Why Glamping Is the Perfect Family Vacation: Top Destinations for All Ages
Family vacations are a time to relax, reconnect, and create lasting memories. If you’re looking for an experience that combines adventure, nature, comfort, and bonding, glamping is the perfect solution. Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” provides all the fun of outdoor adventures without sacrificing the luxuries of home. It offers families a chance to enjoy the great outdoors while having the comforts of cozy beds, hot showers, and even gourmet meals prepared for you. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the wonders of nature or seeking a break from the hustle and bustle, glamping strikes the ideal balance for families.
In this article, we’ll explore why glamping is the ultimate family vacation and highlight the top destinations around the world where families of all ages can enjoy this perfect blend of adventure and luxury.
Why Glamping is Perfect for Families
- Fun for All Ages Glamping offers something for every member of the family, regardless of age. For children, it’s an exciting way to experience the outdoors — think campfires, wildlife sightings, and nature trails. For parents, it’s a chance to unplug and relax without the stress of traditional camping, where setting up tents and cooking over a campfire can often feel like hard work. Teenagers can enjoy adventure activities like kayaking, zip-lining, or hiking, while younger kids can play in safe, natural environments. Glamping properties often include amenities such as games, movies, and entertainment, ensuring no one gets bored.
- A Unique Way to Connect with Nature Glamping offers an opportunity for families to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other and nature. Unlike traditional hotels or resorts, glamping allows you to experience the outdoors in an immersive, stress-free environment. Wake up to the sounds of birds, take a family hike, or enjoy a star-filled sky in the evenings — all while staying in comfort.
- Convenience and Comfort Unlike regular camping, where setting up a tent, cooking, and dealing with weather can be challenging, glamping offers a more comfortable, convenient experience. Tents are equipped with plush bedding, electricity, heating, and even en-suite bathrooms. This means families don’t need to worry about the logistics of camping gear and can focus on enjoying their time together.
- Eco-Friendly and Educational Many glamping destinations are eco-friendly, offering families the opportunity to teach children about sustainability, environmental conservation, and the importance of protecting the planet. From solar-powered tents to nature conservation programs, glamping sites often offer a chance to experience nature in a way that respects and preserves it.
Top Glamping Destinations for Families
1. Under Canvas – Yellowstone National Park, USA
Location: Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Specialty: Safari-Style Tents Near America’s First National Park
Under Canvas offers a luxurious glamping experience just outside Yellowstone National Park, one of the most iconic and family-friendly parks in the USA. The property provides safari-style tents equipped with king-sized beds, wood-burning stoves, and en-suite bathrooms. Families can take advantage of the park’s natural wonders, such as the famous geysers, wildlife watching, and hiking trails.
- Key features: Spacious tents with bathrooms, wood-burning stoves, adventure activities.
- Activities for families: Wildlife watching (bison, wolves, bears), family-friendly hiking trails, ranger-led programs.
- Season: Late May to September (summer months with warm temperatures).
2. Glamping at Big Bear Lake – California, USA
Location: Big Bear Lake, California, USA
Specialty: Lakeside Glamping with Year-Round Activities
For families who love water activities, Big Bear Lake in California offers a range of lakeside glamping options, from yurts to luxury tents. In the summer, families can enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing on the lake. During the winter, the area transforms into a snow-covered wonderland with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. This destination ensures that there’s something fun to do for every season and age.
- Key features: Lakeside tents and yurts, year-round activities, family-friendly environment.
- Activities for families: Swimming, boating, hiking, fishing, skiing, and snowboarding.
- Season: Year-round (summer for water activities, winter for snow sports).
3. The Resort at Paws Up – Greenough, Montana, USA
Location: Greenough, Montana, USA
Specialty: Luxury Safari Tents and Ranch Adventure
Located in the picturesque Rocky Mountains, Paws Up Resort offers luxurious safari-style tents and canvas homes with spectacular views of the countryside. With over 37,000 acres of wilderness, it provides a variety of activities for families. Kids can try horseback riding, zip-lining, fly-fishing, or take part in cowboy-inspired activities. Parents can relax at the on-site spa, go hiking, or enjoy gourmet meals prepared by world-class chefs.
- Key features: Spacious tents with private bathrooms, luxury amenities, outdoor adventure.
- Activities for families: Horseback riding, zip-lining, fly-fishing, ranch tours, guided hikes.
- Season: Summer and fall (best during warm weather for outdoor activities).
4. Canopy & Stars – Forest of Dean, England
Location: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England
Specialty: Unique Treehouses and Luxury Tents in a Woodland Setting
The Forest of Dean in England offers one of the most enchanting settings for a family glamping getaway. Canopy & Stars features a collection of luxury treehouses, yurts, and safari tents scattered throughout the forest. Families can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure and cozy indoor comfort, with many accommodations featuring wood-burning stoves and outdoor hot tubs. The surrounding forest is full of family-friendly walking trails and opportunities to spot wildlife.
- Key features: Treehouses, luxury tents, outdoor hot tubs, woodland setting.
- Activities for families: Forest walks, wildlife spotting, zip-lining, cycling.
- Season: Year-round (best in spring and summer for pleasant weather).
5. Bali Hai – Isle of Wight, UK
Location: Isle of Wight, England
Specialty: Seaside Glamping with Eco-Friendly Lodging
On the Isle of Wight, Bali Hai offers an eco-friendly glamping experience in luxurious yurts by the sea. This family-friendly retreat provides everything needed for a comfortable stay, including private bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and cozy beds. Families can enjoy beach activities, explore the island’s historical sites, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings.
- Key features: Eco-friendly yurts, beach access, family-focused facilities.
- Activities for families: Beach activities, cycling, historical site tours, nature walks.
- Season: May to September (best for beach activities and sunny weather).
6. LUX South Ari Atoll – Maldives*
Location: South Ari Atoll, Maldives
Specialty: Overwater Villas and Beachside Tents for Ultimate Relaxation
For families who want to experience tropical luxury, the Maldives offers a breathtaking glamping experience at LUX South Ari Atoll*. This island paradise combines overwater villas with beachfront glamping tents, offering families stunning views of the ocean and easy access to a wide range of water-based activities. From snorkeling with manta rays to beach picnics, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
- Key features: Overwater and beachfront tents, all-inclusive resort, family-friendly activities.
- Activities for families: Snorkeling, swimming, dolphin watching, kids’ club.
- Season: November to April (best during dry season for clear waters and sunshine).
7. Bespoke Retreats – Costa Rica
Location: Costa Rica
Specialty: Rainforest Glamping with Wildlife Adventures
For families looking to explore lush jungles and diverse wildlife, Costa Rica offers unforgettable glamping experiences. Families can stay in luxurious safari tents nestled in the heart of the rainforest, waking up to the sounds of howler monkeys and tropical birds. Kids can learn about biodiversity through hands-on experiences like guided nature walks and wildlife tours, while parents can relax by the resort’s pool or indulge in spa treatments.
- Key features: Rainforest setting, luxury tents, private bathrooms, eco-friendly design.
- Activities for families: Wildlife tours, zip-lining, hiking, nature walks, river rafting.
- Season: December to April (best during dry season for outdoor exploration).
8. The Orchard Glamping – Devon, UK
Location: Devon, England
Specialty: Peaceful Retreat in a Beautiful Orchard
Located in Devon, The Orchard Glamping offers families a peaceful escape among apple trees and the beautiful countryside. This site features luxury yurts and bell tents, all equipped with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and private outdoor areas. Families can explore the charming countryside, visit local farms, or relax by a campfire under the stars.
- Key features: Orchard setting, family-friendly facilities, outdoor campfires.
- Activities for families: Nature walks, farm visits, cycling, campfire storytelling.
- Season: April to October (best during summer for outdoor activities).