A world away from the pulsating urban energy of Manhattan, Upstate New York’s natural scenery makes for an alluring backdrop for a glamping adventure.
(Photo: Bellfire in the Catskills)
Upscale camping in Upstate New York: it certainly has a ring to it. Known for its scenic mountains and outdoor living, the sprawling geographic region lying north and northwest of NYC is a haven for nature lovers. And for those keen for an overnight adventure there are a wide number of camping opportunities available – including several luxurious glamping sites, where you can enjoy the natural surroundings in sumptuous comfort. We’ve selected 7 of upstate’s best glamping venues below.
Bellfire in the Catskills
Spread over 10 acres in a sparsely populated area of the Great Western Catskills, Bellfire in the Catskills is a secluded family-owned site offering a choice of glamping and off-grid cabin rentals. Set amid picture-postcard maple forest and wildflower meadows, the venue is particularly popular for its beautifully maintained walking trails through subline natural scenery, while the wide-open skies make for breathtaking stargazing. Each glamping tent is decorated with locally sourced curiosities, art and antiques, and come with private outdoor space, a private fire pit and Webber grill, a cooler, a picnic table and Adirondack chairs. There’s also a cedar sauna and a large floating yoga deck available for communal use.
Roxbury / www.bellfirefarm.com
Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping
(Photo: Sacred Waterfall & Quiet Camping / Courtesy Hipcamp.com)
For generations, the majestic Kahonrakén:ra Waterfall has been revered as a sacred site for its spectacular beauty and power – and visitors can discover it for themselves at this tranquil glamping venue. There are just two tiny cabins available, both accessed by separate footpaths through the forest, below an old red barn, surrounded by ash and walnut trees, singing birds, deer, and wildflowers. One cabin is in the forest, just beyond a grass circle clearing, and the other is down the hill through a wildflower grove, with both a short walk from the waterfall, where you can spend the day swimming, exploring the clay beds and looking for fossils in the 280 million-year-old gorge. On-site facilities include a picnic table, a fire pit and a campsite with three additional flat tenting areas just next to the cabins for friends or family to join you with tents. There are also a number of local farms with fresh produce and organic meat within 5 miles of the site.
Schoharie / www.hipcamp.com
Sweet Hill Glamping
Serving up expansive views of the Hudson River Valley, Sweet Hill Glamping offers over 40 wooded acres to meander, including a stream and a spring-fed pond. Comfortable and spacious safari-style canvas tent stands on a raised platform a 10-minute walk on a logging trail from the site’s parking spots. Solar-powered lamps, your first load of firewood, a solar shower and clean drinking water are all provided, while bedding, towels, and soap can be acquired for an extra fee. The site also includes a picnic table, a dry box for storage, and outdoor furniture. As for things to see and do, the land abuts a working horse farm and there are several pick-your-own fruit farms close by. The many fine restaurants and shops of Rhinebeck Village are also easily reached.
Rhinebeck / www.booking.com
Adirondack Homestead Glamping
(Photo: Adirondack Homestead Glamping / Courtesy Hipcamp.com)
An easy 15-minute drive to the majestic Adirondack Park border, this homestead-style glamping site is the ideal base for exploring the region. Spread across 9 acres of mixed open and wooded land, the permaculture-inspired, regenerative farmhouse dwelling comes complete with perennial gardens, chickens, a greenhouse, and mushroom cultivation. Visitors can enjoy a range of recreational activities nearby including fishing, hunting, hiking, and mountain biking. As for accommodation, privacy and seclusion are guaranteed at the outfitter tents, perched on a raised platform and tucked into the wooded trees a couple of minutes walk from the main house. Facilities include an indoor wood-burning stove, an outdoor charcoal grill, an outdoor shower and composting toilet in a separate building, queen beds with linens and a trundle bed for extra guests, solar powered interior lighting, board games, and a picnic table.
Remsen / www.hipcamp.com
Herkimer Diamond Mines KOA Resort
Situated in the Mohawk Valley Region, between the Adirondack and Catskill Mountains, Herkimer Diamond Mines is surrounded by dramatic mountains, miles of hiking trails, cascading waterfalls, and glistening lakes as far as the eye can see. Lodging options include Deluxe Cabins that come with patios, bathrooms and partial kitchens, and for star-gazing enthusiasts there are astronomy-themed lodges, each equipped with a high-powered telescope. High-speed Wi-Fi and laundry facilities are available 24/7 to all guests and there are also Golf Cart rentals for added convenience and comfort. Miners’ Village is located right next to the campground, offering a variety of shops and activities, including crystal mining.
Middleville / www.hipcamp.com
Ithaca by Firelight Camps
(Photo: Ithaca by Firelight Camps)
Luxury safari tents pitched on wooded grounds and outfitted with hardwood floors, king or queen beds, and a private balcony await guests at Ithaca outpost of Firelight Camps. Nestled in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country, the site combines the fun and adventure of camping with swanky hotel-like lodgings. Hike the trails to the Upper Buttermilk Falls before unwinding in a hammock under the forest canopy or indulging yourself at the onsite spa. Later, pick a bottle to enjoy by the campfire under the starry skies. Back in your lavish lodgings, a private tented porch with rocking chairs, battery-powered lanterns, and a writer’s desk and chair offer the perfect setting for hunkering down in privacy. For more sociable pursuits, there are communal campfires lit at sundown in the outdoor lounge areas, fireside live music from local musicians, and regular yoga sessions.
Ithaca / www.firelightcamps.com
Gatherwild Ranch
Spread out among the rolling hills of the Hudson Valley, Gatherwild Ranch is home to eight curated glamping lodgings, each with private picnic tables, firepits, and Adirondack chairs. Guests can enjoy the company of farm animals, kick back and relax in hammocks, cool off with sprinklers, reap the health benefits of a cedar-lined sauna, or take a dip in a cold plunge. There’s also a shared outdoor kitchen with a rooftop deck, free bike rentals and super-fast WiFi. Nearby, guests can visit a number of local breweries, cideries, and wineries, or take in a majestic sunset over the Hudson River.
Germantown / www.gatherwild.com