I’ve only been outdoor camping twice in my entire 30-something years of life. Once was a horrifying experience to Girl Scout camp in the 5th grade that required sleeping in a tent full of bugs and leaves, after which I swore I’d never EVER go camping again. Except that I did, 15 years later, with my husband and friends in the NC mountains. And that marked the end of my camping experiences forever.  I’ll spare you the details but trust me, there was nothing fun about it. Please give me a cozy bed, hot shower, a blowdryer and some air-conditioning over a tent in the wilderness any day.
As it turns out for gals like me, there is a new-ish trend called “glamping” (glamorous camping) that lets us high-maintenance ladies enjoy the beauty of the outdoors without actually having to be outdoors. From luxurious cabins and airstreams to pre-pitched tents and teepees, glamping sites are popping up everywhere. Call it a marketing scheme if you want but I’m totally sold on camping as long as it includes one of these getaway spots:
The Cabins at Long Branch
NANTAHALA, NORTH CAROLINA
{photo credit:Â https://www.facebook.com/thecabinsatlongbranch}
The Cabins at Long Branch include two secluded two-bedroom cabins just at the edge of the Nantahala National Forest. Each cabin accommodates up to four guests and includes a beautiful rockg chair back deck, a large great room with vaulted ceilings and fully-furnished kitchen. And if some fishing sounds appealing, there is a trout stream just steps away.
http://www.thecabinsatlongbranch.com/
AIRBNB GLAM TENT
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
{photo credit:Â https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3861615}
If you still want the tent experience but all of the luxuries of a cabin, try this canvas bell tent along the French Broad River. It comes complete with a queen sized bed, luxury bedding and even a daybed for a 3rd person. Breakfast is served tentside each morning with baked goods from the onsite bakery and each tent has a mini fridge, cofee, electricity and a private fire pit. Showers are still outdoors in a private outdoor shower deck, so you still get that authentic camping feel. In addition to the rafting, tubing, and hiking opportunities, the site is located only 15 minutes to downtown Asheville.
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3861615
The Lodges at Eagle Nest
BANNER ELK, NORTH CAROLINA
The Lodges at Eagle Nest are luxury camping at its best. This million-dollar community is located in beautiful Banner Elk, with stunning views, luxury amenties and everything you need for a truly glamorous “camping” experience. Several homes are available to rent and Eagles Nest offers its own vineyards, skiing, fine restaurants, golf and essentially anything your heart desires.
{photo credit:Â http://www.vrbo.com/260138}
Asheville Glamping
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Just 5 miles from downtown Asheville, you’ll find Asheville Glamping, a campsite that boasts the most unique rentals in the city. From luxurious yurts to retro vintage campers, and fully-outfitted Bell Tents and Cabins, Asheville Glamping offers a little something for anyone who wants that true glamping experience. Be sure to check out their website and take a peek at their cute Airstream trailers!
{photo credit:Â https://instagram.com/ashevilleglamping}
http://www.ashevilleglamping.com/
Falling Waters Resort
BRYSON CITY, NORTH CAROLINA
Falling Waters is a mountain resort adjacent to Nantahala Gorge, the premiere white-water rafting and hiking destination in western North Carolina. Stay in a yurt for just $89 a night, outfitted with an outdoor deck, ceiling fan, queen-size bed, refrigerator, stereo, coffee maker, grill, and hammock. If adventure is your middle name, the resort also offers whitewater rafting, ziplining tours, tubing, mountain biking, horseback riding and a spa.
{photo credit:Â https://www.facebook.com/WildwaterRafting}
Arbor Cabins
LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA
Relive your Dirty Dancing fantasies at the Arbor Cabins in Lake Lure. These two-person Appalachian log cabins offer king-sized beds, fireplaces, and kitchens fully stocked with local breakfast goods. Beyond the gorgeous views, you’ll find a beach, marina, shops and dining within walking distance. Now if it only came with your own personal Patrick Swayze.
{photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/Arbor-Cabins-at-Lake-Lure-443177872397933/}
Blue Bear Mountain Camp
TODD, NORTH CAROLINA
Blue Bear Mountain Camp is nestled on 150 acres in the NC mountains (about 10 minutes from Boone) with Teepee, Cabin and RV rentals available. And at 4,000 feet elevation, you can enjoy mild temperatures and cool mountain breezes in addition to the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The camp is full of miles of hiking trails, trout fishing, private bath houses and showers and more.
{photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/bluebearmountain/}
http://www.bluebearmountain.com/
Rivers Edge Treehouse
ROBBINSVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Sleep under a canopy at any of the six treehouses at Rivers Edge on the Cheoah River. The tree canopy that is. Each treehouse has a king memory foam bed with luxury linens and equipped with a mini-fridge, coffee maker, satellite tv and free WiFi. And enjoy your time outdoors in the common area with fire pits, picnic tables, a horseshoe pit, cornhole and a nature trail. They will even provide fishing gear for you!
{photo credit: https://www.facebook.com/riversedgetreehouse}
