GROUPON GUIDE TO TALLAHASSEE

Three Ways to Go Luxury Camping

BY: Groupon Editors |Mar 29, 2017

Some people look forward to camping as a way to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. To others, it's a bug-filled nightmare cursed with poor cell-phone reception. So where's the middle ground between sleeping in a hotel and sleeping, well, on the ground? Luxury camping! Read on as we break down three outdoorsy lodging options that blend luxurious comforts with the wonders of nature, from rustic to luxe.

Glamping

What is glamping? Glamping blends the ruggedness of tent camping with the comforts of a cabin. Glamping tents are typically sturdier than their tk brethren and are placed on raised wooden platforms rather than the (sometimes wet) ground. You can also usually stand up and walk around a glamping tent, unlike a camping tent. An amalgam of "glam" and "camping," the cozier confines usually include an actual bed, plus furniture and even lighting.

Pro: You won't have to assemble your own tent—or tuck into a sleeping bag at night.

Con: You may need to bring flip-flops for your walk to the community bathrooms.

Where to stay:

  • River Dance Lodge, Kooskia, ID: Glampers freshen up in a claw-foot bathtub and bask in the warmth of a wood stove.

  • Ventana Inn & Spa, Big Sur, CA: Stay warm at night with heated blankets and hot water bottles; an extra fee gives glampers access to the resort's luxurious amenities

 

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RVing

If you don't associate "luxe" with "RVing," you probably haven't seen the right RV yet. Also, many RV parks boast hotel-type amenities, including pools, restaurants, and fitness centers.

When renting an RV, you'll need to choose from three classes. A class A RV is the closest you'll get to staying in a house; they come with bathrooms, kitchens, and sleeping areas. Some, like the ones from Luxe RV in Beverly Hills, CA, offer five-star amenities, such as organic bedding and fresh towels.

Skip the class B vehicles, as they're essentially tricked-out vans. If a class A RV seems too unwieldy, you may want to consider a class C RV—they offer a compromise between the size, drivability, and amenities of the first two.

Pro: Since RVs are mobile, you can see more sights on your trip.

Con: Indoor plumbing comes at a price: emptying the holding tanks.

Where to stay:

  • Peters Pond RV Resort, Cape Cod, MA: In addition to RV sites with water and electric hookups, the resort features a pool and sports courts.

  • Vines RV Resort, Paso Robles, CA: Along with a several swimming pools, visitors curl up in the fully-stocked library or burn off steam in the fitness center.

 

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Cabins

This is the ideal option for people who like the great outdoors, but still prefer the creature comforts of civilized society. Typically, the most rustic thing about a cabin is the woodsy decor—so if there's a storm, you can watch raindrops drip off the leaves through your cabin's windows, while you stay warm and dry. One caveat when browsing cabins: something called a "camping cabin" is typically pretty spartan—you'll have beds and maybe electricity, but no water or bathrooms. Make your rental reservations wisely.

Pro: You can gather around a fireplace instead of a campfire.

Con: Is it really "roughing it" when you have WiFi and a full kitchen?

Where to stay:

  • Elk Springs Resort, Gatlinburg, TN: These cabins give you all the luxuries of home (plus extras like saunas and pool tables) amid the Great Smoky Mountains.

  • Geronimo Creek Retreat, Seguin, TX: In these lofty treehouses, campers can lounge outside on private decks watching the river roll by, or camp out inside on leather couches watching satellite TV.

This article was originally written by Rashawn Mitchner and published in a different format; it has since been updated by our editors.

 


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