7+ Glamping Destinations


By DullesMoms, Mar 2016

For those not quite ready to commit to a full-fledged camping trip, Glamorous Camping, aka “Glamping,” is the ideal mix of both traditional camping with a lovely taste of luxury! Check out the list below and get ready to “glamp up” your family’s camping trip.


Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Castaway Caboose
Elkin, WV

Take a different kind of weekend trip with a round-trip one-, two-, or three-night train ride on the Durbin Rocket, a rare, century-old steam locomotive that will transport you from the modern world to the secluded wilderness along the beautiful Greenbrier River. Open and closed cars allow free movement throughout the train, which is the perfect way to explore the most remote regions of West Virginia. At refueling stops, passengers will get to see coal being shoveled into Durbin Rocket’s tender and watch as the train takes in water at a watering hole.

Accommodations include your stay in the Castaway Caboose, a refurbished Wabash railroad caboose suite pulled by the Durbin Rocket. Each Castaway Caboose holds up to six adults and includes a refrigerator, range, heat, linens, towels, utensils, DVD player, a full-size shower, restroom, and other amenities such as complimentary coffee, hot cocoa, and tea.

Rates fluctuate, and paid reservations are required. Rides typically occur from April through October, but it is recommended to visit the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad website for current dates, pricing, and station on-/off-loading information.


Algonkian Regional Park
Sterling, VA

You don’t have to venture far to enjoy the great outdoors — treat yourself to a scenic staycation at Algonkian Regional Park! This tucked-away destination offers a vast expanse of gorgeous park grounds and trails along the Potomac River, as well as riverfront cottages with a host of amenities. Their 12 cottages range in size from two- to five-bedrooms and accommodate up to 10 guests. Each cottage is equipped with a private kitchen, a private parking area, and a scenic deck situated right on the river. Deluxe models include hot tubs and gas fireplaces. Rental rates vary depending on the cottage and season.

A range of activities will keep everyone in the family entertained. Golf enthusiasts can try out the challenging championship golf courses, while younger participants can try their hand at 18-hole mini-golf. During summer months, Volcano Island Waterpark promises all-day fun with numerous water slides, a splash pad, a large pool, and a 500-gallon dump bucket. Cottage guests are entitled to discounted golf fees at Algonkian and Brambleton Golf Courses, as well as priority tee times and free use of the waterpark and mini-golf course.

One of the biggest draws of the park is the proximity to the Potomac River. A large boat ramp allows easy access for boaters and kayakers looking to explore one of the largest waterways on the Atlantic Coast. Those fishing along the banks can expect to catch Bass, Muskellunge, Pike, or Walleye. Nature lovers will especially love venturing along Gabrielson Trail, which contributes a 12-mile segment to the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail and links to other nearby trails, including one leading to Great Falls National Park.


Massanutten Springs
Various locations in Luray, VA

Spend the day hiking the Shenandoah National Park trails or tubing the Shenandoah River, and cap it off with a unique stay at one of Massanutten Springs’s many housing options. For the ultimate ambiance and amenities, consider the 1850s Massanutten Springs Retreat, a restored log cabin with a wood-burning stove fireplace and a private deck with a hot tub. Or, there’s the historic 1947 Rock Tavern Retreat, which features original hand-laid stone accents and a modern home theater with recliners.

For an unforgettable camping memory that allows you to experience nature while still enjoying basic comforts, try a stay in one of the property’s three yurts at Rock Tavern River Kamp — a four-season camping retreat. Guests will experience sleeping in the round in these enclosed shelters situated on the gorgeous wooded campsites. Each yurt is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee pot, toaster, bedding, propane gas grill, and picnic table. Rates for cabins and yurts vary. To inquire, visit the Massanutten Springs availability calendar and rates pages.

Nearby activities abound and are all located just minutes from the grounds. In addition to the stunning trails, waterfalls, and infamous Skyline Drive at Shenandoah National Park, George Washington Forest features nearly 2,000 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists, and those using ATVs. Equipment rentals and guided day fishing, canoeing/kayaking, and tubing trips are available through nearby Shenandoah River Outfitters. Adventure seekers will love the Blue Ridge Skydiving offerings and Valley Ballooning expeditions.


Deep Creek Lake State Park
Swanton, MD

Deep Creek Lake State Park features Maryland’s largest man-made lake and offers opportunities to camp, fish, swim, and launch your boat in Garrett County. Popular picnic areas offer views of the lake and beach areas, including approximately one mile of shoreline. The park’s Discovery Center showcases hands-on exhibits for families to learn about Western Maryland wildlife, culture, and historical heritage that has turned the former logging and coal mining region into a popular modern-day vacation destination.

For a more immersive nature experience, consider some of the interpretive programs like evening campfire programs, talks, and hikes led by a park naturalist, available at various times throughout the year, as well as by special request. Meadow Mountain has many hiking trails ranging from moderate to difficult.

If you want to extend your time at Deep Creek Lake, the park has two mini cabins available that can accommodate up to six people, are heated and equipped with two sets of bunk beds and one double bed, and come with a grill and picnic table for outdoor eating.

The park also offers an overnight stay in its one-yurt structure built off the ground and accommodates six people. The yurt holds two bunk beds and one queen bed, a small table with six chairs, and has a light and electric heat. Outside is a lantern holder, a grill, and a picnic table.

If you’re interested in outdoor living, several tent site areas are also available for overnight camping. Rates for each option varies; check the online calendar to schedule an upcoming stay.


Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park
Williamsport, MD

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, a campground network focused on providing great family vacations, is the ultimate adventure destination to let your inner child run free. While amenities and activities vary from park to park, you’ll find a range of offerings sure to please everyone in the family. Even better, almost everything is included in your stay, which means you’ll get more for your money.

Offering a range of lodging options, including tent camping, RV camping, or cabin rentals, many Jellystone Park campgrounds provide camping near National Parks. For example, you can explore Luray Caverns and the Natural Bridge/James River near the Luray and Natural Bridge, VA locations.

Every park has a pool, and many locations have splash parks, waterslides, or lakes. Resort-style amenities include sports, jumping pillows, or mini-golf, which encourages the whole family to get out and be active! A variety of recreation programs includes daily activities such as arts and crafts, games, and wagon rides. Plus, you can introduce your kids to some of your favorite childhood cartoon characters — guest appearances by Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Cindy Bear, and Ranger Smith are frequent. There’s even an option to have Yogi Bear himself read your children a bedtime story!}

Virginia locations include Emporia, Natural Bridge, Luray, and Hayes. There is a Maryland location in the Williamsport/Hagerstown area. Rates and fees for stays and activities can be found on the Jellystone Park website.


Kampgrounds of America
Williamsburg, VA

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is the world’s largest privately held campground with hundreds of locations throughout the United States and Canada. The Williamsburg/Busch Gardens KOA is located in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and is just minutes from some of the best colonial sites and theme parks in Virginia!

The 180-acre campgrounds and nature trails are perfect for exploring on foot or bike, available for rent. Additional campground amenities include a heated pool, snack bar, pavilion, propane, and firewood. Kids will enjoy the many activities available, including gem mining, geocaching, jumping pillows, and a splash pad. Or try some of the popular roller coasters and rides at nearby, top-rated theme parks: Busch Gardens and Water Country USA.

If you want to explore the great outdoors but still enjoy the comforts of home, consider renting one of the Deluxe Cabins. Sizing and accommodations vary, but each cabin is equipped with Wi-Fi, cable television, a partial kitchen, and Rugged Comfort signature sleep systems and linens. Classic Cabins do not come with kitchens, and you will need to bring your own linens. Other overnight options include RV camping sites, tent camping sites, bunkhouse barracks, and rustic yurts.

Visit the KOA website for pricing and an online Vacation Planner to start planning your Williamsburg, VA, stay.


Disclaimer: Events/opportunities are curated from public sources and are subject to changes/cancelations that might not be reflected on DullesMoms.com.

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