Summer 2021 Glamping and Camping Ideas

Summer is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, but the type of trip you plan is totally up to you. For example, you could camp in a tent and rough it in nature, or you can "glamp" in total luxury under the stars. As you plan your summer adventures for 2021, consider these glamping ideas and camping destinations around the United States and beyond.

Colorado's YMCA of the Rockies offers camping cabins and a family-friendly lodge along with miles of trails and an endless number of activities. After you book your lodging, you can enjoy axe throwing, biking, hiking, fly fishing and more with your family, and all in a beautiful natural setting in Estes Park, Colorado.

While North Carolina's Outer Banks boasts plenty of beachfront rental homes, you can also camp in this area. For example, there are several campgrounds within Cape Hatteras National Seashore, as well as RV parks and camping resorts with cabins. Many sites in the area are just steps from the beach.

The Napali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii is easily one of the most dramatic and beautiful natural landscapes in the world. Believe it or not, but you can camp within Kalalau Beach at the Napali Coast State Park, although there are some areas that can only be reached if you backpack or take a boat ride in.

Summer is the ideal time to visit Glacier National Park, and you can camp at a number of campgrounds within the park through dates in September. However, camping within Glacier is considered "dry camping," meaning there are no electrical hookups or major amenities provided.

Booking a tiny home in the wilderness may be considered glamping, but you can still get in touch with nature and a change of scenery along the way. Fortunately, you can find a range of tiny homes for rent using websites like GlampingHub.com, Airbnb or even VRBO.com.

Idaho's River Dance Lodge is an adventure resort that lets you camp, glamp or rent a cabin on-site. Activities available include rafting, kayaking, biking, fly fishing, hiking and more. This resort is located along the banks of the Clearwater River in Idaho, where natural beauty abounds and the stars are bright at night.

Kampgrounds of America (KOA) features more than 500 campgrounds throughout the United States and Canada, with many near popular destinations like Yellowstone National Park and Grand Canyon National Park. You can bring an RV or book a tent site, and many KOA locations feature camping cabins.

If you love the idea of RV camping but don't own a recreational vehicle, consider renting one. You can find an array of RVs of all sizes for rent on websites like Outdoorsy.com and RVShare.com, and you may be able to pick up and drop off the RV in your local area.

Desert View Campground lets you enjoy the beauty of Grand Canyon National Park from within, although this "dry camping" area doesn't have any hookups for an RV. You do need advanced reservations to lock in your site at this extremely popular family camping destination.

Indiana Dunes National Park is within easy reach of most major cities within the Midwest, but especially Chicago. The on-site Dunewood Campground is a popular camping spot for people who want to enjoy the beauty of the dunes. This campground has 67 sites total, including sites for RVs as well as tents.

If you want to combine camping with more outdoor activities and fun, consider booking a campground near a theme park the kids will love. For example, you can book a stay at Lake Rudolph Campground and RV Resort in Santa Claus, Indiana and visit Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, which is next door.

If you're looking for a unique camping or glamping experience but you're not entirely sure what you want, check out GlampingHub.com. This website connects campers with an array of private lodging options, from yurts to tiny homes, cozy cabins, luxury tents and campgrounds and more.

All-inclusive dude ranches provide the connection to nature you get with camping, but with more organized activities (like horseback riding, kayaking and hiking) and more comfortable accommodations. Many all-inclusive ranches, including the Ranch at Rock Creek in Montana, offer all-inclusive dining and premium drinks, daily scheduled activities, airport transfers and more for a single rate.

Rocky Neck State Park in Connecticut features a soft sandy beach, picnic and relaxation areas and salt marsh viewing platforms. Families frequently come here to hunt for crabs or fish. This park also offers 160 different camping sites you can book through the season end in September, including some tucked neatly in the woods.

North Carolina's most popular camping spot is Camp Clearwater, and it's easy to see why. This family-friendly campground has its own giant lake, 1,300 feet of white sandy beach, an array of organized activities for families and on-site mini golf. You can book an RV site or hitch a tent here if you prefer, but make sure to book early.

Badlands National Park in South Dakota offers an array of stunning wildlife, from bison to coyotes and bighorn sheep. There are a variety of campgrounds within the park, including the Cedar Pass Campground, which boasts sites with RV hook-ups. Sage Creek Campground is another campground that's free and open on a first come, first serve basis.

Glamping.com is another website you can use to discover new camping ideas near your home or abroad. From Montana to Thailand, this website features hand-selected glamping destinations and properties geared to campers who want a unique luxury experience they can't find anywhere else.

Under Canvas is a luxury camping brand that offers unique glamping experiences in destinations like Moab, Yellowstone, Glacier National Park and more. Their luxury tents feature high-end bedding and wood-burning stoves, and some have private bathroom facilities. The camping resorts also have organized activities, dining options and bookable tours to make your trip more comfortable and convenient.