Texas Travel

Girls Guide to Glamping

By Jennifer Chappell Smith 6.28.17

Going camping doesn’t have to mean roughin’ it. People who like to enjoy a little comfort and perhaps a little bit of the finer things in life also appreciate the great outdoors. In fact, you can skip camping this summer and go glamping, a chic mixture of glamour and camping, instead. 

Jessica Armstrong of GlampingHub.com discusses the new trend in camping from campers who build a lifestyle around the activity and typically have all the right gear, to glamping which opens the door to those who would like to experience the great outdoors whilst indulging in high end amenities, luxury comfort, all the while surrounding themselves with nature’s beauty.

“Glamping has become such a popular trend because it’s giving people who have looked for alternatives to roughin’ it on a camping site an experience where they do not have to sacrifice their level of comfort the same experience with nature, while being able to enjoy and indulge in the luxuries you would find at a five-star hotel or the comforts of home,” Armstrong says. ”It’s being able to be around a campfire but have a king-size bed to sleep on at night.” Pairing luxury with nature’s majesty, she says, has made this one of the travel industry’s biggest trends.

GlampingHub.com has grown from 200 properties when it launched in 2014 to more than 7,000 carefully curated offerings in 100 countries in 2017. Here are just a few showcased at GlampingHub.com

Bell Tents, Spring Branch 

Would you like 12-foot ceilings at home? How about in your tent? This campground offers round tents that soar above a queen bed and a twin bed, with another twin available upon request. Rugs across the wooden floor soften the steps you take in your hiking boots, which you can kick up on the ottoman of your cushy, upholstered club chair. You’ll also get your own private outdoor bath and plenty of linens, too.

A Tented Cabin, Weatherford 

This canvas-topped cabin feels practically five-star, with sofas and Texas accents, a contemporary shower, and amenities such as a hot tub under the trees. Paddle the Brazos River in one of the provided kayaks and return for a good night’s sleep in the queen bed of the master bedroom. Little ones can crawl under the covers on a fold-out sleeper sofa.  

Airstream Trailer, Wimberley

The sleek, vintage Airstream trailer has enjoyed an affectionate resurgence as of late and cultivated quite a fan base. This beauty, upcycled with contemporary interiors, has room for a family of three or a couple. Enjoy its contemporary interiors, or step outside to take in the timeless beauty of the Texas Hill Country.

A Tree House, New Braunfels

If you avoid camping because you don’t like to sleep on the ground, try sleeping in the treetops. The Swiss Family Robinson and their innovative home has nothing on this one, part of a network of high-up Hill Country getaways. It comes complete with Wi-Fi, satellite/cable TV, and a DVD player, not to mention showers. It even boasts a lofted space accessible by a winding spiral staircase. This rustic gem sleeps up to eight — with a king, two queens, and a twin. 

For even more tips for camping in the Lone Star State — check out the Texas Heritage for Living guide to car camping.  

© 2017 Texas Farm Bureau Insurance