautiful views of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, among others—without all the crowds. Guests can spend their days on the trails hiking or mountain biking, try their hand at axe-throwing, blow darts and corn hole, spend an evening stargazing through the camp’s telescope and view a presentation by a specialist of their choice, from a paleontologist to a Native American Storyteller. As befits any camping experience, nightly campfires and s’mores are available as well as a shaded lounge with board games, playing cards and books tailored to the guests. Seasonal meals often include delicious treats prepared in a Dutch Oven over hot coals, and enjoyed either in picnic style on the trail, at an open-air table or in a cozy dining tent. At the end of the day, guests will retreat to the soft down comforters of their queen, twin or bunk beds nestled in their canvas tents, each of which has a private bathroom. While this experience may be more rustic than the others, the five-star service from the staff and the personalized set-up promises an unforgettable glamping experience for those looking to commit.

Across the northern border, Canada’s Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, Beckons isn’t in the U.S., but it’s one of our favorite luxury camping experiences anywhere in the world. Accessible only by seaplane, boat or helicopter, it’s a pioneer in the glamping movement, attracting a loyal following since it opened in 2000. Located where the Bedwell River meets the Pacific Ocean, the vast forests, rugged mountains and fairy-tale-esque waterfalls make for the ultimate wilderness experience. Each night, you’ll meet with the staff guides to plan the next day’s excursions, from kayaking the sound to hiking the deserted beaches of Flores Island. Take a boat trip down the river for viewings of black bears, bald eagles, sea lions and whales or canyon up the glacier-fed waterfall channel to get your blood pumping. Come nightfall, relive your days alongside fellow guests as you munch on s’mores by campfires or delight in canapés and a good book in a cozy chair in the lodge. Decompress at the spa with a hot tub or massage and tuck into the freshest catch and locally grown vegetables on the spectacular seasonal menu, which changes daily and may feature mains like bacon-wrapped venison or Dungeness crab. Then, of course, there are the tents—reachable by a tiki-torch-lit boardwalk—which offer silky bed linens, heated bathroom floors and candles lit upon your return from dinner. Saying goodbye to this lodge is a bit like leaving behind your favorite childhood summer camp.