Glamour + Camping = Glamping, and we know where to go "glamping" in the South. Take a look at these 10 fantastic glamping destinations.
This article was originally published in September, 2015 and updated in April, 2024.
For those who love being surrounded by nature but despise spending a night without conveniences like a toilet and a comfy bed, there’s a way to have it all: glamping.
The nickname for “glamorous camping,” glamping gets you out in the wilderness in a setting just as intimate as a traditional campsite, but with more luxurious accommodations.
Think: a high-end, oversized tent with actual furniture inside; a yurt with air conditioning; perhaps even concierge service.
Glamping is becoming increasingly trendy throughout the world. Here are some of the top glamping locations in the South:
1) Blue Bear Mountain Camp
Todd, North Carolina - http://www.bluebearmountain.com/
Stay in a luxury cabin or teepee while you play, hike and take in the views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. These off-the-grid accommodations are powered by wind and sun.
The hand-painted, 22’ teepee includes a queen-sized bed, table and chairs, and close access to private baths and a kitchen dishwashing station. The cabin has a queen size bed, kitchenette, fireplace, private toilet and a porch outfitted with a gas grill.
2) Catherine’s Landing
Hot Springs, Arkansas - http://www.rvcoutdoors.com/catherines-landing/
Stay in a yurt at this camping destination built on land that was originally a dairy farm. It includes a zip line tour featuring 12 zip lines on site. It also rents out recreational equipment including kayaks, pontoon boats and more.
The yurts, which are circular, tent-like structures with wooden floors, include air conditioning, comfy beds and skylights so you can still gaze at the night stars. Enjoy get togethers around the fire pit and concierge service.
You can also stay in one of their glamper-approved cabins, built based on actual tiny house blueprints. (If you love the idea of staying in a tiny house, see also our list of 5 Charming Tiny House Vacation Rentals here.)
3) The Griffin Ranch
Ocala, FL - http://www.thegriffinranch.com/
Feel like you live on an “old Florida” ranch in one of the Griffin Ranch’s fully furnished cabins or cottages, which are set in the same woods the logs to build them were harvested from.
There’s also a vintage Airstream camper available to stay in. The ranch is on 30 acres filled with ponds, pastures and wooded areas. It has its own winery and includes complimentary breakfast baskets and bottled waters.
You can enjoy local trails on their bikes or horses, go kayaking, or just spend the day resting in a rocker on the front porch, enjoying the quiet of their country setting. This is a great place to enjoying glamping in Florida.
4) The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island
Little St. Simons Island, Georgia - http://www.littlestsimonsisland.com
This private barrier island off the Georgia coast - accessible only by boat - puts the glam in glamping destination, allowing you to reserve a single room, a cottage, or the whole island. Enjoy seven miles of undeveloped beaches and 10,000 acres of forests and marshlands, inhabited by no more than 32 overnight guests at any one time.
Stays include boat transfers to and from the island, meals, activities including Naturalist led excursions and use of all recreation equipment, such as fishing gear, bikes and kayaks.
5) Moonbeam Bungalows
Horse Shoe, North Carolina - http://moonbeambungalows.com/
Stay in a rustic eco-chic bungalow in the woods in the Blue Ridge Mountains, an especially sought-after glamping destination. Enjoy the amenities of two artistic tiny houses that each boast a full bathroom, kitchen and cozy beds with linens provided.
Outside, take in the sights of nature from the 5-person hot tub, roast marshmallows around the firepit, hike the trails or nap in a hammock hidden in the woods. There’s even a deck designed for yoga and a courtyard with camp-style grills.
6) River’s Edge Treehouse Resort
Robinnsville, NC - http://www.riversedgetreehouses.com/
These six luxury treehouses are situated on the Cheoah River with parking underneath, king-size beds, WiFi, and satellite television included. Continental breakfast is delivered to your door. Sit on the deck and cook dinner on the gas grill or barbecue over one of the firepits.
Cornhole, horseshoe pits, fishing gear and trails are ready for those who come to “play.”
7) Silver Bullet Retreats
Parks in and around Tampa, Florida - http://www.silverbulletretreats.com/
Trying to find the picture-perfect glamping destination in Florida to visit? Try this! You pick the Central Florida park you want to stay in, and this company brings a vintage Airstream camper to you. Have a stove, refrigerator and electric lights at your disposal in the classic recreational vehicle that boasts hardwood floors, a full bed and a canvas awning.
Bedding and cookware are included, too. When your trip comes to an end, they'll pick the camper back up and take care of the cleanup.
8) Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Lake Wales, Florida - www.westgateriverranch.com
You can enjoy glamping at this authentic dude ranch in a rare untouched piece of Florida wilderness. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo lies on 1,700 acres one hour South of Orlando.
Designed to accommodate a couples getaway, family bonding or a group of friends, their glamping offering includes a fully-furnished, air conditioned tent complete with access to a private bath, campfire with a s’mores kit, warm cinnamon rolls and a personalized concierge service. Weekend guests can also return to the days of "Old Florida" by attending a rodeo in the 1,200-seat arena followed by a variety of Florida cowboy-themed activities.
You'll truly be pampered with the concierge service that comes with a stay in this luxury tent. / Photo courtesy of Westgate River Ranch
If you love glamping, perhaps it's time to think about getting some land of your own - where glamping can be your life. View country land for sale throughout the South from Florida to Texas on our parent company's website, raydientplaces.com.
