Our national parks protect some of the highest peaks, oldest rocks, and most otherworldly terrain in the United States. It’s no wonder they’re so beloved. Camping in one of these glorious spaces allows you instant access to the natural wonders and abundant wildlife that make each worth visiting—but it’s not for everyone. If you want a stay that’s extra luxurious—but still surrounded by nature—book one of the following glamping sites set near national parks, which will elevate your time in the great outdoors while putting you right at nature’s doorstep.
Enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury at Ulum Moab.
Photo by Bailey Made
Under Canvas
- Near: Acadia (Maine), Bryce Canyon (Utah), Glacier (Montana), Grand Canyon (Arizona), Great Smoky Mountains (Tennessee/North Carolina), Lake Powell–Grand Staircase (Arizona/Utah), Moab (Utah), Mount Rushmore (South Dakota), North Yellowstone–Paradise Valley (Montana), West Yellowstone (Montana), Yosemite (California), Zion (Utah) National Parks
- Book now: undercanvas.com
With 12 locations across the United States, Under Canvas has mastered the art of safari-inspired accommodations near some of the country’s most iconic national parks. All of its sites are set within 30 miles of a national park (or national monument, in the case of the Under Canvas Lake Powell–Grand Staircase location). The company’s various tent types feature en suite bathrooms and sleep between three and seven people in king-size beds. Each campsite offers activities specific to the area, such as hot-air balloon rides over Moab, llama treks in Glacier National Park, private yoga classes in Zion, or white-water rafting trips in the Smokies.
In 2023, the brand also launched a higher-end spin-off, Ulum Moab, near Arches and Canyonlands National Parks—one of our top new hotels for 2024. Each of the 50 suite-style tents includes a king-size bed, a rain shower with Aesop bath products, a comfortable seating area, a private patio, and a wood-burning stove. It also has a beautiful main lodge overlooking the desert, hot and cold dipping pools, a yoga deck, firepits, and a sprawling patio where local musicians play acoustic sets under the stars most nights.
Guests at the Resort at Paws Up can access Glacier National Park as well as Lolo and Nez Perce–Clearwater National Forests.
Courtesy of the Resort at Paws Up
The Resort at Paws Up
- Near: Glacier National Park (Montana)
- Book now: pawsup.com; tablethotels.com
Dive into Montana’s natural wonders at the Resort at Paws Up, which offers a variety of family-friendly accommodations (including a lodge and home rentals) and is situated about two-and-a-half hours away from Glacier National Park.
For glampers, six luxury campsites—each with six tents—are placed in secluded areas of the property such as on the banks of the Blackfoot River and near the serene Elk Creek. Tents range in maximum capacity from two to six people.
From mid-May through mid-October, relish the heated slate bathroom floors, spacious showers, and rustic-refined decor of the well-appointed tents. Each camp comes with a chef, who serves up elegant, family-style ranch cuisine, and a butler, who helps set up your day-to-day itinerary and can show you how to build the perfect s’more.
In addition to its standard guest rooms and suites, Capitol Reef Resort offers cabins, tepees, and Conestoga wagons.
Courtesy of Capitol Reef Resort
Capitol Reef Resort
- Near: Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)
- Book now: capitolreefresort.com; expedia.com
Escape to the Wild West in style with handcrafted Conestoga wagons, inspired by their 19th-century predecessors, which were used to transport goods between cities and rural communities. Capitol Reef Resort in Torrey, Utah, provides eccentric luxury accommodations mere miles from the national park. The stationary wagons—which are air-conditioned and situated along Scenic Byway 12—sleep up to six with a king bed and two sets of twin bunk beds. Soak up picturesque red-rock views from the seasonal outdoor heated pool or year-round hot tub. Or book an à la carte adventure with the resort through the national park, such as a llama day hike or a Jeep tour.
Acadia Yurts is located on the west side of Mount Desert Island, which locals call its “quiet side.”
Courtesy of Kristin Clements/Acadia Yurts
Acadia Yurts
- Near: Acadia National Park (Maine)
- Book now: acadiayurts.com; vrbo.com
Acadia Yurts, located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island and accessible by car or ferry, amps up the luxury with its 24- and 30-foot-wide dwellings, which sleep a maximum of four or six people, respectively. Only a few miles from Acadia National Park, the yurts feature standard lattice walls, skylights, and colorful, whimsical decor. A full bathroom and a kitchen setup take them from traditional to top-notch. The on-site wellness center boasts a sensory deprivation float tank, sauna, and yoga studio; guests can also book massage therapy with CBD and Himalayan hot stone treatments.
Alpenglow Luxury Camping offers packages as well, including Matanuska Glacier helicopter, climbing, or trekking tours.
Courtesy of David Crane/Alpenglow
Alpenglow Luxury Camping
- Near: Wrangell–St. Elias and Denali National Parks (Alaska)
- Book now: alpenglowluxurycamping.com
Raw Alaskan wilderness is literally outside your front door at Alpenglow Luxury Camping. Located about two-and-a-half hours from Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and four hours from Denali National Park, Alpenglow’s 12-by-14-foot canvas tents sleep up to three people and feature covered porches with views of the Matanuska Glacier and surrounding valley.
Out here, things are a little more rugged. There is no electricity in the tents, but you can recharge your phone or portable lantern batteries in the common space. The site opens Memorial Day weekend each year and typically closes the first weekend of September. Summer temperatures hover around 60 to 80 degrees during the day and 50 to 60 degrees at night; although the tents aren’t heated, there are plenty of extra blankets in each. There is no shower on the property, but Alpenglow provides a bucket of hot water and sponges to rinse off before taking a dip in the site’s cedar hot tub, which offers mountain views.
AutoCamp
- Near: Yosemite (California), Sequoia (California), Joshua Tree (California), and Zion (Utah) National Parks
- Book now: autocamp.com
At each of its seven locations across the United States—including four near national parks—AutoCamp transforms a fleet of sleek, modern Airstream trailers into chic accommodations kitted out with Tempur-Pedic mattresses, spa-inspired bathrooms, and private patios with firepits. Each sleeps up to three people. Cabin-style suites and luxury tents—including accessible options at each camp—are also available and offer a bit more space.
At the heart of each location is a common space, restaurant, and shop where guests can hang out, stock up on essentials (don’t miss the signature s’more and barbecue kits) and, on some nights, enjoy live music. The Yosemite, Joshua Tree, and Zion locations all also have a swimming pool—perfect for diving into after a long day hiking, biking, or otherwise exploring the great outdoors nearby.
AutoCamp will open its newest property near California’s Sequoia National Park in fall 2024 (booking now open), for a total of eight properties across the USA.
Related: There’s a New Place to Glamp Near Zion National Park—Here’s What It’s Like
While there are plenty of activities on offer at Dunton River Camp, you could also simply relax outside your tent.
Courtesy of Dunton River Camp
Dunton River Camp
- Near: Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado)
- Book now: From $1,300 per night, duntondestinations.com
Less than two hours from Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park, the 500-acre Dunton River Camp features eight luxury tents with showstopping views of the San Juan Mountains or the west fork of the Dolores River. Each tent sleeps two people. When you’re not off exploring the ancient pueblo cliff dwellings of Mesa Verde, steam in a streamside sauna, explore the area on a complimentary mountain bike, or visit the only active geyser in Colorado, which happens to be on site at the Dunton River Camp.
Interested in hiking, fly-fishing, or horseback riding? Each day, an included guided tour sets off from the camp. À la carte activities such as rock climbing, rafting, and photography instruction can be booked as well. Back in your tent, unwind in the six-foot soaker tub. No need to worry about chills: A towel warmer stands nearby.
The accomodations at Basecamp Terlingua offer world-class stargazing.
Courtesy of Basecamp Terlingua
Basecamp Terlingua
- Near: Big Bend National Park (Texas)
- Book now: basecampterlingua.com
Big Bend National Park solidified its spot as a stargazing destination when it was named an International Dark Sky Park in 2017. At Basecamp Terlingua, which is less than 10 miles from Big Bend, you can book a “bubble”—a plastic dome with transparent walls and ceiling—so you don’t even have to leave your queen-size bed for some world-class stargazing. The resort, located in an old ghost town, features plenty of other sleeping options such as adobe casitas, luxury tepees, and lotus tents, which are like a cross between a yurt and a bell tent. The seven bubbles come in varying sizes—including a deluxe, two-room bubble that includes a private hot tub and pool—but all are heated, air-conditioned, and equipped with an indoor bathroom and an outdoor firepit with lounge chairs.
This article was originally published in 2019; it was updated on July 11, 2024, with new information. Jessie Beck contributed to the reporting of this story.
