Getting kids out into nature offers a host of physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits, from improved mood to more restful sleep. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that heading to a wilderness-y area that probably doesn’t have great Wi-Fi will likely cut down on screen time for a few days, so you won’t have to implement a bunch of creative distraction tactics to keep children from obsessively watching Bluey on loop.
visit our PlayHub for tips, tricks, and toys to help you tackle playtime with confidence!
Glamping resorts give families the best of all worlds: nature-filled fun, cool accommodations like tricked-out safari tents and airstream trailers that feel like a family sleepover, and the essential comforts of home that, let’s face it, are pretty hard to part with when you go anywhere with LOs.
Scroll on for 11 family-friendly glamping destinations that will have the kids trading technology for memorable treks.
The Best Glamping Resorts for Families
Huttopia Adirondacks (Lake Luzerne, New York)
Surrounded by pristine woodland in every direction, Huttopia Adirondacks is a family-friendly glamping resort with a swimming pool, playground, and large tents that sleep up to five people. In addition, guests have access to hiking trails and whitewater rafting excursions on the Sacandaga River. Made-to-order meals and s’mores supplies sold at the camp store mean parents don’t have to worry about perfecting campfire bean recipes for little palettes.
Under Canvas Moab (Moab, Utah)
The hardest part of planning a vacation to Utah is deciding which pilgrimage-worthy national parks to hit. Located down the road from both Arches and Canyonlands, Under Canvas Moab is a next-level glamping resort that’s tailor-made for groups who’d rather not rough it but who still want all the joys of camping (ahem, stargazing and s’mores by the fire pit). The suite tents equipped with king beds, pull-out sofas, en suite bathrooms. And wood-burning stoves are especially well-suited for families.
AutoCamp Catskills (Saugerties, New York)
Located just two hours from New York City, AutoCamp Catskills offers hiking trails, a communal clubhouse, and some of the coolest accommodations in the area. For vehicle-obsessed kiddos, the chance to stay in a 31-foot Airstream is sure to become a core memory. Parents will love that the fully-outfitted campers feature kitchenettes, heating and air conditioning, and private bathrooms with walk-in showers.
If the Catskills is too far from home, AutoCamp also has locations in Cape Cod, Joshua Tree, Zion, Yosemite, Asheville (NC), and Russian River with new spots coming soon in Sequoia and Hill Country (TX).
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo (River Ranch, Florida)
The Sunshine State meets the spirit of the Wild West at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo. The property straddles the line between glamping and a dude ranch vacation. So families get well-appointed tents (we’re talking electricity, full bathrooms, comfy beds, heat, and A/C) and s’mores by a campfire that’s lit by the staff each night. Plus horseback riding, a petting farm, and line dancing. There’s also a Saturday Night Rodeo with trick riding and barrel racing that’s awesome for all ages.
Safari West (Santa Rosa, California)
Safari West is a particularly appealing option for families because it brings the wild adventure of the Serengeti to Sonoma County (a much shorter, more affordable journey for U.S.-based travelers). Kids will be wide-eyed with wonder when peeping the antelope, cheetahs, giraffes, and zebras that roam the 400-acre wildlife preserve. Custom tents equipped with en suite bathrooms, handmade furniture, and viewing decks allow guests to fall asleep to the sounds of nature.
Firelight Camps (Ithaca, New York)
With endless recreational opportunities, the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York is an ideal spot for an outdoorsy family getaway. Firelight Camps, Ithaca sits right by the Upper Buttermilk Falls hiking trails. The electric glamping tents have heat and plush beds. And there’s a communal bathhouse with hot showers and toilets. Kiddos will love playing cornhole and bocce ball. With quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m., raucous campers won’t wake up your peaceful slumbering LOs.
Sandy Pines (Kennebunkport, Maine)
Sandy Pines brings together the best of Kennebunkport and proves that the perfect nature-steeped summer vacation in Maine does exist. Guests can choose between glamping tents, cottages, RV sites, and hideaway huts. Family-oriented amenities include a heated saltwater pool, laundry facilities (because an outdoorsy getaway means lots of dirty clothes), a general store for stocking up on snacks, a playground, lawn games, kids’ crafts, and paddleboard and kayak rentals. Plus, it’s walkable to Goose Rocks Beach.
The Resort at Paws Up (Greenough, Montana)
For both outdoorsy vacay newbies and pros who’d rather elevate the experience this time around, The Resort at Paws Up provides the picture-perfect setup. Far from roughing it, this luxury-minded glamping resort has private camping butlers, horse riding instruction, and spa treatments for kids. You still get to fall asleep to the sounds of nature and snooze under the stars—only that all goes down in luxury safari-style tents with electricity, heat, A/C, private en suite bathrooms, and daily housekeeping.
Royal Gorge Cabins (Cañon City, Colorado)
The Centennial State is a paradise for outdoor adventures. Located an hour southwest of Colorado Springs, Royal Gorge Cabins serves as a great base camp for exploring the region (like the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park and Royal Gorge Dinosaur Experience). Family-friendly glamping tents feature comfortable beds, in-floor radiant heat, wicker seating, electricity, and large outdoor patios—though most of your time at camp will likely be spent telling stories around a crackling campfire.
Paddler’s Village Resort (Munising, Michigan)
Michigan does summer lake vacations like nowhere else in the United States. At Paddler’s Village on the shore of Lake Superior near the famed Pictured Rocks, families can look forward to all-inclusive packages that cover kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and meals at the on-site restaurant.
Definitely the most rustic glamping resort on our list, accommodation options include yurts, cabins, or platform tents on the beach with beds, futons, refrigerators, and mosquito netting (it’s always good to be extra safe when it comes to bug bites and LOs).
Conestoga Ranch (Garden City, Utah)
Every history class has a pioneer unit, but it’s way cooler for kids to see the past come alive right in front of them. Conestoga Ranch lets guests choose between glamping tents and custom-made family wagons that sleep up to six people. Resort amenities include complimentary cruiser bikes, campfire s’mores, a general store, a playground, a volleyball court, a roping range, and lawn games. The property’s location along Highway 89 makes it a great pitstop along the scenic Yellowstone Loop.
