The best states for East Coast glamping: from Maine to Florida

Kicking off our list of top glamping East Coast USA spots is marvellous Maine. On one side, you’ve got a craggy coastline dotted with delightful lighthouses, lobster shacks, and sandy coves. It’s here you’ll find the Acadia National Park, an incredibly diverse region of unrivalled coastline and mountain views that just beckon for shoreline strolls and scenic road trips. To the west, it’s all glittering lakes and majestic mountains in Maine’s “High Peaks Region.” Here, days pass all too quickly, searching for moose, chasing waterfalls, and kayaking past postcard-perfect landscapes.

To soak in the pristine beauty of the seaside, book a stay at Sandy Pines Campground, a recently renovated glamping in Maine retreat delivering resort-level amenities in an eclectic collection of accommodation options. From adults-only “Glamp Tents” to six “Unique Retreats” ranging from an Airstream to a Glass House, this tranquil escape—hidden in a beech forest and bordered by a salt marsh—is the stuff of storybooks. Come for retro-chic design and comfy furniture, a heated saltwater pool, and a quaint general store for all your lobster roll cravings. Oh, and Goose Rocks Beach—regularly dubbed one of the most beautiful in New England—is just a mile away.

From here, immerse yourself in the unblemished beauty of Acadia National Park with a stay at Under Canvas. With over 1200 feet of coastline and a coveted locale just 35 minutes to beloved Cadillac Mountain Trail, Under Canvas offers endless outdoor exploration opportunities. The luxury glamping in New England campground has all the amenities of a state-of-the-art hotel room (including fully equipped private bathrooms) but with fantastic views and a secluded setting.

Most travellers to the Empire State plan their vacation around the one and only New York City. But head outside this iconic cityscape, and you’ll discover a veritable treasure trove of natural attractions. You’ve got the Adirondack Mountains, offering up thousands of miles of hiking trails. Then there’s the classic charm of the Catskills and the dreamy beach towns of Long Island. And we’d be remiss to leave out the high bluffs overlooking Lake Erie, just a stone’s throw from the one and only Niagara Falls.

Whether it’s elegantly appointed tents or romantic treehouse respites, glamping in New York does not disappoint. Let’s start with Eastwind Hotel over in Windham. This 1920s Catskills lodge has been reimagined into a Scandinavian-inspired complex featuring large suites and triangular glamping pods, called lushnas. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the Windham Mountains directly from your queen bed, thanks to oversized glass windows in the A-frames. By day, bikes and snowshoes are available for rent. By evening, cosy up at the firepits.

From its ideal location in New York’s Finger Lakes region, Firelight Camps is a smart choice for anyone looking to explore Ithaca’s incredible gorge waterfalls. Luxury safari tents feature hardwood floors and cushy furniture, and rates include a mouthwatering farm-to-table breakfast. An architectural marvel designed by Antony Gibbon, the Willow Treehouse is a whimsical treehouse escape tucked away near Woodstock. Enjoy swimming in the shared pond or relaxing sore muscles in the firewood heated hot tub in this ultimate hideaway. Or, just two hours upstate from New York City is the Collective Hudson Valley, a rural glamping North East retreat. Luxury tents are outfitted with designer-curated furniture, ensuite bathrooms, and chic over-bed chandeliers. Set on Liberty Farms, there’s plenty of hiking and local cuisine to be enjoyed.

Nicknamed ‘America in Miniature,’ glamping in Maryland presents many of the highlights of the US, all whittled down and wrapped up in one beguiling bite-sized piece. There’s plenty here for active types, whether it’s hitting the Appalachian Trail, exploring pretty Chesapeake county, or soaking up the small-town charm of the Eastern Shore. And trust us, you’ll want to work up an appetite to enjoy the region’s bounty: luscious lump crab cakes.

Head to the Savage River Lodge to enjoy some of the most unique accommodation east of the Mississippi—30-ft diameter yurts, each with a private deck, king-sized bed, and fully-plumbed private bath. Inspired by the nomadic structures traditionally found in Mongolia, these round, permanent wooden structures make for a chic retreat year-round, thanks to floor heating and gas-log fireplaces. Reward your efforts outdoors with a splurge at the on-site restaurant serving up hearty meals and an extensive wine list.

Continuing south, we stop in Virginia to experience the next best state for East Coast glamping. With dramatic outdoor landscapes stretching from the rolling Blue Ridge mountains to a 7,000-mile coastline, nature is where this state shines. Of course, there’s also Virginia’s rich history as the birthplace of America; the state is plugged with fascinating monuments and historical attractions that pay tribute to the nation’s time-honoured legacy.

Adrenaline junkies will be hard-pressed to find a better spot for Glamping in Virginia than the Sandy River Outdoor Adventure Resort Tipis and its 3-hour treetop adventure park. Test your limits on one of four levels of high-rope courses and ziplines on this 60-obstacle aerial exploit. Come sundown, dive into your swanky Tipi tents that include a spacious living area and nearby campfire area.

Built around the limbs of stately oak trees, a stay at the Primland Tree Houses offers guests unblemished views of the Dan River and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from its ideal perch high in the mountains of Patrick County. Nightly turn-down service and a soaking tub elevate what is already an eminently luxurious glamping stay. Reservation specialists can help curate a definitive list of activities for uncovering the sheer, untouched natural beauty of the area, including golf, kayaking, sport shooting, and more.

From the Bohemian allure of Asheville to the ethereal appeal of the outer banks, North Carolina exudes the classic charm and hospitality that’s so synonymous with the South. It’s hardly any surprise then that the state entices visitors from around the world, keen to explore the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains or watch wild horses stroll along the beaches of Corolla. And with ample craft breweries around, a sundowner after a day of big-time thrills never tasted so good.

Just five miles from sought-out Chimney Rock is the Luxury Glamping Dome, a unique North Carolina glamping retreat that delivers a stylish interior within a secluded setting. A private hot tub, pretty pond, and kitchenette are the hallmarks of this unique property. End the day with smores alongside the fire pit beneath a blanket of stars. Explore the highlights of Holden Beach at Glamping Canvas Tent, a retreat nestled within live oak woods. A fire ring with a grill top, solar panel, and hammocks make it an easy spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Seemingly pulled straight out of a fairy tale, Treehouse Retreat Asheville’s custom-made treehouses are as dreamy as can be. Surrounded by towering white oaks, the insides are bathed in natural light, with plenty of sitting spots to soak up the brilliant setting. The highlights of hip and happening Asheville are just a stone’s throw away.

Home to 47 state parks, the Peach State doesn’t want for outdoor recreation opportunities. Chattahoochee National Forest is easily the crown jewel, famed for its cascading falls, trickling streams, and entry point to the iconic Appalachian Trail. And while many forget Georgia’s coastline, The Cumberland Island National Seashore is as picture-perfect as beaches come.

Start your Georgia glamping getaway at the Romantic Tree House Retreat in Trion. With large open windows gazing out to 15 acres of pristine woodland, this contemporary treehouse is the ultimate spot for bird lovers—or anyone after a rejuvenating trip full of nature walks followed by long soaks in a Japanese Ofuro tub. A professional designer purposefully created the space to blur the lines between the indoors and out, and it shows.

If you’re on the Georgia coast and searching for ‘glamping near me,’ a short boat ride from Jekyll Island takes you to Little Raccoon Key, an incredible private reef island that’s part of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Abounding in wildlife both above and below the water, keep your eyes peeled for dolphin pods flitting past. It’s an oversized Luxury Canvas Tent for accommodation, complete with a memory foam mattress, private outdoor shower, and solar panels. Feeling ravenous? Gourmet chef-prepared meals and grocery delivery are available upon request.