Summer Glamping Escapes

Glamping is all the rage and whether you’re a regular “glampor” or just looking to take your first step into the world of modern luxury camping, we’ve got a list of several US destinations to consider visiting this summer.

The Resort at Paws Up, Montana

In 2005, Montana’s premier luxury ranch resort, The Resort at Paws Up, mashed up the words glamorous and camping to describe its revolutionary luxury camping experience, thus pioneering glamping in the United States. Now, the first weekend in June is dedicated to International Glamping Weekend, a celebration of glamorous camping around the world. With a variety of luxurious safari-style tented accommodations in an authentic Western setting, Paws Up invites glampers to relax in the great outdoors with all the comforts of a five-star destination.

Guests can stay in any of the six gorgeous tented camps on Paws Up’s sprawling 37,000 acres, including Paws Up’s newest campsite, North Bank Camp. All six camps feature uncompromising amenities: en suite bathrooms with heated floors, cloud-like down comforters on The Last Best Bed^®, rustic chic interior décor and expansive Dining Pavilions staffed with glamping butlers. This summer, The Resort unveils a series of camp upgrades, including new canvases, refurbished Dining Pavilions and a brand new deck at Cliffside Camp overlooking the breathtaking Blackfoot River.

Adventure flows in abundance at Paws Up, with one of North America’s largest outdoor activity menus of more than 50 experiences. Activities include ATV tours, an authentic cattle drive, Blackfoot River floats, guided fly-fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hot air ballooning, rappelling, sporting clays and more.

The Island Lodge at Salmon Lake is the newest addition to Paws Up’s activity roster. A 15-minute drive from The Resort, the Island Lodge offers jet skiing, kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and waterskiing, along with access to fishing boats, sailboats and a water trampoline in a jaw-dropping setting. Guests can select from morning, afternoon or evening sessions, all of which include unlimited use of water toys and equipment, signature cocktails, culinary creations and complimentary beer and wine.

This summer The Resort also debuts a new state-of-the-art fitness facility. Open 24 hours a day, the new gym features modern exercise equipment, chilled washcloths and fresh fruit, all with sweeping views of the vast Montana landscape.

For reservations, call 877-588-6783. The Resort at Paws Up is also on Facebook, Instagram(@theresortatpawsup) and Twitter (@Paws_Up). For more information, visit www.pawsup.com.

Dunton River Camp, Colorado

Located four miles downstream from Dunton Hot Springs and steps from the West Fork of the Dolores River in Colorado, Dunton River Camp, the seasonal resort comprised of eight ultra-luxe canvas tents, is now open for its sixth summer season.

The pinnacle of “glamping,” Dunton River Camp is nestled in an alpine clearing in the Colorado Rockies and offers discerning guests an opportunity to experience more than 1,600 acres of unspoiled wilderness with all the amenities of a five-star resort. Each 640-square-foot tent features a gas heating stove, spacious en-suite bathroom and private lounging porch and comes equipped with two mountain bikes ideal for exploring; four tents are set on the bank of the Dolores River, the other four against the stunning backdrop of the San Juan Mountains. At the heart of the one-of-a-kind resort sits the gathering space for guests, an original 19^th-century farmhouse situated just 20 feet from the Dolores River. The restored house, still in its original location, features a guest salon, a wraparound deck with breathtaking views of the Wilson Mountain range, and a dining room serving locally inspired cuisine by Executive Chef Basil Yu.

Whether guests are looking to book a secluded, romantic getaway or an unforgettable mountain adventure, Dunton River Camp offers an extensive menu of unique on-site programming, including the following regular activities that are now included in the nightly rate:

Fly Fishing

Tuesday, Friday & Sunday | Meets at 9am
Both Dunton Hot Springs and Dunton River Camp offer anglers a combination of meadow oxbows and pocket water canyons. The West Fork is a midsized, freestone river, populated with rainbow, brown, cutthroat and brook trout. While situated in a remote and beautiful valley, the fishing itself is extremely accessible for anglers of all experience and ability levels. Wade fishermen can expect to implement a variety of rigging techniques, including nymphing, dry fly fishing, dry-dropper and streamer fishing.

Trips include Colorado fishing license and gear

Horseback Riding

Wednesday & Saturday | Morning or afternoon rides available
Dunton boasts bold, sure-footed horses, gentle and willing on high mountain trails. This ride goes along the river and through the forest on mining roads and cattle trails. This ride has minimal vertical gain with pleasant terrain. Guests must be at least 9 years old to participate.
Full-day trips include a packed lunch, snacks and beveragesGuided Hiking

Monday & Thursday | Meets at 10am
Hiking around Dunton into the beautiful San Juan Mountains is the quintessential wilderness experience. Trails lead guests through exquisite high alpine basins blanketed in wildflowers amidst high summits and crystal clear streams.
Trip includes a packed lunch, snacks and beverages 

In addition to fly fishing, horseback riding and hiking, Dunton River Camp offers a selection of a la carte excursions available at an additional cost, including rock climbing, 4-wheel drive tours, llama hikes and water sports. Guests of Dunton River Camp also receive complimentary access to Dunton Hot Springs’ Bath House, outdoor hot springs and saloon restaurant.Dunton River Camp is open through October 15, 2018; rates start at $1,200 per night (double occupancy) and include all meals and beverages and a half-day group-guided activity.

For more information or to book an experience at Dunton River Camp, please visit http://duntonrivercamp.com/.

Mendocino Grove, California

Mendocino Grove is excited to welcome new and returning guests for its 2018 season.  Founded in late 2016 by St. Helena-based couple Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie – the creative force behind the beloved Cornerstone Sonoma – Mendocino Grove is a modern camping experience on Northern California’s picturesque Mendocino Coast.  Reservations are currently open for the 2018 season, which runs from May 11 through October 31, 2018.

“As we enter our second full season, we’re thrilled to offer our “camping made comfy” concept to travelers visiting the MendocinoCoast,” said Raffo.  “Our biggest takeaway from last season is that people are wanting to take a break from the stress of daily life and reconnect with something much deeper.  With increasing demand from work and family, and to “stay connected,” there has never been a better time to build on the concept of camping more comfortably.  There is something truly restorative about spending the evening around a campfire or the morning listening to the sound of the fog horn from the comfort of your down covered bed. As Chris likes to say, ‘Mendocino Grove is the perfect place to disconnect from Wi-Fi and reconnect with what’s important – family, friends, and yourself.’”Located on a forest bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Mendocino Grove is ideally situated beside the village of Mendocino, a picturesque destination with stunning ocean vistas, gorgeous beaches and rivers, unique boutiques and art galleries, interesting restaurants and cafes, and much more.  The campground is a convenient two-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the heart of Mendocino.  From coastal hikes to farm-to-table dinners and wine tasting, the region offers a number of exciting activities and experiences.

Encompassing 37 acres, the property features 60 spacious Safari-style Classic and Family tents, fully-outfitted with comfortable beds, warm down comforters, wool blankets, crisp cotton linens, lanterns, and more.  Each tent is located atop a wooden platform with a redwood deck furnished with leather butterfly-chairs, an ideal setting for relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the surrounding forest.  Additionally, every campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring ideal for intimate fireside storytelling, cooking, and warmth during the cool mornings and evenings. Wheelchair accessible tents are also available.

Property highlights and amenities include:

• Luxurious bathroom facilities with hot showers, complimentary EO bath products, fresh cotton towels, and well-appointed restrooms
• Communal area for guests with a group campfire (lit daily in the mornings and evenings) and Adirondack chairs
• Picnic tables, bocce ball court, horse shoes, games and books
• Hammocks strung throughout the meadow
• Private hiking trail with complimentary guided hikes on the weekends
• Close access to the on-property, 45-minute Fern Canyon Loop Trail for all skill levels with stunning views of the towering and majestic grand firs, lush fern groves, sweeping meadows, coastal bluffs, and gorgeous beaches
• Complimentary outdoor breakfast bar serving freshly brewed Thanksgiving Coffee from nearby Fort Bragg, hot cocoa, and tea with a light breakfast of yogurt, fruit, and trail bars
• Gas barbeques and a designated area for food preparation
• Sinks with hot water for pre-meal prep and post-meal clean-up
• Hot beverage bar
• Reliable Wi-Fi
• Dog-friendly property ($20/night with a refundable deposit), including a dog washing station
• Firewood, s’mores kits and camp boxes available for purchase
• Access to nearby hiking trails, beaches, canoeing and kayaking

In addition to being a popular destination for couples and families, Mendocino Grove is a prime option for group trips.  Whether planning a company retreat, a trip with friends, or a family reunion, Mendocino Grove is an excellent choice, with many group-friendly activities both on-site and nearby.  Based on availability, guests can reserve entire group sites for private gatherings and retreats. 

For reservations at Mendocino Grove, please book online or call (707) 880-7710.

About Mendocino Grove
Mendocino Grove is a modern camping experience on Northern California’s picturesque Mendocino Coast.  With breathtaking natural beauty all around, visitors can enjoy a tranquil and authentic camping experience with comfortable sleeping arrangements and an array of deluxe amenities.  The property was founded by St. Helena couple Teresa Raffo and Chris Hougie, the creative force behind Cornerstone Sonoma.  The couple acquired the once-neglected property in early 2016, and in about a year, restored the campground to its former beauty and added just enough luxury to make it comfortable yet still rustic.  Wade Hine, a celebrated San Francisco interior designer, assisted with the creative vision for Mendocino Grove. 

For more information about Mendocino Grove, please visit www.MendocinoGrove.com or the campground’s social media accounts, Instagram: @Mendocino_Grove / Facebook: @MendocinoGrove / Twitter: @MendocinoGrove.