Paying $400 a night to fall asleep in a tent might seem steep, even if luxe perks like a s’mores concierge and high-thread-count linens are folded into the experience. Fortunately, there are alternative glamping spots across the U.S.—from Maine to Mendocino—where the price to snooze under the stars in a canvas tent or teepee is $200 or less. Some of these tents, built on platforms so the floor doesn’t get wet, are so glam they feature a full kitchen and bath. At all you can expect privacy and a fire pit (for s’mores, of course).
Pack your bags—but leave the tent and camping stove at home—for one of these cushy camping adventures.
Sandy Pines Campground
Where: Kennebunkport, Maine
Per night: $77-$209
This exclusive coastal Maine village serves as a popular summer-home spot for celebs like Patrick Dempsey and Anna Kendrick, plus the Bushes. Each 430-square-foot, 24’ x 18’ Glamp Tent—for up to two travelers—is equipped with a mini fridge, King bed (including bed linens), and heating and cooling (AC and a small heater/fan), with a fire pit and outdoor deck seating just outside the front flap. Pick from seven interior designs, such as Nomad (a vintage steamer trunk and crystal chandelier are two focal points) and Blixen’s Oasis (trio of shell chandeliers, rattan furnishings and tropical plants). Want something smaller? The 8’ x 12’ A-frame Hideaway Huts are built on a platform and contain a bed. Guests share access to a bathhouse.
El Cosmico
Where: Marfa, Texas
Per night: $100+
This cultural pocket in the Lone Star State attracts artists—and the lodging choices at the 21-acre El Cosmico, which is part of Bunkhouse Group (other properties are in Todos Santos, Mexico; and Austin and San Antonio, Texas) are no exception. Bunk in one of the 22-foot, Sioux-style tepees with two beds, a couch and electricity. (Did you really think you’d have to read by candlelight?) Access to a bathhouse plus communal social spots like a hammock grove, outdoor kitchen and dining area, wood-fired hot tubs and outdoor kitchen are available to all guests. Hop on a loaner bike to explore Marfa beyond this cool compound.
Cody Wyoming Trout Ranch
Where: Cody, Wyoming
Per night: $110+
An hour from Yellowstone National Park, the 10 tepees at this trout ranch are the perfect base camp for exploring Wyoming’s open land and water, whether that’s for trout fishing or day hikes. Eight tepees hug the Shoshone River while the other two are closer to the bathhouse overlooking the river. And the exteriors of these 20-inch-diameter structures are better than a blah creamy hued canvas: each flaunts a different hand-painted color scheme. American Indian inspired tapestries, rugs and pillows keep guests warm while also honoring the region’s heritage. Cook and enjoy meals using a campfire pit and picnic table, and make new friends roasting marshmallows over the fire pit.
Mendocino Grove
Where: Mendocino, California
Per night: $159+
Is there anything more fab than camping under a canopy of redwoods? This 37-acre campground along Highway 1—across the street from the Pacific Ocean—arranges tents (sized 12’ x 14’ to 16’ x 20’, two and four people each) into “neighborhoods.” In addition to all you’d expect out of glamping (a mattress, down comforter, wool blanket and cotton bed linens), each tent sports leather butterfly chairs on the redwood deck and there’s (limited) electricity. Fry up bacon or fish on the grill and roast marshmallows at night over the fire pit. Each of the two bathhouses is stocked with organic toiletries and fluffy towels for hot showers.
Asheville Glamping
Where: Asheville, North Carolina
Per night: $140+
With a slide jutting out of one of the dome-shaped tents (that’s Dome 3, if you’re interested), this glamp-ground is clearly for the kids at heart. At a much lower rate than $400 per night, however, are Domes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7. Comfortably squeezed into each tent is a Queen memory-foam bed (under a skylight—sweet!) and a sitting area large enough to accommodate two guests, plus a fridge to store cold drinks along with lighting and electricity. While outfitted with A/C, a heated blanket is also available for chilly nights. Dine à deux in your alfresco seating area (a bistro table with two chairs) and have access to a private grill.
Firelight Camps
Where: Ithaca, New York
Per night: $189+
Backed by a team committed to four mantras—land stewardship, local culture, connection and immersion—the goal of Firelight Camps is also to help facilitate “deeper connection” with family, friends and community. Dubbed “luxury safari tents,” each features the kind of design you’d want in your own home, such as Persian rugs, hardwood floors, Southwestern-motif pillow covers and silk Indian bedspreads—plus rocking chairs on the private porch. Choose from a King or two Queen beds and if you’re planning to do work or write the Great American Novel, there’s a writing desk and chair, too.
Huttopia White Mountains
Where: Conway, New Hampshire
Per night: $85+
Tucked into the blissful White Mountains’ foothills, yet only 2.5 hours from Boston, checking into a glamping tent here gives you access to swimming, fishing or canoeing in Iona Lake (or take a dip in the heated pool), weekly outdoor yoga, hiking trails and pizzas ordered from a vintage Airstream food truck. Two people fit comfortably in each tent, which includes a gas stove for cooking and a Queen bed (linens provided), plus a fire pit, wooden deck and picnic table. Other Huttopia locations are near Kennebunkport, Maine; and in New York’s Adirondacks region, as well as Sutton, within Canada’s Quebec province.
Capitol Reef Resort
Where: Torrey, Utah
Per night: $152+
Located at Capitol Reef National Park, there are three lodging options that capitalize on being outdoors: covered wagons, teepees and cabins. Need to catch up on your favorite shows? Each 250-square-foot teepee features a flat-screen TV but also a sitting area in case you want to digitally detox with a book or craft. A pillow-top King bed and air conditioning ensure further comfort. Teepee guests have access to a private bathroom and can relax in the heated outdoor pool and hot tub, perfect after a day of hiking. Also, because the resort is hooked up to Wi-Fi, you don’t have to go off the grid.
Conestoga Ranch
Where: Bear Lake, Utah
Per night: $193+
Calling itself “the Caribbean of the Rockies,” mostly for Bear Lake’s white-sand beaches, the ranch’s traditional tents feature electricity and traditional furnishings, including two beds and a dresser with drawers. Take a hot shower under a rainfall showerhead in the bathhouse. Cook meals over the grill or leave it all to someone else, thanks to an on-site restaurant. Lake activities include sailing, fishing boating and waterskiing, or you can check out a cruiser bicycle for free. Guests also receive access to yoga classes as well as massages (additional fee). Wi-Fi keeps you connected and there’s a general store in case you forget anything.
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