Tag: Tahoe Valley Campground

Top Glamping Spots for 2025 Adventures

A fresh slate, a blank calendar and a new year of glamping! Here are some ideas to have you glamping all year long:

Winter:

The beautiful Bavarian-style town of Leavenworth, Washington is always worth a visit, but from late November to late February, the lights come on and by lights we mean over half a million twinkling lights from sunup to sundown. Book a tiny house at the Leavenworth Tiny House Village and explore all the fun things to do here including the Nutcracker Museum, the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm and all the great shops and wine tasting rooms in downtown Leavenworth.

The benefits of Florida in the winter include the mild winter temperatures that top out in the upper 70s and of course, the lack of snow! Florida glamping locations can include the always fabulous Florida Keys (book a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or glamping cottage at Encore Fiesta Key); a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee so close to the Orlando theme parks, or a cabin at Encore Miami Everglades.

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

Spring:

The March winds certainly come in handy if you want to fly a kite and Long Beach, Washington is considered the kite flying capital of the world. Check out the World Kite Museum in Long Beach for some ideas and then go fly a kite while staying at a glamping cabin, cottage or yurt at Thousand Trails Long Beach.

April is bluebonnet time in Texas and the Willow City Loop in Fredericksburg is a great place to enjoy the blooming Texas State flower. Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake and head into Fredericksburg to start the 13-mile loop. Another highlight here is Bandera, which is billed as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” – located less than 30 minutes from Medina Lake, this little town is worth a look-see.

Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley
Tiny Houses at Thousand Trails Verde Valley

Summer:

June is one of the best times of year to visit this part of Arizona before the heat of the summer sun makes hiking the beautiful Red Rock State Park a little too steamy! Book a tiny house stay at Thousand Trails Verde Valley and explore the gorgeous scenery with don’t miss highlights like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock.

Head to the Jersey Shore for a summer vacation you’ll always remember. The Jersey Shore is great for sandy beaches, fun-and-games filled boardwalks and the rolling tide of the Atlantic Ocean where you can fish, jet ski and paddle board. There are several Jersey Shore options to glamp at – check out rentals at https://thousandtrails.com/atlantic-city-cape-may-rv-resorts.

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

Maine in late summer is a good time because the water is warm and the weather is not too hot. Book a cabin at camping resorts Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too and explore picturesque Bar Harbor and the stunning Acadia National Park with plenty of hiking trails. Enjoy the seafood, see the sunrise for Acadia’s Cadillac Mountain, or take in an outdoor concert on the Village Green.

Tuxbury Tiny House Village
Tuxbury Tiny House Village

Autumn:

We like to think glamping and leaf-peeping pair well together in autumn. The Tuxbury Tiny House Village might be the perfect glamping spot to take in the beautiful foliage of New Hampshire. Nearby Odiorne State Park is one spot for great leaf-peeping and the Little Boar’s Head Seaside Trail is another option for a color show worth seeing!

If you want to explore the Florida Everglades, the best time just might be in November. This time of year is drier, which means less humidity and of course, less of those pesky mosquitoes. Choose from a glamping lodge cabin or bunkhouse at Encore Miami Everglades Resort and you’re less than 10 minutes from Everglades National Park.

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The 12 Ways of Glamping

Everyone has their own ways to kick off the fun of the holidays, but our preferred method is through glamping! Here are 12 places to consider for a holiday season glamp.

1. Bend, Oregon: Book a glamping cottage, cabin or yurt at Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver to start. Bend is great for outdoor winter activities like cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. You can ice skate at The Pavillion, which even has night skating, or for foodie fun, visit The Podski, which offers a variety of local food trucks and live music.

2. Mt. Hood, Oregon: Another great Pacific Northwest location for snow fun. Of course, a tiny house at the Mt. Hood Tiny House Village is the perfect spot to stay when exploring the great outdoors in Mt. Hood. Don’t miss the historic Timberline Lodge and the iconic Mt. Hood Skibowl, which is great for night skiing.

3. Nashville, Tennessee: The Natchez Trace Tiny House Village is a perfect home base for exploring the sights and sounds of Nashville and the surrounding area. For holiday lights, check out the 10th Annual Holiday LIGHTS at Cheekwood Gardens or Zoolumination at the Nashville Zoo. For an all-out holiday extravaganza head to Gaylord Opryland to experience Christmas at Gaylord Opryland with all kinds of festivities, light displays, ice carvings, holiday treats, gingerbread competitions and more.

Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village
Lyla at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village

4. Orlando, Florida: The colorful cottages at Encore Tropical Palms are the glamping accommodation to book when planning a trip to the Orlando area during the holiday season. The Magic Kingdom holiday events include EPCOT’s International Festival of the Holidays (through December 30) while Universal Orlando has Christmas at Hogwarts and Celebrate Grinchmas, and of course all the local downtown areas including Kissimmee and St. Cloud will have festive lights, holiday décor and a variety of holiday events.

5. Palm Springs, California: How about a desert holiday countdown? A sunny cottage at Thousand Trails Palm Springs in Palm Desert puts you in perfect proximity to enjoy the special Holiday Market which is part of the regular Thursday evening VillageFest, Wildlights at the Living Desert (through December 30) and Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum that will feature 60 tons of real snow, plus Santa and hot cocoa and is scheduled for December 20-22.

6. Monterey, California: A cool yurt at Marina Dunes RV Resort can host you during a holiday getaway to explore California’s Monterey Bay area. Holiday events include Christmas on the Wharf, which runs weekends through December 22 and Ice Skating on the Bay, which features an outdoor ice rink open through January 5.

7. Key West, Florida: Spend several days ringing in the holidays in the sunny Florida Keys and consider these events to get you in the spirit: The Key West Artisan Market (December 15, 22 and 29); the Key West Old Town Trolley’s Holiday Sights & Festive Nights Tours (evenings through December 23); the Stock Island Holiday Lighted Boat parade on Big Pine Key (December 13) and Boot Key Harbor Christmas Boat Parade on Marathon (December 14). Take your pick from a tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village or a colorful cottage at Encore Fiesta Key.

Cottages at Fiesta Key Resort
Cottages at Encore Fiesta Key

8. Lake Tahoe, California: Head to Tahoe Valley Campground and rent a glamping cottage or cabin to enjoy the events at this gorgeous location which include the Northern Lights Festival at Incline Village (through December 25) and the spectacular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade at Granlibakken Tahoe where skiers illuminate the ski hill with torches followed by the arrival of Santa and his elves.

9. San Diego, California: If holiday parades are your things, consider a getaway to San Diego which has at least 5 different holiday-themed parades running through December including the Gaslamp Pet Parade (December 14) and the Port of San Diego Holiday Bowl Parade (December 27). Holiday light shows include the All that Jazz Light Show Spectacular on Coronado Island (through January 5) and the Old Town Trolley Holiday Sights and Festive Nights Tour, which runs through December (note: does not run on December 24 and 25). For your accommodation, Thousand Trails Pio Pico in Jamul has you covered with cabins and cottages!

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

10. Miami, Florida: Choose from a variety of glamping accommodations at Encore Miami Everglades and take in the holiday events planned in the area. Night at the Garden, which runs through January 2025, is a neon wonderland at the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden while Christmas Wonderland at Tropical Park, is billed as a “Candyland-inspired spectacle” that features thousands of lights, amusement rides and several immersive installations that promise to provide the perfect backdrop for a photo (through January 5); and Zoo Lights Miami which runs through December 30.

11. Dallas, Texas: Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails Bay Landing to be near the holiday fun in the Big D which includes the “12 Days of Christmas” exhibit at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden; Dallas Zoo Lights (through January 4) and SNOWDAY at Galleria Dallas which is winter wonderland of 20 different holiday-themed rooms, including a 1970s Christmas-themed RV.

Bay Landing RV Campground
Thousand Trails Bay Landing Cabins

12. Yosemite National Park: In addition to the beautiful scenery and the outdoor activity, Yosemite National Park also offers several holiday events including a Gingerbread Workshop (book soon; this event sells out fast) on December 21 or December 23 or ice skating at the Curry Village Rink, with great views of Half Dome and Glacier Point. If you still have gifts to buy, consider something from the Ansel Adams Gallery which offers several gift collections. Book a yurt at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and you’re less than 15 minutes from the Park’s entrance.

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5 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Want to do a mountain glamping getaway that includes a sparkling alpine lake, sunny beaches and lots of fun indoor and outdoor things to do? First book a glamping cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground and then check out our list of five things to do when visiting this great destination nestled in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

1. Find Hidden Beach: Considered one of the best beaches in Lake Tahoe, Hidden Beach can be found just south of Incline Village. A newly installed paved trail is great for hiking and biking while the beach is great for swimming, sunning and water-side picnics. Consider stand-up paddling or kayaking the crystal-clear waters here.

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe
Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

2. Day Trip to Reno: Less than 70 miles from Lake Tahoe, this city is worth a little day trip. Of course, Reno, Nevada is known for its casinos, but there is a lot more than gambling to do in the “Biggest Little City in the World.” One of the reasons Reno has that moniker is because there is so much to do in such a small area. Two museums of note here are the National Automobile Museum where there are historic cars and cars that belonged to the stars (automuseum.org) and the Nevada Museum of Art (nevadaart.org) whose collections range from landscape to contemporary to art of the Great West. Reno’s Riverwalk District is great for walking the boardwalk, shopping and dining.

3. Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum: While the Donner story is not one of the most pleasant in the history of westward expansion, the tale is still one to be told. The museum documents the story of the ill-fated Donner Party through detailed dioramas as well as other details about the history of the area. Pioneer Monument, located in the State Park, honors all of those who made the trek across the harsh plains to reach California in the 1840s.

Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

4. Olympic Museum: With the Olympics set for this summer in Paris, it might be interesting to take a look at the history of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games which were held in Squaw Valley. There is a collection of memorabilia, videos and photographs that exhibit the history and highlights of the events. For details and directions, go to palisadestahoe.com/events-and-activities/activity-finder/olympic-museum.

5. Explore a different trail: Yes, there are plenty of trails to walk here in Lake Tahoe, but what about exploring the Craft Beer Trail. For a listing go to visitlaketahoe.com/things-to-do/beer-trail. The Hangar offers 30 rotating taps while Cold Water Brewery & Grill brews their all-grain beer right on site. The annual Lake Tahoe Brewfest is scheduled this year for August 24 and will feature beer, cider, spirits and kombucha brewers!

Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe

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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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Celebrate the Great Outdoors This Month

Like clockwork, Great Outdoors Month comes around every year in June and reminds us to celebrate exactly that: the Great Outdoors. You can go wild and crazy and hike the Pacific Crest Trail or the Appalachian Trail, climb a mountain, or deep-sea dive. Or you can just do some regular stuff outside, with a thrill or two tossed in. We’ve got some ideas. Of course, the precursor to these activities is to get out and glamp this month which in itself is celebrating the Great Outdoors.

Tropical Palms RV Resort
Cottage at Encore Tropical Palms Resort

Outdoor Activity: Just being outdoors can check the box, but there are plenty of activities that we do on a regular basis that we can do in June to celebrate Great Outdoors Month. Bike riding is one and there are plenty of bike trails around our glamping locations. If you’re glamping at Thousand Trails Verde Valley, check out the Bell Rock Pathway which is an easy 3.7-mile, hard dirt trail around the Red Rock Canyon area in Arizona. Rent a cabin at Spring Gulch and ride through the Pennsylvania countryside on the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, a 14.5-mile trail. Plan a stay in a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee, Florida, and ride the Shingle Creek Regional Trail, an 8.43-mile stretch with views of cypress and gum trees and glimpses of wildlife including egrets and Great Blue herons.

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

Outdoor Adventure: Do something adventurous this month and get out of your comfort zone. One activity that falls under the thrilling headline includes whitewater rafting. Plan a stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes and whitewater raft the Truckee River (gowhitewater.com) or through Yosemite National Park which offers rafting just outside the park on the Tuolumne and Merced rivers. Book a tiny house at Leavenworth Tiny House Village in Washington and check out the rafting adventures offered through Blue Sky Outfitters (blueskyoutfitters.com). New York’s Adirondack region is great for whitewater rafting. A stay at Lake George Escape and a trip booked through wildwaters.net is an option for whitewater thrills this month.

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

Outdoor Entertainment: From iconic drive-in movies to outdoor theater, there are several ways to enjoy entertainment in the great outdoors this month. Sit back and enjoy a good old drive-in movie at one of these operating drive-ins near our glamping locations: Westwind Las Vegas 6 (near Thousand Trails Las Vegas); Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas (near Thousand Trails Bay Landing); and Highway 18 Outdoor Theater in Jefferson, Wisconsin (near Blackhawk Campground). Outdoor theater can be enjoyed at The Old Globe in San Diego, California (near Thousand Trails Pio Pico); Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Fest in Lake Tahoe, California (near Tahoe Valley Campground); and Northern Sky Theater in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (near Tranquil Timbers).

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5 of The Most Beautiful Places in America

There are all kinds of lists when it comes to the most beautiful places in America. Some are based simply on the natural scenery (think the Texas Hill Country during the bluebonnets bloom time or the colorful fall foliage along the Kancamagus Highway come autumn) while others focus on the charm a specific place exudes like the Bavarian-styled Leavenworth, Washington, or the iconic New England villages dotting the Berkshires in Massachusetts. Whatever the reason, it cannot be disputed that America is indeed America the Beautiful. We’ve listed a few to check out when glamping with Petite Retreats.

Lake Tahoe (California): Lake Tahoe made busytourist.com’s list which cites the sheer beauty of this freshwater lake as the reason. The waters of this 22-mile long lake are crystal clear and because of the roughly 1,600-foot depth, the colors of the water range from green-blue to dark navy blue. Surrounded by the snow-capped Sierras, the lake is a sight to behold. Book a cozy cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley and explore the area. Emerald Bay is said to be the most beautiful spot within this beautiful location.

Thor’s Well (Oregon): Can a sinkhole be beautiful? Oregon’s Thor’s Well certainly proves the possibility. This 20-foot deep sinkhole that is believed to be a collapsed sea cave is a sight to be seen. Not only are the ocean views amazing, but come high tide, waves cause a violent spray to come out of the top. Stay in your choice of a cottage or cabin at nearby Thousand Trails Whalers Rest and take a drive south down the coast to see this natural phenomenon.

Skagit Valley Tulips (Washington): Come spring, the Skagit Valley in Washington State comes alive with color as more than 300 acres of tulips are in bloom. There is an annual Tulip Festival that runs from April to early May (tulipfestival.org). Book a glamping cabin at Thousand Trails La Conner to take in this beautiful blooming location.

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

Acadia National Park (Maine): The rocky shores, the granite peaks, soaring trees, several ponds, and wildlife combine to make this New England national park one of the most beautiful places in the country. Stay in a glamping cabin at Mt. Desert Narrows or Narrows Too in our Bar Harbor location and enjoy the scenic Acadia National Park.

Hamilton Pool Preserve (Texas): An historic watering hole in Texas makes the list thanks to the emerald green waters of Hamilton Pool Preserve which is fed by a 50-foot waterfall and nested at the basin of a limestone grotto. Definitely worth a visit – so plan to check it out and reserve a cabin at Thousand Trails Medina Lake which is about 40 miles away.

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Sporty Spring Break Ideas

The nice thing about a spring break getaway is that the option to enjoy hot or cold weather sports still exists. Skiing is a very real possibility as is snorkeling and surfing. Wanna try a sporty spring break this year? Consider these options.

Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground
Cabin at Tahoe Valley Campground

Skiing/Snowboarding: If you want to hit the slopes alongside all the rest of the spring breakers, there are plenty of options. From a glamping standpoint, the places to head would include Washington’s Leavenworth Tiny House Village; Oregon’s Mt. Hood Tiny House Village or Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver for cabins and yurts; California’s Tahoe Valley cabins or Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes’ cabins and yurts. Nearby ski areas include Tahoe’s Heavenly Ski Resort, the Leavenworth Ski Hill, Mt. Bachelor near Bend-Sunriver, the Mt. Hood Ski Bowl near Mt. Hood Tiny House Village, and Badger Pass Ski Area in Yosemite.

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

Surfing: While surfing is possible in Florida year-round, the surf season in the Sunshine State is considered to be from late November through March. If you’re glamping in Florida for Spring Break 2023 and surfing is on the agenda, consider a stay at Encore Miami-Everglades to be near South Beach for great surfing or Encore Bulow to be near surfing opportunities at Flagler Beach. On the Pacific Coast, glamp at Thousand Trails Pio Pico for San Diego surfing fun or Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon for good March surfing at Zuma Beach in Malibu.

Hiking: March is a great season to enjoy hikes in California’s Joshua Tree National Park and Sedona, Arizona’s Red Rock Country, with glamping stays at Thousand Trails Palm Springs and Thousand Trails Verde Valley, respectively. Both areas enjoy a more moderate temperature this time of year so it’s not too hot to trek around and explore. Of course, springtime in Yosemite National Park promises wildflowers, waterfalls, and plenty of great hiking – check out Mist Trail or the Bridalveil Fall Trail. You can do a different day hike every day if you book a yurt or cabin stay at Thousand Trails Yosemite Lakes which is five minutes from the Park’s entrance!

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We Found 11 of the Best Hiking Trails

If you’re a fan of college basketball then you know terms like Sweet Sixteen and Elite Eight apply to bracket rounds when it comes to March Madness – the all-encompassing single-elimination tournament that brings the college basketball season to an end. But have you heard of the Elite 11?

The Elite 11 are 11 scenic trails found across the United States. The 1968 National Trails System Act designated these 11 trails for “the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant, historic, natural, or cultural qualities. The Elite 11 include the New England National Scenic Trail, the Natchez Trace Trail, the Potomac Heritage Trail, the Arizona Trail, the Ice Age Trail, the Florida Trail, the Pacific Northwest Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and the North Country Trail. Let’s check out the ones that are close to our fabulous glamping accommodations.

Sawyer Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Villiage
Sawyer Tiny House at Natchez Trace Tiny House Villiage

Natchez Trace: The trail runs for over 60 miles from Tennessee down through Mississippi and runs parallel to the Natchez Trace Parkway. If you book a stay at Natchez Trace Tiny House Village, you are close to the northern-most portion of the trail, known as the Highland Rim Section. This portion of the trail stretches for 20 miles, is dog friendly, and can be done via hiking or biking. The War of 1812 Memorial can be found at Milepost 426.3 and honors those who marched on the Natchez Trace during the war, which was an important route for moving soldiers to defend the area.

Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground
Yurt at Tranquil Timbers Campground

Ice Age Trail: Located entirely in the state of Wisconsin, the 1000-mile footpath is the result of a retreating glacier from over 10,000 years ago. There are several access points to the trail located near our Wisconsin glamping accommodations. Stay in an ultra-cool yurt at Tranquil Timbers and hike the portion of the trail in Sturgeon Bay that takes you through Potawatomi State Park. Rent a cottage or cabin at Lakeland in Milton and you can access the Milton Segment of the trail which runs 4.3 miles through historic Milton or the Storrs Lake Segment which runs 1.8 miles through wetlands. If you’re glamping in a cabin or cottage at Arrowhead, near the Wisconsin Dells, the Devil’s Lake State Park portion of the Ice Age trails is less than 15 miles from camp.

Pacific Crest Trail: This is the mother of all trails running 2,653 miles from Washington State to the U.S.-Mexico Border. Certainly adventurous hikers have taken on the task of hiking the whole trail, but luckily it can also be done in sections. Suggestions for day trips in each state can be found at the Pacific Crest Trail Association website, pcta.org. Highlights of the trail include Desolation Wilderness in El Dorado National Forest (stay at Tahoe Valley); Jefferson Park in Central Oregon (about 80 miles from Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver); and Goat Rock’s Wilderness (about an hour from Thousand Trails Chehalis).

Cabins at Encore Miami Everglades
Cabins at Miami Everglades RV Resort

Florida Trail: Divided into geographic regions, the Florida Trail runs about 1500 miles from north to south in the Sunshine State, starting north near Pensacola on the Panhandle, and heading down south to the Miami area. Access to the trail while glamping with Petite Retreats, can include a stay at a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee or lodge, bunkhouse, or cabin glamping rentals at Encore Miami-Everglades. There are plenty more access points and plenty more places to glamp with us in Florida, so check out floridatrail.org and petiteretreats.com to see what suits your Florida Trail agenda.

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5 Things to Do in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is an all-seasons destination thanks to the lovely lake and Sierra Nevada mountain range. Each season brings its own special touch to the area and summer is no exception. If Lake Tahoe is your summer getaway of choice, five things to consider are included here. First item to check off, however, is your glamping accommodations. Reserve a cabin or cottage at Tahoe Valley Campground and check out our ideas as well as many more things to do at visitinglaketahoe.com.

1. Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival: There’s more than just performances of Shakespeare to be found here. And yes, while July and August do offer regular performances of the Bard’s classic, “Much Ado About Nothing,” there’s also performances of “Mama Mia,” a variety of musical events featuring the Reno Philharmonic, Shakespeare for kids, and even a performance of the classic ballet, “Swan Lake” by the Sierra Nevada Ballet. This is a gorgeous outdoor venue where you’re surrounded by towering pines and mountain views. Food and drink are also available. Visit laketahoeshakespeare.com for info.

2. Most Beautiful Drive in America: Download the brochure from visitinglaketahoe.com and check out the mapped drive that guides you to the most scenic, historic and not-to-missed places in Lake Tahoe. Spots include Spooner Lake, which is great for fishing; Emerald Bay Lookout, one of the most photographed places and also provides a trail to Vikingsholm, Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle; and Squaw Valley, the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics.

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe
Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

3. Truckee: Truckee is an historic logging town less than 30 miles from Lake Tahoe. The Truckee River Trail is great for strolling, hiking, and biking with great views of wildflowers along the water. Floating and whitewater rafting expeditions can be found in Truckee (check out truckeeriverrafting.com or gowhitewater.com) and West End Beach, located on the Donner River, is a great place for kayak or paddleboard rentals or simply soaking up the sun on the 12-acre beach. Museums include the Truckee Railroad Museum and the museum at the Donner Memorial State Park. Downtown Truckee offers restaurants, shops, and craft brew and wine options. BTW – Truckee derives from the Piaute Indian word “trokay” which means “everything is alright.”

4. The Potholes: Check this out for an unusual way to take a dip in the water when visiting the Lake Tahoe area. Thanks to the way the Silver Fork of the American River flows and the granite fields found here, the water drops off and creates swimming pools, or holes. Experience them from atop a granite boulder perch or dip in and enjoy the cool waters. To find the potholes, you need to hike a bit but they are worth it. Visit aboutlaketahoe.com/hiking/potholes to learn more about them and to find directions.

5. Fun with Food and Drink: Tahoe Tastings (tahoetastings.com) offers a completely different kind of wine tasting experience with cruises around Lake Tahoe while tasting wines from area wineries. Several foodie tours are available (tahoefoodietour.com) while top restaurants include Zephyr Cove Restaurant and Chambers Landing Bar and Grill, which is the oldest bar on the water in Lake Tahoe and offers food and drink, including the famous Chambers Punch.

Pool at Tahoe Valley Campground
Pool at Tahoe Valley Campground

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