The Best Glamping Brands in America, Ranked

I still remember the night glamping became the worst of both worlds. October in the Adirondacks. I’d booked a “luxury tent” at a now-defunct operation that promised heated floors and a king bed. Instead, I shivered under a thin duvet as temperatures dropped below 40F. The propane heater sputtered out by midnight. The shared bathhouse was a quarter-mile hike through mud. I ate my $18 granola bar and thought: why didn’t I just bring a real tent?

That night taught me something crucial: not all glamping delivers. Over six years, I’ve stayed at dozens of properties across the US—from Utah’s red rocks to Maine’s misty forests—and I’ve developed strong opinions about which brands consistently get it right. Here’s my no-BS ranking of the best glamping companies in America, based on comfort, location, service, and value.

1. Under Canvas

Best for: Iconic national park locations and full-service safari-style tents. Worst for: Privacy (tents are close together) and variable food quality.

Under Canvas is the 800-pound gorilla of American glamping—for good reason. With locations near Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion, Moab, and more, they’ve nailed the luxury tent experience. King-size beds are genuinely comfortable. Private decks offer stunning views. Ensuite bathrooms (at most locations) have hot water and flush toilets. I stayed at their Moab property in April. A surprise snowstorm hit. The canvas held strong, and the wood stove kept the tent toasty. Their stargazing windows are a knockout—I counted three shooting stars before falling asleep.

But it’s not perfect. Tents are often too close together—I could hear my neighbors arguing about hiking plans. On-site dining is overpriced and underwhelming; the $25 breakfast burrito tasted like a microwave meal. Bring your own snacks. Browse Under Canvas listings to find a location near a national park.

2. AutoCamp

Best for: Design-forward Airstream suites and modern cabins with communal vibes. Worst for: Limited national park proximity (most are near towns or cities).

AutoCamp is the brand I recommend to friends who want glamping without the safari aesthetic. Their retro Airstreams are meticulously restored—hardwood floors, full kitchens, luxurious bathrooms. The new cabins at locations like Yosemite and Joshua Tree are even better: mid-century modern with vaulted ceilings and outdoor showers. I spent a weekend at their Russian River outpost in California, and the heated Airstream was perfect for a rainy November evening. The on-site clubhouse has free coffee and board games. And the campfire circles are great for socializing.

The downside? Most AutoCamp locations aren’t adjacent to major parks—Yosemite is still a 45-minute drive. And “luxury” pricing ($350-$500/night) feels steep when you’re sharing a bathhouse (though many Airstreams now have private bathrooms). Still, for design nerds and social campers, it’s a top choice. See AutoCamp locations.

3. Collective Retreats

Best for: Culinary excellence and high-end service near cities. Worst for: Price (easily $500+) and limited locations.

Collective Retreats is the glamping equivalent of a boutique hotel. Their tents are enormous—real beds, rugs, electric blankets. The food is legitimately good; I had a seared scallop dinner at their Hudson Valley location that rivaled NYC restaurants. Service is impeccable: staff remember your name, deliver firewood to your tent, arrange private hikes. Their Hill Country outpost near Austin is perfect for a couples’ weekend with wine tasting and stargazing.

But the price hurts: $600+ per night is common, and add-ons like s’mores kits cost extra. Also, only four US locations exist, and the “tent” experience can feel more like a room with canvas walls—you don’t get the raw nature vibe of other brands. Check Collective Retreats availability.

4. Getaway

Best for: Digital detox and affordable tiny cabins in remote forests. Worst for: Full amenities—no running water in winter, no WiFi, strict quiet hours.

Getaway made “glamping” accessible to the masses. Their tiny cabins (150 sq ft) are minimalist but cozy: a bed, two-burner stove, toilet, and shower in a private space. The real draw is location—each outpost sits in secluded forest at least an hour from a major city. I stayed at their Catskills outpost in January. The wood-burning stove made the cabin toasty while snow piled outside. The window bench is the perfect spot to read and disconnect.

However, Getaway isn’t for everyone. No WiFi (by design). Some cabins lack running water in winter (they provide jugs). Strict quiet hours (10pm-6am) can feel restrictive. And the cancellation policy is brutal—cancelling within 14 days of check-in forfeits the full stay. Browse Getaway cabins for a true off-grid experience.

5. Terramor

Best for: Campground-style glamping with lodge amenities. Worst for: Lack of privacy (tents are close together) and limited locations (only two).

Terramor is like a glamping resort: dozens of canvas tents arranged around a central lodge with a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool. Their Bar Harbor location near Acadia National Park is a standout—I kayaked in the morning and had lobster rolls at the lodge in the evening. Tents have comfortable beds and private porches. The communal vibe is great for families or groups.

But the proximity of tents means you’ll hear neighbors zipping and unzipping. The lodge’s restaurant is good but pricey. And the only locations are in Bar Harbor, Maine, and Door County, Wisconsin. Find Terramor near you.

6. Firelight

Best for: Rustic chic with a focus on the fire experience. Worst for: Fully ensuite bathrooms (some share bathhouses) and limited locations.

Firelight Camps in Ithaca, New York, is a gem for those who love the campfire ritual. Each tent has a private fire pit. The property sits on a hill overlooking Buttermilk Falls State Park. Tents are beautifully furnished with Persian rugs and chandeliers. The on-site bar serves excellent craft cocktails. I spent a fall weekend there—nightly s’mores and live acoustic guitar were magical.

But bathrooms are shared (though clean and private), and the only location is in the Finger Lakes. It’s a one-trick pony, but a very good trick. See Firelight Camps details.

7. Onera

Best for: Community-focused glamping with events and workshops. Worst for: Full-service dining (mostly cook-your-own) and limited locations (only Moab).

Onera in Moab, Utah, offers a unique blend of glamping and community. Their geodesic domes are Instagram-worthy—clear panels for stargazing. The property hosts yoga, guided hikes, and stargazing events. I loved the communal kitchen and fire pit where I met fellow travelers.

However, there’s no on-site restaurant—you cook your own meals (though they provide ingredients). And the domes can get stuffy in summer. Explore Onera.

8. Ulum

Best for: Off-grid luxury in remote desert locations. Worst for: Accessibility (requires a 4x4 to reach) and price ($700+/night).

Ulum is the ultimate splurge for adventure seekers. Their two locations—Moab and Sedona—are accessible only via high-clearance vehicle on rough roads. Tents are spacious with en-suite baths and gourmet meals included. I stayed at their Moab camp—the guided canyoneering trip was unforgettable.

But the price is astronomical. And the remote setting means no nearby restaurants or shops. It’s a full commitment. Book Ulum.

How to Choose the Right Glamping Brand

Before booking, ask yourself: what matters most? Proximity to national parks? Choose Under Canvas. Love design and social spaces? Go AutoCamp. Romantic culinary escapes? Collective Retreats. True digital detox? Getaway. Campfire vibes? Firelight. And if money is no object—Ulum.

Avoid brands that promise “luxury” but skimp on details—like that Adirondack disaster I mentioned. Always read recent reviews on glamping.directory and check the amenities list: private bathroom, heater/AC, bedding thickness, and cancellation policy.

Happy glamping—and may your fires always crackle.