If you’re wondering what “glamping” is, you’re not alone. Glamping—a compound word that combines “glamorous” and “camping”—has exploded in popularity over the past two years. It offers people the opportunity to enjoy nature, while also living in luxurious accommodations.
As families grew wary of being cooped up during the pandemic, they began looking for ways to get outside again. Factors fueling glamping’s popularity are the pursuit of wellness, settings that encourage natural social distancing, and a return to the wonders of slowing down and exploring the natural world.
The Ranch at Rock Creek
Jim Manley found his dream ranch in Philipsburg, Montana. After a group of friends stayed at Manley’s 6,600-acre ranch, they urged him to share it with the public. So, Manley and team had 10 canvas cabins built for glampers. They’ve also devised a series of immersive experiences that include fly fishing and respite spots, so that guests may enjoy all the ranch has to offer without feeling the effects of vacation burnout.“We want folks to slow down while they’re here,” said Carol Ann Kelley-Elwell, vice president at Victoria King Public Relations, Inc. The Ranch also offers horseback riding “in the spirit of play.” That means they'd rather see you on a horse. They also offer guided sapphire mining at the base of Sapphire Mountain for you and your children.
Dunton Hot Springs
Dunton, Colorado, began as a small, unincorporated settlement in Dolores County in the 1800s. Christoph Henkel, a London-based billionaire of German descent, purchased the town in 1994, and began renovations.Today, Dunton Hot Springs is an intimate camp with 13 hand-hewn cabins, along with a few tents. Christy’s Tent comes with a king bed, a gas stove, and a shower with a view. The cabins have been refurbished with a keen eye for historic detail, comfortable furnishings and modern touches. Guests may head to the bathhouse, just steps from the cabins, to soak up the hot spring waters.
Zion Wildflower Resort
If you’re planning on visiting Zion National Park, in Utah, Zion Wildflower Resort offers lodging just moments from the park’s entrance. They’ve got tents, cabins, and bungalows. For those seeking unique accommodations, they’ve got covered wagons positioned in a wagon circle.Wagons are appointed with king beds for the adults, and bunk beds for the kids. They also have a sitting area and heating and cooling. Just steps from the wagon circle, you‘ll find BBQs, laundry stations, and firepits. Take a short stroll down a footpath lined with sagebrush and cacti, and you’ll arrive at well-stocked bathhouses and a grass lounging area.
Brush Creek Ranch
The 30,000-acre Brush Creek Ranch, in Saratoga, Wyoming, opened to guests in May 2011. They offer three distinct, all-inclusive accommodations: The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, which is family-friendly; Magee Homestead, a Relais & Chateaux property for adults only; and the French Creek Sportsmen’s Club, which is specifically designed for sporting enthusiast groups and offers a private gun range and fly fishing.The Ranch also offers rock climbing, an epicurean tour of a working farm—which includes lessons at the bakery, greenhouse, and distillery, and cooking classes led by award-winning chefs. Stick around and you'll be treated to a private lunch.
In the winter, guests may ski, snowshoe, or hop on a snowmobile to explore the vast property. When the weather’s warm, they offer yoga, archery, and golf, as well as guided tours on foot or ATV.
“There is a renewed sense of wonder in domestic adventures,” said Alana Watkins of VOCA Public Relations. “I don’t think we realized how many unique adventures were to be found right in our own part of the world.”