Outdoor Camping goes Glam

After their camp’s 75th year reunion was cancelled, seven campers who spent many summers of their youth together decided to take the party elsewhere. The former bunkmates, each of them single and in their mid thirties, quickly discovered that they had developed a much more sophisticated taste for adventure since those glory days of childhood.

If the thought of cooking over an open flame and sleeping under the stars brings back fond memories but the realities of roughing it seem too extreme for the grown up in you, don’t sweat it. What many men and women have learned, and you are about to discover, is that camping can be comfortable and stress-free for everyone, including upscale adventure seekers.

Luxury or glamorous camping, commonly referred to as “glamping,” is an emerging trend that is intimate, authentic and liberating. The options vary from high-end resorts offering accommodations in lavish five star tented abodes to sites featuring a range of higher end but rustic cabins and teepees. So if you and your boyhood or girlhood buddies are itching to get away this summer, these top of the line sites are ideal for an outdoor reunion.

Paws Up Resort: At the very high end of the spectrum (accommodations for two are a steep $725 per night) is the Paws Up Resort in Greenough, Montana. The two private campgrounds here are Tent City and River Camp, each of which features six tented habitats that have their own master bathroom in the bathhouse with heated floors and king sized beds adorned in fine linens. As if that were not enough, there is a camping butler, daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service! Guests seeking to be one with nature can spend time horseback riding or fly fishing while enjoying five-star meals prepared by a private chef and special spa services throughout or at the end of each day.

Treebones Resort: For an intimate and rustic ambience that’s close to the beach, Treebones at the remote end of Big Sur California is the place to be. You can fall asleep under a canopy of stars or keep shelter in your very own yurt – a circular tent-like structure made from canvas that falls somewhere between a tent and a cabin.   This tiny enclave overlooks the Pacific Ocean and features an ocean view pool, communal hot tub plus two restaurants and a fabulous wine selection. Guests can choose from a broad range of eco adventures and/or, workshops throughout the day from yoga to sea kayaking.

Clayoquot Wilderness Retreat: Situated in Tofino on British Columbia’s Vacouver Island, getting here is not easy but for those who do the experience is one that combines individual fulfillment in a pristine wilderness setting. The tents at Clayoquot are situated on wooden platforms and come equipped with everything but in-room televisions or phones. Much like an African safari camp, the property also boasts lounging tents for playing games and reading, dining and spa services. For a highly personalized experience there is an on-site Activities Director available each evening to help guests select from a variety of activities, from archery to kayaking and whale watching, that suit their interests and skill levels.

Fossil Rim Foothills Safari Camp: If your idea of fun is a wildlife expedition, you don’t need to travel to South Africa for the ultimate experience. There are several game ranches closer-to-home such as the Fossil Rim Foothills Safari Camp in Texas that offer the thrill of a wildlife safari-like expedition with the comforts of being close to home. The tents, which are more like cabanas, are situated no more than a few hundred feet from one of the larger watering holes so guests can enjoy watching an ever changing variety of animals including  addax, oryx, axis deer and waterbuck as they come together each day.

Of course with so many options available you can go as upscale or rustic as your heart desires. If you want to give it a go, check out the leading online directory, www.GoGlamping.net, which will point you in the right direction.