There is a great shift happening in the travel sphere. The move is on for travel slower, to savor more of the outdoors, and to do it in a responsible way – but still have FUN. Getting out in nature can also be incredibly soothing and exhilarating for the soul. Spending nights out underneath the stars is one of the things I love to do. But who says you have to rough it while you’re doing it?
Go Glamping in the Northwest!
Surely by now you have heard this buzzword ‘glamping.’ It is just what it implies – camping with glamor. Or glamorous camping. Whatever the heck you call it, it satisfies that sweet spot of the desire to get out and have a mad affair with nature, while also doing it in STYLE.
I am personally a big fan of glamping. Probably my favorite experience with this emerging form of vacationing is the Yurt Experience and the Tree House Experience.
Just a couple of years ago, I discovered the joys of staying in a treehouse. Granted, it had no running water, and I had to do my business in a (very clean) Porta-potty, but the treehouse itself was modern and cozy. Of course, there are plenty of tree houses available that DO have all of the bells and whistles. We shall get to just a few of them later in this post.
Suffice it to say, with all of the incredible nature the Pacific Northwest has to offer, there is no shortage of choices to get your glamp on in this most gorgeous area of the United States.
Glamping in Oregon
Glamping Along the Pacific Coast Highway
Hart’s Camp Airstream Hotel & RV Park. Glamp it out in an authentic airstream in this unique RV Park on Oregon’s northern coast, near Pacific City. It’s just steps from the beach, and it is pet friendly. You can choose from seven quirky airstreams, complete with luxurious queen or bunk-style beds. Heck, they even serve hot coffee and if you’re lucky, the camp host will start a bonfire in the common area when all can gather round to toast marshmallows!
Sun Outdoors Resort is located right on the ocean in beautiful Coos Bay on the southern Oregon coast. Choose from a variety of RV sites, with activities such as crabbing fishing and whale watching.
Glamping in the High Desert
Just a few miles northeast of Eugene is the Tipi Village Retreat. Yes, you CAN stay in a luxury tipi, complete with comfortable bedding, a Keurig for coffee/tea junkies, and delicious breakfasts whipped up by the retreat staff. This is a totally Zen experience, with yoga and Reflexology sessions on offer.
Glamping in Wine Country
The Vintages Trailer Resort is the perfect home base for “semi-roughing it” during a wine tasting vacation. Simply put, this resort is a rag-tag collection of old campers that have been lovingly restored and ready for you to hang your hat for a few days. The property sits smack dab in the fertile Willamette Valley, and when you are not relaxing in a super cool trailer, you can explore the area on bikes provided by the resort, or hop in your car for an afternoon of leisurely wine tasting.
Glamping in Washington
Glamping in Central Washington State
The Cascade Loop offers some of the best remote wilderness adventures in the entire Pacific Northwest. While here, hang your hat at The Rolling Huts in the cute town of Winthrop, at the edge of the Okanogan National Forest. This former RV site now is the home of a serendipitous collection of modern, yet minimalistic wheels huts. The huts were designed by renowned Seattle architect Tom Kundig and comfortably accommodate couples or small families of up to 4.
A great way to clamp in a tee pee, while also supporting rescued horses is by staying at Cherrywood B&B Farm. Set amidst Yakima Valley wine country, this farm offers visitors a wonderful stay with use of their luxurious Twillight Tubs. This is Washington glamping at its best!
Coulee Playland Resort. While in central Washington, stop by the tiny town of Electric City and stay in a yurt! Located on the banks of Osborn Bay Lake, this is a great way to experience small-town life, with fishing, boating, and SUP right on the resort, and fantastic hiking opportunities nearby.
Glamping in Western Washington
Pampered Wilderness has canvas tents that scream outdoor luxury. Located in Millersylvania State Park just south of Olympia and not far from Interstate 5, the rustic wood frame tents housing romantic bedding and thoughtful amenities that make for the perfect getaway for two.
Glamping in the San Juan Islands
Doe Bay Resort & Retreat. This family-friendly retreat in the remote reaches of Orcas Island has hippie written all over it – in the most wonderful of ways! Located on the far end of this horseshoe island, you are truly away from it all and the peacefulness cannot be more profound. Along with regular campsites, cabins and yurts are up for rent.
Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island. Stay in a canvas cabin and really immerse yourself in nature on another one of the glorious San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. The resort offers hiking, fishing, and canoeing – not to mention a hearty breakfast in the resort common area! You can also go wine tasting nearby.
Of course, another fabulous way to take your nature adventure up a notch is to stay in a treehouse. You can read about my guide to Pacific Northwest treehouses here. Staying in a treehouse has become such a hot commodity these days that it’s not usual for the really fancy ones to go for more than $200 per night!
Glamping in British Columbia
Rockwater Secret Cove Resort. Glamping on the Sunshine Coast couldn’t be more fantastic than at this incredible resort. Along with the main lodge and cabins, you can get your glamping on in one of their tent house suites. Beauty and relaxation go hand in hand while you get to enjoy kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and guided harbor tours.
Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge. This remote resort in Tofino on Vancouver Island is a dream for nature enthusiasts. And it’s not cheap, either. In other words, if you really want to go full monte on your glamping experience, this would be the destination. It’s glamping Tofino perfection.
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. When you click the pink link and book any of these amazing glamping stays, I get a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Check out this great website called Fresh Chalk. In it are recommendations for local businesses in any area you may visit. It’s also got my comprehensive guide to glamping in the Pacific Northwest.
