10 Cities with Epic Glamping Locations

Feb 11, 2022 | Campgrounds, City Camping, Glamping

10 Cities with Epic Glamping Locations

By Madeleine Balestrier

Photo courtesy of the San Diego Zoo

Camping in the backcountry is a refreshingly quiet experience, but since it requires additional planning, packing, and travel time it can be a hassle for a weekend getaway. So why not glamp near your home or a city with everything you need for a quick adventure? 

Glamping is increasing in popularity with locations popping up in many U.S. destinations, including cities. Seek out cities with strong outdoor communities and natural landscapes for easy access to unique accommodations, including yurts, treehouses, and safari tents. 

These urban areas offer access to epic glamping locations so you can sleep under the stars with plenty of activity and amenities nearby.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Fairbanks sits at 65 degrees parallel north, meaning it has one of the most unique skies in the world. It’s worth the trip purely for the aurora borealis (from August to April) or the midnight sun season (from April to August). Here you can sleep in a clear dome while staring at the northern lights. 

Aside from its light displays and Indigenous culture, there are other activities to venture into Alaska’s second-largest city for, including boat tours, the Pioneer Park historic village, and fresh seafood.

Where to glamp near Fairbanks, Alaska:

Retro travel trailer parked among daisy flowers
Airstream Dreaming glamping rental. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Flagstaff, Arizona

Humphreys Peak overlooks the city of Flagstaff, which is home to the world’s largest ponderosa pine forest. Sitting at 7,000 feet, this city in the high country is a gateway to the outdoors, especially for rock climbing, mountain biking, and backpacking adventures. It’s also close to southern Utah and Colorado. 

Where to glamp in Flagstaff, Arizona:

Wooded cabins at campground with picnic tables and fire rings
Cabin rentals at San Diego Metro KOA. | Photo by: Hop Inn

San Diego, California

San Diego is an outdoor-lover’s paradise with its coastline, mountains, and valleys all located within the city limits. The Southern California climate can’t be beaten with warm sunny days most of the year. 

It’s the perfect place to take in the area’s landscape and culture, from surfing in the Pacific to indulging in the bustling downtown nightlife. You can even glamp at the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park. 

Where to glamp near San Diego, California:

Durango, Colorado

Durango is a small city with a college town feel nestled in southwestern Colorado among the San Juan Mountains. The Animas River winds through mountain biking trails and along historical Main Street. 

The hub of Durango features food trucks, relic establishments, breweries, and art galleries with a strong Native American heritage. Beyond Main Street, you’ll find easy access to Mesa Verde National Park, Purgatory Ski Resort, the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and the Colorado Trail. 

Glamping near Durango offers the perfect hybrid of urban exploring and outdoor adventure.

Where to glamp near Durango, Colorado:

A-frame tent platform
A-frame glamping at Sandy Pines Campground. | Photo: Ashley Rossi

Portland, Maine

Maine is home to more than 60 lighthouses, and six are close to Portland, the state’s largest city. One of the most remote and forested states in the lower 48, Maine offers steep mountains, rugged coastlines, and a smattering of islands along the coast. While it’s blanketed in deep snow in the winter, it’s bustling in the summer with the shores of Bar Harbor and the trails of Acadia National Park

The perfect home base is a glamping site near Portland for the best creature comforts and fresh seafood. 

Where to glamp near Portland, Maine:

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a must-stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic drive from Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

If you’re traveling the parkway, plan to stop in Asheville and unwind for a few days with good food, Southern hospitality, quaint decor, and a thriving art scene. Enjoy views of the rolling mountains in hues of misty blues at sunrise. 

Although you can glamp year-round in cozy remote areas near Asheville, the best time to visit is during the peak of fall foliage. There’s nothing more picturesque than watching the sunset light up the leaves and sky from your furnished dome in the nearby forest. 

Where to glamp near Asheville, North Carolina:

Stationary red travel trailer in parking lot
The Pendleton glamping rental. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Bend, Oregon

Bend is located between the Cascade Mountains and the high desert. It’s an adventurer’s mecca with prime mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, and snowboarding. 

You’ll find the Three Sisters Wilderness, Deschutes River, Deschutes National Forest, and Mount Bachelor nearby. Single-track trails, waterfalls, and remote wilderness are all just a short drive outside of the city. 

The city is walkable and bike-friendly with an urban trail system for enjoying the breweries, shops, and restaurants. No matter what activities you enjoy, there are plenty of unique accommodations in the area. 

Where to glamp near Bend, Oregon:

Austin, Texas

Activities in Austin range from boutique shopping and quirky movie venues to full-moon paddles and intimate music shows. Beyond the city limits, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy McKinney Falls State Park, Lake Travis, and Pedernales Falls State Park.

Austin has options for glamping too. From the natural immersion at Collective Retreats to the treehouses at Cypress Valley Treetops, there’s no shortage of luxury camping accommodations. 

Where to glamp near Austin, Texas:

Entrance into KOA campground with wood cabins
Entrance to Salt Lake City KOA Holiday. | Photo: Campendium

Salt Lake City, Utah

Salt Lake City offers plenty of adventure thanks to its location in the Wasatch Mountain Range.  It’s a haven for camping, rock-climbing, and blooming wildflowers in the summer. Nearby are outdoor attractions like Big Cottonwood Canyon and Silver Lake, as well as a variety of ski resorts. Take advantage of all Salt Lake City has to offer and book your next stay at a glampground.  

Where to glamp near Salt Lake City, Utah:

View of mountain range from circular door entry
Hobbit Inn glamping rental. | Photo courtesy of Airbnb

Seattle, Washington

Located on Puget Sound, Seattle merges the natural landscape with an urban feel. It’s a perfectly situated city for day trips and backcountry excursions. 

Follow the famous foggy coastline of the Pacific Northwest or head to the North Cascades with looming Mount Rainier and the surrounding national park. Backpacking, kayaking, and fishing abound in this area. 

A day in Seattle is well spent with hidden bookstores, grunge music, bold coffee, and seafood chowders. This iconic Pacific Northwest location offers unique accommodations, from safari tents and decked-out camper vans to your very own Lord of the Rings paradise at the Hobbit Inn. 

Where to glamp near Seattle, Washington:


These epic glamping locations near outdoor cities merge camping, luxury, and convenience—making it easy for you to glamp near your favorite city while still enjoying the outdoors.

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