The desire for untamed beauty without sacrificing comfort is pushing the glamping market to grow 12.8% by 2030, as backcountry glamping drives demand. These stays strike a balance, offering remote, scenic settings paired with five-star details such as real mattresses, wine fridges and hot showers. That mix of wilderness and luxury is leading more travelers to trade crowded resorts for off-grid escapes with a personal touch.
The contrast is part of the appeal: you’re in the middle of nowhere, yet everything feels intentionally curated. Here’s how backcountry glamping delivers more than relaxation, and why it quietly reshapes how people experience the outdoors.
Why backcountry glamping?
Across the United States, glamping accommodations are redefining outdoor getaways with a strong focus on comfort, design and privacy. Travelers can now stay in restored Airstreams, hand-built yurts or even glass-fronted cabins set deep in national forests or on sprawling private ranches. And they’re not just anywhere, because around 51% of glamping sites are located near U.S. state parks, while 33% sit adjacent to national parks.
What sets these escapes apart from traditional camping is how they fuse remote, scenic locations with elevated comfort: plush bedding, design-forward furnishings, hot water and climate control all come standard. It’s not just a place to sleep, but a full-sensory experience that brings modern ease to untamed landscapes, making backcountry glamping the summer flex you didn’t know you needed.
Smart amenities, low footprint
While backcountry glamping brings comfort, it also often comes with a conscience, with 83% of travelers caring about traveling sustainably. That shift in values is shaping the glamping experience itself, as hospitality brands roll out eco-minded upgrades, from off-grid solar systems and composting toilets to the use of reclaimed wood, recycled textiles and biodegradable toiletries.
These changes reflect a broader trend: comfort and sustainability no longer exist at odds, and backcountry glamping shows how both can thrive. The U.S. green building materials market dominated North America with the largest revenue in 2024, further signaling a shift toward environmentally conscious design across industries, including hospitality.
Many sites are built with low-impact materials like bamboo, reclaimed timber, cork insulation and recycled steel, which reflect a growing preference for eco-conscious construction. At Mendocino Grove in California, you’ll find tent cabins crafted with sustainably harvested wood and thoughtfully sourced materials designed to minimize impact. Meanwhile, AutoCamp features Airstream accommodations constructed from aluminum, paired with energy-efficient systems and native landscaping.
These thoughtful details show how design and sustainability can go hand in hand, even in the most remote settings. So yes, guests can sip wine from a fridge while knowing their stay treads lightly on the land. It’s thoughtful luxury that feels as good as it looks.
The freedom to explore
One of the biggest draws of backcountry glamping is how it opens up the outdoors without requiring guests to give up comfort. You might wake up to sunrise over the Blue Ridge Mountains or the call of loons by a remote lake in Northern Minnesota, without ever rolling up a sleeping bag or boiling water over a camp stove.
Many glamping sites offer curated experiences like guided foraging walks, stand-up paddleboarding, horseback riding through open valleys or private stargazing with zero light pollution. Some locations even have local naturalists or yoga instructors to lead on-site sessions. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of trip, but with luxury, intention and ease as the default setting.
How to pick a site
Choosing an outdoor escape isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s about finding the right balance between comfort, setting and experience. Here’s what to consider for an unforgettable backcountry stay.
Assess your comfort priorities
Not all glamping is created equal, and knowing your non-negotiables helps narrow it down. Are you okay with a shared bathhouse, or do you need a private en-suite with hot water? Some sites go full luxury with memory-foam beds, Turkish towels and Nespresso machines, while others offer simpler setups that still feel cozy.
It’s also worth checking if there’s electricity, Wi-Fi or heating and cooling, depending on the season. Being aware of what comfort means to you can help avoid surprises once you’re deep in the woods.
Align the atmosphere with your travel style
The experience can vary wildly. Some glamping sites embrace a digital detox vibe, complete with lantern-lit paths, no Wi-Fi and an invitation to reconnect with nature without distractions. Others lean into luxury, resembling boutique hotels under canvas, with temperature control, high-end linens, curated decor and concierge-style service.
If you’re after total peace, seek out spots like Firelight Camps. Their mission is rooted in the timeless tradition of gathering around a campfire and sleeping under the stars. An invitation to unplug, reconnect with nature and rediscover a sense of childlike wonder.
Another option with a unique philosophy is Huttopia, which transforms camping into an art of living, blending rustic charm with modern comfort. With locations across the U.S. and Canada, their ready-to-camp lodgings are thoughtfully designed and nestled in some of the areas’ most awe-inspiring landscapes. These sites offer family-friendly layouts, forest trails and nature-based activities that make unplugging feel effortless.
The backcountry glamping checklist
Not all glamping sites come with the same perks, so having a mental checklist helps. Whether you’re a light sleeper, a sunset chaser or a sustainability buff, knowing what to look for can turn a decent stay into an unforgettable one.
Sleep upgrades that matter
A good night’s sleep makes or breaks any getaway, and glamping doesn’t cut corners here. Most sites offer full-sized beds or memory-foam mattresses, so you’re not waking up with sore hips from a sleeping pad. Add in hotel-quality linens, layered blankets and sometimes even heated mattress pads, and you’ll find yourself looking forward to bedtime.
Thoughtful food and drink storage
Forget soggy coolers and melting ice packs. Today’s glamping sites come equipped with wine fridges, insulated storage or compact outdoor-rated coolers that keep your rosé perfectly chilled. Some even include food prep stations or pantry baskets filled with local treats, which means you can enjoy fireside drinks and snacks without hauling half your kitchen into the woods.
Private space and hygiene
Nobody misses the shared campground bathhouse, and that’s why glamping often includes en-suite bathrooms, hot water and well-maintained shower facilities. Some setups even have rainfall showers or outdoor tubs with a view. Clean, private spaces make it easier to fully relax and feel like you’re at a retreat, not a public park.
Built-in activities and exploration
Adventure is part of the package. Many glamping sites are curated with on-site or nearby experiences like kayaking, hiking, foraging walks or sunrise yoga. Some offer gear rentals, guides b or even workshops led by naturalists. Whether you’re exploring or just watching the stars from a hammock, you’re never short on ways to connect with the outdoors.
The new frontier of outdoor luxury
Backcountry glamping is becoming a benchmark for how modern travelers blend experience with intention. With the U.S. glamping market projected to grow steadily through 2030, the shift is clear: people crave nature, but they also want design, ease and impact that matters. The takeaway? Glamping isn’t just here to stay; it’s reshaping the wilderness weekend entirely.
Zuzana Paar is the creator of Sustainable Life Ideas, a lifestyle blog dedicated to simple, intentional and eco-friendly living. With a global perspective shaped by years abroad, she shares everyday tips, thoughtful routines and creative ways to live more sustainably, without the overwhelm.