Sun-Kissed Bliss: Your Guide to Sunny Winter Glamping

Looking for something to do for about 80 days beginning in late December? We’re talking about winter getaways when the snow falls, the temperatures plummet, and the sun takes a bit of a hiatus up north. We’ve got some great warm weather getaways to consider and some advice…book now!

Florida: Plenty of sun here with average daytime temps rarely dipping below 60 degrees and with so many glamping locations, a winter roaming around Florida should be on the agenda. Rent a colorful cottage at Encore Tropical Palms in Kissimmee and enjoy the weather at Kissimmee Lakefront Park with a stroll around the lake. Check out Old Town Kissimmee, which is great for dining, shopping and entertainment or make Kissimmee your home base for the Orlando theme park attractions. Head to the east coast and enjoy Miami with a stay at Encore Miami Everglades, which has great glamping accommodations, and check out Miami’s beaches, culture, and nearby Everglades National Park. Meander down the Overseas Highway and enjoy the Keys from a great tiny house at the Sunshine Key Tiny House Village. Keys’ highlights include snorkeling in Key Largo, taking in the fun of the “Conch Life ” in Key West and sport fishing in Islamorada.

Sunshine Key Tiny House Village
Sunshine Key Tiny House Village

Sedona, Arizona: Snow-capped mountains and warm temperatures? You bet, that’s what a winter trip to Sedona will get you. Plus, all the great outdoor activity to be found and the opportunity to stay in a tiny house at Thousand Trails Verde Valley. It’s warm here, but not too warm since you want to spend plenty of time hiking the Red Rock State Park and discovering all the vortexes and cool rock formations (like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock). Maybe a Jeep tour (pinkadventuretours.com) or a wine trail tour (vvwinetrail.com). Want to recharge? Check out the suggested Spiritual Healing 3-day itinerary at visitsedona.com, which includes some interesting events like a chakra balancing session, hot stone therapy, and a Jeep tour to the healing vortex sites within Red Rock State Park.

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

Texas: Texas winters are typically snowless with mild temperatures and none of the heat and humidity found in a Texas summer. Check out any of our Texas locations and consider some of these winter events: Enjoy the San Antonio River Walk when it’s less crowded and stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake while also taking in San Antonio attractions like The Alamo or enjoying a guided Mural Ridel on a bike to see over 20 murals painted throughout the city (visitsanantonio.com/location/mural-ride). If you’re into the rodeo, don’t miss the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, scheduled for January 12 through February 3, 2024. Book a stay at any of these nearby glamping locations: Thousand Trails Bay Landing, Lake Whitney, Lake Tawakoni, and Lake Texoma. The Texas Hill Country has some fun winter wine events including the Wine Lovers Celebration, running January 29 to February 23, where visitors can experience over 40 Texas Hill Country wineries with special events and tastings (texashillcountrywineries.org). Again, Medina Lake is a great spot to camp while enjoying all the fun.

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

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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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