Updated JUNE 2021
Glamping has become a fun and unique way to relax and enjoy nature but without the hassle and discomfort of traditional camping. The term (“glamping”) was first coined in the United Kingdom in 2005 for luxurious, resort-like camping. And luckily, it was carried through to the US, with our own State of Texas offering some wonderful glamping spots that are perfect for a great solo trip or couples getaway.
From tents and tree houses to water cabins and private bubbles, here are some of our favorites!
Baron’s Creekside offers plenty of cabin rentals, but did you know they have probably the upmost Texan glamping experience? The Barons Wagon will take your primitive camping to the next level! It is a 220 square foot replica of the real Conestoga settler’s wagon that made it to Fredericksburg 150 years ago!
Inside you’ll find a king size bed, 2 bunk bed, coffee maker, dishes and utensils, lanterns, ice chest, and electrical outlets plus a king-size electric blanket for fall and winter adventures! Outside you’ll find a private fire pit with chairs, charcoal BBQ grill and a picnic table and next door is a gypsy wagon with your private bathroom with full AC and heat. Keep in mind the wagon itself is somewhat primitive so it has no AC and limited heat.just 10 steps – is the comfortable gypsy wagon with your own private shower/ vanity/ commode and it has full AC and heat.
$ | FREDERICKSBURG | BOOK
photo courtesy of Baron's Creekside
At least once in your lifetime, Basecamp Terlingua is a destination-must. They have several great options for sleeping accommodations, including cabins, tee-pees, and lotus tents. But we recommend the Bubbles. The Bubble is an inflated dome, where the top half or the dome is perfectly clear, allowing you and your travel partner to admire the rustic beauty of the West Texas desert by day or stargaze by night, all while lounging in a luxurious queen bed! The bubbles book up months in advance so check availability far out from your dates!
$ | TERLINGUA | BOOK
photo courtesy of Basecamp Terlingua
The gold standard of glamping in Texas, and maybe the entire US, El Cosmico is a bucket-list getaway. From DIY self tent camping to renting updated trailers from the 1970’s, to Sioux-TeePee Rentals, Mongolian Yurt rentals, African Safari Tent Rentals, and even short-term apartment rentals, they have the perfect accommodations for any traveler with any level of “roughing-it” experience. And the flat, desert backdrop that is Marfa makes the entire experience unforgettable. You more than likely have seen this place on Instagram, or have heard of some of its sister hotels like the Hotel San Jose or Austin Motel, all owned by the Bunkhouse Group, that does an amazing job of curating unique and retro hospitality experiences.
El Cosmico also hosts the annual Trans-Pecos Festival of Music + Love, which will be September 22 - 26, 2021!
$ | MARFA | BOOK
photo courtesy of El Cosmico
COLLECTIVE RETREATS: HILL COUNTRY
The Collective Retreats is a national glamping brand aimed at offering romantic getaways for couples! And one of their locations is in the Hill Country at Montesino Ranch. For $750 per night, you can treat yourself and your significant other to some really fun treats; including a luxurious 60 minute in-tent couples massage, reservations for dinner at the on-site Farm-to-Table restaurant at the Three Peaks Lodge on your first night, along with several other romantic amenities. The Collective Retreats also has other fun activities that are great for couples and include: Wine Tour Wimberly, Electric Bike Tours, and a “Beer, Brining & Branding Culinary Class” y just to name a few.
$$$ | WIMBERLEY | BOOK
photo courtesy of Collective Retreats
CYPRESS VALLEY CANOPY TOURS
The family who started this getaway actually decided to move to an undeveloped plot in 1998 to be closer to nature and then wanted to find ways to share it with others! One of the family members took a visit to Costa Rica where he took part in a canopy tour and Cypress Valley Canopy Tours came from that eco-friendly inspiration! Since then they have been featured in several media outlets like Texas Highways, The New York Times and Disney! Several unforgettably designed tree houses 30 feet high are what make up Cypress Valley that includes access to the small lake, seasonal pool, picnic tables, and BBQ grill! Some have luxurious amenities like soaking tubs, kitchenettes, living areas and a deck! While day operations are currently on hold, you can expect package deals like the Romantic Package that includes zip-lining, wine tasting, fine dining for 2 and a night spent in the trees on your visit!
A $50/night discount will apply at checkout for non-holiday Mondays, Tuesdays, & Wednesdays!
photo courtesy of Travel & Leisure
Geronimo Creek Retreat is the perfect retreat for any group of friends looking for accommodations near New Braunfels. They have several options for sleeping accommodations including tree-houses, teepees surrounding a spring-fed pond, Cabins, and the Homestead Haus. But we like the tree-houses best - they can fit up to eight people and have quick access to Geronimo Creek where guests have 24-hour access to the kayaks and paddle boards. Should the group decide to stay-in for the night, you can challenge your friends to a game of fooseball or shuffleboard, or just hang out and have drinks by the fire pit. If the group is going out, Schlitterbahn is a 24 minute drive and Gruene Hall is a 30 minute drive.
$ | SEGUIN | BOOK
photo courtesy of Son's Travel
LIVING WATERS ON LAKE TRAVIS
The sunsets at Lake Travis are no doubt some of the most beautiful we’ve seen and you can experience all the beauty of Hill Country at this lakeside getaway! Stays include many bungalows to choose from like safari tents, petite glamping tents, eco tiny cabins and even a floating cabin on the lake! During the day you can enjoy massages, releases and healing from the on-site masseuse and reiki master, private yoga classes with a resident yogini or rent out water activities!
If you plan on venturing out, check out a day hike at Enchanted Rock just 1 hour away, various swimming holes like Hamilton Pool, spend a day at Stoneyard Vineyard just a 7 minute walk from the property and so much more!
$$ | LAKE TRAVIS | BOOK
photo courtesy of Living Waters
Take your glamping experience to the floor of Palo Duro Canyon at Palo Duro Glamping in one of their Glampsites! Each Glampsite has air conditioning, full kitchen, indoor and outdoor games, propane fire pit, propane grill, bicycles plus a complimentary breakfast sandwich, snow, or ice cream. All bed linens, towels and wash cloths are included in your stay and there are multiple shared camp restrooms and showers just a short walk from your tent! They have one pet friendly tent on site so if you plan to bring your pup make sure to book Glamping Site D! There is also a trading post with fun things for purchase like hamburger kits!
$$ | CANYON | BOOK
photo courtesy of Palo Duro Glamping
Surround yourself with sunshine, tall cypress trees and fresh air at this unique stay in the Texas countryside where you can literally sleep amongst the trees! Choose from two extremely unique tree-house accommodations encompassed by forest landscape! The coolest part is that the tree-houses were built around the trees to respect the nature that came before it so you will find large branches sweeping through various rooms! Whether you’re looking to stay on the property or hit the town, there’s no shortage of activities! In town you can take part in a historic walking tour, visit museums and farmers markets, ride horses at an equestrian center, or take a winery barrel room tour at Landon Winery & Bistro! Pro tip: They offer custom labels and you can even get a photo included! On the farm there’s plenty of animals to visit, hiking, canoeing, biking, an herb garden and lavender field.
Savannah’s Meadow does have a “tree-house season” which runs effectively from April 1st to November 1st.
$$ | CELESTE, TX | BOOK
photo courtesy of Savannah's Meadow
This is a great isolated glamping site with some wonderful amenities that make it feel like home. The lovely Safari-inspired getaway was fueled by a life-changing trip to Africa and has some wonderful features; including a hot tub, hammock, a stone patio, and fire pit. Also, if you are looking to go swimming during the hot summer months, Sinya is surprisingly close to some local swimming holes including Jacobs Well (16 minutes) and The Blue Hole (8 minutes).
photo courtesy of Urban Daddy
There is a new, pet-friendly glamping site called The Getaway just 1.5 hours from Dallas! It is a fun and unique concept using tiny simple, yet stylish cabins as a new way to get out of the over-connected city life, retreat to the woods and unplug. No seriously, there is a cellphone lock box to get the full experience that The Getaway has intended for its guests! The Getaway has all the luxuries of home such as indoor plumbing, two burner stove and A/C as well as hot shower plus accommodations. Each tiny cabin also includes a fire pit with a gill rack, making them perfect to try newly found Pinterest campfire recipes. There’s also lots of hiking trails nearby to try out during the day!
$ | PINEY WOODS REGION | BOOK
The Local Chapter is an adult glamping destination that rests on nearly 400 acres of private Terlingua land with 4 yurts! These round, tent/hotel room hybrids are a luxurious way to “camp” while still getting the desert experience. These yurts comfortably fit 2 and have 573 sqft. of beautiful designed space. You’re placed far from your yurt neighbors so it’ll feel like you have the desert to yourself. Inside you’ll find amenities that include fine Italian bedding, Dyson hair dryers, an Orion telescope, and oversized master bathrooms! Some even have private patio areas. Plan a trip to Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande because you’re an immediate neighbor to one and very close to the other!
$$$ | TERLINGUA | BOOK
photo courtesy of the Style Scribe
Three beautifully designed safari tents are the perfect place to visit during the hot summer months because they have quick access to several beaches along the San Marcos River. Each “tent” is 650 square feet and includes all the luxurious amenities of home; including hardwood floors, fully equipped kitchenette, large indoor shower, and a luxurious king-sized bed. For activities guests have several options including visiting the 150 year old pecan orchard is within walking distance. Or if you would like to float the river, the Texas State Tube Rental is a 16 minute drive west.
photo courtesy of Here Comes the Guide
With two large safari tents overlooking the beautiful Texas Hill Country and the Pedernales River, Walden Retreat is the perfect destination for any romantic couple looking for some much needed privacy. Each tent includes a King-Sized Casper bed, claw-foot bathtub, an outdoor deck, a private fire pit, and several other luxurious amenities. They are currently expanding their property and will reopen in 2021 to host you! If you and your significant other are looking for other things to do during the day, some fun activities we recommend are the 290 Wines Trail, visiting Fredericksburg, and Garrison Brothers Bourbon.
$$ | JOHNSON CITY | BOOK | REOPENS FALL 2021
photo courtesy of Walden Retreats
