To slightly paraphrase an opening from a famous book (we’re not telling you which): there’s a new craze haunting the USA and it’s called glamping! So, have you heard about it yet? You might know it has something to do with camping, but you can’t really point your finger at it. If that’s so, we’ll be glad to introduce you to the concept.
As you might’ve assumed, you can’t just glamp anywhere you want. That’s one of the main differences between the mentioned activity and camping: glamping spots are definitely not as present. Luckily for Virginia residents, glamping’s pretty big in their home state. That’s why today we’ll talk about the most beautiful glamping spots in Virginia you’ll absolutely have to check out this very year!
If you’re the romantic type, check out the Primland Resort at the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’re a bit into the history of North America, visit the Sandy River Outdoor Adventure and Retreat in Rice. Family-oriented? Try the Rock Tavern River Kamp near Luray. Lastly, if you’re a fly-fishing enthusiast, Rose River Farm Cabins should be your pick.
There’s much more from where that info chose to come from. Stay tuned!
Table of Contents
What’s glamping anyway?
First things first, let’s deal with the terminology we’ll be using today! More precisely – we’ll just have to explain the only term most folks find hard to understand and that’s glamping. Glamping is basically like a glamour version of camping. Hence the name: camping + glamour equals glamping. Here’s what’s so glamourous about it:
- Service at glamping sites is similar (if not the same) to the one you’d get in a hotel.
- Glamping tents are constructed from solid materials.
- Also, glamping tents possess every bit of leisure a hotel room has.
- Lastly, it’s usually more expensive than camping and there aren’t many so many glamping sites in the world (it’s a bit exclusive).
How much does it cost to go glamping?
Okay, so let’s elaborate a little more on that last sentence. When we say glamping is expensive, what exactly do we mean by that? Well, if you’re an outdoors fanatic going into the wild 3-4 times a year, traditional camping’s most definitely a cheaper option, even if you choose to invest some good money into quality camping equipment. Glamping can cost you anywhere from $80 (the cheapest version out there) to thousands of dollars per night.
The price you’ll pay for a glamping holiday will depend on the type of material used in the construction of a certain glamping tent. Want hardwood floors and good insulation? If so, be prepared to cough up some bucks! Also, let’s not forget the hotel-like service that’s included in the price.
Wait, can you go glamping in winter?
In simplest of words: you absofreakinlutely can! There’s no reason why glamping wouldn’t be possible during the winter. Most glamping sites offer well-insulated tents. Also, you’ll want to know most of these sites mention wood burners, stoves, and even underfloor heating in their online brochures. Some sites are even more popular during winter, due to seasonal landscape changes.
Okay, so that’s about it for the introductory section. Now, let’s see those beautiful Virginia glamping spots!
Beautiful glamping spots in Virginia to check out this year
Needless to say, if you’re thinking about trying out glamping this very year – Virginia’s definitely the place to be! Choosing these glamping spots over the rest wasn’t an easy thing to do. The point is: it would take us dozen of articles of this size to cover ’em all. Still, we’re sure you’ll be happy with our selection!
A quick disclaimer: the items you’ll find on the list are placed in no particular order (from best to worst or something similar). The numbers are there just for better navigation through the text! That’s all there’s to them!
#1 Primland Resort, Blue Ridge Mountains
There ain’t a better (read: more romantic) way to spend the holiday together with your spouse or partner than by being surrounded by the quiet forests of the Blue Ridge Mountains. At least that’s what thousands of satisfied outdoor couples usually say once they return from this great glamping site. This resort offers everything from hiking to golf. The only downside’s the price (it’s a bit on the expensive side).
Anyway, speaking of golf, you’ll want to know that the resort’s golf course (the Highland Course) is currently one of the best mountain courses in the US. Not to mention the fact that Golf Digest placed it 28th on the list of best public golf courses in the country. Also, as far as other facilities go – folks say you can expect high-class service and food from many global cuisines!
And how about we say a little something about the romantic qualities this place has to offer? Here’s the thing: couples are able to choose between three luxury Tree Houses, which were built around & between age-old trees that hug the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Every one of these treehouses gives its visitors a chance to enjoy otherworldly-beautiful sights of the mountains, creeks, gorges, and other phenomenal surrounding nature. Needless to mention, the suits are pretty luxurious (a king-sized bed, en-suite bathrooms, etc.).
#2 Sandy River Outdoor Adventure and Retreat, Rice
Next on our list of the most beautiful glamping spots in Virginia (2022 edition) we’ve got a place that will take you back in time. At least that’s what you’ll think before entering one of these Native American-style tents (teepees). Each one of ’em comes with floor heating, A/C, queen-sized bed, and en-suite bathroom (with a shower). Let’s not forget hi-speed Wi-Fi and TV equipped with Netflix and everything contemporary folks require inside their accommodation.
Of course, there’s a good chance you won’t have time to watch Netflix since you’ll be busy doing other fun stuff Sandy River resort has in store. For instance, you’ll get to involve yourself in a good number of exciting adventures. The place has its own Adventure Park where you can try out something you’ve never done before (zip-lining, for instance) and challenge yourself!
Lastly, are you looking for a place to organize an old-school-family-style-all-American picnic? If your answer’s YES, you’ll want to know that you’ll have the chance to use the outdoor fire pit & barbecue, alongside the mandatory picnic tables.
#3 Rock Tavern River Kamp, Luray
This one’s probably the most family-friendly out of the sites on our list. Starting from $110 per night, this place ain’t that expensive either. Not to mention that this yurt camping/glamping/whatever-you-wanna-call-it site has everything a family needs: a river in which your kids can learn how to swim, while you’re occupied with your fishing rod; an awesome barbecue and picnic tables; A/C, fireplace (to tell some knee-to-knee family stories sitting in front of it), TV (equipped with your favorite shows), and so on.
Also, the cool thing is that your young ones (under the age of 6) don’t have to pay a cent. Of course, they wouldn’t be able to pay for themselves anyway, but you understand what we’re trying to say. Also, your doggies can tag along, too! However, they’ll need to be pre-approved and you’ll have to spend some dollars paying certain fees.
Speaking of our four-legged buddies, here’s a couple of things to pay attention to when camping/RVin together with ’em.
#4 Rose River Farm Cabins, Syria
Last but not least, we’ve got Rose River Farm Cabins near Syria, VA. Placed in the middle of the scenic Madison County meadows, this glamping site offers its visitors a chance to do some good ol’ unwinding and enjoy prime trout fishing. Speaking of trout, go read Richard Brautigan. Anyway, the luxury cabins (they were made out of 2.5k pieces of cedar hand-cut to fit) this place offers are carefully designed to look like traditional Mongolian yurts. Every one of ’em has two bedrooms (two double beds in each), two bathrooms (shower and all), and a big living area with comfy seating.
Also, if you’re a fan of horseback riding, you’ll have a chance to experience one of your favorite activities. As we’ve implied above, fly-fishing enthusiasts will absolutely love Rose River Farm Cabins. Did you know that many fly anglers from every corner of the globe come to enjoy this fantastic site? Now that you do, what you’re waiting for?
If you’re not that into fishing, you must be into wine. There are a number of local wineries worth checking out close by. And if, for some otherworldly reason you’re not into wine either, pack your trusty hiking equipment and hit the Old Rag Mountain trails.
Final words
Okay, so that was that about the most beautiful glamping spots in Virginia! We hope you’ve had fun reading this one and that it might’ve inspired you to try out one of the spots we’ve recommended in it! Whatever you choose, there’s hardly a chance you’ll regret it!
For more tips on everything that’s even mildly related to camping, visit this page.
