Category: Campgrounds

5 Things to Do in the Chesapeake Bay Area  

Just the name of this region in Virginia where we have two fabulous glamping options sounds like an absolute dream. The River Realm evokes images of scenic vistas and of course, one-of-a-kind river experiences. If you google “the River Realm” you will find it is the place where the Chesapeake Bay meets the Rappahannock River. Dig further and you’ll find it is a beautiful area of Virginia that encompasses three counties, each home to several charming small towns to visit and plenty of outdoor activities and unique experiences to definitely find yourself booking a glamping accommodation at Bethpage Camp-Resort, Grey’s Point Camp or Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay. We’ll help with the planning for this adventure by clueing you in on these five things to do here: 

Vacation Cottages at Bethpage Camp-Resort
Vacation Cottages at Bethpage Camp-Resort

1. Find the LOVE: As part of the state’s “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism campaign, more than 300 LOVEworks signs are sprinkled throughout the state and five of them can be found in the River Realm. What a perfect spot for an insta-worthy photo op, right? While all the signs are designed like the iconic LOVE sculpture popularized in the late 1960s, each of these signs also are designed to represent the local culture. The towns of Deltaville, Kilmarnock, Saluda, and Urbanna each have LOVEworks signs. To find the details of each location, visit virginiasriverrealm.com/love-works-river-realm. 

2. Go Day-Trippin’: Take a vacation within a vacation by choosing one, or all, of the day trip options from the area that are under 2 hours. Virginia Beach, which is about 90 miles away, offers access to the Atlantic Ocean, sandy beaches, the iconic Boardwalk and the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center while Richmond, the state’s capital, is just over an hour’s drive. Richmond highlights include the Virginia State Capital, Maymont, a Gilded Age estate with a mansion, gardens and wildlife center and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with a fabulous collection of Faberge eggs.   

Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA
Cottage at Greys Point Camp in Topping, VA

3. Learn the History: There is so much history here, you really have to have a plan. Don’t miss the John Mitchell Map, on display at the Urbanna Visitors’ Center, which is said to be the most comprehensive map of Eastern North America, created during colonial times. Try to see all 16 stops on the Middlesex County Historical Marker Trail, which takes visitors to markers that detail events of the history of the area. Fittingly, several museums dedicated to life on the water can also be found here and include the Deltaville Maritime Museum, the Irvington Steamboat Era Museum and the Morattico Waterfront Museum. 

    Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay
    Cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay

    4. Check out the Charm: Each of the towns found in the River Realm offers something a bit different, and the southern charm is unmistakable. Head to Kilmarnock for boutique shopping and dining while Saluda has many farmer’s markets. Urbanna has the Urbanna Seafood Market & Raw Bar, and a self-guided walking tour billed as “Museum in the Streets” which takes visitors to all the important spots in the town’s history. 

      5. Take to the Waters: If a place is known as the River Realm, you can’t very well visit without exploring the waterways here. There are plenty of blueways, aka water trails, to paddle here and the best place to find one that works for your time and skill level is at virginiasriverrealm.com/5-places-to-paddle-in-virginias-river-realm. Another option to get to know the waterways and what they produce here, specifically oysters, is to book a tour with either Watermen’s Heritage Tours (vawatermentours.com) or learn everything about the tiny oyster, which plays a critical role in the area’s history as well as to the eco-system by taking the Virginia Oyster AcademyTM tour offered through the Rappahannock River Charters (rappahannockrivercharters.com). If you want to taste some of the best oysters, the crowd favorite is Merrior, a tasting room of sorts for all things oysters (rroysters.com). 

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        Top 4 Scenic Hikes to Take in August 

        A good long hike is always a good idea, as it benefits your mind and body in one fell swoop. But when the temps climb with summer weather, heat and humidity may factor into your hiking efforts, or lack thereof. Here are a few good summer hikes to consider: 

        The Bar Island Trail: Before you head out on this lovely hike across the water, make sure you know when low tide is expected as it’s the only time the sandbar is exposed allowing the trek across to Bar Island. This is a lovely short loop trail with great views of Frenchman Bay. Fun fact – it is one of the oldest known hiking trails on Mt. Desert Island with descriptions dating to 1867. Plan a glamping stay at Mt. Desert Narrows Campground or Narrows Too Campground. 

        Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
        Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort

        Tuolumne Meadows: Located within California’s Yosemite National Park, the Tuolumne Meadows are a great spot for a summer hike not only thanks to the lower temps experienced here due to its higher elevation location within the park, but also the wildflower blooms that are in full view from late May through October. Plus, the views of the Park’s granite peaks are spectacular from the Meadows. Plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.  

        Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
        Cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

        Starved Rock State Park: Illinois’ Starved Rock State Park has several great summer hikes that offer shade trees and waterfalls to help keep temperatures more moderate, so hikes are pleasant. Consider the St. Louis Canyon Trail at 2.1-miles out and back (note – there is a steep staircase to traverse) or the LaSalle Canyon, an easy-to-moderate hike, with spectacular canyon photo ops. Plan a glamping stay at O’Connell’s RV Campground and you’re less than 40 miles from the park.  

        Cabins at O'Connell's RV Campground
        Cabins at O’Connell’s RV Campground

        If you love vibrant pink blooms of flowering rhododendrons, or just a beautiful hike with lush scenery, consider the Ramona Falls hike in Mt. Hood National Forest. This longer hike at roughly a little less than eight miles is worth it for the scenery, and of course, the 120-foot waterfall. Book a stay in a tiny home at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village to be near this hike.  

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        Lakeside Glamping Adventures for the Outdoor Enthusiast 

        Sure, there’s nothing like summer vacation on the water. And just so we’re clear, that water does not have to be an ocean. In fact, many people prefer lakeside retreats for vacations because of the tranquil feelings the lake provides. Not to mention the crazy variety of activities you can do on a lake which tends to be much calmer than the ocean. For instance, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and of course, just floating. And you know what they say about those lake breezes – “it’s cooler by the lake!” We have plenty of suggestions for a lakeside retreat for a summer glamping getaway guaranteed to leave you with a peaceful, easy feeling when it’s time to head home.   

        Head to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House, CA, choose a glamping accommodation from the cabins, cottages and yurts and enjoy the 120-acre Lake Mildred. Surrounded by towering pine trees, a day on the lake here could include swimming, boating and fishing for bass and trout. If you want to enjoy the lake views from the beach, there’s a sandy beach right onsite.  

        Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground
        Vacation Cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground

        While technically not on the lake, you won’t want to miss a glamping trip to California’s Tahoe Valley Campground so you can explore beautiful nearby Lake Tahoe, the second deepest lake in the US. Head to Emerald Bay State Park for opportunities to enjoy the like including kayaking, swimming and absolutely fabulous photo ops! 

        O’Connell’s RV Campground has not just one, but two lakes for your enjoyment when you book a cabin or cottage at this Illinois glamping resort. Swim, fish, kayak, canoe, pedal boat, or just enjoy the sunset views over the lake. 

        Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ
        Deluxe Cabins at Pine Haven Campground, NJ

        Book a glamping cabin or cottage at New Jersey’s Pine Haven Campground which offers glampers two freshwater lakes – one for swimming and one for fishing. One fun fact about Pine Haven is that it is less than 40 miles from Atlantic City and the iconic boardwalk that borders another wonderful body of water – the Atlantic Ocean! 

        Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
        Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

        If you’re looking for some lake time, then visit the Queen of American Lakes, also known as Lake George. Given this nickname by Thomas Jefferson, who said it was “the most beautiful water I ever saw,” the Queen can be found in New York’s Adirondack region with a glamping stay at Lake George Escape Campground. All kinds of lake activities can be enjoyed here from swimming and fishing to paddling and kayaking to beautiful, chartered dinner cruises around the lake.  

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        Travel to New Heights This July 

        If corn is supposed to be as high as an elephant’s eye come July, we got to thinking about other high things. For instance, did you know the highest recorded cornstalk was 45 feet – found in western New York. Or that the tallest building in America is New York’s One World Trade Center soaring 1776 feet into the sky. What else is way up there..? 

        Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground
        Cabin at Lake George Escape Campground

        From a mountain perspective, consider a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Green Mountain in Lenoir, North Carolina and head to nearby Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountain range. A challenging 5+ mile trek will get you to the top, but a drive to the summit is also possible. The distinction of the tallest mountain on the eastern seaboard goes to Cadillac Mountain, which can be found in Maine’s Acadia National Park. Book a cozy glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort to visit Acadia and possibly watch the sunrise from atop Cadillac Mountain. A stay at Lake George Escape Campground will put you less than 40 miles from the highest spot in the Adirondacks – Mt. Marcy, which has an elevation of 5,343 feet.  

        Cabin Glamping at Chehalis RV Campground
        Cabin at Thousand Trails Chehalis

        On the west coast, a tiny house stay at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect place to explore Oregon’s highest elevation, Mt. Hood, which is 11,245 from sea level. For spectacular views of Washington’s highest peak, Mt. Rainier, book a cabin or cottage stay at nearby Thousand Trails Chehalis which offers pretty great views of this snow-capped beauty in the Pacific Northwest.  

        From a man-made perspective when it comes to high things, the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, Nevada is the highest free-standing observation structure in the US towering 1,149 feet above the Las Vegas Strip – book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas to experience the views from “the Strat.” Coming in at #2 on the list of tallest observation towers, the Tower of the Americas stands at 750 feet. It was built for the San Antonio’s World’s Fair in 1968 – book a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake to experience the 360 degree views from this tower.  

        Cabin at Thousand Trails Pine Country
        Cabin at Thousand Trails Pine Country


        For nearly 25 years after it was built in 1973, Chicago’s Willis Tower was the tallest building in the world. Surpassed by a skyscraper in Malaysia, it now ranks as the 12th tallest building in the world and the third tallest in the Western hemisphere as well as the US. Book a cottage stay at Thousand Trails Pine Country to take the roughly 90-minute drive into the city to see the Willis Tower and the magnificent views from its Skydeck.   

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        Four Glamping Trips to Help You Spring into Summer

        Glamping is great any time of year, but there is something about a summer glamping trip that checks all the boxes. The weather is nice, festivals are in full swing, beaches are open, hiking and biking trails tend to be drier, and flora and fauna are everywhere. Here are some great summer glamping ideas:

        Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort
        Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort

        Coastal Summer: Feeling the warm ocean breeze, walking miles of beaches, and hearing the sound of the ocean is an ideal way to spend summer. Coastal cities to consider when glamping include Miami with a glamping accommodation at Encore Miami Everglades; Bar Harbor, Maine with a glamping accommodation at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort; Carolina Shores RV Resort in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Oregon’s Thousand Trails Whalers Rest which is located just 150 yards from the Pacific Ocean!

        Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes
        Cabins at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes

        Theme Park Summer: Before you say “oh no, too crowded” take note that we are not talking about the major themes but instead the still fun, smaller ones like Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California (book a stay at Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes); Pennsylvania’s Hersheypark (book a stay at Thousand Trails Hershey) or New Jersey’s Storybook Land (book a stay at Thousand Trails Sea Pines).

        Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground
        Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico RV Campground

        Festival Summer: Nothing says summer like a good festival whether it’s for food, music or just plain fun. San Diego welcomes Comic-Con July 24-27 (glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Maine’s Lobster Festival is scheduled for July 30-August 3 (stay at Thousand Trails Moody Beach); while the Washington State International Kite Festival in Long Beach is set for August 18-24 (stay at Thousand Trails Long Beach).

        Whitewater Summer: If you’re looking for a great water adventure, consider a whitewater rafting expedition on some of these waters near our glamping locations: Book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and take to the Tuolumne River; glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and whitewater raft on the nearby Sacandaga River, a tributary of the Hudson River; or take on the Vermillion River in Illinois while glamping at O’Connell’s RV Campground.

        Cabin Rentals at O'Connell's RV Campground
        Cabin Rentals at O’Connell’s RV Campground

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        Glamping is the Best Gift You Can Give this June 

        June is the month to celebrate not only dads (Father’s Day is June 15 this year), but also grads (most academic school years end in June, making it a common graduation month) and also newlyweds. Did you know the Roman goddess Juno, for whom the month is named, is the goddess of marriage making June a popular wedding month? Fun facts aside, the perfect gift for these June honorees is a great glamping trip. So, if you’re planning a trip with a dad, a grad or are celebrating marriage consider these glamping locations. 

        Glamping with dads: Did your dad instill a love of music in you? Visit some major music venues when glamping with dad including Nashville (stay at the Thousand Trails Natchez Trace Tiny House Village) to experience country music vibes or opt for the Seattle Grunge Tour if you’re glamping at nearby Thousand Trails Thunderbird. Certainly your dad belongs in the Hall of Fame so why not visit a HOF when glamping nearby – consider a stay at Alpine Lake RV Resort and drive the roughly 80 miles to Cooperstown for a day spent enjoying the Baseball Hall of Fame while glamping at Thousand Trails Sturbridge is an option when visiting the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, If Dad loves bowling then book a stay at Thousand Trails Lake Texoma and visit the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame in Arlington, Texas.  

        Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort
        Vacation Cottage at Bethpage Camp-Resort

        Glamping for grads: Looking to find some high-energy activities for the newly-minted grad before they embark on their next chapter? How about a railbike ride in Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory? This is a unique way to see the area using pedal power (electric assist available) on a 6-mile tour that is roughly 2 ½ hours of pedal time. Check out mthoodrr.com for info. Another option is to check out all the activities at the Mt. Hood Skibowl which has all kinds of adventures like a rock-climbing wall, alpine slide and the scenic sky chair. A stay at one of the tiny homes at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect glamping accommodation for this trip. Another option for college grads is total decompression after the grind of school and before the real adulting begins. What about a wine country excursion? If that’s appealing, consider a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River to explore California’s Sonoma Valley wineries; a tiny house stay at Arizona’s Thousand Trails Verde Valley where you can take in the Verde Valley Wine Trail; or check out the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail while staying in a glamping cottage at Virginia’s Bethpage Camp-Resort.  

        Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild
        Glamping Cottage at Thousand Trails Idyllwild

        Glamping for two: According to the blog “Campsite Tonight”, some of the most romantic glamping locations include Acadia National Park, California’s Big Sur and Joshua Tree National Park. Acadia National Park makes the list thanks to its perfect combo of adventure and relaxation. Book a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort and find your perfect mix of kicking back and grabbing thrills. Calling it a peaceful escape with breathtaking sunsets, Joshua Tree makes the list for travel with a side of romance. To enjoy Joshua Tree, choose a glamping accommodation at nearby Thousand Trails Idyllwild and make sure to get a pic with your true love at Heart Rock, located within Joshua Tree. Book the super cozy yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to Big Sur to hike among the trees and experience Keyhole Arch and the unique purple sands at Pfeiffer Beach.  

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        Best Campgrounds for Biking Adventures

        May is the month to enjoy life atop a two-wheel vehicle, aka a bike, because it’s National Bike Month. This special honor was established in 1956 by the League of American Bicyclists to highlight the benefits of bike riding. Bike riding has plenty of benefits from improved mental well-being to improved cardiovascular health. Plus, it’s low impact so it is good for all ages and fitness levels. Here are some options for taking a spin this month when glamping with us:

        Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort
        Aerial view of Carolina Shores RV Resort


        Bike a Boardwalk: Boardwalks became popular in the US in the late 19th century and continue to be popular spots for long strolls and bike rides. Of course, the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey is one of the most popular and iconic boardwalks in the US. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Sea Pines and take the drive to Atlantic City to enjoy a bike ride along one of the most historic boardwalks in the country. If you’re glamping at Carolina Shores RV Resort, the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is great for a quick (1.2 mile) bike ride with ocean views! Please note these boardwalks have specific biking hours, so be sure to check them before you go.

        Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort
        Cabins at Narrows Too Camping Resort


        Bike a National Park: Many of our national parks have bike trails so if you’re camping near Maine’s Acadia National Park or California’s Joshua Tree National Park, bring your bike with you! Book a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and head to Joshua Tree, or more specifically, the Covington Flats section of the park. While mountain bikes or fat tire bikes are recommended for this trek, regular street bikes work as well. Thanks to the 45 miles of the Park’s carriage roads, exploring Acadia atop a bicycle is an option when glamping nearby at our Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort. Again, check before you go as inclement weather can close certain bike trails.

        Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake
        Cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake


        Bike the Big City: Several of America’s big cities are noted for having greenway systems to accommodate cyclists. San Antonio has over 100 bike-friendly miles in their greenway system so plan a glamping stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake to explore this historic Texas city. If you’re planning a glamping trip to enjoy a stay in a tiny house at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, plan a day to take a drive into nearby Portland and tour the city via bike. Portland is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country and as such has plenty of different routes that are great for doing the tourist thing while bicycling.

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        Pet-Friendly Glamping Locations You’ll Love

        A glamping getaway is always a good thing, but a glamping getaway where you bring along your favorite canine companion is even better. We have quite a few pet-friendly options to consider this summer:

        Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort
        Cabin at Patten Pond Camping Resort


        Bar Harbor, Maine: A nod from a magazine tells us Bar Harbor is a pet-friendly getaway. Outside magazine named Acadia National Park as the most pet-friendly national park in New England while https://www.visitbarharbor.com/ nicely details all the wonderful trails to hit with your pooch like the Cadillac Summit Loop located within the Park. If a beachside romp is on the agenda, head to Hadley Point Beach, a dog-friendly spot for leashed doggies. Bar Harbor Beer Works has two outdoor spots for pets: a covered patio and an upper deck. If you’re looking for a classic Maine lobster meal, you’re in luck, as the iconic Stewman’s Lobster Pound not only is pet-friendly but also has a special dog menu! Pack your bags, bring along your “best-friend” and plan a cabin or cottage stay at any of our three Bar Harbor Resorts – Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort, Narrows Too Camping Resort or Patten Pond Camping Resort.


        Bend, Oregon: Dog Fancy magazine named Bend the “nation’s dog-friendliest city” for reasons that include the number of dog-friendly hiking trails and dog parks. A popular hiking trail is the 1.2-mile loop trail in Farewell Bend Park that runs along the Deschutes River while another to consider is the Ancient Juniper Trail, an easy 3.2-mile loop trail. If you and your furry pal came to Bend to explore the breweries, know that your pup is welcome at the Bend Brewing Company on the outdoor patio while Spider City Brewing allows pets inside and out! Another option, and one that has a special menu just for dogs, is JDUB in downtown Bend. As for enjoying the Deschutes River from the water aspect, there are at least two dog parks along that river that allow access for them to play in the water – Riverbend Park and McKay Park. Book a pet-friendly glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for a pet-friendly glamping getaway.

        Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort
        Lakeside cabin at Blackhawk Camping Resort


        Madison, Wisconsin: Book the pet-friendly cabin or bring your tent or RV to Blackhawk Camping Resort in nearby Milton for this pet-friendly getaway. A great summer trip that will merit a four-paws up rating could include a farmers market visit where pets are welcome – from May through October on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Hilldale Farmers Market is pet-friendly; a walk on the Capital City Rail Trail which offers a nice gravel path for leashed dogs is a great outdoor activity; or if you’re looking for a good book, it’s good to note that A Room of One’s Own bookstore is very pet-friendly. BarleyPop Tap & Shop is an indoor dog-friendly taproom with live entertainment while the aptly named Great Dane Pub & Brewery allows dogs on the patio.

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        Where to Stay in a Yurt for an Unforgettable Trip

        Aside from being the ultra-hip accommodation as the glamping trend continues to gain popularity, a yurt offers so much for a glamping getaway. If you’re new to glamping, or a tried-and-true camper looking for something different, you will quickly find out that the yurt offers a very unique space that has all the amenities you could imagine. Cable TV, bathroom accommodations within the space, comfy bunks, a kitchenette, electricity and plenty of room for activities! Plus, you don’t have to duck when you stand up. This all goes without even mentioning the sense of well-being that is associated with the modern versions of these age-old dwellings. The circular shape of the yurt is said to provide a sense of connection as well as relaxation. So, booking a yurt for your next glamping trip would be an ideal way to get back to being connected with family, friends, nature and your well-being. Here are some options:

        Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes
        Yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes

        California: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs in Oregon House has three yurt accommodations, one of which is pet friendly. Located at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, this location is excellent for hiking and trail-riding, plus there are onsite activities provided by the 120-acre private lake including boating, fishing and swimming. If you’re looking to get in some white-water rafting, consider a yurt stay at one of the two yurt options at Thousand Trails Snowflower in Emigrant Gap which is nearby to the Truckee River. The town of Truckee has some great historical museums, as well as dining and shopping opportunities. Planning to explore Yosemite National Park? If that’s on your getaway list, book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes. With 5 yurts, choose your location of a meadow setting, hillside setting or riverside setting.

        Yurts at Mt. Hood Village
        Yurts at Mt. Hood Village

        Oregon: Yurt accommodations in Oregon include coastal locations (Thousand Trails Pacific City and Thousand Trails South Jetty), near Portland in the beautiful Mt. Hood area (Mt. Hood Village Campground) and in the town of Bend, considered the “outdoor playground of the West” (Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver). Bend offers four yurt options, with one being pet-friendly; Mt. Hood has two, both of which are pet-friendly, while coastal locations Pacific City and South Jetty offer two and four, respectively. While Bend offers hiking, biking and craft breweries, the Mt. Hood area is known for the Timberline Lodge and outdoor activities as well as annual festivals like the Huckleberry Festival and Sasquatch Festival. Coastal adventures at both Pacific City and South Jetty include lighthouse tours, beachcombing and countless dune trails to explore.

        Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt
        Thousand Trails Circle M Yurt

        Pennsylvania: The beautiful rolling hills of Pennsylvania’s Amish country, combined with a yurt accommodation at Thousand Trails Circle M sounds like a perfectly peaceful glamping getaway. Choose from one of the two yurts located here and explore Lancaster County. Bike trails range from easy rides (the Conestoga Greenway is 1.3 miles) to more strenuous (the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is 14 miles), while hiking trails are numerous and varied as well. Of course, there is the option to immerse yourself in the Amish culture with traditional dinners and tours or take a ghost tour, shop the Lancaster Central Market, which has been operating for over 300 years or take a cool covered bridge tour of the 30 surviving covered bridges in the area.

        Yurt at Thousand Trails Mt. Vernon
        Yurt at Thousand Trails Mount Vernon

        Washington: With five different glamping locations with yurt accommodations in Washington State, you can “yurt” your way through this fabulous Pacific Northwest destination feeling super connected to nature all along the way. Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is your gateway to Puget Sound and all things Mt. Baker while Thousand Trails Mount Vernon is great for nearby hiking trails and day trips to the San Juan Islands. Thousand Trails Long Beach is perfect for a glamping beach getaway and a stroll on the town’s historic boardwalk while Thousand Trails Paradise puts you in Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens territory. Looking to visit Seattle, consider a yurt accommodation at Tall Chief Campground and you’re less than 30 miles from Seattle attractions like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market and the Museum of Pop Culture.

        Wisconsin: “Explore the Door” as they say when you visit the 75-mile-long peninsula known as Door County. The yurt accommodations at Tranquil Timbers Campground sleep five and are the perfect place to call home while you do all the exploring of this great area that has outdoor activities, art galleries, quaint towns, plenty of shopping and dining experiences, and “uniquely Door County” experiences like fish boils and goats on restaurant roofs (Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant). Peninsula State Park is great for hiking and biking while those in the know say the villages of Egg Harbor and Fish Creek are best for shopping. Take the ferry over to Washington Island for a change-up in the beautiful scenery and visit Nelsen’s Hall for a traditional shot of bitters!

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        Where to Stay for a Butterfly-Watching Getaway

        Did you know that there are more than 20,000 types of butterflies worldwide or that butterflies taste with their feet? If you didn’t know these fun facts, you might be interested to know that March 14 is National Learn About Butterflies Day. In addition to reading up about butterflies or watching the documentary “Wings of Life” to celebrate the day, you may also consider visiting some of these wonderful butterfly sanctuaries located near our glamping locations.

        Vacation at Encore Miami Everglades
        Vacation at Encore Miami Everglades

        Butterfly World, located in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Florida has thousands of live butterflies for visitors to see among six aviaries filled with tropical plants and flowers. Butterfly World is considered the largest butterfly park in the world and has tropical birds and lorikeets there that visitors can feed! Choose your glamping accommodations from cabins, bunkhouses and lodges at Encore Miami Everglades and visit butterflyworld.com for more details on hours of operations and exhibits.

        Cockrell Butterfly Center
        Cockrell Butterfly Center

        Set within the Houston Museum of Natural Science, the Cockrell Butterfly Center is a beautiful immersive walk-through butterfly habitat in a rainforest setting complete with a 50-foot waterfall! More than 1500 butterflies make their home here and in the Chrysalis Corner visitors can see butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and take their first flight. Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Lake Conroe and visit hmns.org/cockrell-butterfly-center for more details for your visit.

        Cabin at Thousand Trails Hidden Cove
        Cabin at Thousand Trails Hidden Cove

        At the Huntsville Botanical Garden in Huntsville, Alabama, the Purdy Butterfly House, is a lovely open-air butterfly habitat home to more than 1000 butterflies unique to the southwest. Plan a stay at a glamping cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Hidden Cove and visit hsvbg.org for more details or plan ahead for a spectacular butterfly release event coming in May!

        Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort
        Cabin at Carolina Shores RV Resort

        In Moncks Corner, South Carolina you will find Cypress Gardens which is home to the Butterfly House, a large greenhouse filled with live butterflies as well as birds, an arthropod exhibit and an observation beehive. If you’re glamping at Carolina Shores RV Resort in nearby Myrtle Beach, take the drive to learn about the amazing pollinators that can be found at Cypress Gardens and the Butterfly House.

        If you are glamping in the Florida Keys (book a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key or a perfect tiny house at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village), the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory in Key West has roughly 60 varieties of butterflies, numbering in the thousands flying freely in a rainforest-like setting. Plus, the Learning Center not only has an interesting 15-minute video full of butterfly facts, but there are also other exhibits that detail interesting information about the world of butterflies. For details, go to keywestbutterfly.com.

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