Naturally Glamorous
From treetop retreats to safari tents and retro Airstreams, these glamping destinations offer enchanting opportunities
to reconnect with nature—without sacrificing modern amenities.
to reconnect with nature—without sacrificing modern amenities.
Camp Aramoni
Tonica, Illinois camparamoni.com A secluded prairie along the Vermillion River in the Starved Rock wilderness of Illinois sets the stage at Camp Aramoni, where boutique camping is taken to the next level. Offering the best in five-star hotel luxuries and immersive natural experiences, owner Jennifer Bias and her team leave nothing to be desired. “It’s just a beautiful, magical, serene place,” she says, noting the range of wildlife that visit the property, including deer, wild turkeys and eagles. The 11 safari tents, made by Bushtec Safari in South Africa and named for native Illinois wildflowers, are climate controlled and comfortably furnished, and chef-prepared meals, along with gourmet s’mores every evening, are included in your stay. |
The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
Glenmont, Ohio themohicans.net Nestled in the lush forest of Ohio’s Mohican Valley, adventurers will delight in the premier treehouse accommodations at the Mohicans Treehouse Resort. These imaginative spaces in the sky are definitely a step up from camping, says Miguel DeJesus, who works in media relations for the resort. He recommends the Tin Shed, where guests first climb a spiral staircase before crossing a 100-foot swaying suspension bridge that leads to the treehouse. “All of the pieces that make up the Tin Shed are really unique,” he says, adding that the rustic yet contemporary feel, the garage door that opens to a gorgeous view, and the modern amenities all add to the charm. |
The Fields of Michigan
South Haven, Michigan thefieldsofmichigan.com Tucked away on a working blueberry farm near the shores of Lake Michigan, The Fields is a simplistic retreat that boasts elaborate attention to detail, including fully-plumbed canvas field tents, locally sourced Chef’s Dinner, and concierge services personalized for each guest. Irene Wood, who founded the nostalgic resort in 2018, says her version of a perfectly curated getaway includes an onsite massage among the pine trees along the Black River and a sunset sail on the lake with Captain John. “I might throw in a stroll through the field for some berry picking and an afternoon bike ride to town down the Kal-Haven trail,” she adds. Progress Park
Louisville, Kentucky progressparkky.com Surrounded by nature, Progress Park is a hidden gem within the city limits of Louisville. Featuring seven new and vintage Airstream campers from almost every decade (including a unique 1980s “Squarestream” named Pearl), guests can revel in a quintessential, yet comfortable, camping experience. “There’s no roughing it around here,” says co-owner Valerie Pifer of the all-inclusive resort. “Basically, you just need to bring your clothes, food and beach towels and we try to take care of the rest.” For the most impressive accommodations, she recommends Gigi, a 2022 Flying Cloud with all the bells and whistles you can imagine and a swing bed on the large, covered patio. |
Hoosier Glamping
Lapel, Indiana @glampingfun101 on Facebook Escape the confines of home and sleep under the stars wherever you are with Hoosier Glamping, a to-your-door service that sets up posh all-season bell tents right in your own backyard. Owned by Heather and Joel Edwards of Lapel, Indiana and operated along-side teenage daughter Delaney, who is involved in all aspects of the business, Hoosier Glamping brings the pleasures of memory foam mattresses and climatization to the great outdoors. “We customize each experience,” says Heather, adding that the tents are perfect for slumber parties and family campouts, but bachelorette parties and honeymoon suites have become increasingly popular. |
Tiny Urban Escapes
Indianapolis, Indiana tinyurbanescapes.com Still under construction, Tiny Urban Escapes, in the historically Black neighborhood of Haughville near downtown Indianapolis, will be worth a visit when it fully opens next spring. Unprecedented in the Midwest, here upcycled shipping containers are reinvented with designer appeal and sustainability in mind. Large glass panels bring the outside in, and luxury wellness amenities are offered throughout each uniquely themed suite. “Part of the concept of Tiny Urban Escapes is rest and finding balance and relaxation in urban settings,” says founder Robin Staten, hoping the space will be a place of inspiration and rejuvenation for her guests. |