Glamping. The concept is simple… surround yourself with nature while still enjoying the comforts and luxury of modern-day life. For some that might be not enough “nature”, but for others, it’s the perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors. Here’s eight of our favorite glamping locations in the High Sierra.
AutoCamp Yosemite
You’ve seen the sleek retro stylings of Airstreams coasting down the road. These classic Twinkie shaped bullets aren’t cheap but did you know you could rent one for a night or two? The funky AutoCamp near the historic town of Mariposa gives you that chance. Imagine lounging outside in a custom private seating area, making dinner via a gadget filled kitchen, or snuggling up in a cozy quilt. Heck, even access to a fancy schmancy toilet! Top that off with amenities like a heated pool, mid-century modern clubhouse, or a short shuttle ride to Yosemite National Park, and you got yourself the perfect vacation.
Bridgeport Reservoir
Located in the crossroads of the Eastern Sierra. To the west, you have the hulking peaks of the Sawtooth Range and Twin Lakes. To the east is the Bodie State Park, a ghost town that stands in arrested decay and a glimpse into the Gold Rush era. And in the center is the Bridgeport Reservoir with the Paradise Shores RV Park & Campground. Along with camping sites, they also have a variety of rentals including an Airstream that is just steps away from the reservoir. And just up the road you’ll find the Bridgeport Reservoir Marina and Campground. Their newest addition is a set of luxurious furnished glamping tents featuring a queen sized bed, an outdoor seating area with palapa umbrella and even solar panels. You’ll find a place to get back to basics, a chance to explore, and fresh air to breathe.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Within the peaceful & serene Kings Canyon National Park is the remote Sequoia High Sierra Camp. A true off-the-grid experience, guests must hike in a mile through the tall forested canopy to the tent cabins. Once to the compound of tent cabins at an elevation of over 8,200′, you’ll be surrounded in luxurious accommodations. From five course dinners prepared by a gourmet chef in the open air to tents outfitted with luxurious rugs, feather duvets, and cozy beds, you’ll be living the “high life” literally. And just outside your tent flaps, stunning views of the Sierra Nevada at every glance.
Bear Valley
Tucked in between the lively city of South Lake Tahoe to the north and John Muir’s Eden Yosemite Valley to the south, you’ll find the peaceful Bear Valley. In the winter, it’s home to one of the seven hidden High Sierra ski resorts. And in the summer, you’ll find a relaxed vibe, no hassle mountain getaway featuring the comforts of home but with a glamping twist. As you wake up in the morning on top of a mountain, you swing open your tent flap. In front of you standing proudly is Mokelumne Peak in the early morning light. Scanning the horizon, you look across the North Fork Mokelumne River canyon and the far reaches of the Mokelumne Wilderness. Refreshed from sleeping on a queen bed, you sip your hot coffee. All the hotel amenities you need to be comfortable but with views you only get from camping.
Desolation Hotel – Hope Valley
If you head east from Bear Valley via one of the most scenic drives in the state – Ebbetts Pass, you’ll come upon Hope Valley. This valley is home to arguably some of the best fall foliage west of the Mississippi and late season wildflowers due to its high elevation. Just a bit further down from the main valley concealed in a grove of Aspens and Evergreens is the Desolation Hotel’s – Hope Valley Resort. Founded in 1916 as Sorensen’s resort, the property has 28 fully refurbished historic cabins. They range in modest to abundant in size and are brimming with appeal, boasting cozy fireplaces, well-appointed kitchens and tons of rustic, mountain charm.
Keough’s Hot Springs
Sitting at the base of the Sierra Nevada, Keough’s Hot Springs, outside Bishop, is the perfect “base camp” for climbing and hiking in the region. Besides the campground, they also have a few rustic tent cabins featuring antique décor, a small fridge, down comforters, a comfy bed, and your own private outdoor fire pit to roast s’mores. Top that off with a short walk to the hot springs & you got yourself one relaxing spot.
Yosemite Pines RV Resort
While guests can also park their RV, pitch a tent, choose a luxury cabin or even stay in a yurt at Yosemite Pines RV Resort located just outside of Yosemite National Park, our pick would be the Conestoga wagons. They’ve outfitted them with king beds and two sets of twin bunks. And even though the wagons are based on 19th century designs, you won’t exactly be roughing it like a pioneer, considering they’re air conditioned & bathrooms just a few steps away.
High Desert Camping
Truckee is a mountain town with the best of all worlds. State of the art Pilates Studios and nationally recognized spas for a bit of self-care. Live music events every day of the week and outdoor patios to get your summer après on. Miles of world class mountain biking and hiking trails. Dozens of beaches to cool off at. It also provides a unique glamping experience. Instead of having a tent with a comfy queen bed set up in one place, you can live in the lap of luxury by booking a stay with High Desert Camping. If your camping site or location is within 25 miles of Truckee, they’ll setup and deliver the boho chic tent to you. Their kits include a 5m bell tent, two queen memory foam beds, bedding, pillows, rugs, lighting, and boho decor.
These places allow you to experience the starry skies, listen to campfire stories, and all the best parts of camping but without waking up to a sore back. If the idea of hauling all that gear was the reason you didn’t want to try it yourself, these glamour camping destinations should be on your bucket list this summer and fall.
Author: Alex Silgalis
Alex founded Local Freshies® in 2014 to be the #1 website providing the “local scoop” on where to eat, drink & play in mountain towns throughout North America. When he’s not writing and executing marketing strategies for small businesses & agencies, he’s in search of the deepest snow in the winter and tackiest dirt in the summer.
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