An All-American Glamping Trip

When the popular travel blog, discoverer.com listed travel destinations that embodied the All-American Summer Vacation we got a bit excited since so many of them were near our glamping locations! We’ve spotlighted a few of their list-makers below and our corresponding glamping spots. 

National Parks:

Yosemite National Park

A visit to any one of our national parks is a great way to celebrate our beautiful country and with 63 officially designated around the country, you can guarantee we’ve got some great glamping spots near many of them. Yosemite National Park in California is home to Yosemite Falls, the astonishing 3,000-foot vertical rock formation known as El Capitan, Half Dome, Bridalveil Fall and so much more. Glamp in a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is just down the road from the national park. A glamping cabin at Maine’s Mt. Desert Narrows Camping Resort or Narrows Too Camping Resort will provide perfect proximity to Acadia National Park whose highlights include Cadillac Mountain, the natural phenomena known as Thunder Hole, Jordan Pond and miles upon miles of carriage roads to bike.   

Disney/Space Coast:

Kennedy Space Center in  in Cape Canaveral Florida

Calling a trip to Florida’s Walt Disney World, “a rite of passage” for American children, the discoverer.com goes on to note that for some adult fun consider Florida’s Space Coast as well for an all-American vacation. Book a colorful glamping cabin at Encore Tropical Palms to enjoy all things Disney. From there, you can easily take a day trip to Florida’s Space Coast, which is about 60 miles, to experience the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and surfing at Cocoa Beach! 

Lighthouses:

Lighthouse off the Oregon Coast

Noting America’s lighthouses for their cultural and historical significance, discoverer.com suggests visiting some of the country’s most iconic and scenic lighthouses. Standing roughly 200 feet above the waters of the Pacific Ocean, Heceta Head Light House projects the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. Book a glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at nearby Thousand Trails South Jetty and explore the lighthouse which is open to the public March through October. On the Atlantic side, Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Maine was commissioned by George Washington, and while the lighthouse is only open to visitors one day per year, you can still walk the beautiful grounds of Fort Williams Park and take plenty of pictures. Book a glamping cottage at Thousand Trails Moody Beach to be near this Maine wonder.

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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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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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Top Fall Destinations to Visit This Season

Whether you’re a leaf peeper, a cool weather hiker or fall-festival goer, traveling in fall has so many pluses. Lots of places are less crowded, most of the US is enjoying moderate weather (think sweater weather, if you will) and of course the fall colors are in bloom, even in Florida! According to US News and World and Travel + Leisure, these are some of the best places to head this fall:

Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge
Cabins at Thousand Trails Sturbridge

The Berkshires: While Thousand Trails Sturbridge is not technically in The Berkshires, it’s close enough that your glamping cottage accommodation here is the perfect home base when exploring this part of New England. And of course, the driving in the area is going to be as picture perfect as a postcard. There are also plenty of biking and hiking trails, farm stands, and scenic drive opportunities. The town of Sturbridge hosts a Harvest Festival on the town common each year with crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm fresh items on hand.

Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch
Cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch

Santa Barbara: Any time of year sounds good for a trip to this beautiful California destination, but according to Travel + Leisure, fall is great thanks to the weather and the wineries! From farmers markets with an abundance of fall’s best to a variety of events, Santa Barbara is hopping this time of year. One worthwhile event is the Boo at the Zoo October 18-27 hosted by the Santa Barbara Zoo. Pick up a pumpkin to decorate (two patch options include Lane Farms and Big Wave Dave’s), tour the local wineries or enjoy the Urban Wine Trail which is comprised of the tasting rooms located within the downtown SB area. Book a cottage at Pacific Dunes Ranch and enjoy day trips to “America’s Riviera” this autumn.

Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage
Thousand Trails Palm Springs Cottage

Palm Springs: When it comes to fall getaways, Palm Springs offers a unique blend of stunning desert landscapes and vibrant seasonal events. Nestled against the backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains, Thousand Trails Palm Springs provides the perfect home base for exploring this desert gem. Enjoy the warm days and cooler evenings as you hike through picturesque trails in the nearby Coachella Valley Preserve, where the desert flora puts on a dazzling display. Don’t miss the chance to experience the iconic Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which offers breathtaking views and a chance to see the fall foliage from above. After a day of adventure, unwind at one of the resorts’ inviting pools or soak in the spa, surrounded by the stunning desert vistas. Whether you’re savoring local cuisine in downtown Palm Springs or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the vibrant art scene, this destination is a true autumn escape unlike any other!


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