While camping has been considered one of the more economical ways to travel, Kampgrounds of America (KOA) recently asked campers why they camp, and, surprisingly, the top answers weren’t about money at all. The top responses were reconnecting with nature, getting away from the stress of our lives and spending more time with loved ones. And, with glamour camping, there is no reason why we can’t do all of that and be treated to a little pampering at the same time. I have to admit this is my kind of outdoor bonding. Plan your next glamping adventure in one of these innovative western destinations that combine rural beauty with over-the-top extras.
Santa Barbara’s El Capitan Canyon
Just north of Santa Barbara in Gaviota, along an unspoiled stretch of the Central Coast’s sparkling coast, is a unique camping destination which opened in 2002 as an upscale alternative to “roughing it.” One of the originals to coin the term “luxury camping,” El Capitan Canyon is nestled against the Los Padres National Forest with access to the 3,500-acre nature preserve as well as El Capitan State Beach. Known for both family bonding and romantic getaways, the nature lodging destination offers adventure yurts, canvas safari tents and individual cabins—all nestled in historic groves of oak and sycamore trees along El Capitan Creek and grouped in villages with names like “Stone Pine,” “Peace Tree,” “Lone Stone” and “Shaded Creek.”
Southern California nature lodging near the beach has never been so enjoyable. Accommodations are furnished with willow beds, down-style duvets, western-inspired blankets and casual furnishings. The classic canvas safari tents sit on raised wooden decks and have screen windows and doors, electric lamps and heaters. Take your choice of two double beds or a queen, however, bathroom facilities are not “in-house.” For the ultimate first-class experience, choose the safari cabin suite, the Canyon’s most private accommodation, set on a hillside with vistas of the Pacific. The ultra-private suite features two bedrooms (one with a fireplace), a designer kitchen, living room with fireplace, bathroom and outdoor shower. The wraparound deck is outfitted with a barbecue and outdoor dining area. As another alternative, adventure yurts line the creek. The circular canvas structures include queen beds, twin-size beds, trundles, skylights and a refrigerator.
Spa camping emerged at El Capitan several years ago with its Creekside Canyon Spa and has expanded since to include a spa cabin, spa tents, outdoor treatment areas and showers. Particularly alluring is the outdoor spa setting in a flowering garden area that aligns a peaceful stream. After a relaxing treatment, get ready to play—entertainment and exploration opportunities abound. Explore the beach, follow hiking or biking trails, go stargazing or tackle a ropes course. Special outings include wine tasting tours, kayaking, sunset cruises, horseback riding, sailing and more. Nights at the Canyon are highlighted by an outdoor concert series and barbeque buffet dinner under the stars during certain seasons. Thursday nights bring outdoor movies, and don’t forget to feed the llamas and goats with the resident farm historian. A market and country store offer about any supplies you may need on your glamping adventure—from barbecue and s’more kits to a great selection of wine from Santa Barbara’s popular wineries. For a special treat, hire a “Camp Butler” to grill and serve your outdoor meal.
Big Sur’s New Redwood Canyon Glampsites
The awaited reopening of Ventana Big Sur on California’s rugged central coast has brought with it many exciting revitalized offerings, including the Redwood Canyon Glampsites. The new glamping program in Ventana’s ancient forest offers a rustic-luxury twist on traditional camping. Fifteen safari-style, canvas tents spanning a 20-acre canyon each feature inspired cabin-style décor, a custom-designed plush glamping mattress with luxury hotel linens, a wood-burning fire pit with firewood and other comforts. Glampers can experience the splendor of the outdoors while still relishing all the amenities and services of a world-class resort, including daily housekeeping service, morning coffee and tea, access to ice chests and custom-curated picnic baskets, power bricks with electrical and USB plug-ins, handheld lanterns and reading lights, a hickory walking stick, and a fully-stocked bath basket with towels and shower amenities. The new glamping Bath House offers a more refined outdoor experience as well, featuring teak-enclosed showers, heated floors, full hotel amenities, marble vanities and restroom facilities. For an additional resort fee of $100, guests receive access to Spa Alila, Social House, hotel pools and the fitness center.(photo courtesy of seemonterey.com)
Broadmoor’s Wilderness Experience
The iconic grand dame of Colorado resorts, the Broadmoor, now offers guests an alternative called the Wilderness Experience. The experience includes the Ranch at Emerald Valley and Cloud Camp, situated high above the resort at 9,200-feet topping Cheyenne Mountain and nestled within the 100,000 picturesque acres of the Pike National Forest. The main resort has a rich history, but you’ll discover that the ranch has its own. Built nearly a century ago, the enclave became a summer retreat for the Broadmoor’s founder Spencer Penrose in the 1920s. Today, the ranch is made up of a grand lodge with six lodge rooms, including a honeymoon suite, and Cloud Camp’s eleven cabins, as well as the Cloud Camp Fire Tower, one of the most impressive free-standing suites in the country.
Your favorite part of Cloud Camp might very well be getting there. You may choose from three ways to scale the mountain: take a shuttle from the Broadmoor; go on a three-hour guided hike; or mount a mule for a 45-minute trail ride. The Broadmoor mules come straight from traveling through the narrow, winding trails of the Grand Canyon, and you have several to choose from for your journey that climbs to spectacular lofty views along the way.
The cabins at Cloud Camp are outfitted with the resort’s high standards of luxuries, and multi-course meals in the lodge’s great room are included in the stay. Nature activities fill the day and night here. Explore hiking trails with or without a guide, take a class, horseback ride, roast s’mores and chose from a long menu of massages to work out the aches and pains.
Heritage Valley Glamour Camping: Open for Business
Even though this 76-acre campground that operates as the Ventura Ranch KOA experienced some damage in recent fires, it is open for business as it resurrects its offerings. Near the historic little town of Santa Paula, just off the winding rural highway that connects Santa Paula and Ojai, the KOA is submerged in agriculture and the scent of citrus blossoms. Guests get a double dose of nature with lots of clean, fresh air as well as a forest setting close to the creek. It’s a quiet refuge with abundant wildlife, gorgeous views and starry nights—plus the campgrounds are just 15 miles from the beach.
The KOA offers four types of accommodations, from the very rustic to deluxe. Discover your glamping adventure in the authentic Indian-styled teepees that can become extra cushy with an additional “glamour package.” The Glamour Tent option offers a microwave and mini-fridge, a plush queen bed and sofa futon, plus bedding, a fire pit and patio—all included for a small splurge. Bathrooms are close by. The experiences at this KOA are worth the trip. Every Saturday, guests may take adrenaline-powered zip line rides. On Fridays nights in summer, watch a free movie under the stars, and nature walks are every-day events.
