Glamping in Upstate New York
Love the concept of camping but not quite ready to rough it? Try glamping! We’ve stayed at an array of Glamping sites, and we’re sharing our 4 favorite places to go Glamping in upstate New York. Read until the end for a bonus!
The concept of camping sounds great, right? Sleeping under the stars, sitting by the campfire, disconnecting from the real world. But where do I go to the bathroom? How do I pitch a tent? What if it rains? I have no service to watch a YouTube video on “how to start a campfire.” That’s why glamping can be a great alternative. You still enjoy being in nature, sleeping outdoors, and getting cozy by the campfire without the unfamiliar. Also, sometimes campgrounds can feel too “people-y,” loud, and busy. For instance, one of our worst camping experiences was in a National Park. Most people hear about camping there and picture a magical experience. It was convenient and beautiful, but the campsites were on top of each other, and we had the pleasure of being next to a group of 15 people, blasting their music and partying all night. WOOF. We started to explore different places to go glamping, and although some still have shared spaces with other glampers, we’ve never had a bad experience like we’ve had at campgrounds.
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What is Glamping?
Short for “glamorous camping,” glamping is a way to connect to the outdoors while providing luxury accommodations and convenient facilities combined with a traditional camping experience. Glamping is outdoor camping with the comforts of home, like a bed, electricity, running water, and a toilet. Every glamping site differs in what they offer, but each one provides more amenities than a traditional camping trip.
Why Glamping?
Five reasons to try glamping:
- Convenience. You don’t have to hike to a remote area or worry about trespassing. When you arrive at your site, you can immediately relax without setting up a tent or carrying in a ton of camping gear (which is especially frustrating to do in the dark.)
- Comfort. Sure, we love camping, but realistically, our bodies aren’t getting any younger. We prefer the comfort of an air mattress and cozy bedding for a good night’s rest. Plus, that gives us more energy to adventure during our camping trip.
- Temperature control. Hot days can still bring cold nights or be equally as hot. Most glamping accommodations have a wood-burning stove or electric heater to stay warm, and a fan to keep cool.
- Extend camping season. We can camp into the colder months with additional ways to keep warm while camping!
- Less packing. Between two adults and a dog, packing for a camping trip is extensive. Even with an SUV, our car is packed to the brim. The ease of a site providing everything we need gives us more time to relax, explore, and enjoy a hassle-free weekend.
🥾During your glamping trip, don’t forget your hiking essentials to make the most of your outdoor adventure!
Where to try Glamping
There are more places to go glamping than you would expect. We’ve put together a list of where to go glamping in New York. Bonus: Two of these hosts are international!
Places to try glamping for the first time:
- Firelight Camps
- Huttopia
- Hipcamp
- Postcard Cabins
Firelight Camps Ithaca, NY
We first went here in 2016 for our “mini-moon” two days after our wedding. Recently, we went back (6 years later), and it was just as great as we remembered! Both visits were in the Fall, toward the end of their season. I love New York camping in the fall for the temperatures, lack of crowds, and fall foliage.
Each site includes a canvas tent on a wooden platform, a balcony off the back surrounded by the woods, and electric or battery lanterns. And I’ll need the number of their interior designer because the accents make you feel like you’re staying at a B&B. I also must note how comfortable their queen-size beds are. As I type this, I’m sitting in a hotel room thinking, “damn, that mattress at Firelight Camps was way more comfortable than this 4-star hotel bed.” Even with 20+ tents, all campsites at Firelight Camps still maintain their privacy. Four of their tents have electricity, electric heaters, and fans at a higher nightly rate.
So, what perks set them apart from other glamping sites? Drumroll, please…
- bathrooms!
- toilets!
- hot water!
- showers!
- a bar!
- electricity!
Oh, and it’s nestled on the property behind a hotel with a luxury spa. (Now the “mini-moon” makes more sense, right?) (PS. Best massage of my life)
Ok, back to the camping aspects. One of the best parts of Firelight Camps is its proximity to Buttermilk Falls State Park. A short trail on the property takes guests right into the park! It is a super-flat, easy-walking trail that is accessible to people of all mobilities. While all the sites are private, they do not include individual firepits. There is a communal space that has enough fire pits for guests to spread out and socialize. The space also has chairs, picnic tables, and some games, all behind the lobby tent. The lobby tent also has a bar in the evenings, some snacks for purchase, and a charging station. They provide a delicious continental breakfast, and a food truck is open for dinner on certain nights as well. Firelight Camps is in the heart of Ithaca, where there is no shortage of restaurants, wineries, and breweries, and is a 10-minute drive from downtown. The campsite also offers outdoor yoga and wild foraging walks for an additional cost.
Firelight Camps has great recommendations for nearby activities.
Things to note: Dogs are allowed for an additional $30 per night, but ONLY in tents without electricity.
Travel Tip: Book a weeknight stay! They have live music and pizza on Tuesday nights!
👉🏻 Easily book your stay at Firelight Camps with Booking.com!
Huttopia Lake George, NY
Whether you’re looking for a romantic glamping getaway or a family-friendly stay, Huttopia checks all the boxes. Set on 275 acres, 110 canvas-style tents come equipped with every amenity to mix glamour with camping. As you drive up the windy gravel road, you’ll feel the seclusion of camping, but as you’re greeted by the main lodge, restaurant, and swimming pool, you’ll get that sense of luxury accommodations.
The café is open every day for the convenience of grabbing a quick coffee and homemade pastry before you begin your day exploring the bordering Adirondack Park. If you forgot to pack your bug spray or s’mores kit, an on-site camp store is stocked with the essentials. Every site provides a small bundle of firewood upon arrival, with more for purchase at the camp store. Once you check-in, you’ll receive a map to guide you to your tent and a key to get in. Every tent is secured by a padlock and privately nestled on a hillside among the trees. After you park in the main lot closest to your site, grab a pulley wagon to load your bags in and wheel right up to your campsite. Or rather, glampsite.
Huttopia Adirondacks has a variety of tents to choose from, based on the size of your party and types of amenities. We brought my nephew along, so we stayed in the Canadienne tent, which was perfect for the three of us. A queen bed and bunk beds are separated by canvas lining for privacy, but the spacious 350-square-foot tent has so much room for activities! It’s large enough for a table and chairs to play a few rounds of UNO while you keep warm with the wood-burning stove. Additionally, there is a small kitchenette and electricity, including a ceiling fan for warmer nights. The outdoor space has a grill, a picnic table, and a fire pit. Based on which tent you book, you will either have a shared bathroom with toilets, showers, and a dish-washing station. Book the Trappeur+ tent for a private bathroom or the Trappeur Duo for your own composting toilet.
Linens are included in most booking rates, or you can upgrade for extra sheets, towels, and blankets. This is the best gateway to explore the Adirondack region during the Spring, Summer, and Fall!
Things to note: Dogs are welcome for an additional fee.
Travel Tip: Save packing space and make more time to explore the region by utilizing the café. They serve coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, sandwiches, pastries, pizza, beer & wine!
Hipcamp
The best part about Hipcamp is that it offers a variety of glamping experiences. You can find secluded nature-inspired getaways in the form of a tree house, on a farm, or even on beachfront property. Hipcamp promotes routine maintenance of landowners’ properties and supports its hosts who care for their land. Individual owners set the rules, and each site offers something unique. We love connecting with landowners through this platform; it’s a great way to meet people and get local recommendations during your travels. Hipcamp is more like Airbnb in that way. Also, similar to Airbnb, past guests can leave reviews and post photos. We have had some truly unique and unforgettable glamping experiences through Hipcamp.
To book a campsite on Hipcamp, simply enter a location and desired travel dates to browse various properties. The fun part about Hipcamp is that hosts provide as much or as little as they please. If you want to pitch your own tent or you’re looking for someplace to park your RV or campervan for the night, those options are available. For glamping, set the ‘camping style’ filter to ‘Glamping or lodging’ and then select search.
Hipcamp’s booking site also provides an amenities filter with a list of offerings that guests prefer at their sites, like a toilet, shower, camping essentials, and more. This way, they can cater to your desired experience. Having options can make your first glamping experience everything you’re looking for! Campers can get as rugged or luxurious as they want. Most sites are pack-in, pack-out unless you pay for garbage removal, which some hosts offer for an additional charge. We recommend using their app for your travel planning convenience!
Travel Tip: Book our favorite upstate New York campsite outside of Hunter, NY. We were SO thrilled to find it on Hipcamp after we stayed through a site that is no longer in business.
Postcard Cabins Catskill, NY & Roscoe, NY
Postcard Cabins makes camping accessible for everyone, which is why it’s on our list of favorite places to go glamping in New York. Formerly known as Getaway House, Postcard Cabins was founded by a nature enthusiast seeking an escape from modern-day stress.
They wanted to share their love for the outdoors so everyone could benefit from it and hone in on their creativity, productivity, and overall well-being. They found the perfect balance between nature and comfort with this getaway. With 29 locations and 1,200 tiny cabins across the U.S., all within two hours of major cities, this retreat makes it easy to unplug and reconnect with nature. These shipping containers converted into cabins are set on acres of private land, similar to a campground, but with much more privacy.
We stayed at the Catskill, New York location, which offers easy access to some of our favorite hiking trails and scenic spots in the region. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a charming, minimalist cabin nestled in the woods, providing more privacy than a traditional campground. Each 136-square-foot cabin is thoughtfully designed with cedar wood interiors, blending the scent of nature indoors and out. These cozy cabins come with everything you need for a comfortable glamping experience:
- A Queen bed (or bunk beds in family cabins) positioned next to a floor-to-ceiling window to give you the ‘camping’ views
- A kitchenette stocked with essentials for easy meal prep
- A private bathroom with running water
- Electricity, heat, and air conditioning for year-round comfort
- An outdoor fire pit and seating area to enjoy the fresh mountain air
The kitchens come stocked with everything you need to cook your meals, stocked provisions available for purchase, and the option to add a curated snack box to your reservation for $35. So, unlike regular camping, packing light is made easy!
If you’re wondering where the “camping” part of glamping comes in here, Postcard Cabins encourages you to unplug and disconnect. Each cabin includes a designated phone lockbox, making it easy to keep your devices out of sight and out of mind to fully immerse yourself in nature. But don’t worry—WiFi is available at select locations (NY is one of them), and a landline is provided in case of emergencies.
Don’t forget the best part — your bed is by a big window, so you can wake up with a view of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just dipping your toes into the world of glamping, Postcard Cabins is a stress-free cozy glamping escape.
Things to note: They are dog-friendly for a $50 pet fee. They also provide food and water bowls, a tie-out cable, waste bags, and even treats for your furbaby!
Bonus: Tentrr
*Note: Tentrr went out of business in 2023. However, the company left all the campsites and camp kits with the camp hosts. We have still camped at Tentrr sites through other booking sites like Airbnb and Hipcamp, so it’s still worth mentioning!
Linked to sites like Hipcamp, Tentrr is like AirBnb, but for camping/glamping. Hosts put their property up on the Tentrr website for booking, and the Tentrr team assembles a canvas tent on a wooden platform (are you catching on to the glamping theme yet?) Each tent comes with a wooden bed frame and an air mattress. They also provide
- two Adirondack chairs
- a picnic table
- a fire pit
- a wood-burning stove inside the tent (for colder seasons)
Because it is like Airbnb, hosts can choose to decorate and add additional amenities. Some look as nice as a bed & breakfast, and some are furnished with nothing but an air mattress and stove. Compared to the previous glamping sites, you need to pack more camping gear for Tentrr.
Ok, now for the fun part: the bathroom situation. Every signature site comes equipped with a “Tentrr loo.” This is essentially a bucket with a toilet seat on top inside a wooden box. They supply Clean Waste bags with an odor-absorbing powder (NASA uses it, so it’s legit) to line the bucket with. Dispose of it after each use in the trash can. Remember, it is pack-in, pack-out. That means we take our garbage with us when we leave. So, when we do this, we try to do our business when we are out in a public bathroom. But sometimes nature calls, and well, we are in nature. So the point of your glamping is to work up to camping, right? Now what? Dig a hole. But always go far enough away from your site. Do not bury it or leave it on the ground. Go deep into the woods and never near a water source. Remember, Leave No Trace.
Fancy a shower? Signature Tentrr sites also come with a Coleman Solar Shower. Just fill it up and leave it in the sun to warm up.
Conclusion
If you’re new to glamping, upstate New York is an ideal destination to dip your toes into this relaxing and stylish way to connect with nature. Whether you choose a cozy yurt in the Catskills, a chic canvas-style tent in the Finger Lakes, or an outdoor retreat in the Adirondacks with stunning mountain views, glamping allows you to experience the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing modern luxuries.
Save this post for future planning!
Ask any questions about these places and activities in the surrounding areas in the comments! We have plenty of recommendations on hikes, food, and drinks nearby! Happy glamping!
