Glamping: Reconnecting with Nature (Comfortably)

📍Mill Creek Resort - Mineral, CA

When I stayed at Mill Creek Resort in Mineral (a town just next to Lassen Volcanic National Park and deep in the middle-of-practically-nowhere northern California), I had no clue that I would be hit with a tidal wave of childhood memories of summer camp. The paneled walls, windows open at sunset with the aroma of the trees colliding with whatever we ate for dinner, and crickets intertwining with crackles of fire welcomed me to a time of childlike simplicity that I don’t often find myself revisiting much anymore. There was just something about being in a cabin in adolescence, when your day is filled with outdoor activities and the late evenings were spent staying up late talking about the best parts of the day and swapping stories, often urban legends that pertained to the woods. Decades later, this felt no different. It was like being in a creaky cabin again with friends beckoned you to revert back to your younger self.

Mill Creek spruced up the place with comfortability and amenities to ensure that this was absolutely the adult version of camping, or to use a word that didn’t apply or perhaps didn’t exist in the early 2000’s, glamping. No heat or AC, but not a problem for this part of California in June. Some of the best parts of this resort was the option for a campsite or cabin, weekly outdoor movies, and a (small) laundromat. I didn’t know what to expect from a place so far from much of civilization, but it gave me this nostalgic treasure tucked away in the windy roads of Mineral.

📍Under Canvas Mount Rushmore - Keystone, SD

True glamping at its finest is the sum of Under Canvas. Safari-inspired tents with West Elm furniture and Parachute bedding makes their contribution to glamping as top tier as it gets. The western side of South Dakota is filled with geological wonders and is rich in Indigenous history. Our first stop on this adventure was at the Under Canvas location near Mount Rushmore. One of my most comfortable sleeps happened here along with delicious on-site dining and organic bath products. However, true to the Great Outdoors experience, there is no WiFi!

Assuredly, this is the most expensive option for glamping, but definitely worth doing at least once! Under Canvas has several locations around the U.S. and will often offer deals at the beginning or end of the season. Most offer morning yoga, kids activities, and experience coordinators to ensure you make the best of your time in the Park/area.

📍Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort - Custer, SD

First of all, Custer is amazing. A cute town square, the best State Park I’ve ever been to, and centered in the Black Hills so other places like Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and Crazy Horse are all nearby. Don’t sleep on South Dakota, y’all! Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort housed us in one of their many wedge cabins which offered a king-sized bed, shower, mini kitchen, and all of the essentials. It didn’t flash back childhood memories for me like Mill Creek did, but this was a comfortable stay and the location could not be beat. I’ve learned in places like Custer where there may be a ton of traffic for visitors in their parks, it doesn’t necessarily mean that accommodations are sprawling (another example I’ve seen this in is Redwoods National Park). This time, there was a grocery store nearby so getting, making, and storing food was one less thing to plan for.

Places like Buffalo Ridge are especially convenient when you’re traveling alone or in my case here in South Dakota, with one other woman where safety was a priority. Having a door to lock and privacy while in more remote areas are of the utmost importance and this definitely provided that. I wouldn’t be surprised if more camping/glamping resorts like this pop up as they offer a healthy middle on experiencing the outdoors with some added layers of protection and provisions.

📍Postcard Cabins (FKA: Getaway Cabins) - Celina, TN

Postcard Cabins (formerly known as Getaway Cabins) is one of the best glamping experiences I’ve had. Just under a 2 hour drive from Nashville, the Dale Hollow location is pristinely tucked away from all city sounds. Offering queen or bunk queen beds, hot shower, stove, AC/heat, mini fridge, pots, pans, dishware, picnic table, and so on, you’re all set for a relaxing stay in the woods with everything you’d need. They also offer firewood, snack boxes, and more in case you need it! While there are several other cabins around, there’s a decent distant between each so you feel secluded without feeling totally alone. I’ve stayed here twice and both times were so peaceful and gave much-needed reprieve.

I recommend this place the most to my local Nashville pals as it’s a nice getaway/glamp/staycation without leaving the state or dropping top dollar. Being able to get away but still have what you need provided already is a huge plus for me when traveling. While I feel fondly about my memories tent-camping with my family and friends when I was younger, I feel no shame in saying that it’s really convenient and often preferred to have places like this where don’t have to think worst-case scenario for weather, safety, clean water, etc. There are several Postcard locations across the U.S. and I definitely recommend if you’re balling on a budget.