Editor's Note: This blog has been updated in 2024 to include current information
New York State glamping sites.
Ah, camping. The idea of getting away from it all—spending a few days in nature with your loved ones, tromping through the woods, sitting around a campfire, gazing at the stars—is a getaway that appeals to many people. But then reality often comes crashing down: Camping can be a lot of work. And a weekend without running water, electricity and sleeping on the ground? Hhhm; some folks would rather stay at home.
Enter the wide world of glamping: outdoor lodging that merges the best aspects of traditional camping with the modern conveniences of a hotel or resort. With glamping you can immerse yourself in nature without working too hard or giving up the creature comforts you’ve come to depend on. Glamping sites are incredibly varied; you can stay in over-the-top luxury tent with multiple bedrooms; a yurt, a treehouse, a platform tent. Some sites provide food and luxury linens, others focus more on activities. So whether it is a family getaway or a romantic escape for two, there are endless options to create a nature-based trip that works for you.
In 2021, New York State partnered with Tentrr, a service that allows private landowners in the U.S. to earn income from their property by setting up a ‘signature site” which includes a platform and canvas tent. As part of this agreement, Tentrr stabbed 45 fully outfitted glamping sites at four state parks throughout the Hudson Valley. The glamping sites can be found at Harriman State Park, Taconic State Park, Lake Taghkanic State Park and Mills-Norrie State Park. Nightly rates for these campsites start at $135.
Check out these glamping sites in new York State that are all within an hour of an Amtrak station. So pack light, leave the car at home, and get glamping!
MALOUF'S MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
Are you looking for an easy overnight from New York City? Malouf’s Mountain Campground is nestled in mountainous terrain on the Fishkill Ridge, about five miles from the trendy Hudson Valley city of Beacon. This campsite can’t be accessed with a car; campers hike into the campground through one of three access points. An old school bus will pick campers up at the Metro North Beacon train station and transport them directly to their campsite. The last shuttle pick-up is at 5 PM daily and at 11:15 am on Sunday. Campers can take Amtrak from New York City to the Croton-Harmon Station (CRT) and switch there for MTA service to Beacon.
Once there you have an option of choosing ‘primitive’ or platform. The platform tents come with a two burner propane stove, a chow box which includes cooking equipment and a fire pit with grate to cook on. The primitive sites require that you bring your own tent. All campers share a bathhouse, with hot showers, toilet and sinks. Campers can also opt for the meal delivery service, which covers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Two eggs with ham on a roll, with coffee, to get your day started will set you back $7.00. For dinner, two large country style ribs with BBQ sauce costs $12.00 All food is cooked by the campers.
While on site, you can go fishing; it’s just a 15-minute walk from the campground, although you do need to purchase a New York State Fishing License.
WATER TO WINE GLAMPGROUND
Enjoy nature as you escape to this 30-acre campsite nestled between three of the picturesque Finger Lakes. Accommodations include four spacious safari-style platform tents, one bell tent and one Mongolian-style yurt. The tents come with queen-sized beds, a sitting area, a solar shower, toilet, a barbecue grill and a picnic table. Linens and all bathroom essentials are also provided.
Guests rave about the gourmet breakfast which is served each morning in an open air pavilion; meals are farm-fresh, locally sourced and made almost entirely with organic ingredients. Come the evening, cozy up in an Adirondack chair and enjoy the gourmet s’mores that are offered up at the community bonfire. Guests can also use shared kitchen facilities in the dining pavilion. The property has many groomed hiking trails to explore and guests can take a paddle boat out on the small lake or play lawn games.
The property is located near numerous wineries, craft breweries, and distilleries, as well as hiking trails, waterfalls and other popular Finger Lakes attractions.
HUTTOPIA
Huttopia, a European company, has established U.S.-based campgrounds in New Hampshire and Maine. In 2021, they added Huttopia Adirondacks to their portfolio. Here, at the foot of Mt. Kenyon in the Adirondacks, 79 wood-frame and canvas tents, with electricity, and include full beds and bathrooms. Whether you are looking for a romantic little tent for two—or you’re bringing the entire extended family—there are a variety of different sized tents and amenities. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, yoga classes, candle making, hiking and more. If you don’t want to cook at your own tent, you can visit the bistro for breakfast (guests rave about the fresh crepes), lunch (sandwiches and salads) or handmade brick-oven pizzas for dinner.
Less than 15 minutes from the resort you can find everything you need—groceries, pharmacies and tourist attractions, in Lake George and Queensbury. Huttopia is just one hour from Albany, 2.5 hours south of Montreal and and 3.5 hours north of New York City.
TREETOPIA CAMPGROUND
Catskill, NY
Distance from the Hudson Station (HUD): 5.6 miles
This campground in Catskill, NY, on the west banks of the Hudson River, offers a variety of lodging options for outdoor adventurers. The two-story Treehouse Overlook features an open-air living space and cooking area with a covered tent for sleeping. Several Glamping Canvas Tents have covered sleeping areas with small outdoor decks; both sites are a short distance from a public bathroom. Larger groups may opt for the House Mori which allows space to cook and dine inside or outside. Families or couples looking for full amenities can rent the two-bedroom Family Cabin, while visitors looking for a cozy escape will enjoy the Catskill Classic A-Frame, which offers a large outside deck and a spacious living room.
But you’ll hear the most buzz about the Airstream RV lodging options. the Airstream Standard: a fully furnished motorhome. For larger groups, the Airstream Jumbo offers the same amenities as the Airstream Standard but elevates the camping experience. Included with this campground space is a Treetopia Deck featuring a grill station, seating area, and uncovered portion for sunbathing. Families with their own RV can choose to rent a Treetopia Deck Site which features outdoor seating and kitchen, sofas and full RV hookups underneath an all-weather deck.
GOVERNOR'S ISLAND
New York City
From Moynihan Train Hall:
subway to downtown ferry.
Everybody knows just how downright expensive Manhattan hotels can be. But now there is a new option, with stunning one-of-a-kind views of the Statue of Liberty and the rest of New York City.
Guests can take an 8-minute ferry ride from downtown Manhattan to Governor’s Island, a 172-acre island located in New York Harbor. While it has long been a popular day-trip destination, featuring a fun park and dozens of historic buildings, there is a new overnight option.
Hospitality Company Collective Retreats runs a very special glamping space, with a variety of accommodations. The Summit Tents have a choice of king-sized bed or two single beds, private bathroom, plush towels, bathroom amenities and private decks with Adirondack Chairs. The Journey Tents are smaller and offer a choice of queen or two single beds, as well as access to communal bathrooms. The Outlook Shelters—basically modular luxury hotel rooms— are full-service suites with bedroom, living space, bathroom with luxury spa soaking tub, and two private decks with Adirondack chairs.
On-site activities include yoga, spa offerings, live music every evening, farm-to-table dining and bicycle adventures. Dining options focus on wood flame grilling and offers breakfast and multiple dinner options.
