Hit the road for destination glamping at any of the luxurious camping spots dotting the state.

By Kate Hull Heidenreich

The Lone Star State’s starry night sky is extra big and bright from the vantage point of the great outdoors. And you don’t have to rough it to fully experience the wide-open spaces of Texas. From the rugged canyons and prairie grasslands of the Panhandle to the rolling hills of Central Texas, and all the way down south where historic wonders and desert backdrops are a visual treat—camp in luxury-style tents, vintage airstreams, or even yurts for a glamping experience that’s an adventure all its own.

Tucked away in the Panhandle Plains, experience the Grand Canyon of Texas at Palo Duro Glamping in the other-worldly Palo Duro Canyon State Park where craggy sedimentary rocks tower to the sky. The second largest canyon in North America welcomes ample hiking, biking and exploring just footsteps from cedar post canvas-covered tents and cabins.

Located just northwest of Dallas, soak up the sun waterside at Paradise Cove at Lake Grapevine, where a private lake experience awaits from the privacy of a luxurious yurt. Drop a line in the lake for a day of fishing or rent a boat and explore the lake. East of Dallas, Canton combines glamping with an extra vintage experience that dates all the way back to the covered wagon days of Texas. Yes, covered wagons! Silver Spur Resort’s Conestoga Wagons are tucked back in the trees and beckon a simpler time, with all the comforts of a luxurious stay.

Along the cliffs of the Pedernales River sits Walden Retreats, a private oasis on 96 acres in the Texas Hill Country celebrated for redefining the outdoor experience. Find rest and respite in the cozy, lavish, private safari-style tents. Explore nearby Fredericksburg wineries or unplug on a float down the Pedernales. Another Hill Country haven that’s second to none, Collective Retreats offers bespoke, charming canvas-style tents that perfectly complement the surrounding Wimberly landscape. Pair a day of adventure with gourmet local cuisine rooted in the outdoor lifestyle.

Marfa is synonymous with all things eclectic, and your camping accommodations should be no different. Set up your home away from home in the high-desert plains inside a cozy tepee, Bushtec tent, or decked-out, throwback trailer. Then explore the town that sets the stage for renowned works of art and adventures out to Big Bend National Park.

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