Explore the Top Glamping Resorts in New England
Choose between cushy Airstreams, cabins, and tents in this all-American summer vacation destination. Thankfully for anyone who wants to escape into nature this summer without having to sacrifice the comfort of a plush mattress or convenience of an electric coffee machine, New England’s glamping resorts offer fresh-air surroundings as well as those little pleasures, from spa-like bathrooms to fully kitted kitchens. Travelers have their pick of glampsites around the country, but the Northeast’s rugged coastline and serene woods make it a quintessential vacation destination for both longtime and fledgling outdoor enthusiasts.
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From minimalist Airstreams in Cape Cod to bright and breezy canvas tents on Maine’s rocky coast, here are seven of the best places to go glamping in New England.
AutoCamp Cape Cod, Falmouth, Massachusetts
At AutoCamp Cape Cod, the national Airstream hotel chain’s first East Coast outpost, guests can choose between chic Airstreams, safari-style tents, accessible suites, and “X Suites,” the brand’s only brick-and-mortar lodging option. Airstreams and X Suites have queen-size beds, sleeper sofas, and private bathrooms with showers, plus microwaves, mini fridges, and private fire pits with built-in grills for campfire cooking. (Tip: Add a gourmet s’mores kit to your room tab when checking in.)
Guests staying in tents get around-the-clock access to bath facilities in AutoCamp’s modern Clubhouse, which is also home to a boutique stocked with groceries, gifts, cooking supplies, and gear.
On-site activities include complimentary yoga and acoustic concerts around the campfire. Another can’t-miss experience is pedaling along the Shining Sea Bikeway. (You can bring your own bike or borrow one for free.) The 10-mile paved path runs from Falmouth to Woods Hole, right past AutoCamp Cape Cod, as well as wildlife-rich marshes and white-sand beaches.
Under Canvas Acadia, Surry, Maine
Under Canvas Acadia, open only May to October, sits on 100 acres of waterfront land, roughly 20 miles from the state’s popular Acadia National Park and 25 miles from downtown Bar Harbor. Outfitted with West Elm furniture and decorated in light, breezy neutrals, tents span three categories, from the two-person Stargazer to the family-friendly Cadillac Mountain Suite. The latter sleeps up to seven and features king-size beds, a private lounge and deck, and two private bathrooms.
Between Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the resort’s own immediate surroundings, there’s a lot to do, including whale watching, hiking, cycling, and stargazing. To ensure campers don’t miss anything, guest experience coordinators can help curate a customized itinerary, complete with experiences such as guided hikes, a sunset or astronomy cruise, and lobstering—a no-brainer when in Maine. Guests who don’t feel like going far for food can stay on site for campfire cookouts, s’mores, and breakfast and dinner prepared with local ingredients.
Terramor Outdoor Resort, Bar Harbor, Maine
Terramor Outdoor Resort on Mount Desert Island is less than a 10-mile drive from the seaside town of Bar Harbor. Set on 60 acres, Terramor has 64 tents. They’re split into five categories, with options suitable for anyone from solo travelers to families of five (some categories have kid-friendly bunk and twin beds).
To soak up every second of Maine’s glorious summer weather, consider choosing a tent with an outdoor shower. Screened porches, private outdoor fire rings, overhead fans, heaters, and cozy Pendleton blankets make communing with Mother Nature all the more comfy. At the Lodge, Terramor’s hub, guests can grab to-go lunches for long hikes, grill their own meals, or sit down for a dinner featuring Maine-grown ingredients. After watching the sun rise from atop Cadillac Mountain and kayaking in Frenchman Bay, guests can recap every exciting moment while sipping regional craft beers at the Lodge’s bar.
Tops’l Farm, Waldoboro, Maine
Archery, axe throwing, stargazing, barn bingo, and outdoor movie nights are just a few fun ways guests can spend their time at Tops’l Farm, an 83-acre farm and campsite nestled along the Medomak River in leafy Waldoboro, Maine. The farm hosts overnight stays on select “takeover weekends.” Room options include A-frame cabins that are furnished with twin beds and sleep two apiece, as well as a cabin suite featuring a queen-size bed. (For groups seeking complete privacy, you can rent out the whole property, including A-frame cabins, a two-bedroom cottage, and a four-bedroom farmhouse—all while sharing space with the farm’s resident goats, sheep, and chickens.)
Also on the list of can’t-miss activities: canoeing on the Medomak and exploring tidal pools for aquatic creatures. Before hitting the road or hiking trail, head to Moody’s Diner for homemade whoopie pies, donuts, and blueberry muffins, or grab a light breakfast and a picnic made by Tops’l Farm staff.
Getaway Blake Brook, Epsom, New Hampshire
About a 90-minute drive north from Boston, in the woods of Epsom, New Hampshire, travelers can unplug at Getaway Blake Brook, which comprises 42 one- and two-bed cabins. Available year-round, all cabins are heated and air-conditioned, equipped with private bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits with grill grates, and kitchens stocked with cooking tools, grilling utensils, and dishes. (There are no TVs here, and that’s precisely the point.)
The dog-friendly property is an hour’s drive from Lake Winnipesaukee (think swimming, boating, and fishing), but guests can find adventures closer to their cabins as Bear Brook State Park, Northwood Lake, and the Oak Hill hiking trails are all within a 30-minute drive. Nearby, there’s Blasty Bough Brewing Company, which offers an extensive selection of craft beers and hearty comfort food, such as pulled-pork sandwiches and mac and cheese.
Sandy Pines Campground, Kennebunkport, Maine
Kennebunkport is perhaps best known for being home to the Bush family’s compound, but you don’t have to know a former president to relax in the charming coastal town this summer. Visitors can bunk in cozy cottages, safari-style tents, converted Conestoga wagons, Airstreams, Hideaway Huts (A-frames), and more at Sandy Pines Campground. With a heated saltwater pool, a playground, volleyball courts, and a kids’ club, Sandy Pines is a resort-like family-friendly option. Moreover, events like Saturday bingo offer guests a chance to meet fellow campers.
Outdoor activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, lawn games, and biking (with on-site rentals available), and Goose Rocks Beach, widely considered one of New England’s most beautiful, is just a 10-minute bike ride away. The resort’s Grand Lodge features a snack bar (coffee, baked goods, and breakfast sandwiches) plus a general store stocked with essentials (bug spray, snacks, and beverages for the big kids).
Normandy Farms, Foxboro, Massachusetts
Located just a few miles from Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, Normandy Farms is ideal for families looking for easy access to entertainment options. Though the resort’s setting is woodsy, not waterfront, its A-to-Z list of activities includes bocce, cornhole, and disc golf, along with horseshoes, shuffleboard, and softball. There’s also a bike park, an arcade, and a track for racing remote-controlled cars.
Guests can choose among cabins, yurts, pop-up campers, and safari tents (note that minimum stays are required during certain summer periods, and pets are welcome in select units, so check availability). Standard amenities include fireplaces, in-room Keurig machines, hair dryers, and cable TV; however, in many cases, you’ll have to bring your own bed and bath linens.
