Glamping in New England: An Inside Guide
If you’re looking to get acquainted with New England’s natural beauty but aren’t so keen on the dirt and discomfort that go along with camping, you’re in luck. Glamping (glamour + camping) combines the scenery and serenity of roughing it with luxury accommodations and amenities, meaning you’ll get all the outdoorsy Instagram photos plus a cozy place to plug in your phone and upload them over a cup of coffee. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or want a gentle introduction to the great outdoors, the northeast is full of gorgeous glamping destinations where you can fall asleep to the sound of the wind through the trees from the comfort of your feather bed. Read on to find out where.
Waldoboro, ME
Tops’l Farm is a secluded retreat nestled on acres of forest and farmland in Midcoast, Maine. You can choose between a luxury canvas tent or an A-frame cabin in the woods, where you’ll find wrought-iron bed frames and warm wool blankets to snuggle under, and there’s a quaint old farmhouse for large groups. Get caught up in the farm’s summer-camp vibes with activities ranging from fishing and archery to cheese-making and beekeeping, or simply escape for a while with some peace and quiet (and wine?) around the campfire
Londonderry, VT
In the rolling hills of southern Vermont, Bent Apple Farm has converted an entire horse farm’s worth of outbuildings into cozy accommodations for all manner of getaways. Couples can retreat in the Sheds, where instead of rusting tools you’ll find potbellied stoves and overstuffed armchairs. Larger groups can stay in the Barn or the Farmhouse, with wraparound porches and rocking chairs overlooking grazing horses and picturesque farmland. Fill your days with fly fishing in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter, and return at night to cook in the well-appointed rustic kitchens that have been featured on national cooking shows.
White Mountains, NH
Huttopia is a French glamping company, and their digs are as fancy as you might expect, with French wine and cheese to go along with your camping experience in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Grab your fine camping cuisine from the campground’s Airstream trailer, then head to your ready-made campsite where you’ll find a tent all set up for you, or your cabin made from environmentally-friendly untreated wood. This lakeshore glamping outfit offers great activities like boating, swimming, and fishing, but guests who fear the icky lake bottom might find it nicer in the heated pool.
Great Barrington, MA
The Berkshires is a rural haven for artists and wealthy vacationers in Western Massachusetts, a great escape from the noise of the city, famous for its fall foliage, farm-to-table dining, and picturesque views. And what better way to enjoy the woodland scenery than from the treetops? This private treehouse sleeps four, and is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides giving you sweeping views of the surrounding forest. The design is minimalist, with a modern wood-burning fireplace perfect for snuggling next to and plenty of nooks for reading, writing, or just relaxing with a cup of tea. This is a private home, not a resort, meaning the hospitality is personable and the experience will be intimate. Find it on AirBnb.
Bozrah, CT
Whether you want to cozy up in a cabin or yuk it up with your friends in a yurt, Odettah Camping Resort is a summertime lakeside destination just a couple hours from New York City that truly offers something to suit everybody’s camping needs. Blending just the right amount of glamour (jacuzzi, in-ground pool, mini golf, camp-wide WiFi) with the natural splendor of a lakeside forest retreat, Odettah is like summer camp for both kids and adults. They offer a range of activities, from horseshoes to boating on the lake, with an onsite restaurant and a lakeside snack-shack meaning you can satisfy your sophisticated side and also your sweet tooth.
CHEAT SHEET:
· Boston – 7 Off-the-beaten path New England Vacation Ideas
· Lovetoknow.com – Best Places to Go Glamping
· Travel and Leisure – Luxury Campsites for Glamping