Love the feeling of camping but hate wrestling with tents and hauling gear? That doesn’t mean sleeping in the great outdoors is off the table for you! Glamping — a portmanteau of glamour and camping — is the perfect option. It’s camping, but elevated. Glamping is a can’t-miss option for romantic weekend getaways, trips with friends who might be new to the camping experience, or any time you want to reduce the surprises that can complicate a traditional camping excursion.
There are plenty of glamping spots in Idaho that make camping easy. Here’s where you can start planning your next getaway.
Willow Glamping Yurt at City of Rocks National Reserve
City of Rocks is one of the strangest, most awe-inspiring spots in all of Idaho. Wind-carved hoodoos stretch toward the sky, while slot canyons instantly transport you into ancient landscapes. Idaho’s “Silent City” draws waves of rock climbers who are tempted by the many opportunities to reach new heights in the national reserve, as well as hikers, bikers, rockhounds, and folks who appreciate the place’s quiet. The Willow Glamping Yurt caters to them all with a king-size bed and kitchen essentials like a coffee maker, mini-fridge, and microwave. And yes, there are even heaters for those chilly nights! You’ll have to bring your own bedding and the glamping site’s vault toilet is a short walk away, but Willow is a great option for people who want a step above roughing it.
Reservations and more info: https://www.nps.gov/places/willow-glamping-yurt.htm
Moose Creek Ranch in Victor
Ditch the sleeping bags and clumsy tent setups at this forested retreat in Eastern Idaho, located just over the border from Jackson Hole. Moose Creek Ranch’s rustic Glamping Cabins are wood-sided but have canvas ceilings for the perfect hybrid experience. Build a roaring fire (with wood provided by the ranch), read a book on the shady front porch, and cozy up under the covers in your queen-size bed — yep, even the linens are provided! There’s a private bathhouse nearby dedicated to you and your fellow glampers, along with your own set of lanterns, which makes answering those midnight calls from nature much less of an adventure.
The Glamping Cabins at Moose Creek Ranch are also ideal for folks who enjoy winter camping but don’t want to haul gear. The cabins don’t have electric heat, but they do have indoor wood stoves with firewood — and when the mercury plunges, a roaring fire is the greatest luxury of all.
Reservations and more info: https://www.moosecreekranch.com/cabins/idaho-glamping-cabins/
Crystal Peak Lookout in Fernwood
This glamping spot comes with unlimited views. Crystal Peak Lookout started its life as a fire lookout in the 1930s in Washington but was moved to Northern Idaho in the 1950s; after a major restoration in 2018, it embarked on a new chapter as a sky-high glamping site.
When you ascend the cozy, one-room tower, you’ll find yourself immersed in the surrounding forest. Crystal Peak also boasts a sauna — an especially great feature during winter, when the lookout is accessible by snowmobile. Watch the stars on the lookout’s porch, take birding photos from a bird’s eye view, or just surround yourself with the peace that comes from the quiet of a lush North Idaho forest.
Reservations and more info: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/25687274?source_impression_id=p3_1646676389_jb2KQqmXopxsRECy
Sly Owl Ranch Yurt in Garden Valley
Perched in the mountains above the Payette River — a favorite of rafters and kayakers — this spacious yurt can sleep up to five while providing nearly panoramic views of the surrounding forest. Bring your own sleeping bags or bedding for the bunk beds and futon; Sly Owl Ranch will provide drinking water, firewood, and kitchen basics for the propane stove or outdoor grill.
Sly Owl Ranch is accessible year-round and is just over an hour away from Boise and the popular vacation destination McCall is another hour and a half north. That makes it a great base for rafters and day trippers alike.
Reservations and more info: https://www.slyowlranch.com/sly-owl-ranch-yurt
This is just a sampling of the many glamping and camping opportunities throughout scenic Idaho. For even more ideas, download our digital guide to camping in Idaho. You’ll discover the perfect places to stay and play during your upcoming visit.
