Pitching a tent sometimes can take all the fun out of camping. But why should we let that happen, especially when there are tons of other lodging options you can try out?
In this article, I’ll share with you some of the most unique, creative accommodations you can try instead of sleeping in a tent.
Let’s get straight to it!
Top Alternatives To Tent Camping
Maybe you’re tired of using the same old tent for camping and want to try something new. Or, you’re a newbie and don’t want to fully commit to setting up an entire campsite by yourself. Either way, there are some great alternatives you can try out to spice up your camping game.
Glamping
Two words smashed together – glamorous and camping!
It’s an unlikely pair, but this type of camping has become especially popular in the last few years. Glamping basically means enjoying the luxuries of hotel-like accommodation as well as satisfying the urge to escape.
In other words, you’re spending time in nature, but not too far away from the comfiness of a real bed and electricity.
Take this getaway by Timberline Glamping Company as an example. Outdoors, you can enjoy anything from swinging in a hammock to kayaking. But inside a glamping tent, you have the most important things to start your day, like the coffee maker.
Pros:
- Comfortable sleeping
- Access to electricity
- Functional bathroom
Cons:
- Quite expensive, though there are ways to glamp on a budget
RVs and Travel Trailers
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What’s there not to love about a house on four wheels? You can go from beach to mountains in a single day, all without leaving your own home. Or better said, you’re taking it with you.
What’s even better, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy this camping alternative. If you don’t already own an RV or a trailer, you can rent them all over the country.
Nowadays, most RV parks offer amenities like real bathrooms, laundry services and electric outlets, so you can enjoy the same comfort you have at home. Some of them also have jaw-dropping views and tons of outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Mobility
- Lots of room
Cons:
- Maneuvering can be difficult
- You can typically only park in designated areas
Cabin Rentals
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Nothing can give you that home-away-from-home feeling like a cabin in the woods. It could be raining or snowing outside, but you get to enjoy the beautiful views while staying warm and cozy by the fire.
Cabins come in all sizes and shapes, and they’re great for both couples and large gatherings. This A-frame cabin in Vermont (pictured above) is remote enough to enjoy the solitude, but only a few minutes away from some of the best places to see in this state.
But don’t fret if Vermont is too far for you. You can find amazing cabins in nearly any mountain or wooded area in the US or Canada. Check out these beautiful cabin rentals near Denver.
Pros:
- Suitable for all year round
- Has enough room for indoor activities
- There are cabin rentals for every budget
Cons:
- Can be quite expensive
Tent Cabins
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If you’re not feeling adventurous enough for regular camping, but still want to keep it pretty simple, tent cabins are an ideal choice for you. This canvas shelter offers ample inside space for beds and all of your stuff. But without fancy amenities, tent cabins emphasize the purpose of your trip – to enjoy the outdoors.
Tent cabins, like these in Huttopia, offer private bathrooms, a kitchenette and electricity, so you don’t have to go into survival mode for most basic daily chores. But the beautiful surroundings won’t let you forget you’re out in the wilderness.
Pros:
- Comfortable sleeping
- Access to electricity
- Functional bathroom
Cons:
- Ultimately, still a form of camping
Camping Cabins
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If you’re on the fence between camping and cabin rentals, try these tiny camping cabins instead. They’re equipped with furniture and electronics, so you won’t feel disconnected from the rest of the world. But the main focus isn’t on the cabins. They’re merely a place to spend the night comfortably sleeping.
What I love the most about camping cabin retreats, like this one in Quincy, is the fact that you’re surrounded by people who, just like you, want to enjoy the wilderness while staying close to civilization. Or if you prefer exploring the desert, the camping cabins at Lost Dutchman State Park are the place to be (pictured). There are tons of things to do nearby, from cruising on a steamboat to horseback riding.
Pros:
- Comfortable sleeping
- Access to electricity
- A functional bathroom
- Suitable for socializing
Cons:
- Smaller compared to other options on this list
Airstreams
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They’ve been around for over 100 years now, but they never got out of style. The well-known design hasn’t changed, but they’re equipped with all the modern technology you might need while at your retreat.
Airstreams are insanely pricey, but you can rent them on certain campgrounds. The SkyPark Camp & RV Resort (pictured) did an insane job with these metallic lodgings. They’re equipped with all the necessities – including a coffee machine. And because they have an indoor fireplace, you can stay here any time of the year.
Pros:
- Suitable for all year round
- Features modern appliances
Cons:
- Much more expensive than camping
Treehouses
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Who said you’re too old for a treehouse? But these lodgings are quite an upgrade from what you’ve built with friends in middle school. Modern treehouses have heating systems and bathrooms, so they’re basically like real houses up on the tree.
And when it comes to these rentable treehouses by TreeHouse Point, they’re like a perfect combination of childhood dreams and adult life aspirations. From board games to cozy fireplaces, they have everything you could think of.
Pros:
- Access to electricity
- Fully furnished
- Suitable all year round
- A functional bathroom
Cons:
- Can be quite expensive
Canvas Tents
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If the camping alternatives mentioned above are too much for the first time, switching to a canvas tent is a good place to start. They’re spacious and great for any time of the year – cool in summer but warm during winter.
Nowadays, you can even find models with a jack for a camping stove and stay cozy while it’s storming outside.
Pros:
- Great protection against weather elements
- Ample space
- Quite affordable
Cons:
- Must be preseasoned to be waterproof
- A bit difficult to set up
TeePee Tents
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If gorgeous views are not enough, make your outdoor adventure even more exciting by forgetting about the busy city life and immersing yourself in the Wild Wild West. Thematic retreats are guaranteed fun for both kids and adults.
But in the Capitol Reef Resort (pictured), you can enjoy all of that without sacrificing hotel luxuries such as TV and a king bed. That little time you’ll spend resting from exploring the wilderness, you’ll be as comfortable as you are in your own home.
If a Teepee sounds great, but there’s nowhere nearby to book, you may want to consider buying a Teepee Tent yourself.
Pros:
- Suitable for kids
- Access to electricity
- Comfortable sleeping
Cons:
- Booked well in advance
Unique AirBnBs
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From tiki huts to an old locomotive, you can find some pretty insane and unique lodgings. One that I particularly love is the Hobbit house at the Columbia River Gorge (pictured). The iconic Bilbo Baggins’ round doorway is the entrance to a cozy little nook that brings the books to life.
The possibilities are endless. Whether you prefer modern and futuristic rentals or classic and rustic lodgings, there’s something for everyone’s taste and budget. Wherever you are in the US, you can surely find awesome AirBnBs nearby.
Pros:
- Tons of different options available
Cons:
- Usually quite expensive, compared to tent camping
Indoor Camping
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If you’re trying to get your kids into camping, it’s important to take it slow. They should learn the fun stuff first, before being faced with their fears such as bugs or sleeping without a favorite teddy bear.
Pitch a tent at home and fill it with pillows and blankets. Show them the best things about camping, such as making s’mores and singing campfire songs.
Pros:
- Good for first-time campers
- Requires no money
Cons:
- Not outdoors
Rooftop SUV Camping
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If you own a car, then you can go wherever you want. Rooftop tents are great because they keep you above the cold ground. They’re pretty easy to assemble, and take no space in your trunk. The sleeping area is pretty ample, so two people can sleep comfortably. Oh, and the views are amazing from up there!
What’s also great is that nowadays you can find 4-season rooftop tents like the Yakima SkyRise as well. This means you can camp all year round!
Pros:
- Easy set up
- Takes up no storage space
- Mobility
Cons:
- Expensive
Sleeping in Your Car
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If you don’t own a rooftop tent, you can sleep in the car instead. A car proves to be a great shelter when the weather turns bad suddenly. Plus, it’s mobile. You can wake up to a different scenery every day.
To make sleeping more comfortable, use an air mattress and a good winter sleeping bag. The car can get pretty cold at night, so you’ll need it to stay warm.
Pros:
- Easy set up
- Mobility
- Affordable
Cons:
- Can get pretty cold
Cliff Camping
Be wary, this is not for the faint of heart.
Those that are adventurous (and athletic!) can try out their nerves by sleeping on the cliff! That’s right, the Honister Cliff Camping (video above) takes sleeping to a whole new level by letting you sleep on a portaledge 2,000 feet above the ground. Got to admit, the views are spectacular.
Pros:
- Unique experience
- Amazing views
Cons:
- Expensive
- Dangerous
In Conclusion
As you can see, spending time in nature doesn’t have to be monotonous.
There are tons of other sleeping options that you can try and spike up your camping game. So take your pick!