There’s no question that spending time outdoors is beneficial to kids, but not everyone enjoys the traditional camping experience. Glamping takes the best parts of camping and makes it a more comfortable experience. It’s the perfect way for your family to appreciate the outdoors without the hassle of traveling with tons of gear, worrying about your children’s safety, and dealing with complaints about sleeping on the ground.
Considerations When Glamping With Kids
Before booking your glamping family vacation, consider the following:
- How hard is it to travel to the glamping location? Are there nearby attractions? Does the glamping location allow kids? Look for glamping options near public parks that will offer some additional entertainment for families.
- Try to research the overall vibe of the glamping location. Some resorts focus on getting off the grid and enjoying the quiet of nature while others embrace community—including children—and offer activities.
- Inquire about specific sleeping arrangements that may make your family more comfortable. At many glamping locations, you can book rooms with multiple sleeping areas, adjoining rooms or tents, and private bathrooms. These amenities can make all the difference, especially with younger children.
Now it’s time to book your family glamping trip. Here are eight standout glamping sites for families in North America.
Sandy Pines Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine
Sandy Pines Campground is situated along Maine’s idyllic coastline in Kennebunkport, with access to cool shade and the refreshing ocean.
Families can choose from stationary Airstreams, Conestoga wagons, domes, glasshouses, carriage houses, and other family-friendly accommodations. The grounds offer a heated saltwater pool, paddleboard and kayak rentals, a playground, lawn games, and kids’ programming. Beyond the campground, enjoy nearby Dock Square with restaurants and shopping and Goose Rocks Beach.
Tall Pines Harbor Campground, Sanford, Virginia
Tall Pines Harbor Campground, located along Pocomoke Sound is a small beach campground with a kid-friendly atmosphere. “Great family place, plenty to keep everyone as busy as they want to be,” according to a Campendium user review.
Rent a cabin or a travel trailer, pull in your big rig, or snag waterfront real estate. Regardless of where you choose to stay, you’ll be near the fun. This campground offers water sport rentals, a playground, a rec hall, horseback riding, fishing, and crabbing. Nearby you’ll find multiple islands, the Assateague Lighthouse, wild horses, the Parksley Railroad Museum, and Ocean City.
Port Crescent State Park, Port Austin, Michigan
Glamp in Port Crescent State Park and sleep in a designated dark sky preserve. Kids will marvel at the constellations and night sky. Port Crescent State Park offers several alternative lodging options, including geodesic domes with skylights, electricity, and queen-sized beds. There are also full-amenity cottages as well as tent, RV, and hammock camping options at this state park.
In the park, your family can enjoy the beach and hiking trails, and the town of Port Austin is nearby for convenience. Before visiting, purchase a Michigan Recreation Passport to get into the park.
The Best Campgrounds to Experience a Dark Sky Park
EarthJOY Treehouse Adventures, Brooksville, Kentucky
What kid doesn’t want to climb trees and stay in a treehouse? EarthJOY Treehouse Adventure makes those dreams a reality. Located within driving distance of Greater Cincinnati, this glamping location is family- and pet-friendly.
Here you can choose between three treehouses and a converted school bus to stay. Tour the 200-acre property with hidden sites and treasures. Each treehouse can sleep at least four people and is equipped with a kitchen, comfortable sleeping accommodations, and other features.
Under Canvas Yellowstone, Yellowstone, Montana
Under Canvas has locations near national parks and other scenic spots throughout the U.S. Under Canvas Yellowstone is located only 10 minutes from Yellowstone National Park’s West Entrance in Montana.
It incorporates luxury amenities with rustic surroundings through its notable safari-style canvas tents. This location features seven-person tents, tents with adjoining kids tents and teepees, and private bathrooms. Under Canvas also offers kid-friendly activities, live music, and a fire pit with complimentary s’mores to enjoy when you aren’t exploring the national park.
Loge Camps, Mount Shasta, California
Loge Camps is a hotel chain that reimagines forgotten motels near locations rife with outdoor activities.
There are sites in Oregon, Washington, California, and Colorado, but the location in Mount Shasta, California, is perfect for families year-round. A designated family room can sleep up to four people or a private hostel room can sleep up to eight people in bunk beds. Each room comes with enough storage for gear and a hammock. Communal kitchens and hot water bathrooms are offered. Visitors also have access to wood fire grills, blankets, cruiser bikes, a community fire pit, and live music. Pets are also welcome.
Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Parks Canada offers unique accommodations in Canada, including at Terra Nova National Park. The national park is home to a boreal forest, secluded swimming holes, and protected night skies as a dark sky reserve.
At the park, you can hike, swim, or boat—boat tours lend themselves to experiences with local wildlife, like minke whales, dolphins, and orcas. Glamp at Malady Head and Newman Sound campgrounds in Ôasis and oTENTik units.
How and When to Book National Park Stays in Canada
Ôasis units are teardrop accommodations that feature a hammock loft and sofa bed on the main level. Each campsite also comes with a fire pit, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and breathtaking views. An oTENTik combines a tent and cabin experience, suitable for larger groups. If you have a larger family, then this might be a better glamping option for you. It’s more rustic than an Ôasis unit with fewer amenities.
Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo, River Ranch, Florida
River Ranch, Florida, is home to Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo, a luxury glamping destination near Orlando. This glampground offers teepees, tents, cabins, lodges, and Conestoga wagon rentals. At this resort, the whole family will be entertained with a rodeo, live music, BBQ, a petting farm, horse rides, archery, and more on 1,700 acres. Disney World is only an hour away from River Ranch and makes for a fun day trip.
There are plenty of ways for your family to glamp and experience the outdoors. While glamping resort brands like Under Canvas are expanding locations and more state parks now offer alternative camping options, glamping can be done anywhere, including from your own backyard.
