If you truly want to enjoy the outdoor playground that is the state of Utah, try glamping. An abbreviated term for “glamorous camping”, glamping is also called “boutique camping” or “luxury camping,” all referring to an elevated way of enjoying the outdoors in resort-style accommodations, but without the catchy nickname.
While it may have just recently become a popular trend in travel, glamping adventures has been around for centuries. From the lavish, palatial tents used as luxury housing by globe-trotting royalty to the wealthy British and American travelers who stayed in a classic canvas tent while on African safari in the 1920s, it’s certainly not new, just new to us. With that in mind, modern day glamping can be a great way to bridge the gap for new outdoorists or those who want to immerse themselves in nature and also enjoy a hot shower and a bed with fresh linens. You do you.
Despite its air of luxury, glamping is a highly inclusive activity that’s open to all, and there isn’t one specific way to do it. Typical glamping campsites include the aforementioned safari-inspired canvas glamping tents, bell tents, yurts, and even a tiny house. Pushing the boundaries are more eccentric accommodations like converted Airstreams and tricked out treehouses. The development of established glamp-grounds (you know, like campgrounds but fancier) that offer plenty of amenities onsite make glamping truly accessible.
Because glamping is centered around the outdoors, the location is key. Thanks to its seemingly unlimited amount of outdoor recreational opportunities, Utah has quickly become one of the top glamping destinations. This adventure hub is 80% national parks and public lands—the so-called Big 5 include Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion national parks—which create endless ways to get out and explore. To avoid the desert heat and massive crowds, consider visiting Utah sometime between April and May or September and October, when you can catch the foliage.
Whether it’s skiing, whitewater rafting, hiking or mountain biking, there are infinite possibilities, and luckily, some pretty amazing glampsites to call home for a few nights. Here are our top picks for the best glamping getaways in Utah.
