Category: Campgrounds

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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4 Garden Getaways in Full Bloom

It’s spring, so garden blooms are getting underway and things are greening up around the country. If you’re looking for inspiration for your own garden-to-be, check out some of these great public gardens in the country.

Thousand Trails Rancho Oso Cabin
Thousand Trails Rancho Oso Cabin

Lotusland (Montecito, California): Stay at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso and take the trip into Montecito to visit the 37 acres of lush gardens that were part of Polish opera singer Madame Ganna Walska’s residence. Walska purchased the estate in 1941 and lovingly created and curated the gardens for the next 43 years. The different gardens showcased here are definitely unique and include the Bromeliad Gardens, the Aloe Garden, and the Cactus Garden. The best time to visit Lotusland (lotusland.org) is summer for the lotus flowers and April through June for the roses.

Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort
Cabin at Spring Gulch Camping Resort

Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square, Pennsylvania): From formal gardens to open, forest meadows, Longwood Gardens would be the choice when planning a stay at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, our Pennsylvania Dutch Country location with great glamping choices that include lodge, chalet or cottage accommodations. Longwood Gardens was originally a Quaker farmstead and later the estate of industrialist Pierre S. du Pont. There are over 1000 acres of outdoor gardens here, plus centuries’ old trees, scenic vistas and the Italian Water Garden designed by du Pont himself. Crocus and tulip blooms welcome visitors in the spring while the Norway maple trees blaze brightly come fall. For information and special event details, visit longwoodgardens.org.

Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden (Key West, Florida): Book a Keys glamping at adventure Encore Fiesta Key or Encore Sunshine Key and head to Key West to take in this 15.2 acre native garden and forest complete with boardwalks and nature trails nestled in the sunny Florida Keys. What makes this native plant botanical garden unique is that it is the only frost-free, subtropical, natural conservation habitat with three fresh-water ponds in the continental United States. Plus, dogs are welcome here! In addition to the “champion trees” found here, the garden is all great for birding as well as butterflies and blooming flowers. There are two butterfly gardens plus a waterfall wall where you can see turtles in their natural habitat.

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

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (Henrico, Virginia): This beautiful garden in Virginia is celebrating 40 years this year and to recognize that milestone a special program, “Flourish: 40 Years and Growing” will feature events all year long which include concerts and children’s and adult activities. Plan a glamping getaway at Grey’s Point Camp and you are less than 70 miles from the Gardens. Visitors will enjoy a dozen themed gardens plus an historic domed conservatory when exploring Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden that guarantees blooms all year!

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Where to Glamp to Celebrate International Day of Happiness

What better way to celebrate March’s International Day of Happiness than by spending it doing the thing that makes you happiest – glamping! We’ve got some great locations where the happiness factor is super high. Check them out:

California: You’ll be happy to know that if you book a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes you’re about 15 minutes from the entrance to one of America’s most treasured national parks. More happiness can be found just taking in the sights of Yosemite, which include El Capitan, Bridalveil Falls, and Half Dome. Aside from the activities in the park, other happy things to do here include the Madera Wine Trail (themaderawinetrail.com), a scenic ride through the Sierra National Forest on the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (ymsprr.com), or just hanging out at Yosemite Lakes and enjoying amenities like horseshoes, swimming and fishing (seasonal), or hiking the on-site trails.

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

If getting away from it all makes you happy, then Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes is your California glamping destination. There’s plenty to do here but if you don’t feel like fighting tourists, check out the quieter attractions nearby which include The Southern California Railway Museum, the Motte Historical Car Museum, or Western Science Center. Take a hot air balloon ride over the valley or explore the Temecula Wine Country. You choose – whatever makes you happy!

Florida: It’s a proven fact – sunshine equates to happiness by increasing serotonin levels. Spend some happy time in Florida at Encore’s Miami Everglades or Tropical Palms. Each offers fabulous glamping accommodations and proximity to attractions and outdoor fun. Tropical Palms in Kissimmee is near all the happiness that comes with a visit to Disney’s Magic Kingdom, plus there’s Epcot, Universal Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. The colorful Art Deco architecture of Miami is guaranteed to make you smile and then there’s all the other fun found here from beaches to museums and nighttime fun.

Oregon: The amazing tiny house accommodations at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village are just one reason you’ll be happy you’re here. A few more things that will bring a smile to your face include the amazing views of majestic Mt. Hood, the roughly 1000 miles of trails found here, and the opportunity to spend all day outside in the mountain air fishing, biking, skiing, and taking in the beautiful, seasonal wildflower displays!

Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

Tennessee: Enjoy the southern hospitality during your glamping stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village and up your happiness level by taking a drive into Nashville to enjoy some live music. Hearing good melodies is known to release dopamine – aka the feel-good hormone. Another activity known to increase the “feel goods” is connecting with nature. In Nashville, bike or stroll the miles of Nashville’s Greenway or take a scenic drive along the portion of the historic Natchez Trace found near Hohenwald (natcheztracetravel.com).

Washington: We guarantee once you arrive in the beautiful Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, Washington, you are going to smile – a lot. Book a tiny home glamping accommodation at Leavenworth Tiny House Village and explore the fun of Leavenworth from the Nutcracker Museum to fishing Lake Wenatchee. Outdoor fun can include white water rafting, kayaking, hiking, biking, and river tubing, and indoor fun can be found in the plentiful breweries and distilleries found here, plus the wineries. Shopping rounds out the fun and there are plenty of festivals here every year from Maifest to a very festive Christmas season.

Forward-thinking: Keep that happiness going all year and plan a trip to visit the Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails this summer. Studies show that trying something new has an effect on endorphins, so why not try a glamping experience and spend a few nights in a tiny container home, which are the hottest trend of late. Don’t miss out on the beauty of this little piece of Wisconsin which is also home to Devil’s Lake State Park where you can bird, swim, fish, rock climb, and hike. There’s also the Circus World Museum with its memorabilia and exhibits devoted to all things circus – an experience that will bring you back to happy childhood days!

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The Ultimate Guide to Pet Friendly Vacation and Glamping Destinations

Speaking of happy places, if you’re a pet lover, then any place you can travel with your pets has to be a happy place. Here are a few ways you can bring the pup(s) along, glamp, and have the freedom to let them tag along at these dog friendly places.

Cottage at Tall Chief Campground
Cottage at Tall Chief Campground

Seattle, Washington: The pet-friendly cottage at Tall Chief sleeps four humans and is the perfect glamping spot to host a getaway with your pet. Dog-friendly outings when heading into Seattle can include the Washington Arboretum; Gas Works Park, a lovely grassy park built on the site of a former gas works plant that offers paved walking paths and great views of Lake Union; and leashed dogs are welcome to explore the iconic Pike Place Market. Several breweries welcome dogs too including Fremont Brewing and Outer Planet Brewing.

Cabin at Lake George Escape
Cabin at Lake George Escape

Lake George, New York: Our Lake George Escape resort is extremely pet-friendly as all of the glamping accommodations welcome pets. Once you settle in, get ready for an Adirondack adventure with your furry friend. Don’t miss all the opportunities to explore Lake George with your pup in tow – from a brewery (Bolton Landing Brewing Company) or a winery/cidery (Adirondack Winery & Extreme Heights Cidery) to a hike with views of the Hudson River (Hudson River Park) and a sunset cruise on Lake George (Lake George Waterfront Cruises).

Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt
Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver Yurt

Bend, Oregon: Choose from a pet-friendly cabin, cottage, or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver and explore “the outdoor playground of the West” on four legs or two! Most of the Deschutes National Forest is dog-friendly. The North Fork Trail is shady thanks to all the Douglas firs and offers a shorter 4-mile loop as well as a 6.7-mile loop. Of course, you’ll find the Bend Ale Trail here – because Bend is also known as “Beer Town USA” and most of the breweries along the trail welcome pets. If you’re up for shopping for new gear for you and your pet, check out the Patagonia store in Bend which welcomes pets and has some good gear for them (and you), too!

Carmel, California: Carmel is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in California so it’s no wonder dog-lovers and everyone’s favorite Golden Girl, Betty White, kept a beach house here for over 40 years. Rent the pet-friendly cottage at Marina Dunes and see what makes Carmel so dog-gone pet-friendly. Sip and stroll with your pet and enjoy some of the offerings from the Carmel-By-the-Sea Wine Walk which has plenty of pet-friendly tasting rooms or take to the sugary sand at Carmel Beach, which welcomes dogs. After beach time, check out the Fountain of Woof in Carmel Plaza and let your pet drink from the fountain for good and you can explore the shops here, too! Also, most restaurants that have patio seating welcome dogs as well.

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Baby, Just Say “Yes!”

Sadly, the Disney parks have banned proposals as of 2023, but there are plenty of great locations to ask that big question if the new year or the upcoming Valentine’s Day holiday has you thinking of making things permanent with your S.O. Take advantage of these great proposal locations near your next glamping trip.

Las Vegas: Because no one can get engaged these days with making it a photo op, Las Vegas is a great place to consider when question-popping time nears. Why Vegas? There are so many photo-worthy backdrops like the fountain at Bellagio, or the “Eiffel Tower” at Paris Las Vegas or perhaps on a romantic gondola ride at the Venetian. And, if you want a really short engagement, there are a multitude of wedding chapels ready to make it official. Book a cozy cabin at Thousand Trails Las Vegas for this romantic getaway.

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

Big Sur: Does your love take your breath away just like a Big Sur hike might? Big Sur’s Pfeiffer Beach at sunset is a very popular proposal spot. Maybe the beach’s Keyhole Rock formation signifies this person has the key to your heart forever? Does your love take you to soaring heights? Consider the Bixby Bridge Vista Point. This iconic bridge is famous and your proposal will be, too! You may have to share the trail with others, but the proposal will be all your own. Pick a glamping accommodation at Marina Dunes to get set for the big day.

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

Bar Harbor: If you’re heading to a romantic getaway in quaint Bar Harbor, Maine, just google “where can I get engaged in Bar Harbor” and a bunch of places here will pop up. One location that makes the lists is Acadia National Park, and more specifically, atop the park’s Cadillac Mountain at sunrise. Another hot spot is Jordan Pond, under a blanket of stars, which are very visible from this spot in the park. The Village Green in town is another great spot with a beautiful landscape and a charming gazebo ala your favorite rom-com. We have two great Bar Harbor resorts with adorable cottages and cabins, Mount Desert Narrows and Narrows Too, for your memorable glamping trip.


Miami: This city has so many options at which to stage a proposal from romantic to eclectic. If your true love is your beacon, consider the backdrop of the Cape Florida Lighthouse at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. The Italian Renaissance gardens found at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is another great spot – romantic with an old world feel and the Tea House on the grounds is a perfect spot. Choose a cabin, lodge, or bunkhouse at our Encore Miami Everglades location for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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

Wine Country: Whisk your love to wine country and take advantage of the beautiful natural settings. We’ve got great glamping near California’s Sonoma County and Oregon’s Willamette Valley – both romantic wine country locations. Book a cabin or cottage at Thousand Trails Russian River in Cloverdale to do a Cali proposal or a tiny house at Mt. Hood Tiny House Village in Welches to pop the question in Oregon. Maybe the grounds of the Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, California, are appropriate since the bubbly’s already there! In Oregon, consider popping the questions, and the bubbly, at Domaine Willamette, Oregon’s first sparkling wine facility.

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Visit These Beautiful Rivers on Your Next Glamping Adventure!

Rivers are very important to our ecosystems, from providing habitats for fish and animals to providing drinking water and transportation. Rivers are so important there is even a special day set aside in February to honor them. We have several great glamping locations set near to or adjacent to some of our country’s beautiful rivers. Take a ride, dip a toe, or just come for a look at these beautiful rivers on your next glamping adventure.

The South Fork of the American River flows right through Thousand Trails Ponderosa, our beautiful glamping location situated in the foothills of the California Sierras. No need to head far from your glamping cabin here to enjoy the river. This river is great for white water rafting but can also serve as the spot for kayaking and swimming.

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

Head to Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver, stay in a cool cabin, cottage, or an ultra-cool yurt, and frolic in Oregon’s Little Deschutes River that runs adjacent to this great glamping location. Fish, canoe, kayak or sign-up for a float trip down the river (floatationnation.com).

Aerial photo of Leavenworth Tiny House Village
Leavenworth Tiny House Village

Washington State’s Wenatchee River is the place for fun if you’re planning a glamping getaway to Leavenworth Tiny House Village. An interesting perspective to learn about the river is to visit the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery where Chinook salmon are raised (fws.gov/fish-hatchery/leavenworth). Or, hike the Icicle Ridge Trail, a 5.5 mile trail that runs along the river offering great views. The Wenatchee River area is considered one of the most scenic in the area.

Thousand Trails Verde Valley, our glamping spot in Sedona, Arizona, is actually set along the Verde River, which is one of two rivers in Arizona that are designated “Wild and Scenic.” Canoe, kayak, and swim in this gem of a river. One neat way to see the river is through Alcantara’s Vineyards Water to Wine Kayaking event – check out alcantaravineyard.com for details. Alcantara Vineyards is right next to Verde Valley!

Colorful Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms
Colorful Cottages at Encore Tropical Palms

Florida’s Kissimmee River forms part of the headwaters of the Everglades. Rent a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms and get to know the Kissimmee River and the Everglades via airboat rides that offer glimpses of wildlife, including alligators and bald eagles. A restoration project began on the river in 1992 and was completed in 2021 that ultimately restored 40 miles of river and 25,000 acres of wetlands.


Come see what all the hum is about at our new Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails and explore the beautiful Baraboo River while glamping here. The Bararboo is considered an easy river on which to canoe or kayak. Nearby Devil’s Lake State Park is a great place to get a paddle trip started. Once blocked by dams, which have since been removed, the Baraboo River is one of the longest stretches of open river in the country.

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5 Things to Do in Yosemite

Yosemite National Park is, in and of itself, a destination where you don’t really need an agenda other than to see the Park. Most travel guides will say two to four days should be dedicated to your visit here to see all of the magnificent features of the Park. And yes, by all means explore all the soaring highs and valley lows of this jewel in the crown of the U.S. National Park System. What else is there to do in the area? We’ve got a few ideas when you want to take a break from YNP. But, before you plan your trip, make sure you book your glamping accommodation in a cozy cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes.

1. Hit the Small Towns #1: All around the area in this part of California, you can find many small towns that were established during the Gold Rush. One is Twain Harte – named for authors Mark Twain and Bret Harte, who happened to be favorite authors of the wife of one of the mining camp founders. Today, it is a charming mountain town with shops and eateries dotting the streets. The gourmet chef in your glamping group will enjoy browsing The Harte of the Kitchen for specialty cooking items while those looking for unique jewelry and gifts, essential oils, and crystals will enjoy Earthy Essentials. Those looking for unique Instagram shots should take note of the giant root beer mug next to the Rock of Twain Harte pub. With this as the backdrop, followers will know you’re in the “Heart of the Sierras,” as the giant mug denotes.

2. Hit the Small Towns #2: Considered one of the most picturesque historic towns in Gold Country, Angels Camp was founded in 1849 when George Angel established a mining camp here. Today it is known for its charm and the annual Jumping Frog Jubilee (held the third weekend in May to commemorate the short story that launched Mark Twain’s career – The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County). The Angels Camp Museum and Carriage House has one of the largest collections of carriages and wagons in the U.S. as well as a Mark Twain exhibit. Viator.com has a fun, and inexpensive, way to get to see the sights of the historic mining town – a self-led scavenger hunt using your iPhone as the guide (to download the map, visit viator.com/tours/California/Lets-Roams-Calaveras-County-Scavenger-Hunt-UnFROGettable-Angels-Camp/d272-104204P78).

2 Llamas


3. Love on Some Llamas: A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience can be had with a visit to Llamas of Circle Home where you can meet 31 llamas at this community and “learn all about the llama universe and their way of living.” Please note reservations are required, so go to experiencellamas.com to reserve a time for your visit. Visitors have said that the brushing, feeding, petting, and just being close to these amazing animals allowed them to realize how kind, gentle, and intelligent llamas are.

Aerial view of cabins at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes


4. Moaning Caverns Adventure Park: This attraction in nearby Vallecito is built around the Moaning Caverns, which were discovered by miners back in 1840, but after cave exploration, it is believed the cave existed, and was used, for thousands of years. It is named because of the moaning sound that came from it. Visitors can take the Spiral Tour down into the cavern via a 144-stair spiral staircase that has 7 ½ spiral turns while descending. Other activities here include a half-day Expedition Crawling and Spelunking Tour of the cavern, plus panning for gems and axe throwing. For more information, visit moaningcaverns.com.

Rock formation


5. Out of the Ordinary: A few not the run-of-the-mill experiences here could include Devil’s Postpile National Monument and the Coursegold Tarantula Exhibit. Devil’s Postpile, which was once part of Yosemite National Park, is an unusual rock formation considered one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Located in historic Coursegold Village is the Coursegold Tarantula Exhibit which is dedicated to teaching people about the world’s most hairy spider with plenty of creepy displays.

Cabin Interior at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes


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Retreat Ideas for Friends, Couples, and History Buffs!

This is the year of “the trip,” so take note of these ideas if 2024 is when you finally take the long overdue trip with your friends, or with your someone special, or the year you take the trip where you immerse yourself in culture or history.

Friends-Only Trips
Las Vegas-bound guys should book a cabin, or cabins, at Thousand Trails Las Vegas where the cabin selections can sleep 4, 5, or 6 for a great guys’ getaway. Activities can include the Richard Petty Driving Experience for a NASCAR ride that will not be forgotten. Kinda pricey but worth the thrill – check out drivepetty.com/lasvegas for info. Or, for a free, nature-driven, thrill, hike the 2-mile Calico Tanks Trail with its red, yellow, and orange sandstone formations in Red Rock Canyon. The Mob Museum (themobmuseum.org) takes a look into organized crime in the U.S. while the Neon Museum takes visitors through the Neon Boneyard, which is the resting place for the old neon signs that lit the famed Las Vegas Strip (neonmuseum.org).

Girls trips need to have plenty of time for shopping, pampering, and outdoor activity for good measure, so why not plan your next girls trip around Sedona, Arizona. Book a cabin, cottage or one of the two tiny houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and let the fun begin. Sedona has several healing vortexes, all of which can be reached via scenic hikes. For a map, visit sedona.net/vortex-map. These energy centers promote healing, meditation, and self-exploration. Self-care can also revolve around massages, spa treatments, and the like, so for a list of options check out visitsedona.com/spiritual-wellness/spas-salons. Downtown Sedona is great for shopping and the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village is a great spot to buy gifts – for yourself or others!

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort
Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades RV Resort

History and Culture
Miami, Florida, is often referred to as the Latin Capital of America in part due to its large population of Latin-American and Cuban-Americans. The culture of these ethnicities is prevalent throughout Miami so this is a great destination for a cultural immersion. Book a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades to get your trip off to a good start. Head to Little Havana and walk down Calle Ocho to see the colorful murals and enjoy the iconic Cubano Sandwich. A Cuban food tour is an option – visit miamiculinarytours.com to book one.

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

For an immersion in history, check out Boston. The 2.5-mile Freedom Trail is a fabulous self-guided walking tour of the city that takes you past 16 historically significant locations. Then there’s Harvard, the first college in the American colonies founded in 1636, which welcomes visitors to walk the campus. The city of Cambridge itself is quite historic and several self-guided walking tours are available for download at https://historycambridge.org/self-guided-tours. Book a cabin at Gateway to Cape Cod or a tiny house at Tuxbury Tiny House Village for a Boston day trip.

The Romantic Gesture
Palm Springs is great for couples – there’s the sun, the scenery and lots of fun stuff to do for shared interests. Book a colorful cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and hit the desert with your honey. Take the Mod Squad Tour to learn about the architecture and modern design homes throughout Palm Springs (psmodsquad.com). Another architecture-based option would be to tour Sunnylands, in nearby Rancho Mirage, the former estate of Walter and Lee Annenberg, who hosted political, business, entertainment, and educational leaders on their 200-acre winter estate for decades. Sunnylands (sunnylands.org) offers a variety of interesting tours. Or, take the Palm Spring Aerial Tramway up to the of Mount San Jacinto and choose to hike, enjoy the views, or dine at the restaurant.

Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort
Cottages at Narrows Too Camping Resort

What’s more romantic than the changing colors of autumn? Book a cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too this fall and leaf-peep to your heart’s content in Bar Harbor. Acadia National Park provides the opportunity to see the colors up close as well as enjoy some great hiking and biking trails. Stargaze at night at the Park’s Jordan Pond and wish upon a few for a happy life with your true love. Stroll across the water to Bar Island during low tide or enjoy a waterfront lobster bake at Stewman’s Lobster Pound, a Bar Harbor gem.

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