If you love the idea of camping, but don’t really care for all the work it entails (it’s supposed to be relaxing, right?) then glamping might be right up your alley. The trend gained a new following post-pandemic, as people sought a way to travel without feeling like they were surrounded by strangers in close quarters. In fact, 7 in 10 households identified themselves as at least occasional glampers in the 2022 North American Camping Report conducted by the KOA (Kampgrounds of America). If you think glamping might be something you’d enjoy, it’s a good idea to try some local options before you spring for a treehouse on Machu Picchu.
What Is Glamping?
Glamping — the portmanteau for “glamorous camping” — was first used in 2007, but the concept technically goes back to the Medieval era, when traveling households would set up elaborate camps. Basically, glamping is when you want to connect with the outdoors without giving up all the amenities of comfort. Because everyone has a different idea of what glamping entails, it can be used to describe any number of set-ups and situations. For some people, glamping is just camping without having to do all the grunt work. For others, it can refer to a full-service resort, complete with gourmet dining options and spa services. The best part? Most glamping places are pet-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about planning that aspect of travel, either.
Places to Glamp Near You
A good place to start is the website Glamping Hub, which lists over 700 accommodations in New York that qualify as glamping sites. You can search the website based on location or accommodation type, which run the gamut from Airstreams to safari tents and tiny houses. If you don’t know where to start, here are a few ideas:
Camp Orenda:
Located in the Adirondack State Park, Camp Orenda offers secluded canvas cabins surrounded by hiking trails, rivers, and lakes. The dining is all-inclusive, “cooked over an open wood flame using traditional cast iron skillets […] while introducing the freshest ingredients from our local farmers and our on-site heirloom garden.” They offer outings and excursions as well, so you can canoe, bike, kayak or hike without having to really plan a thing.
Firelight Camps:
As part of La Tourelle Resort and Spa in Ithaca, the Firelight Camps are platform tents furnished with hardwood floors, a king or queen bed, and a private balcony. The amenities are much like those in a hotel: complimentary continental breakfast, Wi-Fi, and a happy hour tasting of Finger Lakes craft beverages. The tents have access to staff-tended campfires, a Bocce ball court, cornhole, and other onsite outdoor games. The resort also offers planned excursions, such as a Forest Bathing Waterfall Hike, Wild Foraging hikes, and outdoor yoga.
Glampful:
A family-owned and operated glampground just outside Saratoga Springs, Glampful is set on 50 acres and boasts eight luxurious safari-style tents with hardwood floors. Bathrooms and hot showers are located in a separate building but offer fully private, lockable rooms (which is a lot more than you can expect from a normal campground.) Complimentary activities include live music, morning yoga, and kids activities on the weekends during peak glamping season, and a reservation also includes a continental breakfast.
Adirondack Adventure Base:
This property offers several different types of housing, many of which are insulated so you can glamp comfortably year-round! Located in Paul Smiths in the Adirondacks, you can stay in a cabin in Camp Hatteras, Overlook Lean-to, or the Magical Treehouse (our personal favorite). These amenities are a bit less bourgeoisie than some other glamping spots, but the location and views just cannot be beat.
