Category: Campgrounds

Unwind by the Sea, Lake, or River on a Waterfront Vacation

Some people just can’t get enough of the water – swimming, snorkeling, or sailing across it, and then there are some who just like to look at the water. Just being near water is good for mental health – lowering blood pressure and bringing a sense of calm. Whether you’re a fish in or out of the water, these waterfront towns are contenders for some of the best places to enjoy “blue space” when glamping nearby.

Virginia Beach: Check into a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay or Thousand Trails Williamsburg and you’re about an hour from the fabulous Virginia Beach Boardwalk which provides a scenic 3-mile stroll along the Atlantic shores. At 28-feet wide, the Boardwalk is great for biking, blading, running and walking. Plenty of restaurants, shops and attractions can also be found along the Boardwalk including the Atlantic Wildfowl Museum and the Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum. Don’t miss the statue of the King of the Sea, Neptune, who holds court on the Boardwalk towering above the visitors with his ever-present trident.

Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground
Cabin at Medina Lake RV Campground

San Antonio: The serenity of the meandering San Antonio River is one draw of the San Antonio Riverwalk, one of the top attractions in this historic Texas town. Just about everything can be found along the 15-miles here including art (the San Antonio Museum of Art); waterfalls (The Grotto); a historic mansion (the Edward Steves Homestead Museum); and plenty of shops and restaurants. There are several options to explore this historic and scenic attraction from river cruises to guided walking tours and even a haunted walking tour! A glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake is the perfect accommodation for your San Antonio Riverwalk exploration.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach
Yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach

Long Beach, Washington: The boardwalk found in Long Beach, Washington is more serene than others in that it doesn’t offer carnival rides and other attractions, but simply an opportunity to connect with nature as you stroll along the grassy dunes on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Watch for whales, seabirds and other wildlife or enjoy the kite flyers on windy days (Long Beach is known as the Kite Flying Capital of the US.) Named one of the top boardwalks in the US by Travel + Leisure magazine, there is a lot to do here including a visit to the odd, yet interesting, Marsh’s Free Museum where visitors can see “Jake the Alligator Man” among many other curious curios. Speaking of interesting, check out the yurt accommodations at Thousand Trails Long Beach for your glamping stay (cabins and cottages are also available here!)

Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort
Yurts at Marina Dunes RV Resort

Carmel-By-the-Sea: Book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort and take the scenic drive to charming Carmel-By-the-Sea. You will definitely feel transported in this quaint village with the European flair which people have described as Italian, German and British. To get the seaside effect, visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve for spectacular views of the Pacific – views that are so spectacular that renowned landscape artist Francis McComas called Point Lobos the “greatest meeting of land and water in the world.” Back in town, take a self-guided walking tour to learn the history of the area (for a map, visit carmelcalifornia.com/carmel-walking-tour). Other options include shopping, dining and visiting the several wine tasting rooms located around the town. Upcoming events here include the 36th Annual Taste of Carmel (October 3) and the 108th City Birthday Party & Halloween Parade (October 31).

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Best Glamping Cabins to Stay Cozy in this Autumn

It’s autumn and that means cozy cabins are the must-have for your fall glamping adventures. Think rustic, wooded and perfect fall vibes. Check out some of our great cabins that are the perfect accessory to your fall-fun agenda.

A Cabin in the Woods: Head to Door County, Wisconsin’s popular peninsula for a glamping cabin in the woods experience at Tranquil Timbers Campground. The cabins here are set on 50 acres of wooded wonderland and offer the perfect place to enjoy fall colors. Outdoor opportunities here include exploring Peninsula State Park with its fishing, biking and hiking opportunities, apple-picking in the numerous orchards and strolling the charming towns. The Door County Fall Lighthouse Festival is set for October 4 when all 11 of the historic lighthouses will be open for visitors.

Cabin at Seaside RV Campround
Cabin at Seaside RV Campround

A Cabin by the Sea: You can’t get much closer to a cabin by the sea than with a glamping cabin accommodation at Thousand Trails Seaside on Oregon’s picturesque coast. Fall is the perfect time for spotting migrating gray whales while you stroll the beach. For guaranteed marine life views, head over to the Seaside Aquarium which has several touch tanks and underwater exhibits. It’s also a great place to feed the seals! A visit to Seaside is not complete without a walk on “the Prom,” Seaside’s historic 1.5-mile historic promenade along the shore which also has access to several restaurants and shops.

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

A Cabin in the Mountains: Lucky, lucky glampers – there are two choices if the mountains are calling you. The East Coast option is Lake George Escape Campground in the amazing Adirondacks. Late September in the Lake George area is a leaf-peepers dream as the colors are typically in their glory. Enjoy the fall air and the color show by hiking the numerous trails that range from easy to challenging. For a list of trail ideas, head to visitlakegeorge.com/outdoors/recreation/hiking. If you want a seat for the color show, consider a scenic drive on Route 9N or a drive to the top of Prospect Mountain. Fall events in Lake George include the Adirondack Balloon Festival scheduled for September 19-22 or the Lake George Oktoberfest and Fall Festival set for October 11-13. For a Pacific Northwest mountain adventure, rent a cozy cabin at Mt. Hood Village Resort and hop aboard the Fall Harvest Train, which is considered one of the most scenic rides that goes through the Hood River Valley (mthoodrr.com). Another fun fall experience would be to take the 35-mile self-guided Hood River Fruit Loop and visit the orchards in the area. Fall hikes could include the 3.3-mile hike to Tamanawas Falls, the Trillium Lake Loop, an easy hike that could include a lakeside picnic and the more aggressive hike at a little over 8 miles at Tom, Dick and Harry Mountain which offers great views of Mt. Hood.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing

A Cabin in the South: Again, two choices for the lucky fall glamper. There’s a cozy cabin waiting in Bridgeport, Texas at Thousand Trails Bay Landing. Once you’re settled in here explore the area which includes Fort Worth attractions including the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens which will be in full fall color bloom come September and the 138th State Fair of Texas which runs September 27 to October 20. Canoe or kayak the nearby Trinity River or hike Eagle Mountain Park which has 10 miles of trails. If you’re Tennessee-bound, reserve a cozy cabin at Thousand Trails Natchez Trace and drive into Nashville to enjoy the art and music scene that is Music City USA. Or take to the great outdoors and hike trails in the area which include the moderate Meriwether Lewis Loop Trail or the easy Old Trace Trail.

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Autumn Adventures: Foliage, Festivals, and Frights

Fall doesn’t have to mean the end of glamping season. In fact, there is something extremely cozy and comforting about a glamping adventure as the cool, crisp air of autumn sets in. Plan ahead and glamp while enjoying these fun fall events:

Narrows Too Camping Resort
Narrows Too Camping Resort

Leaf Peeping Trips: If you’re into the beautiful colors of fall, plan to hit some of the most beautiful areas of color in the country. New England is great for fall color so check into a cozy tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village in New Hampshire and you have several options to leaf peep. Color driving options include the Kancamagus Highway, the Currier and Ives Scenic Byway or the Monadnock Region Loop. All have charming towns to visit along the way. Bar Harbor, Maine, and more specifically, Acadia National Park, is another great spot for seeing the fall palette. Book a stay at Narrows Too Camping Resort and enjoy a walk in the wooded wonderland of Acadia. On the west coast, an option for fall foliage could be a trip to Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver with a glamping stay in a cottage, cabin or yurt. Then drive the nearby McKenzie Pass-Santiam Pass Scenic Byway to bask in fall’s color show.

Cottage at Wilmington RV Campground
Cottage at Wilmington RV Campground

Fall Festivals: Fall is great for festivals and a few to consider would be Oktoberfest across the country. Book a cozy tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and enjoy this spectacular event in Leavenworth, Washington that runs three weekends in October (October 4-5, October 11-12 and October 18-19). Billed as one of the country’s best, Oktoberfest Zinzinnati in Cincinnati is considered the largest Oktoberfest in the US. This year’s event will be held September 19-22. Book a glamping cottage or cabin at Thousand Trails Wilmington to be near all the fun. The skies over the Adirondack mountains will be full of hot air balloons from September 19-22 as the 50th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival takes flight. The glamping cabins at Lake George Escape Campground are the perfect spot to stay if you want to enjoy this event that is less than 15 minutes away. How about celebrating all things cranberry? The world’s largest cranberry festival, Warrens Cranberry Festival, is scheduled for September 27-29 in Warren, Wisconsin which is a little over 70 miles from Lake of the Woods Campground and its great glamping cabins.

Family enjoying a cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort
Cabin at Drummer Boy Camping Resort

Ghost Tours: With Halloween looming, why not check out some of the best haunted tours in the US. According to housebeautiful.com, these are some of the best spookiest tours around: Florida’s Walking Ghost Tour of St. Augustine (book a stay at Encore Bulow in Flagler Beach); the Sisters Grimm Ghost Tour in San Antonio, Texas (stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake); Spooked in Seattle Ghost Tours (stay at Tall Chief Campground); and Colonial Ghost Tours in Williamsburg, Virginia (stay at Thousand Trails Williamsburg). Of course, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is said to be one of the most haunted places in the world so there are plenty of ghost tours to be found here (and maybe you don’t even need one to find the spirits lurking here) If you go, plan a stay at Drummer Boy Camping Resort and check into which of the many tours strike your fancy.

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Top Destinations to Visit Before Summer Ends

Whether you’re ready for it or not, another too short summer is coming to an end. Instead of lamenting the loss, grab the most you can out of the last few weeks of summer and take one last road trip. We’ve got some ideas for a last minute, all-in fun, trip:

Cabins at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Cabins at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

Verde Valley: Any time of year here in Red Rock country is worth the trip. Why not take a late summer journey to Sedona and book a stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and enjoy all there is to do here from hiking to horseback riding to enjoying the Dark Sky designation of Cottonwood. Dead Horse State Ranch Park offers hiking trails as well as horseback riding and some great birdwatching opportunities. Relax and explore the Verde Valley Wine Trail (vvwinetrail.com) or head into Jerome and get to know this once bustling mining town-turned ghost town that is now a bustling artisan’s hub with shopping and restaurants.

The Keys: Key hop for your last adventure this summer and explore the Florida Keys. Stay with us at Sunshine Key Tiny House Village and get to know Bahia Honda State Park or visit the adorable, and unique, Key deer at the National Key Deer Refuge. Hop over to Long Key and glamp in a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key and then hop on the Overseas Highway and head down to Key West and feel the vibe of this funky town so loved by Ernest Hemingway. Other Keys highlights include the Turtle Hospital (learn about how this facility rehabs sea turtles), John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park (great for snorkeling and kayaking) and watching the sunset on Islamorada.

Mt. Hood Tiny House Village
Mt. Hood Tiny House Village

Mt. Hood: If hiking to Oregon’s Ramona Falls has been on your bucket list, “they” say the time to do it is in late summer and early fall so book a tiny house stay Mt. Hood Tiny House Village and get ready to hike. Enjoy the late summer bounty of the Mt. Hood Farmers Market (Friday afternoons through October) that in addition to the produce also features arts and crafts, bread and pastries and specialty items. Check out the old stomping grounds (literally) at the St. Josef’s Grapestomping Festival, set for September 7-8 (stjosefswinery.com), that will feature music, locally sourced food items, and of course, grapestomping.

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Step Back in Time in These 3 Historic Cities

This year, the July 4th holiday marked 248 years of independence. But long before the Founding Fathers put together the Declaration of Independence, the United States was staking its claim as a pretty great new nation. Check out some of America’s oldest cities as you travel this July:

Glamping Cottage at Encore Bulow
Glamping Cottage at Encore Bulow

St. Augustine, Florida: Roughly 55 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Spanish explorers founded St. Augustine, which is considered the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African American origin in the US. That was 1565 and today St. Augustine is a trip back in time with its centuries-old buildings and European feel. Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the US, constructed in 1695. The Colonial Quarter, located on St. George Street gives a feel for what life in St. Augustine was like in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries while Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a living history museum dedicated to telling the story of the settlers life as it was in the 1500s. A glamping cottage at Encore Bulow is the perfect place to stay when visiting this historic area.

Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod
Cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod

Plymouth, Massachusetts: Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Gateway to Cape Cod and explore Plymouth, Massachusetts, which was established in 1620 when the Mayflower docked on the shores here. There is plenty of Pilgrim and Native American History to be found here. The Plimouth Patuxet Museums is a living history museum that journeys back 400 years in time to tell the story of how America got its start. There is also a historic replica of the Mayflower, the Pilgrim Hall Museum and the Jabez Howland House, the home of the son of two Mayflower passengers. Brewster Gardens is a lovely 2.9-acre park with great views of the water and a walking path. Don’t miss the bronze statue, Pilgrim Maiden, which pays tribute to the brave English women who made the Mayflower voyage to America.

Albany, New York: While Albany, New York has the distinction of being the New York state capital, it is also one of the oldest cities in America, dating back to 1686. Explorer Henry Hudson laid claim to the area in 1609 and the city was named as the state capital in 1797. The New York State Museum, established in 1836, is the oldest and largest state museum in the country and houses exhibits that reflect New York’s cultural and natural history. The Schuyler Mansion, the 18th century home of Philip J. Schuyler, who served as a general in the Continental Army and was also father of Elizabeth Schuyler, wife of Alexander Hamilton, is open for guided tours daily (parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/schuylermansion/details.aspx). Another must-see in Albany is the New York State Capitol building, an architectural marvel built in the late 19th century. A great place for insight into the history of New York is the Albany Institute of History and Art (albanyinstitute.org) being one of the oldest museums in the country and operating since 1791. A vacation cottage or cabin at Lake George Escape Campground is a great place to stay when exploring Albany.

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Enjoy Nature’s Paradise in These Outdoor Towns

It’s summer and everyone’s Summer Bucket List likely includes a host of activities to do outside. Why not add a visit to one of these “Best Outdoor Towns” to your list this summer to maximize outdoor fun. These towns were included on the list of thediscoverer.com’s “9 Best Outdoor Towns in the U.S.”

Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes
Cabins on the River at Yosemite Lakes

Mammoth Lakes, California: From an outdoor standpoint, isn’t most of California the best outdoor space? According to thediscoverer.com, Mammoth Lakes is one of the best thanks to the breathtaking scenery and the mountain and lake activities to enjoy here. From a biking standpoint, there are paved trails for road biking as well as a bit rougher terrain for the mountain biking enthusiast. Take a dip in Horseshoe Lake if you want to swim or try your hand at stand-up paddling here, a favorite spot for those that enjoy this way to take on the water. Other ways to explore this beautiful portion of the Sierra Nevada Range include horseback riding, rock climbing and hiking. Check out visitmammoth.com for specifics as well as trip planner guides and maps. The Mammoth Festival of Beers and Bluesapalooza is set for August 1-4 featuring blues music and craft breweries.

Book a glamping yurt, bunkhouse, cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes to explore stunning Mammoth Lakes this summer.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver
Cabin at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver

Bend, Oregon: Bend is one of those four-season towns when it comes to the outdoors as there is always something to do outside here from skiing in winter to whitewater rafting in summer. One fun thing to do here in summer is to float the Deschutes River in a colorful innertube, a must for its perfect combination of fun and relaxation. Other fun on the Deschutes can include paddleboarding, kayaking, and the afore-mentioned thrilling whitewater rafting. If you’re looking for something unique, take the drive from Bend to Tamolitch Falls (about an hour) to see the Blue Pool. Once you’re here, it’s about a 2.5-mile easy hike on the Tamolitch Pool Trail to reach the unique turquoise waters. There’s also the Bend Ale Trail (bendaletrail.com) and the Bend Summer Festival, featuring live music, food and artisans, is set for July 13-14, for summer fun outdoors!

Book a cottage, cabin or yurt glamping accommodation at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to enjoy Bend in summer.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington: Another four-season town thanks to the mountains and lakes here, a visit to Leavenworth should always include “outdoor time.” The bonus is that the quaint Bavarian-style town will make you feel like you’re having a European vacation! The Wenatchee River is one of the draws here with opportunities to paddleboard, whitewater raft and fish. Hiking options include Icicle Gorge Trail (4 miles) or the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offering 600 miles of trails. For a unique way to see the scenery, consider Leavenworth Ziplines (leavenworthziplines.com). You might also check out Village Art in the Park, a three-day vibrant outdoor art market held every weekend through mid-October.

Book one of the charming tiny houses at Leavenworth Tiny House Village to explore this beautiful mountain town in summer.

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Join in these 6 June Jubilations

There are 30 days in June and every one of them has something to celebrate – especially June 20 which is the Summer Solstice. Here are a few more days of note to celebrate and the perfect location to celebrate at:

National Moonshine Day (June 5): The official celebration may have passed, but you can still learn the history of bootleggers and “hooch” at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas.  Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas and enjoy a “Journey through Prohibition” at the museum’s Distillery where visitors will sample house-made distilled spirits and learn the history of prohibition and the drinking culture in the US before the 1920s. For details visit themobmuseum.com.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River
Cabin at Thousand Trails Russian River

National Rosé Day (June 8): The second Saturday in June is National Rosé Day and what better place to celebrate this special day than in Sonoma County, California. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Russian River in Cloverdale and explore the wineries in the area known for their rosé. Enjoy a sparkling rosé in the outdoor tasting room at Iron Horse Vineyards or take lunch in the garden with your rosé at Lynmar Estate which offers a farm-to-table option (reservations required – lynmarestate.com). Both wineries are located in Sebastopol. Visit sonomawine.com for a listing of wineries in the area that have rosé.

Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails
Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails

National Fudge Day (June 16): Wisconsin Dells Fudge has been making fudge using Wisconsin cream and butter since 1962 and ranked 11th on the dailymeal.com’s listing of America’s 25 Best Fudge Shops. Glamp in the sweet and unique camping containers at Yukon Trails Tiny House Container Village and head into Downtown Dells for some delicious fudge.

Cabin Porch at Neshonoc Lakeside Campground
Cabin Porch at Neshonoc Lakeside Campground

National Go Fishing Day (June 18): No explanation needed here. This special day is all about encouraging you to get out and fish – in a lake, river, pond or stream. Some glamping ideas include Thousand Trails Lake Conroe in Texas or Neshonoc Lakeside Campground in Wisconsin. Lake Conroe, with glamping cabins, puts you right on Lake Conroe, a top destination for fishing enthusiasts, especially for largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish. Neshonoc Lakeside is the perfect place to glamp and fish to your heart’s delight with the lake right onsite. Take the bait here and book a glamping cabin to celebrate National Go Fishing Day!

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

National Selfie Day (June 21): According to touramerica.ie, one of the most amazing spots for selfies in the US is Yosemite National Park thanks to the simply gorgeous backdrops that you can find anywhere in the Park. Book one of the unique glamping accommodations at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you can spend several days taking all kinds of cool selfies in the Park with backdrops including the iconic Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls or Cooks Meadow.

Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M
Yurts at Thousand Trails Circle M

National Kissing Day (June 22): According to the lyrics of “As Time Goes By” a kiss is just a kiss, right? Well, find out on National Kissing Day by planting one your significant other at these great spost to kiss. According to mapquest.com, Cape May, New Jersey is noted because of the “horse-drawn carriage ride through the gaslit streets of the old Victorian town.” Book a cozy glamping cottage at nearby Thousand Trails Lake & Shore and get ready to pucker up! Where better to plant one on your favorite human than on a “kissing bridge” which is what old-timely covered bridges became known as since they provided privacy. Head to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County to discover a whole lot of “kissing bridges” and plan a stay at Thousand Trails Circle M with its great yurts and cottages for a cozy glamping getaway. Visit discoverlancaster.com for a map of the bridge locations.

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What is…the Best Places to Glamp?

Since 1964, the game show Jeopardy has been a television viewer favorite and has maintained popularity 60 years later with more than 8000 episodes, 39 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. The category topics remain relevant and cover history, art, television, music, science and more with answers ranging from Actinium (the first chemical element) to Zendaya (Spiderman’s girlfriend and so much more.) We thought we’d have some fun with our own clues, à la Jeopardy, and see if you can guess which glamping location we’re talking about.

Clue: This Oregon location is home to a tiny house village that makes the perfect glamping spot to explore this part of the Pacific Northwest.

If you said “What is Mt. Hood Tiny House Village” you’re on the board. Indoors or outdoors, you’re a winner here. Take a ride and enjoy all 105 miles of the Mt. Hood Scenic Byway (roughly 3–4-hour drive, not including stops). Scenery includes of course the mountains, but also vineyards, farms, and orchards. Be sure to see the historic Timberline Lodge. Or choose to bike, hike, and look for Bigfoot. Yes, that Bigfoot – check out the North American Bigfoot Center in Boring (yes, that’s the town name!). The Center includes Bigfoot evidence and historic artifacts as well as all kinds of Bigfoot-themed merch. The Old Salmon River Trail is great for a short hike and, weather permitting, a dip in the water at the sandy beaches along the trail. Another interesting way to explore the area is the East Gorge Food Trail, which is an interesting mix of orchards, vineyards, farmers markets, eateries, cideries and breweries (eastgorgefoodtrail.com).

Clue: Nestled in New York’s Adirondacks, this glamping location offers outdoor adventure on the Queen of American Lakes.

The winning answer here is “What is Lake George Escape Campground”. Pick your favorite glamping cottage or cabin and take on the Adirondacks and all there is to explore here. For some history, check out Fort William Henry to experience life in a British fort, circa 1755, for kitschy, visit the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum with plenty to spook you from waxy monsters to the animatronic ones too! Cruise Lake George, which is known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” on a cruise offered by the Lake George Steamboat Company or hike to Shelving Rock Falls and see the beautiful waterfall. Relax waterside at Million Dollar Beach which is great for swimming and scenic views.

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

Clue: Located in the Granite State, this tiny house village is less than an hour from Boston and less than 30 minutes to Salsbury-Hampton beaches.

Call yourself a winner if you answered, “What is Tuxbury Tiny House Village” and keep up the good luck streak by taking a ride into Boston. Walk the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, enjoy some cannoli and the other delicious Italian foods available in the city’s North End (Mike’s Pastry is often said to be the best cannoli in town!), take in a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park or experience the vast and varied art collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Cider Hill Farm in Amesbury, Massachusetts has plenty of events going on during the summer including the Strawberry Festival set for June 15-16, the Blueberry & Flower Festival scheduled for July 20-21 and July 27-28 and in August plan for the Peach & Sunflower Festival running for two weekends, August 10-11 and August 17-18. And, of course, you can never go wrong with a day at the beach and when you stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village you’re less than 30 minutes from the beach!

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Clue: Awash with southern charm, these six tiny houses provide the perfect Tennessee glamping getaway with access to city and country attractions alike.

“What is Natchez Trace Tiny House Village?” is what you want to ring in with here. Once you’ve booked the tiny house that best suits you, consider all the options for fun you have here. Those options include the hour drive into Nashville to explore Music City with its lively entertainment scene, great food and plenty of museums; leisurely drives to the charming towns that surround the area, or outdoor adventures on the nearby trails and waterways. For trails near Natchez Trace Tiny House Village consider the Meriwether Lewis Loop, where you can see the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, or the Fall Hollow Falls Trail to glimpse a 20-foot waterfall. In Nashville, consider a skyline paddle, available through cumberlandkayakadventure.com or visit Harpeth River State Park for canoe and kayak opportunities. Small town visits can include Franklin (don’t miss the Carter House and Carnton Plantation here for Civil War history) and Leiper’s Fork with its distillery, winery, antique stores and shops and the unique Leiper’s Fork Market.

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

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Let’s Get Festival!

Nothing better than a festival in the summer air to make us appreciate the season. From flowers to wines to artists and more, these festivals should be on your agenda for the next two months.

If you plan it right, you may still be able to catch the tulip blooms in Holland, Michigan. While the annual Tulip Time Festival runs from May 4-12th, you will still be able to see blooms if you miss the festival. The town’s streets have six miles of “tulip lanes” while Windmill Island Gardens is known for the massive tulip displays. This attraction also offers visitors fields of other blooming perennials as well as an historic windmill, plenty of Dutch history and walking trails and wildlife glimpses. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Bear Cave and you’re about an hour’s drive away.

Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Leavenworth, Washington’s traditional Maifest is set this year for May 10-12. Book a tiny house stay at Thousand Trails Leavenworth and enjoy the festivities which include Bavarian dancing and food along with a traditional Maipole. The Festzug Grande March parade is set for Saturday at noon and will feature horse-drawn wagons, dancers and adorable Bernese Mountain dogs.

Yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City
Yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City

Set aside May 17 and 18 for an other-worldly experience at the McMenamins UFO Fest which honors the 1950 Trent saucer sighting. All kinds of fun await festival goers, including costume contests for adults and pets, a street fair, music, films and expert panels. Book a cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Pacific City and you’re about 50 miles from the festival.

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

A glamping cabin rental at Thousand Trails Chesapeake Bay is a must if you plan on attending the Gloucester Arts Festival, a month-long cultural event in this Virginia town with events running all month. The festival kicks off on May 31 and runs through June 29 with events throughout the area including workshops, art shows, artisan markets and more. For details visit gloucesterartsfestival.com.

It’s all about the artichoke come June 8-9 in Monterey when the Monterey County Fair and Events Center hosts this year’s Artichoke Festival entitled “Where Fun Blossoms.” The event promises entertainment, chef demos, wine tasting, a parade and, of course, an Artichoke Queen and all kinds of artichoke-focused foods. A glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes RV Resort is a must if you are planning to attend this unique event.

Cabin at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso
Cabin at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

Santa Barbara is home to one of the largest, and most popular, summer solstice parties in the US. This year is the 50th Summer Solstice Celebration held in Alameda Park and promises all kinds of fun over the three-day event that runs from June 21-June 23. Book a stay at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso to welcome the Summer Solstice Cali-style.

Don’t miss the Adirondack Food and Wine Festival scheduled for June 29-June 30 in Lake George, New York. Glamp at Lake George Escape Campground and enjoy the two-day event that will feature food trucks, artisan food producers, crafters, craft beverage makers, and, of course, over 120 of New York’s best winemakers.

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The Best Ways to Spend Your Summer Days

Want to have the best summer ever? Of course, start off with some great glamping plans and then see what other uniquely summer activities you can enjoy.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort

Go to the Islands: If you’re looking to spend your summer vacation on an island in the sun, check out the Channel Islands. This chain of five islands, known as the “Galapagos Islands of North America,” can be reached via ferry from Santa Barbara and offer hiking, kayaking, scuba diving, wildlife watching and more. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Thunderbird, there is plenty of island hopping to be done just off this area of the Washington coast. Bainbridge Island offers the Bloedel Reserve, a 140-acre nature reserve with gardens and walking trails. The charming town of Anacortes can be found on Fidalgo Island – check out the historic waterfront, the plentiful hiking trails and enjoy shopping and delicious seafood at the restaurants here. Of course, a trip to the Florida Keys is like a tropical getaway and there are plenty of islands to explore here from funky Key West to laid-back Key Largo (stay at Encore Sunshine Key or Encore Fiesta Key). Keys highlights include Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and Bahia Honda State Park.

Ride a Roller Coaster: Looking for some thrills this summer? Check out some of these top roller coasters on your next glamping trip: The Giant Dipper on California’s Santa Cruz Boardwalk is not only one of the oldest roller operating rollers coasters in the world but also appeared in several movies, including Lost Boys and Sudden Impact (book a stay at Marina Dunes RV Resort); one of the newer kids when it comes to the roller coaster block is the Jurassic World VelociCoaster. Opened in 2021 at Universal Islands of Adventure in Orlando, this newbie reaches top speeds of 70-mph and has four inversions (book a stay at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee); New Jersey’s Six Flags Great Adventure offers El Toro with its 19-story climb only to then descend 176 feet! (book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Chestnut Lake).

Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage
Marina Dunes RV Resort Cottage

By the Shore: Long days at the shore make for great summer memories. Some of the best beaches in the US are near our campgrounds and include Coronado Beach in San Diego, noted for its sparkling sand thanks to the mica found here (book at stay at Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Pope Beach in Lake Tahoe with towering pine trees, mountain views and plenty of sand (book a stay at Tahoe Valley Campground); Alki Beach with great views of the Olympic Mountains, the Seattle skyline, plus a 2.5 mile path along the beach for running, walking and roller-blading (book a stay at Thousand Trails Thunderbird); a classic New England beach with rocky shores and crashing waves, check out New Hampshire’s Hampton Beach complete with boardwalk and arcade (book a stay at Tuxbury Tiny House Village).

Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico
Cabin at Thousand Trails Pio Pico

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