Camping & Dude Ranches

Happy Glampers: Top Glamping Spots for Families

Last updated 16th October 2017

If your kids keep pestering you to go camping but it all sounds like too much effort (and you’d miss your creature comforts), then check out these top glamping spots for families, where you don’t have to lift a finger, let alone put up a tent.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

For an indulgent glamping adventure for the whole family where nature is served up on a silver platter, book a stay at The Resort at Paws Up in Montana. There is a choice of six exclusive camps each with its own distinct personality and stunning setting. Beautifully decorated and uber-luxurious safari-style tents come with all the creature comforts you could wish for, including your very own butler. There’s a camp chef and endless awesome activities on offer for kids and adults alike.

Rates: From $2,420 per night for a family of 4 (peak season)

Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana

Say yee-haw and enjoy a family glamping adventure at the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana. They have four cozy cabins to choose from, each furnished in a rustic camp style and featuring a private bathroom and comfy beds. There are plenty of superb amenities on offer including a pool and hot tub, endless ranch activities for parents and kids, and even a kids’ club.

Rates: From $1,433 per adult, $850 per child per night (peak season).

 

Falling Waters Nantahala, Bryson City, North Carolina

For a truly memorable family vacation in the great outdoors, try glamping Mongolian Style in a yurt at Falling Waters Nantahala, in the North Carolina Smokies. These circular tent-style structures are modern and elegant, and come with private decks overlooking the lakes, queen-sized beds and plenty of creature comforts.

Rates: $99 per night per yurt 

Yellowstone Under Canvas, Yellowstone Park, Montana

Wake up to the sights, sounds and smells of the great outdoors in the comfort of your luxurious safari tent in the legendary Yellowstone Park. Each tent has comfy beds and basic furnishings, and the deluxe suites come with ensuite bathrooms and decks. The camp is only ten minutes from the park entrance and has a restaurant, host of activities and of course, you’ve got the entire park at your fingertips!

Rates: From $129 to $439 per person per night 

 

Firelight Camps, Ithaca, New York

At Firelight Camps located in Ithaca, three hours from New York City, you can enjoy all the fun of camping without ditching your little luxuries. Founded by Food Network star Emma Frisch and her husband, the camp operates like a high quality hotel with all the perks of being outdoors. Luxurious safari tents are furnished with decks, rugs, comfy beds and zero techy distractions! Facilities include a main lounge area with a bar and fire pit, and a newly renovated bathhouse. A delicious breakfast is served in the mornings, there’s wine tasting for the grown-ups and evening campfires with s’mores for your little adventurers.

Rates: From $309 per person night

 

Conestoga Ranch, Garden City, Utah

For one of the coolest campouts on the planet, book a stay at Conestoga Ranch in Utah. Families can sleep in their very own 19th century-style wagon fitted out with a king-size bed and two sets of bunk beds. The staff will even light your campfire so you can spend the evening toasting s’mores and telling ghost stories. There’s an excellent restaurant on site too.

Rates: From $125 per night for a wagon 

C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado

Enjoy an unforgettable night under the stars at this fantastic family-friendly ranch. You pick the night and they will take you to the Outpost where cozy tents with comfy beds and the all-important s’mores kit await. The best thing about it is that you get to head back to the ranch and enjoy all the amenities and activities on offer.

Rates: From $526 per adult, $175 per child per night for a cabin 

Safari West, Santa Rosa, California

For an unusual family campout and the chance to discover wildest Africa in the heart of North America’s wine country head to Safari West. This 400-acre private wildlife preserve in Sonoma County combines the thrill of an African safari adventure with luxury camping. Families can spend the day searching for wildebeest, rhinos and giraffes, and later enjoy an unforgettable overnight stay in a safari tent imported from Botswana. Each of the 30 tents sports a private viewing deck, en-suite bathroom and hardwood floors.

Rates: From $260 per night

Janine Clements is a New York-based writer and contributor to numerous high-profile travel and lifestyle publications. She has lived in London, Paris and Singapore and travels all over the world with her two daughters, age 9 and 6.