Glamping in New England This Summer
From Maine to Massachusetts — we’ve rounded up the most luxe outdoor accommodations New England has to offer.
The urge for travel has never been stronger after over a year cooped up inside, but cities are still re-opening, and it’s difficult to imagine jumping back into a big crowd. This summer is the perfect time to get outside — away from it all — and get back into nature. New England offers the perfect playground for this type of travel, whether you want to discover oceanside hideaways or rolling green mountains stretched across clear blue horizons. Quaint little towns scattered throughout the region offer a stylish reprieve from days floating on the river, hiking the White Mountains, or soaking in the sun on the shores of the Atlantic.
Unfortunately, though, hotels and summer houses from Cape Cod to Lake Winnipesaukee seemed to have booked up faster than ever this year, as more Americans chose to stay stateside for their summer getaways. So if you missed out on booking that secluded mountain bungalow or grabbing the family compound on Block Island for a week, we say pack up the car for a classic New England camping trip. But, forget about pitching your own tent — these unique sites offer a stunning natural escape without skimping on creature comforts.
An Artistic Adventure Retreat in the Berkshires
TOURISTS | North Adams, MA
Interested in getting outside but not exactly sleeping there? TOURISTS is an outdoor focused hotel modeled after classic American motor lodges, turning the design on its head by offering expansive views of the surrounding woodlands from each of the 48 guest rooms. The property reflects the culture of the region with an artful union of design and nature for travelers looking to enjoy the beauty of the Massachusetts Berkshire region. Guests can explore the property’s trails, sculptural installations, and many adventure activities including plein air massages and guided foraging walks. The hotel offers travelers a perfect basecamp for their adventures across the region, while the on-site restaurant, The Airport Rooms, offers a stiff drink to close out a day full of adventure.
See and Do: The Appalachian trail converges with several local favorites on site at TOURISTS, while Massachusetts' tallest mountain is waiting to be climbed just steps away. When you’re sore or sick of hiking, take in some of the region’s incredible culture at the nearby Clark Art Institute or Mass MoCA, or explore some of the country’s best antique shops in nearby Great Barrington.
Immersive Beauty on Acadia’s Rocky Coastline
Under Canvas Acadia | Surry, ME
Under Canvas offers a selection of stunning canvas tents designed to hold anywhere from two to seven guests, all located on 100 acres of waterfront just outside of Acadia National Park. Unlike many other glamping locations, Under Canvas intentionally does not offer wifi as an amenity to encourage guests to actively unplug and reconnect with their natural surroundings. The entire property is designed with conservation in mind, with eco-friendly touches and ample undisturbed green space. The beauty of the property may make it hard to want to leave, but the on-site Adventure Concierge can offer a range of cruises and guided experiences tailored to your unique interests.
See and Do: Nearby Bar Harbor offers a chance to enjoy charming local shops, restaurants — lobster, anyone? — and nightlife, but the real reason to visit is Acadia National Park. The park offers a range of outdoor activities including kayaking, biking the carriage roads, and hiking in the stunning surroundings of coastal Maine. Plan a sunrise hike up Cadillac mountain, or pack a picnic and bottle of wine to watch the sunset from the peak. At Your Service Tours offers private guided tours of the park ranging from three to six hours, if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the park’s hidden gems.
Classic Americana Meets Modern Amenities on Cape Cod’s Seashore
Autocamp Cape Cod | Falmouth, MA
In their first east coast outpost, Autocamp blends design and the great outdoors for an unforgettable stay. Upgrade your beach camping trip with a luxury tent or airstream, each which include tempurpedic beds and outdoor fire pits. The Airstreams come equipped with flat-screen TVs, spa-inspired bathrooms, and a kitchenette. A mid-century modern design clubhouse anchors the property with an indoor fireplace, luxury bathrooms and showers, and a General Store for any last-minute needs. Your stay helps do good for the natural environment you’re enjoying too; one dollar from each room booked each night goes to a local land trust to help further land protection efforts in the region.
See and Do: Autocamp is located in Falmouth, the gateway to Cape Cod, one of America’s favorite summer playgrounds. 40 miles of coastline offer a chance to explore a new beach every day. Top off a day in the sun with lobster and oysters with a view of the sunset from Mac’s Seafood in Wellfleet. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on the ferry from Wood’s Hole for a day in Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket, or charter a private yacht to island hop. Cape Cod offers can’t-miss whale watching during the summer months, with many tours and charters available.
Seafood Boils & Stargazing in Acadia
Terramor Outdoor Resort | Mt. Desert Island, ME
With a collection of luxury tents designed to accommodate everyone from couples to groups of five — complete with wifi and electricity — Terramor offers a chance to unwind in nature and relax in refined style. The property includes a pool and hot tub, as well as a central Lodge offering food service, including a Seafood Boil every Tuesday and available chef-prepared grill kits for a private cookout. The Lodge also offers a seasonal collection of local craft beer and cider, wine, and specialty cocktails. But, its their thoughtfulness that puts this property over the top — like the resort hosting a local astronomer for weekly lectures and stargazing. It’s not uncommon for visitors to catch the Milky Way in Acadia’s dark night skies, so after a long day of exploring, grab a drink and look up.
See and Do: Take all our tips from Under Canvas, also located in Acadia, Maine.
Nostalgic New England Charm
Sandy Pines Campground | Kennebunkport, Maine
At Sandy Pines, no two glamping sites are the same; book your stay in a leather-clad Conestga chuck-wagon, a vintage Airstream, a “Stargazer” dome, or one of several beautifully designed safari-style glamp tents. While each site is unique in its luxury design, they are all outfitted with queen or king sized beds, indoor lighting, and fire pits to relax around after a day kayaking through the ground’s exclusive-access salt marsh or sunbathing in the white sands of Goose Rocks Beach.
Each glamping site is set back from the main Sandy Pines campground for added privacy, but there are ample opportunities to take part in community activities at the heated saltwater pool inside the nearby community center or at the Grand Lodge, which offers the requisite dose of New England nostalgia. If you’re excited about reliving summer camp, there are game nights and live music offered many nights throughout the Summer.
See and Do: Goose Rocks Beach, about a mile away from the campground, offers miles of pristine white sand beaches perfect for a long day in the sun. If you need a break from roughing it, head to Kennebunkport, home of George W. Bush’s “Summer White House” and a destination for vacationers looking for upscale art galleries, restaurants, and shopping. Charter a sunset sail or deep sea fishing excursion right from Dock Square. Cap off your trip with a day in Portland’s Old Port, just thirty miles north, home of one of the country’s best restaurant scenes.