With COVID-19, summer travel looks a little different this year. Americans are spending their weekends and days off exploring their own backyards as well as hidden gems in their home states and regions. On Yelp, we’re seeing a surge of searches for “glamping,” a term that combines the words “glamour” and “camping” to describe an adventure in the great outdoors with luxury accommodations. Searches for glamping were up 283% between May 1st and July 20th, and interest in campgrounds (up 104%), hiking (up 36%), RV rentals (up 119%) and RV parks (up 81%) have spiked during the same timeframe, likely because these activities allow people to keep their physical distance and have their own outdoor private space.
To help kickstart your next outdoor adventure, we’ve created a list of the top glamping destinations on Yelp. Whether it’s technicolor vintage trailers in Marfa, TX, a stargazing dome in Asheville, NC, or a luxe safari tent just 20 minutes from the Grand Canyon, Yelp’s got you covered when you start daydreaming of your next getaway.
To name this year’s top glamping locations, our Data Science team looked for campgrounds with the highest ratings on Yelp, as well as the volume of reviews mentioning the term “glamping.”
Below, we’ve highlighted six of the top destinations throughout the country.
Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground – Buellton, CA
Flying Flags is a top-rated campground located in the town of Buellton, California, a short drive along the coast north of Santa Barbara, just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by the Santa Rita Hills. Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground is a favorite among Yelpers, with more than 600 reviews and a 4-star average rating. This glamping destination is known for their unique accommodations like vintage trailers, airstreams, cottages and luxury tents, or your own RV or camping tent. There’s even a swimming pool and playground, so it’s no surprise that reviewers say the resort is family friendly, and mention the breadth of activities as a plus. During COVID-19, Flying Flags is taking safety precautions like offering contactless payment, requiring staff to wear masks and operating at limited capacity.
Photo via Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground
El Cosmico – Marfa, TX
*Note: El Cosmico closed down abruptly on Friday, August 7th, and will be reopening on August 17th
You may have heard of Marfa, Texas due to the popularity of their art scene and outdoor art installations like Prada Marfa, one of the most photographed locales of the region. El Cosmico, our top rated glamping destination in the South, is a 21-acre campground hotel, and the perfect spot to soak it all in. Yelpers call this campground “funky” and “magical,” and it’s known for its teepees, safari tents and vintage airstreams and trailers painted in bright colors that pop against the West Texas landscape. In fact, Yelpers have posted over 400 photos of the campground. El Cosmico boasts amenities like outdoor showers, hot tubs and hammocks, and while you’re there, make sure to plan a visit to the nearby Big Bend National Park. El Cosmico is taking special safety precautions during COVID-19, including extra cleaning and sanitizing, and requiring masks in any shared spaces.
Slattery Vintage Estates – Nehawka, NE
Sleeping in a luxury tent nestled between the vines at a winery? Sign us up! Slattery Vintage Estates in Nehawka, Nebraska, 30 miles from Omaha, puts the “glamour” in glamping. Ranging from $60 to $90 per night, our top destination in the Midwest offers amenities like wine tastings and cheese boards, foil dinners for the campfire, s’mores, a wood-fire pizza oven and a hot breakfast. This summer, they’re offering socially distanced live music on the weekends, with local bluegrass bands playing under the stars. Yelpers often mention the hospitality and personal touches from the owner, Barb. Hot tip: Book your trip early, as this campground is on the smaller side and fills up quickly.
Asheville Glamping – Asheville, NC
Nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for hiking, waterfalls, scenic drives, and a bustling culinary scene. Our top glamping destination on the East Coast is Asheville Glamping, a whimsical property with domes, tents, vintage trailers, and a treehouse. Pricing starts at $155 per night depending on the accommodations and number of visitors, with a two night minimum stay. The property offers picturesque views, firepits, a hot tub, heated blankets — and even a slide in one of the glamping domes! As an added bonus, the owner offers a professional photography session on top of your stay, making this a favorite for engagement photos and elopements. A 20 minute drive from downtown Asheville, you can enjoy outdoor dining and activities in town, which is requiring face coverings in public spaces.
Under Canvas Grand Canyon — Valle, AZ
Located near Flagstaff in Arizona, Under Canvas Grand Canyon is one of our top glamping destinations for 2020. Known for their friendly and helpful staff, it’s great for families, and is about a 20 minute drive from the Grand Canyon in a quiet and serene location that’s perfect for stargazing. With amenities like s’mores around the fire and trivia nights, it’s no surprise that one Yelper claimed they may not go back to traditional camping after their stay. The best part? They have locations across the country in the Smoky Mountains, Moab, Mount Rushmore and more. During COVID-19, reviewers say Under Canvas is doing a great job enforcing social distancing, and keeping everyone safe.
Sou’wester Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort — Seaview, WA
In the Pacific Northwest, you’ll find the beloved Sou’wester Historic Lodge and Vintage Travel Trailer Resort in Seaview, Washington. Just blocks from the beach, the Discovery Trail, and 15 minutes from the town of Astoria, Oregon, it’s the perfect jumping off point to explore the Pacific Coast. Yelpers call this glamping destination “cool, funky, quirky and friendly” with unique accommodations that include cabins, vintage trailers, RV spaces, and campsites. They offer fully self-contained as well as minimal contact stays, and you can even order beverages, snacks and vinyl records for contactless delivery while you’re there.
Photo via Sou’wester Lodge & Vintage Travel Trailer Resort
Don’t see your favorite glamping spot on our list? Tag @ Yelp on social media and tell us who should be on next year’s list!
