With shimmery lakes, sweeping canyons, flowing rivers and scenic hikes, Texas offers endless opportunities for nature-deprived urbanites to spend time reconnecting with the great outdoors. But let’s face it: camping is not for everyone. Luckily those who typically avoid nature, can still enjoy its benefits in a more luxurious environment. Glamping – a term for the movement of glamorous camping – is popping up all over Texas. We have rounded up seven of the state’s scenic and luxurious glamping sites to plan your next vacation!
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Cabins
Easily one of the best glamping views in Texas, possibly the world, is from the historic cabins overlooking the nation’s second largest canyon. The Palo Duro Canyon State Park Cabins are renovated to include all the modern conveniences such as running water, air conditioning and heat, but still have a rustic flair. The view of the sun rising over the multi colored layers of rock, steep cliffs and flat tops is more than enough to make up for the lack of goose-down pillows or memory foam mattresses. If you want to spend the evening at the edge of the Palo Duro Canyon, make your reservations early. The cabins fill up fast. Reservations during summertime are booked months in advance.
El Cosmico in Marfa
El Cosmico shys away from the term “glamping,” considering itself more of a modern-day campground equipped with contemporary amenities. Either way, the 22-foot teepees with heated queen-sized mattresses sure beat sleeping on the ground. When designing the 21-acre campsite, hotelier Liz Lambert wanted to create a communal retreat that offers an escape from the modern world while cultivating artistic engagement. With limited access to digital connectivity, visitors can spend their time away from technology to participate in creative workshops, stargaze, bike and explore the artsy town of Marfa. The restored vintage trailers, Sioux-style teepees, yurt and safari tents all ensure a cozy night sleep under West Texas’ dark skies.
Green Acres ATX in Elgin
Just 25 miles east of Austin in Elgin, this boutique campground is the perfect “unplugged” escape for stressed out city folk at Green Acres ATX. WiFi is not available, providing guests the opportunity to disconnect. Instead, spend time with the chickens, alpacas and donkeys that live on the 25-acre property. Enjoy an evening fire in the outdoor fire pits, a friendly game of bocce ball or walk along the nature trails. Crawl into the queen-sized bed in your Yurt and fall asleep to the sounds of crickets serenading you in the distance. You will likely awake in the morning to the sound of roosters crowing. If you need a break from all the natural serenity, Bastrop with all its urban comforts is about ten minutes away.
Geronimo Creek Retreat in Seguin
Water lovers rejoice! Here is a glamping destination for you. The Geronimo Creek Retreat hugs the banks of the Geronimo Creek, making it the perfect water getaway for those hot summer days. Guests can use the retreat’s private river access to enjoy free kayaking, paddle boarding and rope swinging as well as ping pong tables, hammocks, games and fire pits if water log sets in. Nestled away in a grove of pecan trees, the resort offers plenty of quiet spaces as well. Relax with a glass of wine in one of the elevated treehouse cabins overlooking the spring-fed creek, or for more of a camping feel, stay in the fully furnished teepee. Each accommodation has Wi-Fi, DirecTV and air conditioning to bridge the gap between camping and comfort.
Son’s Island in Seguin
For an unforgettable experience, glamp on a tiny island surrounded by the glistening waters of Lake Placid. Forget the frustration of setting up camp, the staff at Son’s Island does everything for you. The three-and-a-half-acre island is equipped with volleyball courts, kayaks, paddleboards and waterfront cabanas to wear out even the most active of families. End the day roasting S’mores near the campfire (the staff will even light the fire for you) before hitting the hay in the plush queen beds. Each tent is equipped with an LED lantern for late night reading. Wake up under the towering cypress trees refreshed for another round of fun.
Sinya on Lone Man Creek in Wimberley
This romantic, safari-inspired glamping getaway reminds travelers that you can enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing luxury. Sinya on Lone Man Creek’s accommodations are about as far away from roughing it as one can get. Set high above the Lone Man Creek in the Texas Hill Country, glampers can spend hours on the private deck swinging on a hammock, listening to birds chirp or sipping on Tassimo coffee. Spend the day hiking nearby trails or cooling off in local swimming holes, knowing a feather cushioned sofa and a king-sized bed of goose down comforters awaits you at the end of the day.
Photo By: Al Argueta
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours in Spicewood
Cross a suspended wooden bridge, 40 feet high into the treetops at Cypress Valley Canopy to experience luxury tree house adventures. The ziplining outfit offers four treehouses with a maze of open-air walkways, bridges, tree branches and crow’s nests in the trees. The original treehouse – the Lofthaven – is a round bedroom built around an ancient cypress trunk. The wraparound porch provides the perfect location to sip on some evening wine or watch the sunrise in the morning.
The Local Chapter at Big Bend
Live your best nature-loving life glamping in Big Bend National Park. Hike to see incredible scenic views during the day, and at night,view the Milky Way from your luxury yurt after a hot shower. Glamping options are available right outside of the park in the ghost town of Terlingua. The Local Chapter, featuring a yurt with all the comforts of a regular Airbnb plus a fireplace and a telescope, is just yards away from the entrance to the park. At The Summit, you can stay in a luxurious stargazing tent with a transparent top or a renovated mining cave turned cozy sleeping quarters
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