Funky Airstreams & Tiny Cabins: Where to Go Glamping This Fall
Because, frankly, we’ve been “roughing it” enough lately.
Once again, it's fall, y'all, and the time for leaf-peeping is nigh. Like clockwork, the mountains, deserts, and forests of the US will soon come alive in shades of red and gold, and you will suddenly realize how much you wish you were the outdoorsy type.
If even our beginner’s guide to camping seems like too much effort right now, we feel you and we’ve got you. Leave your tent, your roommates, and your worries behind for a serenity-filled escape that’s rife with nature... but also with Wi-Fi and hot water. Here are the best places to camp in comfort this fall.
Cave Junction, OR
Rates start at $150/night
Oregon is brimming with wild and wonderful things: an Enchanted Forest, a rugged coastline that goes for days, and really bizarre roadside attractions. This “treesort” is located near the Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve, yet another wild and wonderful Oregon thing, and is just a day trip away from Crater Lake. Choose from more than a dozen unique treehouses across 36-acres of pasture and woodlands. They’ve got beds, running water and restrooms, and other essentials like refrigerators, coffee makers, and microwaves. There’s even a cannabis-friendly option suspended 35-feet from the ground; just mention ‘Bud ‘n’ Breakfast’ when booking for all of the details. Book here.
COVID updates: All guests will be required to sign a waiver before staying at Out'n'About and/or participating in any activities. Face masks are required while participating in activities. Learn more here.
Coxsackie, NY
Rates start at $285/night
Located in the Great Northern Catskills of New York, just a two hour drive from New York City, this old dairy farm has been transformed into 100 acres of open green fields. The grounds feature a 4,000-square-foot pavilion for private events, plus 17 cabins nearby. At 160-square-feet, the tiny cabins are built of cedar and pine wood—one wall of glass allows you to peer out at the views from your king-sized bed. Each cabin comes with a deck, full bathroom, toiletries from 2 Note Hudson, and plenty of natural beauty for photo opps. Book here.
COVID updates: During 2021, cabin stays will become available on a rolling basis. Find up-to-date information regarding future bookings here.
Grayton Beach State Park and Topsail Preserve State Park, FL
Rates start at $130/night
Explore Florida’s Gulf Coast without sacrificing modern amenities. Fancy Camp’s 16-foot bell tents feature bohemian-inspired decor and all the comforts you’d expect to find in a hotel room. In addition to a queen bed and indoor/outdoor lighting, each of their luxury tents is outfitted with cooling units, because Florida. Plus, you’ll have your own fire ring and picnic table. Book here.
Multiple locations
Rates start at $209+/night
Whether you crave the sound of crashing waves or the smell of redwoods, AutoCamp lets you experience beautiful California destinations like the Russian River and Yosemite. (Plus, along with a recently-opened location in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a new Joshua Tree site is set to open in October 2021!) They partnered with Airstream and decked out the interiors of the iconic trailers with Mid-Century modern trappings, with luxury touches like Ursa Major bath products, bathrobes, a French press, and a fire starter kit. They even have flat-screen TVs. Select locations also have a community clubhouse, freshwater pond, and beach cruisers. Book here.
COVID updates: In addition to robust cleaning measures and contactless check-ins, AutoCamp is following the state of California’s current recommendations in response to COVID-19. Find up-to-date booking information here.
Escalante, UT
Rates start at $215/night
Yonder Escalante’s founding dream was to deliver the Great American Road Trip experience without sacrificing any of the amenities (see: spa-like bathrooms and onsite laundry) that make for a truly comfy ride. As you pull off of Utah’s ultra-scenic Highway 12 and onto the grounds, you’ll be immediately greeted with 10 Airstream trailers decorated with vintage furniture, 22 prefab modern A-frame cabins, and 66 RV hookups—plus a drive-in movie theater, pool, and hot tub—all scattered across 20 acres of shrub-speckled, canyonside desert. Best of all: Once you’re well-rested, one of Utah’s best places for sight-seeing and stargazing, Bryce Canyon, is just 45 minutes away. Book here.
Multiple locations
Rates start at $150/night
Collective Retreats sets up camp in five dreamy locations: Vail, Yellowstone, the Texas Hill Country, and the Hudson Valley and Governors Island in New York. By partnering with landowners, Collective Retreats offers travelers unique backdrops on working ranches and equestrian farms. These beautifully designed luxury tents don’t skimp on hospitality (hello 1,500 thread count sheets and daily housekeeping service). They also offer curated on-site activities and farm-to-table chef dinners.
COVID updates: Collective Retreats is following all protocols and guidelines set by local health departments. Learn more about the precautions Collective Retreats is taking here.
Ojai, CA
Rates start at $179/night
Tucked away in downtown Ojai, this property features 10 classic Airstreams, one tiny home, and a “general store” just opposite the trailers. Each Airstream sleeps four and has been revamped with a toilet, shower, refrigerator, basic kitchenware, and a fold-out couch. Complimentary cruiser bikes are also on hand so you can explore downtown Ojai or hit the nearby bike trails. These fill up fast for group getaways and private events, so make sure to book far in advance. Book here.
COVID updates: Some amenities are currently operating at reduced capacity, and unvaccinated guests are asked to continue wearing masks and social distancing. Learn more about the precautions Caravan Outpost is taking here.
Multiple locations
Rates start at $199/night
Camp on an old gold mining settlement near Mount Rushmore, stay in a safari tent minutes away from the Grand Canyon, or go glamping on the outskirts of the Zion National Park in Utah. Under Canvas offers seven destinations near iconic National Parks and monuments—you’re outdoors, but still get to enjoy creature comforts. Each luxury (and eco-friendly!) campsite can accommodate up to 7 guests, and is furnished with plush mattresses, nice linens, and a wood-burning stove. Feeling adventurous? You can book a package at any of their locations to include activities like white water rafting down the Colorado River or a Jeep tour of the Grand Canyon.
COVID updates: Under Canvas is offering a streamlined check-in process and has implemented hand sanitizing stations throughout their camps. Unvaccinated guests are required to wear face masks while inside main lobby tents. Find additional details here.
Marfa, TX
Rates start at $100/night
Spread across 21 acres in far West Texas, El Cosmico is part artists’ colony and part ranching village. Take your pick from vintage trailers, Sioux-style tepees, a Mongolian yurt, safari tents, or BYOT (bring your own tent) and disconnect with little-to-no Wi-Fi access. Guests can also choose slightly more upgraded accommodations in the limited-edition, 325-square-foot Cosmic Kasita, a micro-home built in collaboration with Kasita. The campground offers several communal spaces like a hammock grove, an outdoor dining area with barbecues and picnic tables, and a community lounge. It feels like you’re back in summer camp, only a little cooler. Book here.
COVID updates: El Cosmico encourages guests to limit interactions in town and instead suggests excursions that support social distancing, like a road trip to Prada Marfa or a hike at Big Bend. As the Bunkhouse Group continues to monitor the situation, cancellation policies may vary. More info here.
Sonoma, CA
Rates start at $285/night
Pretend you’re in the Serengeti (without the long-haul flight to Africa) and discover 400-acres of wilderness and over 1,000 animals while staying in a luxury tent imported straight from Botswana. Just 7-miles from Santa Rosa, Safari West is a wildlife preserve accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Here, you can wake up to views of grazing African antelopes, explore the preserve in your own private guided tour, and get up close for a wild encounter at the giraffe barn or Amani Oasis aviary. Don’t leave without dining at Savannah Cafe to experience Sonoma’s take on braai, the South African wood-fired barbecue tradition. Book here.
COVID updates: All guests, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask during their visit to Safari West. Find up-to-date information here.
South Victor, ID
Rates start at $119/night
There are wide open spaces and fresh air aplenty at this Western getaway. Located just over the hill from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Moose Creek Ranch’s spot on the map makes for an ideal base camp while exploring nearby parks like Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Their five secluded wood-sided glamping cabins are decked out with an interior wood stove and firewood, a queen-sized bed, and a shaded porch. Adventure can be found just steps from your campsite, with literally hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails nearby. Book here.
COVID updates: Moose Creek Ranch is following all CDC recommendations and encourages all guests to practice social distancing. Find more information here.
Multiple locations near major cities
Rates start at $179/night
City dwellers, rejoice: Getaway was specifically created to give you a break from the rush—no plane or long drive required. (That means you can leave New York City for the quiet life without eventually regretting that you left New York City for the quiet life.) Wake up in a queen-sized bed to natural scenery and light streaming in from one of those enormous picture windows you’ve probably seen all over social media. An in-cabin bathroom, kitchenette, mini-library, fire pit, and heat and air conditioning (AIR CONDITIONING!!) come with. And dogs are allowed, because they deserve a break, too. All in all, it don’t get more Instagram worthy than this, folks—although Getaway also provides cell phone lockers for those interested in giving up the internet for the duration of their stay. Book here.
COVID updates: Getaway is adhering to both local and CDC guidelines, as well as deep cleaning cabins after each stay and eliminating in-person interactions with staff. Learn more here.
Whiteside Mountain, CA
Rates start at $105/night
Get picture-perfect views and plenty of outdoor adventure at the Crow’s Nest, located atop Whiteside Mountain driving-distance from San Diego. This dreamy glamping locale is outfitted with the essentials, including water, restrooms, and electricity. Albeit a bit rustic, this spot offers a covered deck where you can pitch your own tent for an overnight stay, or just leave the tent at home and opt to hit the hay in the “doghouse,” the campsite’s quaint sleeping quarters equipped with two cozy cots—just add some sleeping bags. Book here.
Lyons, CO
Rates start at $149/night
Ranging in size from 165 to 400-square-feet, these tiny homes can sleep up to six guests. With 22 homes in all, each one varies, but most have stovetops, murphy beds, kitchen supplies, and are outfitted with art from local artisans. The communal grounds have picnic tables, a firepit, yard games, and a 12-person meeting space that can be rented out every 90 minutes. Book here.
COVID updates: WeeCasa asks that you wear a face covering during your stay. Learn more about the precautions WeCasa is taking here.
Lauren Topor Reichert is a Phoenix-based writer and photographer. Her outdoor skills include starting fires, pitching tents, and making the best instant coffee. Follow Lauren’s next adventure on Instagram.