Michigan 10BEST glamping sites include Beaver Island, Benzonia

• The USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards announced winners for the road trip category.
• Beaver Island Retreat and Glamp Michigan ranked in the top 10 for best glamping spot.
• The northern Michigan glamping sites provide a luxury stay amid nature.

While tens of thousands of Michiganders will pack their tents or drive their RVS and campers to a campsite, plenty of people aren’t willing to give up their creature comforts to enjoy nature: They’ll go “glamping” instead.

“Glamping is where stunning nature meets modern luxury. It’s a way to experience the untamed and completely unique parts of the world — without having to sacrifice creature comforts,” Glamping.com says. “The way we travel has changed. A fusion of glamour and camping, glamping is a way to authentically experience the most awe-inspiring locales around the world.”

For those interested in glamping this season, two northern Michigan locations recently were selected among the top 10 nationwide, according to the USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards.

As part of “Road Trip Readers’ Choice Awards,” USA TODAY ranked the top 10 best glamping spots in the U.S. Beaver Island Retreat was rated No. 2 and Glamp Michigan was No. 10.

Beaver Island Retreat offers safari tent glamping on the remote Lake Michigan island, while Glamp Michigan features dome glamping in the northwest of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula near Benzonia. The sites provide luxurious accommodations in a natural setting, with plenty of outdoor activities in the areas.

Here’s what to know about the glamping areas.

What is Beaver Island Retreat?

Beaver Island Retreat is a Michigan glamping retreat. The site provides a chance to explore nature and recreational activities while enjoying a stay at the lodgings.

“Luxury, outdoor accommodations designed to bring you unprecedented comforts while experiencing serenity and dark skies in nature unspoiled,” the retreat’s website says.

Where is Beaver Island Retreat?

The retreat is located on Beaver Island, an island in Lake Michigan about 30 miles offshore from the coast of northwest Michigan.

What are safari tents?

The hotel tents on a platform include a porch, campsite table, private charcoal grill with unlimited lump charcoal, propane burners, loveseats, cotton hammocks, queen memory foam beds with bamboo sheets, pine flooring, custom-designed chairs, toiletries, solar-powered bedside lamp and three windows.

What amenities does Beaver Island Retreat offer?

It includes private bath houses feature a toilet, raised vessel sink and waterfall faucet on a vanity, shower with a rain shower spa head, along with provided bath towels, mats, an all-natural bath bar and bamboo toothbrush.

A fully-equipped kitchen is open 24 hours daily for guests, including a large refrigerator, utensils; cutlery; small appliances; a stainless steel double sink with unlimited soap, cloths and scrubbers; dinnerware; a water filtration system; cutting board; spices and coffee. Unlimited ice and firewood are available.

The guest laundry never closes and features unlimited fresh beach and bath towels, pillow cases, pillows, sheets, blankets and a washer and dryer.

A cedar log pavilion is open for guests 24 hours daily, with dining tables, chairs, bar tables, free Wi-Fi, cell phone charging stations, a game hutch and a bar area fully stocked with appliances and barware.

How do you get to Beaver Island?

Beaver Island can be reached by ferry or airplane from Charlevoix in the northwest Lower Peninsula.

A ferry service from Beaver Island Boat Company runs from April to about Christmas. The 2025 schedule is available online.

One-way tickets are $33.50 for adults, $21 for children ages 5-12, children 4 and under free, $16.75 for seniors ages 65 and above or people with disabilities, $12 for pets. Round-trip tickets are double the prices. Rates for vehicles vary by type and require a reservation.

Flights can be booked with Fresh Air Aviation or Island Airways. Check their websites for schedules and rates.

Do people live on Beaver Island?

Yes, Beaver Island has a year-round population of about 600, many of Irish descent, Discover Beaver Island’s website says.

Where can you eat on Beaver Island?

The island has eight dining options for residents and visitors, including bars and restaurants, a coffee shop, brewery, catering and a farmers market.

What is Glamp Michigan?

Glamp Michigan is a two-dome glamping site at a private 13-acre forest in northern Michigan.

“Glamp Michigan creates luxury accommodations immersed in nature,” the website says.

Where is Glamp Michigan?

Glamp Michigan is located near Benzonia, in Benzie County in the northwest Lower Peninsula, east of Frankfort.

What are in the domes?

The two domes provide sleeping accommodations for four people, including a king bed, loft with a queen bed, large rear windows, a full kitchen, washer and dryer, modern bathroom, linens and towels, A/C and heating, Wi-Fi, 4K TV and a Bluetooth speaker.

What amenities does Glamp Michigan offer?

Glamp Michigan provides self check-in and check-out. Families with children are welcome. Pets are not allowed.

The domes have outdoor grills and firewood. Each also includes a private hot tub, sauna, an Ice Barrel 300 cold plunge and smokeless fire pit.

What is there to do near Glamp Michigan?

The glamping site is located near Crystal Mountain, a resort offering skiing, snowboarding and golfing. Arcadia Bluffs and Champion Hill and other courses are options for golfing.

Consider heading west to the shores of Lake Michigan for a day trip to the beach. Farther south, Silver Lake State Park boasts sand dunes up to 450 feet high.

What are the other top 10 glamping spots?

Here are the other glamping spots that made the 10BEST list:

• Safari West in Santa Rosa, California
• Little Arrow Outdoor Resort in Townsend, Tennessee
• The Destination in Dadeville, Alabama
• Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City, North Carolina
• Savannah Sunset Resort & Spa in Jackson, New Jersey
• Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in River Ranch, Florida
• Naturluxe & Stars in Watkins Glen, New York
• Paws Up Montana in Greenough, Montana

Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.