Texas offers some of the most diverse landscapes in America, from rolling hills to desert vistas to pine forests to coastal retreats. Since the days of the great cattle drives, Texans have enjoyed sleeping under the stars at night.
“Roughing it” in a sleeping bag in a tent is not for everyone, however, but fortunately Texas has plenty of “glamping” options for those who want to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing comfort.
“The popularity of the word, a portmanteau of “glamour” and “camping,” can be traced back to an article in the Guardian, in 2005, though luxury camping stretches back to Ottoman tents in the Middle Ages,” explains Sarah Hepola in Texas Monthly. “Glamping has exploded over the past decade, with yurts, renovated Airstreams, and geodesic domes popping up across the state and the country.”
Some call it the “The Great Glampification of Texas!” Here's your guide to the best glamping destinations across the Lone Star State:
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours (Spicewood)
What makes it special: Sleep among the treetops in custom-built treehouses suspended 35 feet above ground.
Amenities: Queen-sized beds, climate control, private bathrooms (some with waterfall showers), and zipline tours available.
Best time to visit: Spring for wildflower season or fall for cooler temperatures.
Price range: $300-500 per night.
Nearby attractions: Lake Travis, wineries, and swimming holes.
The Collective Hill Country (Wimberley)
What makes it special: Luxury safari-style tents with stunning Hill Country views and access to the famous Blue Bonnet River.
Amenities: King beds with premium linens, en-suite bathrooms, private decks, and a communal lodge with farm-to-table dining.
Best time to visit: March-May for wildflowers or October for perfect weather.
Price range: $250-400 per night.
Nearby attractions: Jacob's Well, Wimberley Square shopping, Blue Hole Regional Park.
What makes it special: Spacious yurts with private hot tubs nestled in oak groves in the heart of the Hill Country.
Amenities: Full kitchens, climate control, outdoor showers, fire pits, and panoramic windows.
Best time to visit: Year-round but fall offers the most comfortable temperatures.
Price range: $200-350 per night.
Nearby attractions: Blanco River, local wineries, and Blue Hole Regional Park.
Lucky Arrow Retreat (Dripping Springs)
What makes it special: Unique collection of yurts, cabins, and converted Airstreams in the "Gateway to Hill Country".
Amenities: Swimming pool, outdoor games, beer garden, fire pits, modern bathrooms, and high-end linens.
Best time to visit: Year-round, with spring offering spectacular wildflower displays.
Price range: $180-400 per night.
Nearby attractions: Numerous craft breweries and distilleries, Hamilton Pool, and Pedernales Falls State Park.
Talula Mesa Glamping Resort (Marble Falls)
What makes it special: Luxury camping on a 10-acre hilltop property with panoramic lake views.
Amenities: Luxury canvas tents, premium bedding, outdoor kitchens, private fire pits, and a community pool.
Best time to visit: Spring for wildflowers or fall for pleasant temperatures.
Price range: $225-375 per night.
Nearby attractions: Lake Marble Falls, Highland Lakes, and Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
Camposanto ATX Glamping (Austin)
What makes it special: Urban glamping experience with bohemian-chic accommodations minutes from downtown Austin.
Amenities: Fully furnished bell tents, air conditioning, community kitchen, outdoor lounge spaces, and hammocks.
Best time to visit: October-May to avoid the intense summer heat.
Price range: $150-250 per night.
Nearby attractions: Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake, and Barton Springs Pool.
Lone Star Glamp Inn (Round Top)
What makes it special: Eclectic collection of converted vintage trailers and unique structures in the famous antiquing town.
Amenities: Retro-chic décor, private patios, outdoor kitchens, and communal areas with games.
Best time to visit: During the Round Top Antiques Fair (spring and fall) for the complete experience.
Price range: $150-300 per night.
Nearby attractions: Round Top Antiques Fair, local boutiques, Royers Pie Haven, and Festival Hill.
What makes it special: Bohemian retreat featuring renovated vintage trailers, safari tents, and Mongolian yurts in the artistic desert town of Marfa.
Amenities: Outdoor kitchens, wood-fired hot tubs, hammock grove, and communal spaces.
Best time to visit: Spring or fall to avoid extreme temperatures.
Price range: $85-200 per night.
Nearby attractions: Marfa art installations, McDonald Observatory, and Big Bend National Park.
What makes it special: Transparent bubble tents offering unobstructed views of the starry desert sky near Big Bend.
Amenities: Climate-controlled bubbles, outdoor showers, private patios, telescope access.
Best time to visit: October-April for ideal temperatures and stargazing.
Price range: $180-300 per night.
Nearby attractions: Big Bend National Park, Ghost Town, and river rafting on the Rio Grande.
Tin Valley Retro Rentals (Terlingua)
What makes it special: Eclectic collection of repurposed vintage items turned into unique accommodation, including an airplane fuselage and retro buses.
Amenities: Off-grid experience, outdoor cooking areas, composting toilets, and mountain views.
Best time to visit: October-April when desert temperatures are mild.
Price range: $85-175 per night.
Nearby attractions: Big Bend National Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, and Starlight Theatre Restaurant.
Palo Duro Canyon State Park Cabins (Canyon)
What makes it special: Rustic cabins perched on the rim of the "Grand Canyon of Texas," offering breathtaking views of the second-largest canyon in the United States.
Amenities: Climate-controlled cabins, microwave, mini-fridge, outdoor grills, private porches with canyon views, and access to park amenities.
Best time to visit: April-June or September-October to avoid extreme temperatures.
Price range: $110-160 per night.
Nearby attractions: Hiking trails, horseback riding, zip-lining, outdoor musical TEXAS, and Amarillo attractions.
Cameron Ranch Glamping (Coldspring)
What makes it special: Secluded glamping destination nestled in the East Texas pines near Lake Livingston.
Amenities: Renovated vintage trailers, bell tents, communal fire pit, outdoor games, and fishing equipment.
Best time to visit: March-May or September-November for ideal temperatures.
Price range: $125-275 per night.
Nearby attractions: Lake Livingston, Sam Houston National Forest, and hiking trails.
Be prepared for your glamping adventure by bringing:
All seasons: Sunscreen, insect repellent, camera, reusable water bottle.
Summer: Light clothing, swimwear, wide-brimmed hats, and cooling towels.
Winter: Layers for temperature fluctuations and a warm jacket for evening stargazing.
Spring/Fall: Light jacket, comfortable hiking shoes, and allergy medication (for spring).
You will find glamping options year-round in Texas, but some seasons may be more enjoyable than others:
Spring (March-May): Wildflower season, pleasant temperatures, potential for thunderstorms.
Summer (June-August): Hot temperatures, perfect for water-adjacent locations.
Fall (September-November): Ideal weather, autumn foliage in East Texas, fewer crowds.
Winter (December-February): Lower rates, fewer visitors, cooler temperatures (pack accordingly).
To ensure success on your glamping trip remember to:
Whether you're seeking solitude among the pines, a romantic retreat in the Hill Country, or an artistic desert escape, Texas offers glamping experiences to satisfy every traveler's desire for a comfortable adventure.
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by season, day of the week, and special events.