New glamping, luxurious tenting locations to strive

Maswik Lodge South, Grand Canyon Nationwide Park, Arizona

In geologic phrases, 50 years is a brief time period. So maybe it’s not that surprising that one of many world’s geologic marvels, which took centuries to sculpt, has taken 5 a long time to debut a brand new lodging choice. The $35 million reconstruction of Maswik Lodge South, situated a 10-minute stroll from the park’s South Rim in Grand Canyon Village, debuted in Could with 120 rooms (all with patios, 30 with kitchenettes) embellished in Southwest hues of sage and ocher, Native American-inspired textiles and art work showcasing space fossils. Unfold throughout 4 newly constructed buildings, the items have quick access to the meals courtroom and informal Pizza Pub at sister property Maswik Lodge. From $229; grandcanyonlodges.com

Important park exercise: Mules have been carrying guests into the Grand Canyon for the reason that 1800s. Take a scenic two-hour journey alongside the rim or in case you’re extra adventurous, e-book an in a single day journey deep into the canyon, staying in a single day at Phantom Ranch. From $155; reservations 303-297-2757.

Below Canvas, Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, Tennessee

Since opening its first camp in West Yellowstone in 2012, Below Canvas has change into the go-to glamping outfit of America’s favourite nationwide parks and monuments, with 10 places throughout seven states. The corporate’s Tennessee outpost close to Nice Smoky Mountains — 2021’s most visited nationwide park — is about on 182 acres simply past the park entrance and 10 minutes from the gateway city of Gatlinburg. Every of the 40 tents has been outfit with West Elm furnishings, wood-fired stoves and resort-worthy loos (sure, with flush bogs, sizzling water and showers). After a day of adventuring, friends can return to steak burgers, charcuterie boards, craft beers and s’mores across the communal fireplace pits. From $199; undercanvas.com

Important exercise: If climbing hasn’t satiated your adrenaline repair, strive a whitewater rafting journey on the Higher Pigeon River. Geared to skilled paddlers, the “excessive” itinerary pushes the bounds on a 33-mile stretch of water, hitting large waves in a raft that seats 4. $115.50 per particular person

Daybreak Ranch, Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve, California

Why battle the crowds of Redwood Nationwide and State Parks when you may admire the world’s tallest residing tree in a extra intimate, much less congested setting? Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve in Sonoma County protects 805 acres of mighty coast redwoods (or Sequoia sempervirens), which may tower above 350 ft and survive to over 2,000 years. And after a three-year hiatus, historic Daybreak Ranch within the close by city of Guerneville has reopened, giving guests a boutique journey base. Reimagined by the crew behind New York’s fashionable Marram Montauk resort, the 15-acre, riverfront property looks like its personal nature reserve, with 53 cabins surrounded by open meadows, gardens, apple timber and wooded nature trails. Stay music, outside fireplace pits, morning yoga courses and complimentary breakfast delivered to your cabin door are just some of the perks.

Daybreak Ranch, Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve, California. (Greg Ceo Studio / Daybreak Ranch)
Daybreak Ranch, Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve, California. (Greg Ceo Studio / Daybreak Ranch)

Important exercise: Borrow one in every of Daybreak Ranch’s trendy Retrospec Cruiser bicycles and pedal 10 minutes to Armstrong Redwoods State Pure Reserve. Entry for cyclists is free and you may discover on two wheels or park and sort out the 9.2 miles of climbing trails on foot. From $250; dawnranch.com

Willow Home, Massive Bend Nationwide Park

When California native Lauren Werner got here to Texas seven years in the past, she fell exhausting for the breathtaking desert and mountain landscapes of Massive Bend Nationwide Park. She additionally marveled that there wasn’t a cool place to remain in Terlingua, the distant, unincorporated city that serves because the park’s most important gateway. In 2019, she debuted Willow Home, a thoughtfully curated boutique keep set on 287 acres of former ranchland about 6 miles from the park. Every of the 13 concrete casitas has a wonderfully framed view of the Chisos Mountain Vary that friends can ogle from mattress or their non-public patio. The 2-bedroom Proprietor’s Casita, the latest and largest, debuted this summer season with a full kitchen and enormous outside patio and courtyard. Willow Home doesn’t enable children or pets, however Werner lately opened an everybody welcome sister property throughout city, the Research Butte Roadhouse Leases (airbnb.com), and can quickly be including a wine store on-site. From $335; willowhouse.co

Important exercise: Absorb one of many park’s star points of interest, dramatic Santa Elena Canyon, on a 20-mile downstream raft journey with Terlingua-based clothing store Desert Sports activities. Day journey $225 per particular person for 2 individuals; desertsportstx.com

Yonder Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah

Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument has a number of the most scenic hikes in Utah and fewer crowds than the state’s Massive 5 nationwide parks. One other bragging proper: It’s now dwelling to the world’s most Instagrammable lodging. Yonder Escalante, a 20-acre glamping retreat throughout the nationwide monument and near Bryce Canyon Nationwide Park, gives friends a alternative of glass-fronted fashionable cabins, classic Airstreams renovated with midcentury furnishings, or you may deliver your personal RV. On-site laundry amenities, a spa-like bathhouse with sizzling showers and a normal retailer stocked with all of your journey wants (sunblock, beer) make it a handy choice for longer stays. Utah’s starry skies are usually the world’s most fun nightlife, however Yonder’s drive-in movie show poses some competitors, with screenings seven days every week. Restored traditional vehicles double as seating, popcorn is free and a concession stand sells sizzling canines, Milk Duds and different nostalgic film treats. RVs from, $ 12 9; cabins from $169; Airstreams from $ 209 ; stayyonder.com

Important exercise: Hike by the swirling sculpted sandstone of Buckskin Gulch, the world’s longest slot canyon, with skilled guides. $220; seekingtreasureadventures.com

Yonder Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah. (The Nomadic Folks)
Yonder Escalante, Grand Staircase-Escalante Nationwide Monument, Utah. (The Nomadic Folks)

Salt Cottages, Acadia Nationwide Park, Maine

Opened in July on Mount Desert Island in Bar Harbor, Salt Cottages places a contemporary twist on New England’s conventional coastal Maine trip getaway. Facilities like a pool with ocean views, two sizzling tubs, a classic sport shed stuffed with bocce and badminton units, and a snack bar with an ice cream window tempt friends to lounge the day away. However with the Hull’s Cove entrance to Acadia Nationwide Park only a five-minute drive away, you may effortlessly pop in to hike and nonetheless have loads of time for R&R. Americana-inspired lodging embrace 30 light-filled cottages embellished with rattan and bamboo furnishings and nautical vintage artwork and 10 trendy motor lodge rooms with beachy décor. Resort rooms are scheduled to open in 2023. From $399; saltcottagesbarharbor.com

Important exercise: Discover the waters round Mount Desert Island by kayak (solo or tandem). A guided sundown paddle with Bar Harbor-based Coastal Kayaking Excursions gives loads of picture ops, from sensible fall colours to curious harbor seals. $59 for a 2.5-hour tour; acadiafun.com

Jen Murphy is a contract author.