Glamping has officially moved beyond the campfire-and-sleeping-bag set. According to KOA’s 2026 Camping & Outdoor Hospitality Report, glamping accounted for nearly a third (29%) of all camping experiences in 2025, reflecting a growing appetite for getting outside without giving up the comforts of a luxury escape. Across the South, that trend has translated into everything from designer domes and elevated treehouses to Western-style ranch stays, giving families a fresh way to experience the great outdoors.
For travelers who want adventure by day and a plush place to unwind by night, these Southern glamping destinations deliver plenty of both. Whether your ideal getaway involves mountain vistas, horseback rides, waterfall swims, or a cozy night beneath the stars, these properties make it possible to reconnect with nature while keeping comfort firmly in the itinerary.


The Glamping Collective | North Carolina & Tennessee
For those who want to feel like they’ve disappeared into the mountains without sacrificing the finer things, The Glamping Collective offers an elevated take on the great outdoors. With locations near Asheville, North Carolina, and Chattanooga, Tennessee, the collection pairs secluded surroundings with design-forward accommodations that feel more like a boutique hotel than a traditional campground.
The property’s domes are thoughtfully appointed with plush robes and slippers, private hot tubs and firepits, while select accommodations feature heated floors for an especially cozy retreat. Outside, hiking trails and expansive mountain views encourage guests to spend plenty of time exploring the landscape before returning to their private hideaway.
The newest 37-acre Chattanooga retreat takes the experience even further, combining its scenic setting with a cliff-edge infinity pool and natural waterfall. It’s the kind of setting where an afternoon can easily stretch from a hike to a leisurely swim before ending around the fire beneath a star-filled sky. For those aged 21 and up seeking an outdoorsy escape with a distinctly sophisticated edge, The Glamping Collective strikes an enviable balance.

Loving Heart Retreats | Burnet, Texas
In the Texas Hill Country, Loving Heart Retreats offers a more intimate interpretation of the glamping experience. Set in Burnet, Texas, the adults-only retreat is designed for travelers who want to trade the distractions of everyday life for wide-open scenery, quiet mornings, and a little extra time to relax. While it isn’t a family destination in the traditional sense, it makes an appealing option for parents planning a child-free escape of their own.
Guests can choose between safari-style tents and geodesic domes, each designed to bring the surrounding landscape into the experience while maintaining privacy and comfort. Large private decks create natural spots for morning coffee or sunset lounging, while hammocks and fire pits encourage lingering outdoors long after the sun goes down.
Select accommodations also feature private hot tubs, adding another layer of indulgence to an already tranquil setting. Rather than packing an itinerary with activities, Loving Heart Retreats is about slowing down and enjoying the setting. For couples or parents in need of a restorative weekend away, it offers the opportunity to reconnect with nature and each other without giving up the pleasures of a luxurious stay.

Primland Resort Tree Houses | Meadows of Dan, Virginia
There are treehouses, and then there are the treehouses at Primland Resort. Perched above the Dan River Gorge in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, these cedar retreats turn a childhood fantasy into an elevated Blue Ridge Mountain escape. Surrounded by sweeping views, the accommodations offer families a memorable way to experience the landscape while enjoying the comforts of a refined resort stay.
Each treehouse features an expansive private deck overlooking the mountains, creating a front-row seat for changing skies, forest scenery, and the quiet beauty of the surrounding gorge. The elevated setting also adds a sense of adventure without requiring guests to venture far from their accommodations.
Thoughtful extras make the stay feel decidedly more luxurious. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered daily, allowing guests to ease into the morning without leaving their perch among the trees. A self-guided wine-tasting experience adds another sophisticated touch for adults traveling with older children.
For families seeking a getaway that feels both adventurous and polished, Primland’s treehouses offer a rare combination: the wonder of sleeping among the trees with the service and comforts of an upscale resort.

Westgate River Ranch | River Ranch, Florida
For a glamping getaway with a little more Western flair, Westgate River Ranch brings the spirit of the American frontier to Central Florida. Set across 1,700 acres in River Ranch, the expansive dude ranch offers families an immersive escape where luxury camping meets classic ranch adventure.
Guests can stay in luxe teepees and furnished glamping tents, trading the traditional campground setup for comfortable accommodations that still preserve the romance of sleeping beneath the stars. But the real draw is what happens beyond the tent. Days here can be filled with horseback riding, airboat excursions, and other outdoor adventures that make the most of the ranch’s sprawling landscape.
The weekly rodeo adds an especially memorable dose of Western entertainment, giving families the chance to experience a piece of ranch culture without traveling west of the Mississippi. Something refreshingly nostalgic about the experience, but the comfortable accommodations and range of activities keep it firmly in modern glamping territory.
For families who prefer their outdoor escapes with a side of adventure, Westgate River Ranch offers a lively alternative to the traditional mountain retreat one where the itinerary can be just as memorable as the accommodations.

Abide Glamping | Williamstown, Kentucky
Just eight minutes from the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, Abide Glamping makes it easy to combine a popular family attraction with an overnight experience that feels like an adventure of its own. Designed specifically with families in mind, the property offers canvas tents and geodesic domes that bring the fun of camping outdoors while keeping many of the comforts travelers expect from a traditional stay.
The accommodations are particularly well suited to families, incorporating playful features such as lofts and slides that make the experience feel exciting for younger guests. Rather than simply providing a place to sleep after a day of sightseeing, Abide turns the accommodations themselves into part of the adventure.
The geodesic domes also offer a memorable way to experience the surrounding landscape, while the canvas tents capture the classic appeal of camping with a more comfortable, thoughtfully designed setup. Its proximity to the Ark Encounter makes Abide an especially convenient choice for families building a longer weekend around the attraction.
For parents who want to introduce their children to the joys of camping without committing to a traditional campsite, Abide Glamping offers a playful middle ground equal parts outdoor adventure, family-friendly novelty, and comfortable retreat.




