Best Glamping Spots in the US for Families

You definitely won't feel uncomfortable while camping at Westgate River Ranch Resort.
You definitely won't feel uncomfortable while camping at Westgate River Ranch Resort.

If you love the idea of camping with kids—but not the idea of sleeping on the ground in a flimsy tent—then glamping just may be the answer.

Glamping is an elevated form of camping that gives families a true nature retreat with more luxurious accommodations—think glamping tents and cabins with beds, bathrooms, kitchenettes, electricity, and other amenities. It's like combining the rustic feel of camping with the comforts of a hotel, and it's a fantastic way to make family memories in the great outdoors.

Read on for 17 of the best glamping spots in the US for families. Then check out our Camping Travel Guide for more places to go camping with kids, from East Coast beach camping sites to RV campgrounds.

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Best Glamping Spots for Families: Huttopia
All Huttopia locations offer plenty of amenities for kids.

Best US Glamping Chains for Families

1. Huttopia — Multiple Locations

Huttopia has locations in Canada, Europe, and China in addition to its five US spots (the Adirondacks, Paradise Springs in California, Southern Maine, the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and California's Wine Country). Nestled inside forests and on the shores of lakes and ponds, Huttopia's tents and cabins feature many creature comforts including electricity, bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Check out our writer's review of a visit to Huttopia Paradise Springs with her family.

Why we love Huttopia for kids: All Huttopia locations feature a swimming pool, an on-site bistro and cafe, and loads of family activities and entertainment, so you'll never hear the dreaded, "I'm bored!"

2. AutoCamp — Multiple Locations

This glamping chain has nine locations across the US—AshevilleCape Cod, the Catskills, Texas Hill Country, Joshua Tree, Russian River in California's Wine Country, Sequoia, Yosemite, and Zion in Utah. Families can stay in spacious Airstreams with kitchenettes and private bathrooms, luxury tents, cabins, or other accommodations. One Mommy Poppins writer visited the Zion AutoCamp and was thrilled to be able to fit a pack-and-play and other baby gear into the Airstream. Another writer shared the scoop on her amazing experience at the Joshua Tree location in her review.

Why we love AutoCamp for kids: Each AutoCamp location has a Clubhouse with lounge spaces, work spaces, and board games; a kitchen and general store; free bikes, WiFi, and coffee; and other amenities that ensure families have a comfortable stay. 

RELATED: 21 Classic and Funny Campfire Songs for Any Camping Trip

Best Glamping Spots for Families: Collective Governors Island
Collective is the only place to stay on New York City's Governors Island.

Best Glamping Spots in New York

3. Collective Governors Island — New York City

Enjoy sunset views of the Statue of Liberty and New York City from a Journey+ Tent at this luxurious glamping retreat, which features beds with 1,000-thread-count linens, lighting, WiFi, air conditioning, and a private shared bathroom and shower. You can add an adjacent tent that sleeps up to two kids. Summit Tents are a bit more glamorous, but can only hold two adults and one child under 12. Or opt for an Outlook Shelter that sleeps up to four, which is like a mini home with a private spa bathroom. When you get hungry or thirsty, stop by the on-site restaurant and bar.

Why we love Collective for kids: This is the only place to stay on Governors Island, where there are so many fun things to do with kids, including unique playgrounds, cool art exhibits, biking, and more.

4. Roscoe Campsite Park — Roscoe

The Luxury Lodge Tents at this Catskills campsite have not only their own bathrooms with showers and clawfoot bathtubs, but also kitchenettes, air conditioning, and heat. They sleep four, with a king bed and twin bunk beds outfitted with luxury linens. But don't get too comfy in the tent—Roscoe offers so many fun outdoor activities including fishing, tubing, hiking, scavenger hunts, kayaking, canoeing, and lots more.

Why we love Roscoe for kids: Children under 10 stay free—what could be better than that?

What to do nearby: Take a tour of Trout Town Farms, located just a few miles down the road, and meet alpacas, dwarf goats, chickens, and other friendly farm animals.

5. Firelight Camps — Ithaca

This Upstate New York campsite offers glamping tents that hold up to four people, some with electricity and heating. The tents feature hardwood floors, one king or two queen beds, a tented porch with rocking chairs, battery-powered lanterns, and a desk and chair. At the site itself, which is open May through October, hang around the communal campfire, play lawn games, and enjoy a continental breakfast that's included in your stay. There's a bathhouse with hot showers, toilets, and eco-friendly bath products on site.

Why we love Firelight Camps for kids: Children love all of the outdoor activities in the area, from hiking and biking to local waterfalls and water sports.

What to do nearby: Build in time to explore Downtown Ithaca and its awesome shops, restaurants, theaters, and more. Be sure to stop by Purity Ice Cream for a delicious homemade scoop—it's the best!

RELATED: The Best Campgrounds in Florida for Family Getaways

Best Glamping Spots for Families: Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort
Stay in a tent right on the lake at Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort.

Best Glamping Spots in the Poconos

6. Keen Lake Camping & Cottage Resort — Waymart, PA

Tents at this glamping resort—some of which are right on the lake—are “safari-style” and include up to three beds (bring your own bed linens) plus a grill, a fire ring, and a picnic table. There are spacious bathhouses and a laundromat on site.

Why we love Keen Lake for kids: It's a children's paradise with a pool, multiple playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, a game room, and activities such as boating, fishing, and outdoor movie nights.

What to do nearby: You can take a scenic train ride on the Stourbridge Line, go horseback riding at Happy Trails Stables, and explore historic Honesdale, all with 30 minutes of the resort.

7. Blue Mountain Resort — Palmerton, PA

The canvas glamping tents at this resort come with two full-size bunk beds or a queen bed, plus camping essentials like picnic tables, fire rings, and drinking water. Guests also have access to indoor bathrooms and showers. Free scenic lift rides, access to hiking trails, and use of the on-site fishing pond are also included.

Why we love Blue Mountain Resort for kids: Kids love the on-site Summit Adventure Park with its ropes course, laser tag, zip line, rock climbing, and more.

8. Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort — Shawnee on Delaware, PA

Can’t decide between a hotel or a campsite? The Shawnee Inn and Golf Resort on the Delaware River offers the perfect combo with its riverside glamping tents. Guests get to stay in a rustic tent, but still have access to all of the hotel’s amenities including an indoor pool, restaurants, a playground, an arcade, golf, and more. These glamping tents are ideal for smaller families since they only have beds for three people, and they include private decks, electricity, and more.

Why we love Shawnee Inn for kids: Breakfast, a canoe trip, and a recreation attendant to help with fire-making are all included in the glamping package.

Best Glamping Spots in Florida

9. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo — River Ranch

Each of the glamping tents at this dude ranch contains beds for four, A/C and heating, a private bathroom, a mini fridge and microwave, a grill and picnic table, a patio with mosquito netting, two rocking chairs, and even board games. Go even "glampier" by upgrading to a luxury glamping tent, a conestoga wagon that sleeps six, or a tipi, all of which come with a personal glamping concierge, morning coffee delivery, a golf cart, and other extras.

Why we love Westgate River Ranch for kids: In addition to the rodeo, the resort offers loads of family activities such as archery, a petting farm, an escape room, horseback riding, and fishing.

10. Camping on the Gulf — Miramar Beach

This site offers three large, climate-controlled glamping tents that sleep up to six people. Each tent has a king bed and four bunks, a full bathroom, a small kitchen (complete with a Keurig, a refrigerator, and a microwave), a large deck, electricity, and water. The tents have views of a lake and easy access to the beach. At the campground, enjoy two pools—one with two water slides and the other with a spa.

Why we love Camping on the Gulf for kids: Weekly special events such as face painting, karaoke, animal encounters, and dive-in movies throughout spring, summer, and fall break are a special treat for kids.

RELATED: 12 West Coast Beach Camping Sites for Families

Best Glamping Spots for Families: El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon's cedar cabins offer all the comforts of home with stunning views. 

Best Glamping California Has to Offer

11. El Capitan Canyon — Santa Barbara

This camping resort is located on the stunning Santa Barbara coast, within groves of oak and sycamore trees. Families can stay in one of 12 cedar cabins with beds, bathrooms, kitchenettes, picnic tables, firepits, and other amenities. Or, choose an Adventure Yurt that sleeps four and offers electricity, a mini fridge, a microwave, a ceiling fan and space heater, a picnic table, and a firepit with a grill. Adjacent bathroom facilities include shower stalls and changing rooms.

Why we love El Capitan Canyon for kids: Outdoor activities abound and include hiking, biking, a heated swimming pool, a playground, and a summer concert series. Bonus: Parents can also enjoy wine tastings.

What to do nearby: See nearly 150 species of animals at the Santa Barbara Zoo, have hands-on fun at MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation, and explore native plants at the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden.

12. Lake Hemet — Mountain Center

The Lake Hemet campground offers visitors access to a unique outdoor recreation experience in the heart of the San Jacinto Mountains. The 470-acre reservoir boasts a wide-open swimming beach. Families can also rent kayaks, a motorboat, or a pontoon boat to go fishing. Glamping tents feature two queen beds, a firepit and picnic table, an LED lantern, solar outdoor lighting, and special access to full indoor bathrooms and showers.

Why we love Lake Hemet for kids: An on-site cafe and market make dining convenient for families.

What to do nearby: The town of Idyllwild, located about eight miles from the campground, is full of art galleries, quaint shops, delicious restaurants, and more to explore.

Best Glamping: Cherry Hill Park
Cherry Hill Park offers pods, yurts, cottages and cabins to choose from along with tons of family activities.

More Great Glamping Spots for Families

13. Cherry Hill Park — College Park, Maryland

Cherry Hill Park offers tons of activities and amenities that are included in the cost of your stay. Glamping pods and yurts are open May 15 - November 15. The pods sleep four and include beds, electricity, A/C, WiFi, a fire ring and grill, a picnic table, and access to shared wash stations and a bathhouse. The yurts sleep six and also include cable TV, a microwave and mini fridge, and a dining table and chairs. Cottages and log cabins are available, too.

Why we love Cherry Hill Park for kids: With two pools, a splash park, a mini golf course, playgrounds, tractor rides, an arcade, a fishing pond, and more, kids can't get bored at Cherry Hill Park.

What to do nearby: Cherry Hill Park is located just 30 minutes from Washington, DC, where you can visit the famous monuments and memorials at the National Mall, explore loads of free museums, and see many of DC's other top attractions.

14. Sandy Pines Campground — Kennebunkport, Maine

The Family Cottages at Sandy Pines feel like mini apartments with one king and two twin beds, air conditioning and heating, a mini fridge, lighting, an outdoor seating and dining area, and a firepit. Or opt for a Family Glamp Tent, which comes with much of the same amenities plus an adjacent smaller tent, for a total of up to five people. Guests have access to a general store, bathhouses, and a laundry facility.

Why we love Sandy Pines for kids: The campground offers loads of activities (many open only in the summer) including a heated saltwater pool, a Kids' Kamp with a playground, paddleboarding, kayaking, biking, and more.

What to do nearby: Visit Goose Rocks Beach, just one mile away, to play in the sand and try to get a glimpse of endangered plovers and terns. Just note that there are no lifeguards on duty.

15. Asheville Glamping — Asheville, North Carolina

Take glamping to a whole new level by staying in a dome that sleeps six or eight in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Each one has a refrigerator, air conditioning, and a grill. The smaller dome also has a private indoor bathroom, a hot tub, and a mini kitchenette, while the larger dome has a firepit, a private outdoor portable toilet, and access to a shared bathhouse. Or try the Safari Tent for up to five people, which features air conditioning, a refrigerator, an outdoor grill and firepit, a picnic table, lights, and outlets.

Why we love Asheville Glamping for kids: Children can wake up in the most fun way ever—by gliding down the indoor slide from the sleeping loft down to the main level.

What to do nearby: Immerse yourself in Asheville's thriving food and arts scene, making sure to visit the famous Biltmore Estate, the Asheville Museum of Science (for kids ages 3-12), and kid-friendly breweries including Sierra Nevada Asheville.

16. Royal Gorge Cabins — Cañon City, Colorado

Enjoy gorgeous mountain views in a Double Queen Glamping Tent at this Echo Canyon retreat, which includes in-floor heating, evaporative coolers, WiFi and outlets, pillow-top mattresses, a private patio and firepit, and access to a shower house. Nearby activities include hiking, rafting, fishing, and more.

Why we love Royal Gorge Cabins for kids: The site is near the famed Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, where families can ride a skycoaster and an aerial gondola, enjoy a three-story playland, and have other outdoor adventures.

What to do nearby: Royal Gorge is only about an hour from Colorado Springs, where you can ride a railway to the summit of Pikes Peak, feed giraffes at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and go on loads of gorgeous hikes.

17. Conestoga Ranch — Bear Lake, Utah

Families have a variety of glamping options at this ranch. Traditional Tents for four have plush beds, electricity, heaters, campfire patios, dining tables, and access to a spa-quality private bath and shower rooms. Grand Family Tents sleep six and also offer a mini fridge and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Or, stay in a Conestoga Family Wagon for four or six. Nearby you'll find hiking trails, horseback riding, and lake activities like fishing and boating.

Why we love Conestoga Ranch for kids: The ranch offers plenty of amenities including a playground, a game tent, cruiser bikes, a restaurant and general store, and even yoga and massages.

What to do nearby: See gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites in Minnetonka Cave, just 13 miles northwest of Bear Lake. Or, drive about an hour to Fish Dig Quarry, where you can dig for fossils from May through September—and keep them!

Photos courtesy of the campgrounds and resorts

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