With the heat usually in the high 90s, camping in Texas in the summer is always a toss-up! However, when you step it up from the basic tent set-up, you can make even the heat of the summer feel breezy, fun, and well, super "cool". Today we are going to focus on the best glamping in the Lone Star State. We will feature some of the best getaways for families, for outdoor recreation, for simply getting off the grid, or for staying in one-of-a-kind spots that you will never forget! From treehouses by spring-fed rivers to yurts in the rolling Texas Hill Country to glamping spots in the vast expanse of the West Texas desert, we will cover our favorite luxury camping experiences in the area.
The 7 Best Texas Glamping Spots for Your Summer Vacay
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Walden Retreats
If you are looking for a quiet, tranquil, and beautiful glamping experience, look no further than Walden Retreats. Nestled upon the clifftop of the Pedernales River, Walden is just one hour from both Austin and San Antonio. The accommodations at Walden Retreat are high-end safari tents for a true outdoor connection but with all the comforts and conveniences of home. Each tent features a king-sized bed (with Casper mattresses), a private bathroom, and central air-conditioning and heat. The 96-acre property boasts river access and a prime location on the Texas Wine Trail with easy drives to Fredericksburg, Luckenbach, Pedernales Falls State Park, and Enchanted Rock State Natural Area.
Wahwahtaysee Resort
Another spot in the Texas Hill Country with luxury safari tents and a container glamping cabin is the Wahwahtaysee Resort, a gorgeous property located on 100 acres of waterfront land on the San Marcos River. If you are looking for a private, ranch-style experience to reconnect with nature and unplug from city life, Wahwahtaysee is the spot for you. On the property, you can walk on the nature trails, pick pecans in the 150-year-old pecan orchard, or sunbathe next to the Cypress trees on one of the private beaches by the crystal-clear river waters.
RELATED: 13 Unique & Extraordinary Airbnbs in Austin, Texas
The Yurtopian (previously Yurtopia)
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A stunning glamping retreat with locations in both Wimberley and Dripping Springs, the Yurtopian offers super remote yurt-style abodes with luxurious touches that boast the best of the Hill Country. Each yurt sanctuary features a secluded getaway with a king-sized bed, luxury linens, a private bathroom, an outdoor kitchenette space with an outdoor grill, and an upstairs private deck for optimal sunset viewing spots. Most of the spaces also boast a private hot tub/plunge pool, a gas firepit, and a hammock! Additional glamping options here are the RiverBluff rentals, which offer access to the beautiful Blanco River.
El Cosmico
You have probably heard of seen of El Cosmico, the upscale glamping community in Marfa, a West Texas gem of a town to explore. There is no WiFi (only in the lobby) but there are outdoor clawfoot tubs for stargazing, community areas to gather around firepits, and a wide array of super neat glamping options to choose from. The simplest lodging starts with the teepees that have a queen-sized bed then moves to the safari tents with 120 square feet of living space. The ready-made airstreams and vintage trailers offer colorful and unique spaces with varying styles and amenities. The trailers offer small kitchenettes, air-conditioning and heating systems, and locally made shampoo and conditioner. Do yourself a favor and go glamping at El Cosmico if you ever get the chance!
Geronimo Creek Retreat
A true creekside oasis with amazing lodging options, Geronimo Creek Retreat is a sure bet for a romantic or fun vacation! Choose from their fully-loaded getaway cabins, tipis, and even treehouses for your accommodation type and spend sunny days kayaking or paddleboarding on the water. Other on-site recreation includes sports courts, fishing, swimming, a hot tub, rope swings, firepits for nighttime S'mores, and picnic tables for al fresco meals. Located in Seguin just outside of New Braunfels, you are also close to nearby attractions like Schlitterbahn Waterpark and the Guadalupe River.
Green Acres
Green Acres is great for those looking to stay close to Austin but still have a decent getaway! Family-owned and operated, this eco-lodging community takes away the stress of a normal camping trip and has it all ready for you. Each unit on the property has a private firepit, modern bathhouses, and a communal vintage barn that was previously owned by the LBJ family. On-site find community amenities like walking trails, hammocks, games, horseshoes, and more. Lodging options range from yurts to vintage airstreams to eco-cabins, all offering a unique charm depending on what you are looking for.
Summit Big Bend
Nestled approximately twenty minutes from the Big Bend National Park entrance, Summit Big Bend boasts some of the darkest skies in the country! With 1,000 acres of pure desert to explore, this glamping destination is all about stargazing. Visitors can also go hiking, biking, and off-roading for added adventure. The coolest part about Summit is you can even stay inside a totally outfitted...CAVE! The only hotel-style cave accommodations in the state, these man-made mining caves are nestled halfway to the summit of the Tres Cuevas Mountain in Terlingua.
Runner-Ups Glamping Destinations
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Collective Hill Country outside of Wimberley
13 Acres Wellness Retreat outside of Dripping Springs
Stay Oeste tipis and luxury campsites outside of Dripping Springs
Cypress Valley treehouses outside of Spicewood
Sinya on Lone Man Creek outside of Wimberley
An avid adventurer and lover of all things outdoors and travel, Sydney Paschall has explored and discovered as many beautiful places as she can, with extra time spent in Oregon, Colorado, and driving up and down the west coast. Now based in Austin, Sydney focuses her time on writing, social justice and activism, living more mindfully, and staying active to optimize the mind, body, and soul. Instagram: @_sydshine
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