With 2016 marking the Centennial anniversary of the National Park Service, many travelers are looking to visit at least one park this summer. And while plenty of visitors choose to camp when experiencing the parks, not all vacationers have to rough it to have a memorable, adventurous trip. Travelers that are more interested in fine wine than sleeping bags can take solace in a number of luxury accommodations and outfitters available near the parks that blend upscale amenities with the great outdoors seamlessly. Following are a few of our favorite deluxe options:
- Smith Fork Ranch (Near Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park) — Located on 300 gorgeous acres of Colorado’s Western Slope, Smith Fork Ranch is secluded and intimate, boasting luxurious comfort in rustic cabins, attention-to-detail hospitality, and five-star farm-to-table cuisine blended with authentic western experiences and Rocky Mountain outdoor adventures.
- Moab Under Canvas (Near Arches National Park & Canyonlands National Park) — Located just moments away from the entrance to both Arches and Canyonlands national Parks, Moab Under Canvas features tent and tipi suites with separate bedroom and lounge areas, wood-burning stoves, and ensuite bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot water. The complex’s luxurious tents and tipis offer guests the opportunity to enjoy Utah’s spectacular colorful, geologically-rich desert landscape without giving up the comforts of home.
- Della Terra Mountain Chateau (Near Rocky Mountain National Park) — Located in Estes Park, CO, the basecamp to Rocky Mountain National Park, Della Terra Mountain Chateau is the epitome of elegance in the mountains. Many of the suites include a transparent fireplace that can be enjoyed from both the bedroom and bathroom, as well as a cascading waterfall wall adjacent to a claw-footed bathtub and private terrace with its own hot tub.
- REI Adventures Signature Camping (Available at multiple parks throughout the U.S.) — REI Adventures’ Signature Camps provide guests with extreme comforts such as oversized tents, elevated cots, plush sleeping pads and overhead lighting. A pre-arranged community area with furniture, hammocks, a covered dining area and outdoor games provide nightly entertainment and a gathering spot to share stories from the day, as well as hearty meals that highlighting regional cuisine. There are eight new Signature Camping trips this year, each comprised of a comprehensive itinerary that delves deeper into National Parks than traditional park visits. Bonus: In honor of the Centennial, REI will donate 10 percent of proceeds from their national parks trips to the National Park Foundation.
Tell us, how do you plan to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial this summer?
Campbell Levy : April 23, 2020
