Go Glamping at Some of the Best Spots Across Texas
By RACHEL STRICKLAND | Photos by BECKY STINEHOUR and courtesy photos
Summer is the season when many people head outside to spend some time reconnecting with nature. While camping is a popular summertime activity, it’s a bit too close to the Great Outdoors for some people. If this sounds like you, glamping might be just the thing you’re looking for.
The word “glamping” is exactly what it sounds like: glamorous camping — no need to stay in a primitive tent without running water or Wi-Fi when you can have most, if not all, the comforts of home without worrying that a creepy crawly will find its way into your sleeping bag.
These days, there are countless ways to go glamping that diverge from the Winnebago that you might be thinking of. People stay in cabins (of both the log and tented varieties), caravans, tree houses, tipis, yurts, barns, silos, containers, pods and domes. If you can imagine it, there’s a good chance someone’s already made it into a luxury glamping getaway. However, the most common method of glamping is in a tent (albeit air-conditioned and with full amenities). Here’s a short-and-sweet list of some unique glamping spots in Texas to get your search started.
Star Studded Nights
Star Studded Nights, situated in the Hill Country near Valley Mills, offers luxury safari tents. Each tent features climate control, a king-sized bed, an en suite bathroom, a kitchenette, a mini fridge, an outdoor patio and Wi-Fi. Something that makes Star Studded Nights different than many other glamping sites is their communal gathering area, complete with campfires, so that guests can meet each other, make friends and build community. The nearby river is also easily accessible, and kayaks and paddleboards are available.
Website: https://starstuddednights.com/
Astryia
Astryia, just a 15-minute drive from Fredericksburg, offers Scandinavian-style A-frame treehouses, geodomes and Hobbit houses. Each one of their units is situated deep in nature and comes equipped with a full kitchen. The treehouses and domes also have hot tubs, perfect for stargazing, while the domes offer a bit more of a rustic, outdoor feel with their large front and top windows. The Hobbit houses have more of the true glamping experience, with one of them designed after The Lord of the Rings.
Astryia’s tagline is “Hidden in Nature,” and it’s clear why. According to their website, they invite you to “rediscover your connection with nature and reconnect with your roots.”
Website: https://www.astryia.com/
The Yurtopian
The Yurtopian, with locations in both Dripping Springs and Wimberley, focuses exclusively on luxury stays in Mongolian-style yurts. They have 16 climate-controlled yurts, each secluded in separate parts of the large property. Each yurt features a king-sized bed, a private fire pit, an outdoor kitchen, a private bathroom, and a rooftop deck with a hammock. There are optional upgrades for those looking for massages, picnics, and decorations for special occasions. The Dripping Springs location is just 35 minutes from downtown Austin, while Wimberley offers a charming downtown experience.
Website: https://theyurtopian.com/
Spoon Mountain Glamping
Spoon Mountain Glamping, located in the Hill Country near Wimberley, offers stays in genuine South-African safari tents. There are only three tents on the entire property, which means there’s more peace and privacy. Each tent features climate control, a king-sized bed, a private bathroom, an outdoor soaking tub, a private pool and a mini kitchenette with a Nespresso machine. There’s a communal fire pit, outdoor games and a complimentary welcome s’mores kit for each guest to get the camping vibes going. The entire property has Wi-Fi, so there’s no need to disconnect completely if you don’t want to. There are countless local activities to partake in, and the folks at Spoon Mountain are more than happy to assist with recommendations for experiencing the beautiful Texas Hill Country.
Website: https://spoonmountainglamping.com
Loving Heart Retreats
Loving Heart Retreats, just outside Marble Falls, offers both luxury tents and domes situated on 25 acres. Amenities include air conditioning, a microwave, a mini-bar, a mini-refrigerator and a coffee maker. Loving Heart Retreats specifically emphasizes the importance of disconnecting while staying with them, so they do not offer Wi-Fi. While there is no cooking inside or outside the tents and domes, there are plenty of food options just 12 minutes away in Marble Falls.
Website: https://www.lovingheartretreats.com
Piney Point A-Frame
Piney Point A-Frame, deep in the pines of East Texas near Tyler, is a cozy, private retreat tucked away on a six-acre homestead. It features a restored A-frame house that overlooks a private pond, which is perfect for some catch-and-release fishing. The house has incredible floor-to-ceiling windows that enhance the nature views. There’s a classic wood-burning stove in the living room, along with a TV, internet connection and a cozy couch, perfect for movie nights. The A-frame features a loft with a queen-sized bed, full kitchen, clawfoot soaking tub, fireplace, and outdoor propane grill. Some of the appeals of staying in the A-frame are the hiking, fishing, live music and shopping that East Texas has to offer.
Website: https://pineypointaframe.com/
Gleatherland
Gleatherland offers yurts and camper/RV rentals located on 18 desert acres near Hueco Tanks State Park in El Paso. Each unit offers all the modern comforts expected when glamping, but specific amenities and bed sizes vary for each floor plan. Some yurts offer a kitchenette, fridge, burner stove, and en suite bathrooms, while others require the guests to walk to the nearby shower house. There are two slide-out travel trailers and one slide-out camper/caravan available to book. There is also a large campground on the Gleatherland property with 50 campsites for those who would like to bring their own primitive tents or RVs.
Website: https://www.gleatherland.com/
No matter what type of glamping you’re looking for, you’re sure to find something that suits your needs and camping style.
