Go Glamping At These 7 National Parks

Imagine sleeping through the rustle of the leaves under the starry skies, waking up to the gentle sound of the flowing water nearby, and the birds chirping on treetops with the best views one can think of.

A portmanteau of “camping” and “glamour”, glamping has made its way to many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom, where the term glamping originated, and the United States, where it’s prevalent. While camping is the traditional way of pitching a tent in the middle of nature with fewer amenities, glamping is more luxurious; to say the least, glamorous!

Glampers can either choose a cabin, an RV, a treehouse, a yurt, a canvas tent, a glass dome, or a covered wagon with access to luxurious amenities like in hotels or resorts. And yes, glampers still experience camping without having to sleep on the ground!

In the US, there are more than 60 national parks, and many of them offer glamping. Whether travelers seek glampsites for romantic getaways or the most exotic glamping locations, there’s a huge variety of glamping spots that help travelers enjoy Mother Nature at its best and a peaceful retreat—all while cocooned in glamorous bedding and resort-like amenities. Out of those spots, what better place to enjoy glamping in the US than national parks?

From the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains to the iconic giant ancient sequoia trees of Yosemite, travelers will have the best nature escape at these glampsites in US national parks. Explore the rugged landscapes of the wild, get a pampering spa treatment among the raw beauty of nature, eat mouthwatering food, and be one with nature!

Famed for the dramatic peaks of the Olympic Mountains and old-growth forests

A beautiful mélange of the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest and the vast and diverse wilderness of Washington’s most beautiful national park, glamping at Olympic National Park is second to none. Glampers will be treated to the untamed beauty of the Olympic Mountains and the diverse ecosystems it has to offer—from the old-growth forests, waterfalls, glacier-capped mountains, and miles of wild coastline.

The park has several options for glamping, including coastal glamping at Kalaloch Lodge, which is ensconced by beautiful driftwood-lined beaches and towering evergreen forests. Some of its cabins offer glorious views of Kalaloch Beach, which is a perfect spot on this side of the park for an authentic glamping experience.

Known for lush forests, diverse flora and fauna, and ancient mountains

The remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, the lush forests, and the dramatic flora and fauna are just among the top reasons why a visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must. With an abundance of cascading waterfalls, rivers, and streams, travelers will understand why the Great Smoky is America’s most visited national park—a wondrous diversity of life.

Its ancient mountains are a sight to behold and the gorgeous and colorful wildflowers are blooming around. But the beauty of it all is the Smokies’ best-kept secret, the LeConte Lodge, where visitors can go glamping atop Mount LeConte, the third-highest peak in the Smokies at an elevation of 6,593 feet.

The best thing about it for hikers is that it’s only accessible by foot on five different hiking trails between five and nine miles long. Hearty meals on tap, comfortable linens, and glorious views of the Smokies await glampers in the hand-built rough-hewn log cabins!

Home to the layered bands of red rock, the iconic Grand Canyon

Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon, a gorge of the Colorado River often considered one of the Wonders of the World, has scored high in the hearts of many nature aficionados, and for good reason. Encompassing the Colorado River and its surrounding uplands, the UNESCO-listed Grand Canyon offers travelers adventure and one-of-a-kind experiences in the wild, which is not to be missed.

While there are several beautiful Grand Canyon glampsites to elevate the experience, the iconic Bright Angel Lodge & Cabins takes travelers back to the rich history and culture of Grand Canyon National Park, which was established in 1919.

The lodge is a Registered National Historic Landmark, featuring standard lodge units and historic rustic cabins. It’s located on the South Rim, where the views of the Grand Canyon are surreal with scenic overlooks, picturesque trailheads, and a true glamping experience.

Famed for its towering, ancient sequoia trees, waterfalls, and granite cliffs

The persistence of diverse ecosystems has put Yosemite National Park on the map as one of the most popular national parks in the world. Famed for its gorgeous cascading waterfalls, old-growth giant sequoia trees, awe-inspiring granite cliffs, and biological diversity, Yosemite is a UNESCO-listed site, located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Travelers will find deep valleys, dramatic wildlife, a vast wilderness, grand meadows, and plenty of thrills and adventures, which is why it’s best to spend a few nights here to experience its greatness.

Yosemite is one of the cheapest national parks to visit in the US for everyone to enjoy its untamed beauty. While camping in Yosemite is amazing, glamping might be a great option for some travelers, and High Sierra Camps doesn’t disappoint. Accessible by mule ride or by foot, High Sierra offers the best of the backcountry glamping with five different sites, offering panoramic vistas of the wild.

Glampers can choose glampsites between Glen Aulin, May Lake, Sunrise, Merced Lake, and Vogelsang. All these five sites have different features and cater to each type of traveler. Hiking distances are between six and nine miles, from moderate to very strenuous.

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Famed for their massive sequoia trees, particularly the General Sherman Tree and the General Grant Tree

The massive sequoia tree, the General Sherman, probably the largest living tree in the world, and the General Grant tree, one of the largest living sequoias in the US around today, stand proud in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, nicknamed the ‘Land of Giants’. Deep canyons, the world’s largest trees, massive mountains, vast caverns, rugged foothills, and amazing flora and fauna make up the diverse ecosystem at the parks.

With all the generosity of Mother Nature, it’s only worth spending a few nights here, and if camping isn’t an option for some travelers, glamping is a feat! One great option is the Grant Grove Cabins, located in the Grant Grove area of Kings Canyon National Park at 6,500 feet above sea level.

Ensconced by giant sequoia trees, travelers can choose from any of its six timber and tent cabin styles, which are mostly available year-round. Glampers would be able to rub shoulders with the General Grant Tree. The glampsite is also close to Panoramic Point Overlook, Big Stump Grove, and the Sunset Loop for a beautiful hike.

A volcanic hot spot known for its unique hydrothermal and geologic features

Extending from Wyoming to Montana and Idaho, Yellowstone National Park is known for having half of the world’s best and most active geysers and other hydrothermal attractions. Yellowstone is also the world’s first national park, having been established in 1872.

Visitors will have their time of life enjoying the park’s unique hydrothermal and geologic features, including the dramatic canyons, gushing geysers, lush forests, hot springs, alpine rivers, and amazing wildlife. All these are within a hand’s reach when glamping inside the park, which has about ten cabin-style sites to choose from.

One notable site is the historic 1920 Roosevelt Lodge, featuring rustic cabins, and is close to a campsite used by President Theodore Roosevelt (hence the name). All cabins exude an Old West atmosphere—all while taking solitude in the untamed beauty of Yellowstone.

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Known as the ‘Crown of the Continent’ with zero light pollution

Nothing beats having a show of melting glaciers, glistening lakes, carved valleys, alpine meadows, and awe-inspiring flora and fauna. This is Glacier National Park, Montana’s beautiful mountain range and a UNESCO-listed site.

Known as the ‘Crown of the Continent’, any traveler will be in awe of its beauty, and because of its zero light pollution, Glacier is a great spot to chase the Aurora Borealis. Enter: glamping at Apgar Village Lodge & Cabins! This is a glampsite featuring rustic cabins right at the heart of Apgar Village inside the park.

Here, visitors will enjoy all the thrills—from paddling, fishing, or swimming in the calm water of Lake McDonald to biking and hiking along the forested trails. And if glampers are lucky enough, they will have their time of life witnessing the splash of colors of the Northern Lights.