“Glamping” (a combination of the words glamorous and camping) is a style of outdoor adventure that bridges the gap between traditional camping and luxury living.
If the thought of going without Wi-FI, electricity, a working toilet, and a warm bed is what limits your time in nature, then glamping might be for you. You can still have your campfire, creature comforts and easy access to scenic locations, without the hassle of finding and keeping up a dispersed campsite.
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Glamping options run the gamut from more traditional structures like canvas tents and yurts to one-of-a-kind experiences in train cars, covered wagons, converted school buses, tipis, treehouses, barns and more. Even recreational vehicles (RVs) are considered glamping. For those who want to enjoy nature without investing in camping gear (which can get expensive), or who prefer to feel safe and protected from weather and wildlife, glamping offers a happy medium. Glamping is also an excellent way to experience all the seasons. You’ll likely have electricity, running water and ample bedding, so you can stay warm and dry during winter and escape the bugs and extreme heat in summer.
Virginia has a wide variety of unique glamping options and a diverse and beautiful landscape. Wake up to mountain views, a flowing river, or hang with barnyard animals on a working farm. Here, we share 10 of the state’s most unique glamping experiences.
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Safari tent in Dugspur
Situated in a lush meadow, this breezy safari-style canvas tent offers the quintessential glamping experience. The tent sits on a raised platform and has a large deck with a covered sitting area. While the site doesn’t have electricity or running water, it does have a propane stove, ice chest and barbecue grill for cooking. The hosts also provide drinking water. The tent is lit with lanterns and there’s a composting toilet and a solar-heated shower a short walk away. This no-frills setting is just what the doctor ordered when you need to unplug.
From $159 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
Tiny cabin in Lovettsville
If you’re a fan of tiny houses, you won’t want to miss out on this off-the-grid getaway in northern Virginia. Its simple architecture and rustic wood exterior bely the modern amenities and little luxuries—like hardwood floors, a sleek Murphy bed and cute kitchenette—inside. Note: Electricity is limited to six hours via generator and there is no water available during freezing temperatures.
From $245 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
Century-old barn near Charleston
A great choice for a family getaway, kids will love this working strawberry farm located in the foothills of Virginia’s Appalachian Mountains. You’ll be sleeping in the loft of a 100-year-old barn and there’s no bathroom (the outhouse and water pump are a few yards away), but there is a play structure for the kids, a ping-pong table and bicycles can be borrowed from the host.
From $46 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Hobbit house in the Shenandoah Valley
You’ve never seen a hobbit house quite like this.The two-story structure boasts amenities—such as a wood-burning fireplace, dishwasher, Wi-Fi, washer/dryer, a flat-screen TV and surround-sound with SiriusXM—that are sure to please even the most discerning glamper. Little touches like a waterfall mirage on the stairs, stained glass and a red chandelier accentuate the well-designed interior that can accommodate four people. On the furnished deck, guests can grill out, enjoy forest views or soak in the hot tub.
From $322 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
Geodesic dome in Floyd
Glamping meets futuristic minimalism in this geodesic dome situated on a working farm. Amenities including air conditioning, and heating, a coffee maker, fridge, foot pump sink, and thoughtful details like a personalized welcome sign and colorful hanging glass ornaments. But the best part is the views—have a seat on the deck and watch the colorful sunsets Floyd is known for.
From $70 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
A classic Airstream near Washington D.C.
Located in a family-friendly campground near Washington, D.C., this decked-out Airstream is the epitome of glamping. It accommodates five people and boasts a fully equipped kitchen with a dining table and a full bathroom. Bonus: the campground has a 20-acre lake, walking trails, a swimming hole, boat rentals, picnic areas with grills, a playground, a carousel, and a skate park.
From $351 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Red caboose in Fancy Gap
A stellar example of Virginia glamping, this happy little red caboose was once a working railcar! Inside, you’ll find a queen-size bed, full bathroom with a shower, a 32-inch flat-screen television and a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, toaster oven and a coffee maker. There’s even a two-person Jacuzzi. The site is set up like an old-school train depot where you can sit outside in oversized rockers, use the grill or just enjoy the view.
From $128 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Rustic covered wagon in Dugspur
This exquisite, brightly-colored caravan sits in a grassy meadow amidst preserved farm buildings. With one double bed, it would work best for a couple looking for a relaxed, romantic getaway. Guests are invited to enjoy the property, which has a pond, a covered cooking area, and a nearby cabin with bathroom facilities (including a shower).
From $117 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
Glamping dome in Gordonsville
Located on a 584-acre farm near Charlottesville, this unique glamping dome is the perfect spot to get back to nature and spend some quality time with loved ones. The farm has plenty of activities to keep the kids busy, such as fishing, hiking or hanging out in the “games barn” playing pool, ping-pong or foosball. Bathroom facilities (with showers) are just a few steps away and there’s a shared kitchen facility with a coffee maker and microwave. There’s also a gas grill outside the tent.
From $578 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com
(Photo: GlampingHub)
Cozy treehouse in Richmond
A stellar getaway for all ages, this beautiful two-story treehouse is located right off Richmond’s Buttermilk Trail. With 360-degree views of nature, it can accommodate up to eight guests. Among the amenities: a spacious balcony off the bedroom, a screened-in second floor with hammocks, a stone fire pit and a tube slide to access the grassy lawn below. The bathroom is located inside the host family’s home which is just a few yards away. They can also provide a travel crib for those traveling with small children.
From $287 per night / Book at Glampinghub.com