Last Updated 5/11/2015
First thing first: What is glamping? Glamping is the desire to be in and experience “the outdoors” but not really roughing it with tents, campers and equipment. Indeed, an equipped cabin could be considered glamping, as it’s an upgrade from a tent, but more on tent glamping in a bit. For now, go ahead and be enlightened and inspired by these Virginia glamping destinations.
Cabins at Rose River Farm
1. Rose River Farm in Syria leads the way in Virginia glamping with their luxury cedar-and-glass yurts. A former Miss Virginia is just one of the glampers who have enjoyed the pristine 20 acres shadowed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The yurts (there are three) are spacious at a little more than 1,100 square feet with the dome reaching 17 feet. Every amenity you’d hope to find in an upscale, five-star hotel suite can be found here, with a highly prized additional amenity – PRIVACY. Choose your yurt based on the view – pond, meadow or mountain.
Rates: $275/night; $1,500/week | BOOK NOW
>> ALSO SEE: Six MORE Virginia Glamping Destinations
2. A great Blue Ridge Mountain lookout is the two-story, well-appointed Rock-N-Creek Cabin in Montebello. The cabin offers porches overlooking the Tye River and four ponds; the wildlife is abundant. Amenities include a stone fireplace, all the television and entertainment you desire, a fully equipped kitchen and laundry, and a chef. Yes, a chef. Chef Richard Christy has cooked for President Gerald Ford and he can certainly fix you a plate, too.
Rates: $195/night for two with additional guests over the age of 12 charged $30 each | BOOK NOW
Golden Eagle Treehouse at Primland Resort
3. Primland Resort is perched atop the mountains of Patrick County in the Blue Ridge Highlands in the Meadows of Dan. If you can stand to, skip the stunningly beautiful lodge and fairway cottages for the unsurpassed views of the mountain homes or the treasure of the resort – the Golden Eagle Tree House.
A stay in the tree house should be on every bucket list (it’s on mine). It’s literally built around the limbs of a sturdy old oak tree and is the most private accommodation in the resort. Keurig, robes, slippers, 2,700′ overlook of the Dan River from the deck, nightly turn-down, soaking tub … Is there anything else we can get for you? Oh, a Ford Explorer to travel to and from the lodge? Coming right up. I. Am. Serious. Oh, and there are TWO MORE treehouses to choose from.
Rates for Golden Eagle Tree House: $617-$900/night | Call 866-960-7746 for Reservations
4. Camp Karma in Bedford is an upscale primitive campground that has introduced glamping. They provide the tent – all set up for you – with everything you need to enjoy a basic camping experience. Dishes, utensils, camp chairs, wood, ice, and cots with mattresses are all provided. That means the only things missing are you, your sleeping bag and pillow, and some hot dogs for the fire.
Rates: $74 per night. Call 540-297-KRMA to book.
Solid Ground Shelters
5. The scenario from Solid Ground Shelters is cool. I can imagine using it for weddings, in fact. Just tell them where to show up and they’ll pitch your luxury tent for you, including everything you need.
Rates: Call (804) 413-6143 for rates.
As we’ve decided, glamping has a wide range of ideas associated with it. Maybe you’ll find further inspiration here – Virginia’s Cottages & Cabins – where sweet bayside cottages, unique stays, large lodges for family togethering and mountain cabins.
>> ALSO SEE: Six MORE Virginia Glamping Destinations
I think we could glamour at Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania