If you’re anything like me and camping isn’t up your alley, there’s another option you may have heard about called “glamping,” or glamorous camping. Glamping is becoming increasingly popular with less outdoorsy travelers, or people who refuse to “rough it” when they go on vacation but would still like to enjoy the great outdoors. That said, there are probably tons of New York residents who appreciate nature in their own way but have no desire to sleep on the ground and bathe in a stream. If you live in or near the city and long to escape the madness of the Concrete Jungle for greener pastures, it’s time to pack a bag and try glamping in New York.
Here are 5 luxe places for glamping near NYC.
Mountain Horse Farm Tipis
7520 W Hollow Rd (County Rd 33), Naples, NY
Image via Facebook: Mountain Horse Farm
Did you see the film Dances with Wolves? Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re not going to meet Kevin Costner on this glamping trip. At Mountain Horse Farm, though, you can stay in a handcrafted tipi the likes of what was used in the film. According to the website, you won’t have to compromise on comfort when you choose to glamp in a Sioux Indian Tipi, because they’re outfitted with cozy beds, linens, blankets and area rugs to keep warm. The nearby lodge features a shared full bath, TV room, fridge, coffee maker, and place to charge electronics. If you really want to decompress, participate in the Horse & Cow Experience, where you can pet and snuggle with the friendly four-legged creatures living in the Mountain House Farm Sanctuary. Other packages include a wine tour and stay, a couples’ massage and stay, and a ski resort stay.
Collective Retreats
Governors Island
You typically don’t hear “luxury” and “camping” in the same sentence, but Collective Retreats combines both words flawlessly. Luxury camping includes a view of the New York Harbor at their newest outpost on Governors Island, just eight minutes by ferry from Lower Manhattan and three minutes from Brooklyn. Collective’s Luxury Tents boast sumptuous bedding (we’re talking 1,500-thread-count linens), down duvets, Pendleton blankets, Turkish towels and bathrobes, en-suite baths, turndown service, wine glasses and openers, and much more. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can opt for a Premium Bell Tent instead, which includes shared baths, but still a motherlode of luxurious perks. Breakfast and nightly s’mores are included with each Luxury Tent, and Bell Tent guests can purchase either or both. Gourmet dinner under the stars is available as well. There’s also a Collective Retreat upstate in Hudson, about two hours north of the city.
Posh Primitive
435 Stock Farm Rd, Chestertown, NY
Image via Facebook: Posh Primitive
Escape the city for the Southern Adirondacks, where you’ll do everything that this area of the state offers – think fishing, rafting, and hiking – or unplug and do nothing at all. Situated on 150 acres in the Southern Adirondack Park of New York, Posh Primitive features decorated canvas wall tents with queen beds, antiques, rustic furnishings crafted by locals, and wood-burning stoves for chilly nights in the mountains. Each stay includes three meals, and lunch will be “trail ready” for active guests to carry along on their adventures. Posh Primitive is run by John and Rachael Shafer, who will do as much or little as you need during your stay. They’ll happily recommend trails and outings, and they provide an experienced guide for activities when needed. Canoes, kayaks, paddles and PFDs (personal floatation devices) are available by request, and dogs are welcome.
The Geodesic Dome at the Outlier Inn
Woodridge, NY
Less than 90 miles from NYC, a futuristic geodesic dome sits on a gorgeous 12-acre parcel at the Outlier Inn in the Catskill Mountains. The inn-meets-farm-meets-recording studio frequently hosts glamping guests – the geodesic dome is a 30-ft bubble-type space with a Phillips Hue lighting system and can host up to 25 people. Guests need to bring their own bedding (sleeping bags, air mattresses, sheets, towels, etc.), but can use the communal outdoor shower, outhouse, outdoor kitchen and dining area on the property. Play with the Merino sheep, angora goats and rabbits from the sustainable fiber farm; burn a bonfire and grill your dinner in the outdoor firepit. Veggies and free-range eggs cultivated on the organic farm can be purchased. Wi-Fi is free and leashed pooches (because of the chickens and rabbits) are allowed. If sleeping in a geodesic dome is out of the question, the Outlier Inn has a vintage trailer too.
Firelight Camps
1150 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY
Image via Yelp: Ted Z.
Elevate your camping experience on the grounds of La Tourelle Resort and Spa when you stay at this comfy outdoor hotel. These glamping tents have hardwood floors, safari-inspired furniture, and a king or queen bed swathed in cozy linens. The Bathhouse provides shared showers and toilets for guests, but two private baths are available as well. During daylight, immerse yourself in nature at the nearby Buttermilk Falls State Park, and play bocce ball by the communal campfire in the evening. Each stay includes locally sourced continental breakfast served in the tented lobby, and guests eat other meals at The Bistro at La Tourelle and John Thomas Steakhouse or venture into downtown Ithaca. Thirsty? Mingle and sip Finger Lakes wine and beer with other glampers at happy hour. Need to really unwind? Book a treatment at the nearby August Moon Spa. Sounds like bliss to me.
