Pack your bags—but leave the tent at home. When you want to experience all the joys of camping without contending with weather, wildlife and general “roughing it”, glamping is the way to go. Whether you’re after the quirkiness of a refurbished Airstream, nostalgic for that #RVLife, or seeking recreational bliss inside a fully furnished tent (with accommodating spa services), glamping has changed the game. No one knows where to glamp in the Pacific Northwest better than travel blogger Susan Stephens, aka Explorer Sue, whose adventurous, vagabond lifestyle has taken her on adventures all across OR, WA and BC. For this guide, Susan has highlighted her favorite retreats, resorts and generally glamp-friendly facilities that are a must for any adventure-hearted traveler.
... moreGlamp it out in an authentic airstream in this unique RV Park on Oregon’s northern coast, near Pacific City. It’s just steps from the beach, and it is pet friendly. You can choose from seven quirky airstreams, complete with luxurious queen or bunk-style beds. Heck, they even serve hot coffee and if you’re lucky, the camp host will start a bonfire in the common area when all can gather round to toast marshmallows!
Located right on the ocean in beautiful Coos Bay on the southern Oregon coast. Choose from tent sites to RV sites to unique vacation rentals, with activities such as crabbing fishing and whale watching.
The Panacea at the Canyon Resort mixes luxury tent camping with naturalistic spa treatments. When you’re not basking in an eco-conscious spa treatment, you can go hiking in any of the numerous trekking spots in the area. Put your cell phones away! This area is signal-free – here you can truly live off the grid!
The Vintages Trailer Resort is the perfect home base for “semi-roughing it” during a wine tasting vacation. Simply put, this resort is a rag-tag collection of old campers that have been lovingly restored and ready for you to hang your hat for a few days. The property sits smack dab in the fertile Willamette Valley, and when you are not relaxing in a super cool trailer, you can explore the area on bikes provided by the resort, or hop in your car for an afternoon of leisurely wine tasting.
The Rolling Huts in the cute town of Winthrop, at the edge of the Okanogan National Forest. This former RV site now is the home of a serendipitous collection of modern, yet minimalistic wheels huts. The huts were designed by renowned Seattle architect Tom Kundig and comfortably accommodate couples or small families of up to 4.
While in central Washington, stop by the tiny town of Electric City and stay in a yurt! Located on the banks of Osborn Bay Lake, this is a great way to experience small-town life, with fishing, boating, and SUP right on the resort, and fantastic hiking opportunities nearby.
Pampered Wilderness has canvas tents that scream outdoor luxury. Located in Millersylvania State Park just south of Olympia and not far from Interstate 5, the rustic wood frame tents housing romantic bedding and thoughtful amenities that make for the perfect getaway for two.
This family-friendly retreat in the remote reaches of Orcas Island has hippie written all over it – in the most wonderful of ways! Located on the far end of this horseshoe island, you are truly away from it all and the peacefulness cannot be more profound. Along with regular campsites, cabins and yurts are up for rent.
Lakedale Resort, San Juan Island. Stay in a canvas cabin and really immerse yourself in nature on another one of the glorious San Juan Islands in Puget Sound. The resort offers hiking, fishing, and canoeing – not to mention a hearty breakfast in the resort common area! You can also go wine tasting nearby.
Glamping on the Sunshine Coast couldn’t be more fantastic than at this incredible resort. Along with the main lodge and cabins, you can get your glamping on in one of their tent house suites. Beauty and relaxation go hand in hand while you get to enjoy kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and guided harbor tours.