As winter begins to melt away, spring can be a great time to get out and enjoy warmer temperatures, blossoming flowers and greenery, and bypass summer’s bustling crowds. While some states still have temperamental weather patterns this time of year, others tease summertime temps and sunshine—making them excellent destinations for outdoor activities of all kinds.
Glamping is the perfect way to embrace all of spring’s vibes without pitching your own tent or giving up creature comforts and amenities. Here are seven states where you can find ideal glamping accommodations close to popular parks and outdoor recreation.
The Best Glamping Sites Near National Parks
Arizona
Under Canvas Grand Canyon, Valle, Arizona
Known for its upscale amenities, this Under Canvas location puts glampers just outside of Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim entrance. Guests can enjoy on-site dining options, yoga sessions, live music, kid-friendly activities, and off-site adventure options. At night, you’ll also have plenty of incredible stargazing opportunities.
How to Visit Grand Canyon National Park by RV and Where to Camp
TinyCamp Sedona, Sedona, Arizona
Explore the red rocks and desert landscapes of Sedona from the comfort of a luxurious tiny house. This sustainability-minded retreat has nearby hiking and mountain biking trails, shopping and dining options, and is located outside of Coconino National Forest. Each house comes with a private deck, perfect for sunsets and stargazing.
California
AutoCamp Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree, California
Sitting just outside of Joshua Tree National Park, glampers can enjoy upscale accommodations ranging from Airstream travel trailers to cabin-like suites at this AutoCamp location. Guests can enjoy complimentary mountain bikes, fire pits, curated menus, and more. Spring months typically provide visitors with reduced crowds and mild temperatures compared to the summer heat.
Waypoint Ventura, Ventura, California
Choose from a variety of luxurious vintage trailers at this coastal glamping destination. Located in the historic surf town of Ventura, California, you’ll be near Channel Islands National Park, the Ventura Botanical Garden, beaches, walking and biking pathways, and plenty of dining and shopping options.
Florida
Westgate River Ranch, River Ranch, Florida
While rodeos, horseback riding, and ranching aren’t things you’d expect to find in Florida, this luxury glamping and camping retreat provides guests with a unique Western-themed experience. Accommodations range from tipis to Conestoga wagons, and visitors can choose from a variety of outdoor activities to stay busy during the day. At night, enjoy community campfires, live music, and bourbon tastings for the adults.
St. Andrews State Park, Panama City, Florida
Glamp beachside at this state park nestled on the shores of Panama City Beach. Visitors can enjoy miles of white sand beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico. This area is known for its many watersports, hiking trails, and bird watching. You can even take a ferry to Shell Island for swimming and snorkeling on the 7-mile-long undeveloped barrier island.
North Carolina
Glamping Collective, Clyde, North Carolina
Only a 20-minute drive from Asheville, North Carolina, and less than an hour away from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this mountainside glamping resort offers upscale lodging and exceptional views. The geodesic domes and glass cabins are equipped with modern amenities, including hot tubs and fire pits at select sites.
Where to Camp When Visiting Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cape Hatteras-Outer Banks KOA, Rodanthe, North Carolina
This glamping location puts you right on the shorelines of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Located in Rodanthe, the resort-style KOA offers glamping tents and a variety of cabins, along with RV and tent camping sites. Hit the beach during the day and come back to camp to relax by the fire at night.
Texas
The Retreat on the Hill, Cottonwood Shores, Texas
In the heart of Texas Hill Country, this upscale glamping location offers numerous ways to stay, including tipis, cliffside A-frames, domes, a bird’s nest, and reimagined container suites. Lake Lyndon B. Johnson and the Colorado River are both nearby for water activities—plus, Austin is only an hour away. While indoor heating and cooling systems make for comfortable glamping year round, if you’re eager to get outside, spring can provide more favorable temperatures than other seasons.
Summit at Big Bend, Terlingua, Texas
Retreat to an upscale cave, mountainside abode, or stargazing dome after a long day of exploring Big Bend National Park. Summit at Big Bend even offers larger lodging options for parties of six or more. With more than 1,000 acres of desert landscape, this is the perfect place to go hiking, off-roading, exploring, or simply sit back and relax.
7 Glamping Getaways That Offer Amazing Amenities
Utah
Capitol Reef Resort, Torrey, Utah
Outside of Capitol Reef National Park and within driving distance to other attractions like Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and Canyonlands and Bryce Canyon national parks, Capitol Reef Resort puts you in the heart of Utah’s public lands. Stay in a Conestoga wagon, tipi, or cabin—all equipped with upscale amenities for exceptional glamping comfort.
East Zion Resort, Orderville, Utah
Sitting just outside of Zion National Park’s eastern entrance, East Zion Resort offers yurts, treehouses, and canvas tents. Each site comes with a fire pit and grill, plus epic views of the area’s mountainous landscape. Relax in the resort’s pool and hot tub or take things up a notch with an off-road adventure with one of the many local excursion companies.
West Virginia
Adventures on the Gorge, Lansing, West Virginia
With both cabin-style lodging and glamping tents, adventure-seeking travelers can sleep steps away from a plethora of activities like kayaking, whitewater rafting, aerial courses, rappelling, and more. Adventures on the Gorge is located right outside of New River Gorge National Park where you can hike, explore, and check out the famed New River Gorge Bridge.
5 Camping Destinations for Adventurous Travelers
