Glamping
It’s summer, and that means vacation time for most couples and families. While some travel across the country visiting big cities for shopping, historical tours or national monuments, many in our neck of the woods, head outside to enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, boating, swimming and all the other reasons we choose to call the west home. We grab the tent, sleeping bags, beat up old clothes, hot dogs and of course, the ingredients for s’mores, and get ready for a few back-breaking nights in a cold tent− or do we?
A recent demand for the comforts of home while out in the woods is changing the way we do camping. Traditionalists scoff at the idea of actual beds and hot water showers in the wilderness, but “glamping” or glamorous camping is getting those who have always refused the sleeping bag and cold ground actually out in the woods and back in touch with nature. You’ll be surprised at what people are willing to pay for luxury but also at how affordable some of the options you have available to you as well.
The RV/Camper
This is the original glamping device getting you off the ground and into a warm, secure space. Today’s tow-behind models are made of much lighter materials than those of yesteryear, letting you tow them behind something as small as a Subaru Outback. There is also a popular movement sweeping the country of completely renovating old and worn out trailers. As long as they are structurally sound, designers are finding creative ways to maximize the small indoor space and turning them into mini-mobile apartments. Something as easy as reupholstering benches can really bring an old camper back to life.
If you’re not looking to own, renting an RV can be something fun for the whole family. Cruise America is probably the most widely known, but there are often local choices right in your community as well. Renting an RV puts you in control of your completely mobile campsites and is ideal if you plan on visiting multiple sites over the course of a week or two-week long trip. With most, you won’t need a special driving license, but plan on spending several hundred dollars per week on a rental as well as fuel costs.
As the industry continues to expand, sites are catering to all levels of experience from rugged to spoiled rotten. While there are dozens of options across the west, here are just a few to give you an idea on what to expect.
Fire Lookouts
While not the most glamorous of accommodations, what you are getting is some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Before planes and infrared radar detected wildfires, it was the job of the fire lookout. Today, you can step back in time and camp inside many of the now retired fire lookouts throughout the west. While not often advertised, these are extremely popular with some reservations even going into a lottery system. You probably won’t land a reservation this summer, but it’s never too early to start planning for summer 2017!
Basic Glamping
Sweetwater Tipi, Bainbridge Island, Washington
Located on a family farm and backed up to National Forest, this is a one-space glamping location giving you privacy of being alone but also not far from the city. Inside the tipi is a queen-sized memory foam bed, mini-fridge, and electrical outlets. There is a composting toilet and heated shower as well. From $175/night.
Huckleberry Tent and Breakfast, Clark Fork, Idaho
Three distinct sites dot this unique homestead in far Northern Idaho near the Montana border. You won’t find power outlets here, but you will find canvas walled tents and queen-sized beds, screened in kitchen area with hand pump water, a propane stove and outdoor shower and outhouse. Breakfast is served by your hosts each morning. On-site trails lead you to wonders to explore, but you’re also close enough to drive to local towns and landmarks. From $100/night.
Full Scale Glamping
Panacea at the Canyon, Terrebonne, Oregon
On 40 acres, this resort is surrounded by high desert country but provides five-star amenities. A full scale spa, pool, yoga and reiki classes encourage guests to completely relax in a natural setting. Your tent includes king-sized bed with a plush comforter, en-suite bathroom, hardwood floors, and local organic bathroom products. All meals are included as well as a nightly foot bath with a turndown service. Guests can also go wine tasting, rock climbing or ride in a hot air balloon. From $700/night double occupancy.
Paws Up, Greenough, Montana
This is a place for those looking for a true Montana wilderness experience and don’t have a problem spending for it. This 37,000 acre ranch sits on some of the most beautiful scenery in the west. Glamping tents are up to 975 square feet and include air conditioning, slate showers, heated floors, cell and internet service, and your own camping cook and butler. Guided tours include ATVs, horseback, shooting, fly fishing, and ranching. During summer months a family of four staying in a two bedroom tent will fork out around $2,500 per night for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Glamping can be as simple as getting you up off the ground or as complex as a five-star resort and across the west there is just about everything in between. The bottom line is you’ll find some place beautiful and comfortable within your budget. If the thought of sleeping on the ground, no hot shower, and swatting mosquitoes doesn’t appeal to you then perhaps glamping will. Getting outside and away from our daily lives in the city even for a weekend can help relieve stress and bring you closer to family or a loved one.
