Last Updated on March 30, 2024 by Kristin

camping-no-tent
Photo credit: Kampgrounds of America

These days, many Americans are looking for ways to escape to the Great Outdoors. But you don’t have to be a veteran camper to take part in the hottest vacation trend. Don’t like roughing it? There are plenty of ways to go camping without a tent.

Here are some fabulous ways to go camping this summer, no equipment necessary. Need a way to get closer to Mother Nature? Ask AutoSlash for a quote on a rental car.

Visit National Parks Without Roughing It

Some folks love camping, and others hate it. While most national parks provide an array of lodging, often ranging from lodges to cabins to campsites, chances are that you can find more creature comforts at a hotel just outside the parks. That’s true whether you’re heading to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Yosemite National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park or any other.

Get to Know Kampgrounds of America

Tent camping not your thing? Consider a private log cabin at one of the 500 Kampgrounds of America (KOA) locations in the U.S. You’ve seen the classic yellow KOA sign featured alongside the logos for fast-food restaurants and gas stations before highway exits.

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With amenities like electricity, kitchenettes and TVs in the upscale “deluxe” cabins, you’ll be able to feel right at home while still enjoying direct access to the Great Outdoors. Better yet, most Americans don’t have to venture very far to get to a KOA. There’s a KOA in every state but three: Delaware, Rhode Island and Hawaii.

Go Glamping

If you’ve ever fancied staying in one of those stylish, Instagram-ready bubbles or tepees planted in the middle of insanely gorgeous landscapes, consider glamping. Short for “glamorous camping,” glamping is the perfect way to enjoy nature without sacrificing the luxurious little pleasures of home.

Head over to Glamping Hub to browse more than 30,000 accommodations like treehouses, yurts, Airstreams, stylish bungalows and more. These properties tend to offer an elevated camping experience complete with real beds, comfy chairs and cozy throw blankets to make unwinding extra easy. Price points and amenities vary depending on the location and level of luxury you’re seeking.

Opt for a Vacation Rental

If you want to close to nature but with a home-away-from-home feel, consider renting a rustic cabin, yurt or treehouse in a remote location, such as a lake or mountain. Vacation rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are packed full of unique lodgings that provide unspoiled views of crystal lakes, forest-filled mountains and even desert landscapes.

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Because these properties are typically independently owned by hosts, you’ll be able to take advantage of maximum privacy. Look for bonus perks like access to outdoor sports equipment like kayaks or rowboats, or on-site features like firepits, outdoor grills or hot tubs.

Rent a Campervan

If you’d rather be mobile, consider renting a campervan? We’re not talking about those unwieldy RVs as big as a city block. A campervan is a utility van has been transformed with space-maximizing tricks to allow for moveable vacations. Startups like Escape Campervans and Wicked Campers have made it easier than ever to try out this style of camping for yourself. This is an especially great option for couples or a pair of friends who want some flexibility with their travel plans. The only downside is that these companies tend to operate out of a limited number of cities.

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