Top 5 “Glamping” destinations around the globe

“Glamping” – a mash-up of the words “glamorous” and “camping” – describes a style of camping with luxury amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with traditional camping. A variety of options are now available at glamping destinations around the world, ranging from geodesic domes to yurts to tiny homes. These five glamping resorts and vacations in South America, Africa, Russia and the USA rival anything on the market.

1. Fireside Resort: By combining the amenities of a luxury boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a wooded campground, Fireside Resort offers Wyoming’s best glamping experience. The lodging options reflect the heritage of the valley’s original homesteader cabins, with cozy fireplaces, full kitchens, private furnished decks, and outdoor fire pits. Situated on wildlife-filled acres where moose, elk, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles and deer roam, Fireside Resort is a mere seven miles from Jackson’s bustling town square.

2. Kachi Lodge: On Adventure Life’s High Deserts of Bolivia & Chile tour, explore the extreme geography of Lake Titicaca, mountains, canyons, lagoons and the largest salt desert in the world, Salar de Uyuni. Upgrade your trip and stay in a Kachi Lodge dome, offering the comfort of a luxury hotel room and authentic, inventive dining on the salt flats at the foot of Tunupa Volcano, at an altitude of 11,800 feet.

3. Ryabaga Camp: The Ponoi River in Russia offers some the world’s best Atlantic salmon fishing. At Ryabaga Camp, guests enjoy their own cabin with queen beds and en suite bathroom with hot water, electricity and internet (email access). Gourmet, chef-prepared meals are served in the “Big Tent,” the camp’s social hub. For a true wilderness location, Ryabaga Camp stands alone with its level of service and accommodations. 

4. Kestrel Camp: The American Prairie Reserve in Montana is piecing together what will be the largest nature reserve in the lower 48 states, totaling 3.5 million acres, and restoring habitat and species in the process. APR’s Kestrel Camp offers five yurt-style luxury suites set around a central lounge and dining room serving chef-prepared meals, as well as a safari-style experience with special access to tour the reserve’s ecosystem with personal naturalists.

5. Sossus Under Canvas: On Adventure Life’s Namibia Under Canvas tour, climb the sand dunes of Sossusvlei, explore the coastal city of Swakopmund, marvel at the natural wonders of Damaraland and search for wildlife in Etosha National Park. Return each night to a camp like Sossus Under Canvas, where tents are protected from the elements by natural stone walls and roofs built from recycled oil drums, and furnishings are made of recycled metal and wood. The camp is virtually invisible from any distance and has a low environmental footprint.

Editor's Note: While we usually cover RV camping, this article on "Glamping" caught our eye.