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Long before interstates stitched the country together, Indigenous Peoples walked, hunted, rode, and migrated across the continent. If you’ve ever felt the pulse of deep traditions beneath your tires, you already know there’s something deeper out there waiting to be discovered. Fact is, the open road has always been a gateway to old stories. And when you RV to destinations that honor Indigenous Peoples, it offers powerful opportunities to explore the cultures that have shaped this continent for millennia.

Here are some of the best places to RV if you’re looking explore the incredible culture of Indigenous Peoples in the United States.

8 RV Trips into the History and Heritage of Indigenous Peoples 

Taos Pueblo – Taos, New Mexico

Few places in America feel as timeless as Taos Pueblo. Continuously inhabited for over 1,000 years, this settlement is a living testament to the resilience of the Taos people.

Visitors can join tribal members on guided tours, walk the village, and buy handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and textiles directly from local artists. Time your visit around San Geronimo Feast Day in late September. It’s an unforgettable celebration of Native tradition blended with Catholic influence — an echo of the complex history here.

Just outside town, park your rig at Taos Valley RV Park & Campground. The RV park provides easy access to both culture and the soaring Sangre de Cristo Mountains.

Standing Rock Reservation – North and South Dakota

Straddling two states and stretching along the Missouri River, the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation is a sacred place — historically, spiritually, and politically. It made national headlines in 2016 for the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, but its importance runs deeper than the headlines.

The Sitting Bull Visitor Center in Fort Yates offers a deep dive into Lakota and Dakota heritage. The history here includes the life and legacy of Sitting Bull, one of history’s most revered Indigenous leaders.

Park nearby at Prairie Knights Marina & Campground. The campground offers scenic views of Lake Oahe and access to cultural events when available.

Chaco Culture National Historical Park – New Mexico

This isn’t just a national park. It’s a sacred center of ancestral Puebloan civilization. Between 850 and 1250 AD, Chaco Canyon was a ceremonial and economic hub, home to vast, multistory stone buildings that still stand in silent grandeur.

Walking through Pueblo Bonito or climbing up to ancient petroglyphs is more than a hike. It’s an experience of reverence. Though there are no tribes that currently live in the canyon, Chaco remains a pilgrimage site for many modern Pueblo peoples. So, visiting respectfully is a must.

RVers can stay right in the park at Gallo Campground. It’s a rugged, off-grid experience beneath some of the darkest skies in the hemisphere.

Window Rock – Navajo Nation, Arizona

As the capital of the Navajo Nation, Window Rock is both a cultural and governmental center. The natural sandstone arch known as Window Rock itself is a sacred site. Nearby, monuments honor Navajo Code Talkers whose unbreakable language helped win World War II.

Visit the Navajo Nation Museum and Veterans Memorial Park. Then you’ll wan to explore the surrounding high desert, where Diné culture is woven into the land and sky. You’ll also find traditional arts, weaving, and food (try some fresh fry bread from a roadside stand) that offers a taste of Navajo life.

Set up your rig at USA RV Park in Gallup, New mexico. It is just a short drive away, and it maintains full hookups, plus close access to nearby cultural festivals and artisan markets.

Acoma Sky City – New Mexico

Acoma Pueblo, or “Sky City,” is perched on a 367-foot sandstone mesa. The site is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited communities in the U.S. The stark beauty of the landscape is matched only by the strength of the Acoma people, who have called this place home for over a thousand years.

Take a guided tour to explore the historic village, sacred sites, and traditional adobe homes. Photography is tightly restricted, but the experience will stay etched in your memory long after you leave.

Stay nearby at Sky City RV Park. There, you can soak in the red-rock vistas before and after your visit to the top.

Neah Bay – Makah Reservation, Washington

Tucked into the far northwest corner of the contiguous U.S., Neah Bay is home to the Makah Tribe and a perfect blend of coastal wilderness and cultural richness.

The Makah Cultural & Research Center is one of the finest tribal museums in the country, housing artifacts from the Ozette dig — an entire 500-year-old village uncovered by a mudslide and preserved in stunning detail. After the museum, walk the Cape Flattery Trail for views of sea stacks and maybe even whales.

Stay nearby at Hobuck Beach Resort, which offers RV sites steps away from the Pacific Ocean and within reach of cultural events and local seafood.

Phoenix, Arizona – Heard Museum

While not a reservation, the Heard Museum in Phoenix is one of the most renowned centers for American Indian art and history. Its exhibits span centuries and highlight the work of contemporary Native artists that align with deep cultural narratives.

If you’re going on an RV road trip through the Southwest, this is a must-stop for understanding the broader story of Indigenous Peoples in the U.S. 

Hook up your RV at Desert’s Edge RV Park and spend a few days exploring both the Heard and nearby tribal lands.

Red Cliff and Bad River Reservations – Wisconsin

The Anishinaabe people — Ojibwe, in particular — have deep roots in the Great Lakes region. On the south shore of Lake Superior, the Red Cliff and Bad River reservations are part of that living history.

Visit the Red Cliff Cultural Center, attend seasonal powwows, or take part in workshops. The latter teach traditional birch bark canoe making and wild rice harvesting. This area offers a peaceful, nature-rich counterpoint to the desert settings of many Indigenous landmarks.

Stay at Apostle Islands Area Campground to access both Red Cliff and the stunning Apostle Islands, where Native traditions and nature coexist in harmony.

Respect, Not Just Tourism

Wherever you RV to these destination, remember that visiting communities of Indigenous Peoples and their cultural sites requires more than a camera and curiosity. Bring respect. Ask permission. Support local artists and businesses. And always tread lightly — both physically and spiritually. The stories you’ll find carved into this land weren’t written by settlers or surveyors. They’ve been sung, spoken, and lived for thousands of years. So, when you visit these places with open eyes and an open heart, you don’t just learn history. You honor it.

If you’ve been RVing for a while, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the name Travel Resorts of America — whether through a flyer at a campground, a sales pitch at an RV show, or a fellow camper talking about a membership. So, you might wonder: What exactly is Travel Resorts of America? Is it a campground membership worth looking into, or one of those high-pressure timeshare-style pitches?

My wife and I are not TRA members, but we did research it. And, in doing so, we were able to get a grasp of what Travel Resorts of America is and whether it was right for us. We suggest you do the same, but here’s what we learned.

The Basics: What Is Travel Resorts of America?

Travel Resorts of America is a private RV resort membership system that gives paying members access to a network of exclusive RV resorts — mostly located in the eastern and midwestern U.S. Unlike public or individually owned parks, TRA’s properties are members-only, meaning you typically need to buy into the system to stay there. The membership gives you access to their resorts for low or no nightly fees, depending on your membership tier.

They’re not the only company in this space. (Think Thousand Trails, which we currently have, or Coast to Coast.) However, they do offer a distinct set of perks that appeal to some full-timers, snowbirds, and regional RV travelers.

Where Are the Campgrounds?

As of 2025, Travel Resorts of America operates seven well-established core resorts, along with a small number of newer partner or affiliate properties, including a seasonal park in Florida and a location called Camp HiYo! in Ohio.

These following are Travel Resorts of America’s flagship resorts:

• Gettysburg Battlefield Resort, Pennsylvania. Near historic Gettysburg National Military Park.
• Bass Lake Resort, New York. Located in the scenic Finger Lakes region.
• Sycamore Lodge Resort, North Carolina. About an hour south of Raleigh.
• North Shore Landing, Georgia. Lakefront camping on Lake Oconee.
• Rocky Fork Ranch, Ohio. A large, activity-focused resort with trails, equestrian amenities, and rustic cabins.
• Wally World Riverside Resort, Ohio. Family-friendly atmosphere and easy river access.
• Luna Sands Resort, Florida. A warm-weather destination near Daytona, popular with snowbirds.

The additional resorts don’t seem to be heavily advertised as of this article, but they are now included in some membership materials. TRA continues to slowly expand its network through ownership and partnerships.

How Does Membership Work?

Membership plans come in different tiers and levels, often customized during your sign-up process. That makes it hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer, but here’s the general idea:

• Buy-in fee: Typically between $5,000–$15,000 depending on your package.
• Annual dues: Around $500–$700 per year.
• Nightly stays: Usually free at your designated “home park” and most TRA resorts.
• Modest fees may apply: Some tiers charge $10–$15/night at affiliate or partner parks.
• Booking privileges: Higher levels get extended reservation windows and reduced restrictions.
• Reciprocal access: TRA partners with Coast to Coast (and occasionally RPI) for access to other campgrounds nationwide.

Many people first learn about TRA through a free stay promotion, where you receive a complimentary weekend at a resort in exchange for attending a sales presentation.

What Are the Benefits?

For RVers who return to the same area frequently — or want a secure, all-amenities park system — TRA can offer real value.

Membership perks include:

• Low or no nightly camping fees at core resorts;
• Private, gated properties with enhanced security and quieter stays;
• On-site amenities like pools, clubhouses, playgrounds, and weekend activities;
• Reliable advance booking during peak seasons; and
• Reciprocal stays through Coast to Coast (based on membership tier).

The consistency and structure of the system appeal to RVers who value routine, ease of use, and social opportunities on the road.

Considerations to Be Aware Of

Like any campground membership system, there are important details to consider before signing anything.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• High-pressure sales approach. Many RVers report a strong sales pitch during the free-stay presentations. It’s best to walk in informed and ready to say “no” if you’re unsure.
• Long-term contracts. TRA memberships often involve multiyear commitments. Based on reviews, it seems as though cancellation isn’t easy, and buyout options can be very limited.
• Limited geographic spread. Core resorts are concentrated in the East and Midwest. If your travels are mostly west of the Rockies, this may not be a useful investment.
• Nightly fees at affiliate parks. Depending on your membership tier, you may still pay modest fees ($10–$15) at reciprocal or partner parks.
• Mixed resort quality. Some resorts (like Gettysburg and Bass Lake) get strong reviews, while others (like Wally World and Rocky Fork Ranch) receive mixed feedback about amenities and upkeep.
• No real resale market. Most membership contracts are non-transferable, and resale options seem to be fairly limited. From the looks of it, this isn’t an investment — it’s a use-it-or-lose-it plan.

Is TRA Worth It?

That depends on how, where, and how often you travel.

It might be a good fit if:

• You travel mostly in the East or Midwest;
• You prefer full-hookup, private resort-style parks;
• You return to the same region annually (great for snowbirds or seasonal full-timers); and/or
• You’re comfortable with a long-term financial commitment.

It might not be ideal if:

• You prefer flexibility, boondocking, or public lands;
• You RV out West or travel coast-to-coast;
• You avoid ongoing contracts or upfront costs; and/or
• You don’t stay long enough at one park to justify the membership.

Pro Tips If You’re Considering TRA

• Take your time. A free stay doesn’t mean you have to commit. Ask for, and take the time, to read over all documents without pressure.
• Ask about cancellation, resale, and blackout dates. Be specific.
• Tour more than one resort. Seeing multiple properties will give you a better feel for what you’re really buying.
• Get a copy of the actual contract. It’s always best practice to read, review, and get a copy of any contract — before signing.
• Compare alternatives. Membership programs like Thousand Trails or Escapees may offer different structures and price points.

Know Before You Commit

Travel Resorts of America is a legitimate membership camping system that works for a specific kind of RVer. If you like planned getaways, return to the same region often, and enjoy social RV life in secure campgrounds, it could be a cost-effective option over time.

But like any contract-based system, it comes with strings attached—so it’s not something to jump into lightly.

For now, my wife and I have chosen not to join — but like many RVers, we’ve done the research, asked around, and kept an eye on programs like these. If it fits your travel style, budget, and long-term goals, it could be a great tool in your RV toolbox. Just make sure the freedom of RV life doesn’t get locked into fine print.

Dramatically eroded mountains painted with colorful geologic deposits and packed with the fossils of ancient creatures, Badlands National Park offers a stunning landscape rising from the South Dakota plains! Appearing like the surface of another planet plunked down on the prairie, this park will transport you. Driving through evening light yields a spectrum of colorful hues that appear to glow in the golden hour. Along with its stark yet striking beauty, this park protects and preserves over 240,000 acres of grassland and prairie where America’s largest land mammal roams, as well as majestic big horn sheep, adorable prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets.

So, you might ask, what’s so bad about the Badlands? The name comes from the people who lived in the area before its national park designation. For hundreds of years, the Lakota people called this area “mako sica,” literally “bad lands.” Early French fur trappers passing through this area referred to it as “les mauvaises terres a traveser” (bad lands to travel across). Since the French trappers spent time with the Lakota, it’s clear that they agreed with the local’s assessment. 

Rain in the Badlands makes the wet clay soil slick and sticky, making it very difficult to cross. The jagged canyons and buttes that cover the landscape make it nearly impossible to navigate. With cold and windy winters, hot and dry summers, and the scarce water sources muddy and unsafe to drink, it’s no wonder the early people living near the area referred to it as bad! 

Now, here’s the good news: The Badlands are certainly not bad to cross with an RV. Rather, they’re primed for exploration.

Scenic Drives 

South Unit is a beautiful part of Badlands National Park, and a drive around its perimeter offers spectacular sights. Whether you’re headed east or west, the South Unit provides access to the White River Visitor Center.

Sage Creek Rim Road offers amazing views from a number of overlooks and pull-offs where you can park safely and enjoy the view. From east to west, the overlooks on Sage Creek Rim Road are: Hay Butte, Badlands Wilderness, Roberts Prairie Dog Town, and Sage Creek Basin. Bison, bighorn, prairie dogs and a wide variety of birds are frequently seen along this road. You can access Sage Creek Campground from this road as well. Note: This dirt/gravel road can be rough during or after storms!

Badlands Loop Road (aka Hwy 240) is a spectacular way to see stunning overlooks and features of the North Unit. Among these are Big Badlands, Prairie Wind, White River Valley, Bigfoot Pass, Yellow Mounds, Pinnacles, Ancient Hunters, and more. In addition to being a stunning drive with easy pullouts, this road provides access to several hiking trails, the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, and Sage Creek Rim Road. Note: This two-lane paved road is appropriate for all motor vehicles, but does include several steep passes and sections with reduced speed limits. And always keep an eye out for wildlife!

Must-Hike Trails 

Whether you’re looking for a short, easy boardwalk trail or a more challenging trail through Badlands terrain, there is a hike in the park for everyone. In addition to developed trails, Badlands National Park has an Open Hike Policy. You are allowed to hike off-trail and explore social trails like Deer Haven, the Sage Creek Wilderness Area, or any other part of the park you can visit safely. Just know your limits and bring plenty of water!

Easy and Accessible Trails

Door Trail. An accessible quarter-mile boardwalk leads through a break in the Badlands Wall known as “the Door” and to a view of the Badlands. From there, the maintained trail ends but hikers may continue. Distance: 0.75 miles roundtrip

Fossil Exhibit Trail. This fully accessible boardwalk trail features fossil replicas and exhibits of now extinct creatures that once roamed the area. Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip)

Window Trail. This short trail leads to a natural window in the Badlands Wall with a view of a beautiful intricately eroded canyon. Distance: 0.25 miles roundtrip)

Moderate to Strenuous Trails

Castle Trail. The longest trail in the park begins at the Door and Window parking area and travels five miles one way to the Fossil Exhibit Trail. Relatively level, the path passes along some stunning Badlands formations. Distance: 10 miles roundtrip

Medicine Root Loop. This rolling trail connects with the Castle Trail near the Old Northeast Road and at the intersection of the Castle and Saddle Pass Trails. Hikers will enjoy the mixed grass prairie with long range views of the Badlands. Distance: 4 miles roundtrip

Notch Trail. Short but considered moderate to strenuous. After meandering through a canyon, this trail climbs a log ladder and follows a ledge to “the Notch” for a dramatic view of the White River Valley. Not recommended for anyone with a fear of heights and can be treacherous during or after heavy rains. Distance: 1.5 miles roundtrip

RV Parks & Campgrounds

Park Campgrounds

There are just two established campgrounds within the park, located on opposite ends. Cedar Pass is very modern and located within walking distance to the visitor center, Sage Creek is very rustic and remote.

• Cedar Pass RV & Campground offers amenities such as paved sites, accessible sites/bathrooms, flush toilets, showers, dump station, water, and a general store. The 96 sites offer scenic views of the badlands formations. Both electric and non-electric sites are available and the campground is open year-round with limited availability in the winter season. Reservations are recommended from late March through mid-late October.

• Sage Creek Campground is a free, first-come first-serve campground with 22 sites located on Sage Creek Rim Road, an unpaved road that may temporarily close after winter storms and spring rains. Motor homes, pull behind trailers, and other RV’s greater than 18 feet are prohibited. This limitation does not apply to horse trailers as a portion of the Sage Creek Campground is designated for horse use. Pit toilets and covered picnic tables are available, but not water. Generators are NOT permitted due to fire danger.

Public and Private Campgrounds

The greater Badlands and Buffalo Gap National Grassland area offers many camping options from RV resorts to dispersed boondocking:

• Several RV parks are located in the nearby communities of Wall (north of the park) and Interior, South Dakota (south of the park).
• Buffalo Gap National Grassland developed campgrounds are also a great option, in addition to many dispersed camping areas just a few miles from the park.
• Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome offers members several camping options within an hour’s drive of the park.
  

Seasonal Advice

Welcome to the land of extremes! Weather swings from each side of the thermometer from 116 to minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in Badlands National Park are hot and dry with occasional violent thunderstorms. Winters are typically cold with 12 to 24 inches of snowfall. During any season sudden and dramatic weather changes are common. (So, come prepared.) While summer sees the most visitors, the spring and fall offer the most pleasant temperatures. 

While visiting in late March 2022, we experienced some beautiful days of bright sunshine and daytime highs into the 70s. But we also hunkered down during a late season blizzard that nearly closed the interstate. The winds on I-90 can be furious. Once, during a winter storm, several RVs and tractor trailers were overturned between Wall and Rapid City. Remember that no itinerary schedule is worth having to call a tow truck. Take your time and wait it out!

Unique Programs & Opportunities

Fossil Preparation Lab

Located in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, this working paleontological laboratory gives visitors the chance to watch paleontologists at work. Observers can also learn more about ongoing science within the park. This includes identifying species based on fossil characteristics, removing rock from fossils, and preparing and cataloguing finished specimens for display. The lab is typically open everyday from the second week in June through the third week in September. 

Night Sky Viewing

Although light pollution threatens dark skies across the globe, the Badlands are nestled in a corner of the Great Plains where light pollution is not a large issue. On any given night, visitors will be exposed to more than 7,500 stars, along with the Milky Way Galaxy. Night sky views include not only galaxies but star clusters, nebulae, planets and moons. Join park rangers and astronomy volunteers each night in the summer after the Evening Program for a Night Sky Viewing. The time of this program is subject to change due to sunset, but the location is always the same at the Cedar Pass Amphitheater. For an extra special treat in July, visit the park during the Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival. This event brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, and park visitors for a stellar experience. 

Ranger-Led Programs

From Geology Walks to Porch Talks and Fossil Walks to Night Sky Programs, there is so much to learn from Park Rangers during a visit to the Badlands! During the summer months, many different programs are offered daily. Check the schedule online or at one of the visitor centers during your visit.

Sunrise and Sunsets

Some of the most stunning times to experience the Badlands are at the beginning and end of the day. These times are when the low angle sunlight enhances the diversity of hues, creates dramatic shadows, and illuminates the area’s many moods. 

• For sunrises try the Big Badlands Overlook, the Door Trail, the Norbeck Pass area, the Dillon Pass area, and Panorama Point, just west of Bigfoot Pass. Each of these areas provide views of the sunrise itself, along with the first rays of light that hit pinnacles facing east.
• For sunsets try Pinnacles Overlook, Conata Basin Overlook, Bigfoot Pass Picnic Area, and the Norbeck Pass area. Walking the Castle Trail (west for sunrise, east for sunset) is a great way to view the changing light on the north side of the Wall. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the environment.

Horseback Riding

While no commercial horse rental or day rides are available in the park, Badlands offers horse owners a chance to explore the Badlands Wilderness Area. This expanse consists of 64,000 acres of eroded spires and mixed-grass prairie, or other areas of the park via horseback. Horseback riding is allowed in any area of the park outside of marked trails, roads, highways, and developed areas. 

Bicycling

Visitors planning on exploring by bicycle should be aware that bicycles are only allowed on designated paved, gravel, and dirt roads within Badlands National Park. As such, they are not allowed on hiking trails, closed roads, off-road, off-trail, or in backcountry areas. 

*****

We recommend at least three to five days in Badlands National Park. It also make a lot of sense to combine it with a visit to other fantastic area attractions such as Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Minutemen Missile Historic Site, Custer State Park, Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and more. South Dakota is loaded with fascinating things to see and do! Come prepared for whatever nature brings your way. Also, drink plenty of water (at all times of the year), and you’ll have a wonderful time exploring this fascinating national park!

For a lot of road warriors, camping is about roughing it. You know, smoky fire pits, dusty boots, and maybe a shower if you are lucky. But for those who love the outdoors without sacrificing creature comforts, glamping is camping’s better-smelling cousin. Equal parts luxury and adventure, glamping fuses the best parts of nature with amenities you’d expect from high-end resorts. Across the United States, you can find all sorts of glorious glamping sites — from tricked-out tents to safari-style suites to treehouses that look like they came from the pages of a design magazine.

So, let’s go ahead and get specific already! Here are some of the most glamorous glamping sites in the grooviest of groves and glades.

Under Canvas – Moab, Utah

When people think of Utah, red rock arches and vast desert expanses come to mind. Under Canvas Moab puts you right in the middle of it all. Just minutes from Arches National Park, this resort offers safari-inspired canvas tents that come with king-size beds, wood-burning stoves, and ensuite bathrooms. Some units even have private decks perfect for desert stargazing. The site balances rugged adventure with luxury touches like daily housekeeping and organic bath products. It’s hard not to feel spoiled when you’re sipping coffee while the sunrise light bounces off those famous red cliffs.

AutoCamp – Yosemite, California

AutoCamp has carved a shiny name for itself by turning Airstream trailers into boutique hotel suites. Their Yosemite glamping sites are  jaw-droppers, with fully outfitted Airstreams featuring spa-inspired bathrooms, private fire pits, and don’t worry — only the finest mattresses. They also offer luxury tents and accessible suites, giving you options no matter your style. The Clubhouse at AutoCamp is an architectural gem, with mid-century modern design, a lounge-worthy fireplace, and a curated general store. Guests can spend their days exploring Yosemite Valley and their evenings tucked into the famous five-star Airstream comfort.

Dunton River Camp – Colorado

Once a 19th-century cattle ranch, Dunton River Camp in the San Juan Mountains is now one of the most exclusive glamping destinations in the country. Guests stay in safari-style tents with king-size beds, gas stoves, and oversized soaking tubs. Each tent has a private deck with views of the surrounding peaks or the flowing Dolores River. The experience is all-inclusive, so meals are farm-to-table affairs paired with fine wines. With fly-fishing, hiking, and horseback riding right outside your tent flap, it’s the perfect blend of wilderness and indulgence.

Collective Retreats – Governors Island, New York

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to camp with the Manhattan skyline as your backdrop, I have good news for you. Collective Retreats on Governors Island will scratch your itch. A short ferry ride from the greatest city in the world, these glamping sites feel worlds away from the city but keep the perks close. Guests get luxury tents with chandeliers, high-thread-count linens, and spa-quality bathrooms. At night, the glow of Lady Liberty warms the scene, and you can dine al fresco with chef-prepared meals. It’s camping with a shiny, Big Apple twist—big, bold, and undeniably chic.

Ventana Big Sur – California

Perched just off the Pacific Coast Highway, high above the rugged cliffs of the Pacific, Ventana Big Sur is a famous crown jewel for travelers seeking tranquility with a view. But their glamping experience is otherwordly. Guests stay in spacious safari tents with heated blankets, plush beds, and access to outrageous amenities like Japanese hot baths, guided meditation classes, or their infinity pool. Which overlooks the ocean, naturally. It’s a place where the word “camping” barely scratches the surface of what’s offered.

The Resort at Paws Up – Montana

Set on a 37,000-acre ranch, The Resort at Paws Up might be the most famous glamping destination in the U.S. — and for good reason. The property offers six different luxury camps, each with its own theme and location, from riverfront spots to secluded meadows. Tents are spacious enough to rival hotel suites, with ensuite bathrooms, heated floors, and what might be described as butler service. Yes, you read that right: butlers who light your campfire and bring you fresh coffee in the morning. The activities are just as indulgent, ranging from cattle drives to hot air balloon rides.

Firelight Camps – Ithaca, New York

For those who want a splash of glamour with their campfire s’mores, Firelight Camps in Ithaca delivers. Founded by outdoor enthusiasts Emma Frisch and Bobby Frisch (yes, that’s celebrity chef Emma Frisch), this property blends artisanal flair with natural charm. Safari tents come with hardwood floors, plush beds, and private balconies that look out into the forest. The on-site bar serves craft cocktails, and yoga sessions on the lawn set the tone for the day. Add in hiking access to Buttermilk Falls State Park, and it’s a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

The Ranch at Rock Creek – Montana

For the ultimate splurge, The Ranch at Rock Creek combines five-star luxury with the heart of Big Sky Country. A Relais & Châteaux property, it offers glamping cabins and canvas tents outfitted with gas fireplaces, well-placed antiques, and clawfoot tubs. The experience is all-inclusive, covering gourmet meals, guided adventures, and even nightly entertainment in the on-site saloon. If glamping had a platinum tier, this would be it.

El Cosmico – Marfa, Texas

Marfa has long been a haven for artists, wanderers, and dreamers, and El Cosmico fits right into that vibe. Guests can choose from vintage trailers, yurts, safari tents, and even teepees, all decorated with a bohemian flair. While it leans more eclectic than ultra-luxury, the creativity and style put it in a league of its own. Outdoor kitchens and plentiful hammocks and comfort, but the desert skies provide the real show. It’s a different kind of lavish — less about chandeliers and more about soul.