Author
Breanna Wilson
Camping, but make it glamorous. And make it New England.
While we all love the outdoors (that’s why we’re here, right?), we can also appreciate the finer things in life. You know, like toilets, comfy beds, and hot showers. Now imagine a camping experience where you can enjoy all of these creature comforts, together— that’s the glamping experience.
Glamping mashes up the best of the outdoors and the indoors in a way that’s comfortable and cozy, typically in a secluded, tranquil, and sometimes hard-to-reach setting surrounded by nature. Places like California and Texas sure know how to glamp. Washington State, too. Now glamping in New England, that’s a whole nother level of awesome. For proof, scroll on for our top picks for the best places to glamp in New England. Or keep reading for a deeper dive into what makes the New England region worthy of proper adventure daydreaming.
Located on coastlines and private islands, on hilltops and hidden deep within forests, next to babbling creeks and tucked between the serenity of the cedars, hemlocks, maples, and sycamores that grow in the region, New England's best glamping sites are something to see and experience, in any seasons (not just when the foliage is popping).
For instance, at Acadia National Park, one of the most popular in the country, you can discover more than 1,100 plant species while hoping to encounter one of the 40 species of mammals or more than 330 types of birds, not to mention an abundance of fish, as you explore the park’s wetlands, marshes, lakes, ponds, and intertidal zones, as well as it’s sprawling forests and mountains (pro tip: there's more than the famous Cadillac Mountain). Good luck choosing where and what to explore here first—there’s no shortage of ways to spend your days luxury camping here.
The region is full of smaller state parks and state forests that are less clogged with tourists though. For somewhere less discovered and a bit wilder, for example, check out Maine's Mahoosuc Mountain Range, if that’s more your speed.
There’s also the Appalachian Trail, the 2,180-mile footpath that makes its way through New England before ending with an ascent up Maine’s Mount Katahdin. Take on parts of the trail while you’re in the area and high-five the AT thru-hikers who have been on the trail for nearly five months by this part of their journey. They could use the encouragement (and a solid meal or snack if you have one to share).
While the glamping experience in New England includes beds, kitchens, rainfall showers, and fire pits, it’s still the exploring that puts any trip to these northeastern states above the rest. From Connecticut and Rhode Island and up through Massachusetts to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, there are plenty of places to camp, and this list has them all covered. (Don’t forget to read about the best northern Vermont cabins while you’re at it.)
Enjoy the following 15 New England glamorous camping locations for the best of what the region has to offer.
Falmouth, MA — AutoCamp Cape Cod
Vibe: A+ Airstreams
With a fully-functional kitchenette and closets stocked with linens, robes, and bath towels, a 31-foot Airstream has never been more appealing. (And just in case it still isn’t, there is also the option of a luxury tent as well as private suites on property.) Each Airstream glamping spot features mid-century modern designs, a bedside panoramic window, a walk-in rain shower, and a private patio complete with a fire pit and dining area. This is the kind of trailer park living we can get behind.
Rate: $129/night
Surry, ME — Under Canvas Acadia
Vibe: Coastal Camping
Close to Acadia National Park and sitting on a beautifully rugged shoreline, the tents at Under Canvas have private bathroom amenities, organic bath products, are pet-friendly and come with complimentary USB battery packs for all your charging needs. Open from mid-May to mid-October, take in the breathtaking coastal views, go out in search of the Cadillac Mountain Trailhead (35 minutes away), and get in touch your sense of outdoor adventure, all over again.
Rate: $309/night
Moodus, CT — Getaway
Vibe: Nestled in Nature
Getaway's version of glamping consists of tiny cabins outfitted with everything you need to nestle yourself into nature. Open year-round, socially distant by design, and with cell-phone lockboxes so you can ditch your tech, these cabins might be small at 140-200 square feet, but they’ll leave a big impact on your stress levels. Start at this Connecticut location before exploring a second in Massachusetts at Blake Brook, as well as others in New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, Nashville, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle.
Rate: $229/night
Bar Harbor, ME — Terramor
Vibe: Pick Your Pace
With sexy and secluded two-person tents as well as tents that can sleep up to five (hi, kids), glamping at Terramor is a comfortable way to immerse yourself in the great Maine outdoors, especially if you’re new to camping. With five tent types to choose from, you can easily explore from your campsite or simply stay put and take in the peace and quiet from your tent’s patio. Grab a picnic lunch to go from the onsite lodge and make the drive to nearby Acadia National Park, where you can explore the park’s 50,000 acres, 150 lakes, and more than 400-miles of rivers and streams, plus plenty of rocky coast, and hundreds of trails.
Rate: $350/night
Waldoboro, ME — Tops’l Farm
Vibe: Farm Fun
When warmer weather hits, booking one of the Tops’l Farm’s A-frame cabins should be high on your list. Why? Well, because your darling little A-frame shares its space with a working farm where your hosts hope to help you reconnect with nature, one blueberry at a time. With 10 woodland cabins and a communal bath house on the property, the farm’s goods can be found in the on-site camp store, where you can also buy wine and beer (!!!), jams, and other provisions for your stay. The fun doesn’t stop there, though—you can also try your hand at axe throwing, archery, or go for a kayak on the river. If that doesn't make farm living sound fun, we don't know what will.
Rate: $650/Weekend
Kennebunkport, ME — Sandy Pines Campground
Vibe: On Safari
Offering 430 square feet of pure camping bliss, settle into one of Sandy Pines Campground’s 18 safari-style glamping tents and channel your inner Karen Blixen. With air conditioning, a mini-fridge and beverage cooler, plus firepits, this modern and spacious canvas tent will make you forget that this is camping. Head to the nearby Goose Rocks Beach or paddle out for a hightide kayak or stand-up paddleboarding adventure right from the campground’s salt marsh. The Hideaway Huts are also worth checking out for an A-frame fix.
Rate: $259/night
Sanford, ME — Huttopia
Vibe: King Beds and Lobster Rolls
Sometimes, you just need a king bed with a real mattress. And a wood stove. And a BBQ grill. And a bathroom, of course. At Huttopia, it’s not only all about these details but also about delivering the best of southern Maine—maybe the greatest amenity of all—right to your doorstep. With the peace and quiet of the pine forest as your sound machine and Route 1 not far off, you can spend your mornings surrounded by nature and your afternoons getting your fill of lobster rolls, tide pools, and beaches.
Rate: $105/night
Craftsbury, VT — Craftsbury Farmhouse
Vibe: Wi-Fi-less Wander
With no Wi-Fi at the tents, battery-powered LED lanterns lighting your way, and all the access to nature and the surrounding vegetable fields you could ask for, this is finally the excuse to disconnect you’ve been looking for. Drop your bags off inside your decked-out, weatherproof Stout Bell Tent and head to the onsite restaurant, Blackbird Bistro, for an evening cocktail and wonderfully curated farm-to-table dinner before calling it an evening and treating yourself to a final nightcap under the stars.
Rate: $110/night
Gray, ME — 5th Wheel Camper
Vibe: Mobile Midcentury Modern
While we’re usually not one for camping in someone else’s backyard, one look at the inside of this camper is all it takes to understand why it’s a (first-world) sacrifice we’re willing to make. With a mid-century modern aesthetic and a full shower, kitchen, grill, and firepit for a retreat that will satisfy the senses, this home on wheels doesn’t feel like one at all—and that’s what’s to love about it. Step outside and find your inspiration at Sebago Lake or make the 25-minute journey to eat your way through Portland’s food scene.
Rate: $190/night
Casco, ME — Point Sebago
Vibe: Not So Rough, Roughing It
Choose from four glamping tents at Point Sebago and settle into lakeside living in comfort. With oversized awnings, sliding glass front doors that open to your private patio, three beds (king-sized and bunked), and a coffee maker and microwave, you’ll forget you’re still technically sleeping in a tent. With touches like rustic wood detailing, in-tent sinks (bathrooms are shared), electric fireplaces, and the ability to sleep up to five, this might be the best introduction to glamping possible.
Rate: $150/night
North Haven, ME — Tentrr at Turner Farm
Vibe: Ferries, Farms, and Fresh Air
Overlooking the water and surrounded by vegetable fields, the way you get to this North Haven Island tent-oasis is half the fun. Following a one-hour ferry ride from Rockland, arriving at the farm is your portal to bicycling, birdwatching, and sea kayaking along the island’s coast. Munch on fresh lobsters and oysters or join one of the farm’s famous barn dinners and soak in this relaxed and fresh air-filled way of living. It does a body (and soul) good.
Rate: $117/night
Portland, ME — Tent Living at Fort Scammell
Vibe: Is this Civil War Fort Haunted or Not Haunted
Pack your bags, you’re heading to Fort Scammell. A former Civil War fort where history and beautiful coastal living come together in a way you never imagined, this uber unique glamping site in Maine is accessible via a short boat ride. Setting foot on the private island gives you access to secluded beaches and your own solar-powered oasis where you can take a tour of the fort or spend your weekend getaway hiking the coastline without interruption. Additionally, you can rent this yurt on the island and keep the game of ‘is this fort haunted or not haunted’ going.
Rate: $379/night
Brookline, VT — Tanglebloom Tiny Cabin
Vibe: Fall is Calling
Handmade with love and surreptitiously secluded on the back part of Tanglebloom Flower Farm, this open-air sleeping cabin gives off pure minimal living vibes in all the best ways. Measuring 10 by 10 feet and with screened walls that allow the fresh Vermont air to flow in, fall might be the best time to visit this romantic getaway and surround yourself with the beautiful colors this part of the country is known for.
Rate: $258/night
Union, ME — Dome House
Vibe: Dome Is Where the Heart Is
You know what they say, dome is where the heart is. While we might not have that saying exactly correct, we aren’t far off in saying that these Maine domes are sure to steal your heart. Stroll through 28 acres of farmland before dropping your bags in your geodesic home for the night. Be sure not to miss the round pond, where you can set off on a kayaking adventure, throw out a line, or simply take a dip before returning to your wood burning fireplace and settling in for a night of stargazing.
Rate: $190/night
Putney, VT — Vermont Retreat Yurt
Vibe: Presence is a Present
With details like a wood stove and a ready-to-burn pile of wood, a surprisingly lovely outhouse directly outside your door, Adirondack chairs placed on a private patio perfect for watching the sunset, and an organic cotton and wool mattress for the ultimate sleep, this four-season, 20-foot yurt retreat is exactly what we mean when we say, presence is a present. The perfect place to slow down, take deeper breaths, and practice being more present, restore and recharge your mind and body at this grounding retreat.
Rate: $182/night
Published 12-15-2021
