Guide to Glamping in Georgia

Looking for a fun alternative to camping? We’ve highlighted five Georgia locations where you and your family can “glamp” this spring.

By: Lizzy James

If “roughing it” isn’t exactly your idea of a good time, you can still explore the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a hotel. Glamping, or “glamorous camping,” can include staying in yurts, cabins, cottages, teepees, treehouses and so much more. So, if you love nature but hate camping, this guide is for you!

Stay in Luxury on Your Own Private Island at Little Raccoon Key
Little Raccoon Key is a reef island off the coast of Georgia with abundant marine, land and birdlife that make the unspoiled island one-of-a-kind. The best part? The island only accepts one booking at a time, guaranteeing you’ll have the entire island to yourself during your stay. Little Raccoon Key’s luxury- style tents feature accommodations like a memory foam mattress, string lights covering the ceiling, a wood-burning stove, board games and books, as well as fresh towels and toiletries. Your glamping experience also includes a Mini-Dolphin Tour to and from the island, chef-prepared meals upon request, ancient oyster reef lessons and more. LittleRaccoonKey.com

Sleep Under the Stars in a Geodesic Dome at Elatse’Yi Mountain Resort
One of the most unique ways to glamp in Georgia is by sleeping under the stars inside a geodesic dome. Ellijay’s Elatse’Yi Mountain Resort rests on a 6-acre farm surrounded by forests, streams and trails, making it perfect for outdoor adventurers who like to hike, bike, stargaze, paddle and fish. The domes feature a private bathroom, bathtub, and a fantastic outdoor shower. While there, take a picnic out to Carters Lake where you’ll find almost 65 miles of undeveloped shoreline to explore. NorthGeorgiaGlamping.com

Travel Back in Time Inside a Conestoga Wagon at The Rock Ranch
The Rock Ranch, located an hour south of Atlanta, offers families an Oregon Trail experience complete with overnight stays in old-fashioned Conestoga wagons. The 1,500-acre working cattle ranch features eight wagons that hold eight bunk beds each making them perfect for families, youth groups, Scouts, birthdays and more. The fenced campground includes picnic tables, portable toilets, drinking water and fire-building supplies. Although these wagons are three times the size of those originally used by pioneers, they still give campers a taste of what it was like to be home on the range. TheRockRanch.com

Spend the Night in a Yurt at Stone Mountain
Yurts have caught on as a popular alternative to camping and are perfect for outdoor lovers looking for a different kind of adventure. Yurts fall somewhere between tents and cottages and are often made out of wood and insulated canvas. Stone Mountain Park’s lakeside yurts feature outside decks, heating and air conditioning, potable water spigots and more. The cozy log-style furniture, queen-size bed, bunk beds, and futon make these yurts a comfortable alternative for campers who want to explore the outdoors without sleeping in a tent. StoneMountainPark.com

Get a Bird’s-Eye View in a Tree House at Banning Mills
Located about 40 minutes southwest of Atlanta, Banning Mills’ tree houses provide a fun lodging experience for those seeking a substitute to ground-floor lodging. Each treehouse features a king-size bed, gas log fireplace, jetted tub for two, private bathroom and shower, and a covered back deck that overlooks the gorge. Rentals also include a home- cooked country breakfast each morning of your stay. Did we mention the tree houses are only accessible by sky bridges? HistoricBanningMills.com