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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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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