2020 Travel Trends: Luxury Camping

“Now I see the secret of making the best person, it is to grow in the open air and to eat and sleep with the earth.”—Walt Whitman

If Walt Whitman’s vision of making the best person resonates with you, maybe it’s time to start camping. Like road trips and nature tourism, camping also stepped into the spotlight among 2020 travel trends. Many of us like the idea of sleeping under the stars. But, we also like hot showers, fluffy towels and the amenities of a 5-star hotel suite. Not to worry, glamping delivers all of this and more.

For those who want to combine road trips and camping, RV-ing streamlines your nature getaway experience. Impeccably furnished with everything you could possibly need, these rolling homes away from home take social distancing to new levels. We’re exploring some of the best places to connect with nature on glamping or RV-ing vacation.

Westgate River Ranch

Located in central Florida about 65 miles from Disney, the Westgate River Ranch evolved into the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi River during its tenure which dates back to the 1960s. Situated on 1700 acres and surrounded by over 400 acres of protected wetlands, the ranch provides an oasis with wide-open pastures of grazing livestock and serene waterways.

At its center, amid 100-year-old moss-draped oak trees, Takoda Village houses 10 Native American themed luxe teepees. Each 651-square foot teepee boasts a double-sided stone hearth fireplace, two comfy leather chairs with authentic cowhide ottoman, a king bed, full sleeper sofa, dining table and chairs, solid wood dresser, air conditioning and heating. Additionally, each teepee offers a private ensuite bathroom with vanity, porcelain cast iron clawfoot tub and walk-in shower.

Additional perks include a personal glamping concierge, morning coffee service delivered to your teepee and use of a resort golf cart. During the day the resort offers numerous activities to keep everyone entertained. Choose from airboat rides, horseback riding, Swamp Buggy rides, Trap & Skeet shooting, archery and more.

After dark, enjoy your camping community as you roast marshmallows for s’mores in the firepit. Finish your evening by stargazing on your private deck furnished with wooden rocking chairs.

Collective Vail

Venture west to Collective Vail located 20 miles west of Vail, Colorado. This retreat at 4 Eagle Ranch, overlooks 1,000 acres of working ranchland. Top of the line Summit Tents boast plush king beds, outdoor private decks with Adirondack chairs and private ensuite bathrooms. This little slice of western camping heaven comes with 1,000 thread-count linens, down comforters and designer blankets. You won’t find that in a pop-up tent. Add a wood-burning stove, signature spa bath products, plush Turkish towels and Frette robes to the mix and you may decide to camp for life.

Days are for hiking or horseback riding along the ranch trails. The nearby resort town of Vail offers plenty of shopping, art galleries and cafes. Three Peaks Dining Lodge on location serves gourmet cuisine all day in the restaurant or delivered to the tent for the ultimate in social distancing. A sunset Sage Social Hour features selections from the ranch winery and complimentary artisanal s’mores delight everyone around the campfire at night. And, if you like, a farm-to-table dining experience under the stars will leave you with memories for a lifetime.

Luxury Camping at Conestoga

For utterly unique glamping accommodations, circle the wagons at Conestoga in Bear Lake, Utah. With designs based on 19th-century Conestoga wagons, these intriguing tents sleep up to six so are ideal for family getaways. If you’re traveling with a larger group, circling the wagons keeps you all together—just like the pioneer days but with amenities and none of the hard work.

Conestoga also offers several glamping tents including the ultra-luxe Joshua Tree suite. A spacious tent equipped with a king bed, expansive campfire patio, lounger chairs and clawfoot soaking tub, the Joshua sets the scene for a romantic night under the stars. Added to that, the private hilltop location boasts stunning views of Bear Lake.

Located in prime hiking territory, the mountains surrounding Conestoga Ranch offer hundreds of trails of varying difficulties all with stunning views amid abundant wildflowers. And a swim in the idyllic waters of Bear Lake is a fitting reward at day’s end.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, The Campfire Grill’s team of talented chefs create tasty entrees including burgers and steaks featuring local Waygu Beef. Wood-fired pizzas, salads and dutch oven favorites expand your options. Carefully selected craft beer and wine complement your choices.

Borealis Basecamp

Who says luxury camping ends when the summer slips away? Sometimes the most amazing experiences happen when the weather turns cold. Situated on 100 acres in the snowy boreal forest just 25 miles outside of Fairbanks, Alaska, Borealis Basecamp offers another take on glamping. Guests stay in geodesic domes with expansive translucent ceilings that provide unobstructed views of the night sky and if you’re lucky, the northern lights. Cuddle up in your warm, cozy bed and watch the show!

Although this lunar-like landscape remains off the grid, that doesn’t stop the chef from whipping up delicious cuisine. Served in a yurt with floor to ceiling windows, nightly three-course meals include entrees like flat iron steak, Alaska sockeye salmon or Alaskan king crab.

Luxury Camping at RV Parks

For those looking to do an extended road trip combined with camping, a luxury RV trip is the way to go. Whether you purchase your own RV or lease one, you’ll need a campground worthy of your ride. Here are some of the best resorts for luxury camping in the country.

South Carolina’s Hilton Head Motorcoach Resort boasts an incredible array of amenities. Tennis and basketball courts, a spa and fitness center, marble bathrooms and a lounge are among the glamorous offerings. Couple that with a location just steps from the beach and you’ve found paradise.

With a small movie theater, an infinity pool and hot tub, putting green, private bathhouses and personal concierge services, the Bella Terra on Alabama’s Gulf Shore consistently ranks in the top tier of luxury RV resorts. The surrounding golf courses add to the appeal of this spectacular camping resort.

Located in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula along the shores of Lake Michigan, the idyllic Petoskey resort ups the luxury quotient for your Midwest travels. Indulge with five-star amenities including a heated outdoor pool, fitness center, sauna, putting course and walking paths for the furry family members. At the onsite Grand Lodge, you can watch a movie in the home theater, play pool or host a cocktail party for your camping neighbors. All this with nature just steps away … it’s the best of both worlds.