There are plenty of places to pitch a tent in and around New York City—BB’s even rounded up a list of the best camping spots for you. But if roughing it doesn’t sound so appealing to you after living through a pandemic, that’s totally understandable. Still, spending time in nature could just be the restorative experience you (we) all need now more than ever, since plenty of studies have found that it helps boost your mood, alleviate stress, and reduce anxiety.
Luckily, it’s never been easier to enjoy the great outdoors without sacrificing any of the creature comforts of home (which, let’s face it, may prove harder than ever to do after spending the past 15 months there). A number of great glamping spots exist in and around the city.
Unlike state parks or public campsites, these private properties don’t require you to bring your own gear, something that’s beneficial for anyone who lacks the square-footage for storing sleeping bags, tents, and all the other stuff (it’s kinda a lot of stuff) required to sleep outside, even for only a few days.
Intrigued? Read on for five great glamping destinations within a four-hour drive of Brooklyn.
1. Collective Governors Island, NYC
You don’t even need to leave NYC to go glamping. Guests can choose from three types of accommodations: Journey Tents (from $150 per night) are the most basic and feature one queen bed (or two twin beds), shared bathrooms, and complimentary coffee and tea service. Bike rentals, meals, and s’mores kits are also available for purchase.
Meanwhile, Summit Tents (from $500 per night) are equipped with king-sized beds (or two single beds) and en-suite bathrooms. The booking also comes with three square meals per day, gourmet s’mores kits; water, coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and other refreshments; Turkish spa towels and robes; complimentary bike rentals; and personalized concierge services.
Alternatively, splurge on a stay in an Outlet Shelter (from $700 per night). Each is equipped with king-sized beds, custom-designed en-suite bathrooms (complete with soaking tubs!) — plus all of the previously aforementioned amenities.
Collective Governors Island, Governors Island, New York, NY 10004
2. Camp Rockaway, Schuylerville
This waterfront glamping site is situated alongside the Hudson River in Schuylerville (about a 3.5-hour car ride from Brooklyn). Here, you’ll find safari-style canvas tents furnished with queen-sized beds and memory foam mattresses.
Other on-site amenities include fire pits, grill areas, hammocks, shared bathrooms, and a communal tent with lounge chairs. Rates start at $149 and increase to $249 per night depending on the season (and day of the week). Plus, you can add a pup tent for $99.
Don’t feel like driving upstate? The company’s latest outpost is at Fort Tilden. There you can experience all of the above…but at the beach.
Camp Rockaway, Old Champlain Canal Tow Path, Schuylerville, NY 12871
3. Eastwind Hotel & Bar, Windham
Nestled in the Catskill Mountains, about 2.5 hours by car from Brooklyn, this Scandinavian-inspired property offers wooden, A-frame cabins (Lushnas) for guests who want to glamp. The cozy (220-square-foot) accommodations start at $359 per night (three-night minimum required), and come with a queen-sized bed, large, floor-to-ceiling window, plush linens, wifi, and BBQ kits. Private bathrooms are located right outside the cabin.
If that sounds a little too cozy for you, guests can reserve the 400-square-foot Lushna Suite (rates start at $529 per night; three-night minimum), which features a queen-sized bed, separate living space, an en-suite bathroom, and a spacious deck (plus a firepit, hammock, and outdoor shower).
Eastwind Hotel & Bar, 5088 NY-23, Windham, NY 12496
4. Firelight Camps, Ithaca
About four hours from Brooklyn by car, this is the farthest flung glamping site on the list, but it’s well worth the additional car time. It offers two types of tents: King Tents and Double Queen Tents, which sleep up to three and four guests, respectively. Each tent is equipped with a private balcony, while a handful of them offer electric heaters.
Your stay also includes continental breakfast, shared bathroom access, beverages, games and communal activities (think: bocce ball, corn holes, and campfires). Wines, beers, spirits, hot chocolate, and mulled cider are also available, as are locally made snacks and s’mores kits.
Weekday rates range from $189 to $259 (depending on the season), while weekend rates start at $289 per night and require a two-night minimum stay.
Firelight Camps, 1150 Danby Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
5. Cedar Lakes Estate, Port Jervis
This 500-acre Hudson Valley Estate is surrounded by pristine forest, the perfect setting for a tranquil weekend away. Here, the glamping experience is a bit more elevated. The expansive property (a quick two-hour drive from Brooklyn) offers an array of cozy cottages, suites, farmhouses, and guest houses to choose from, making it an excellent choice for those traveling in larger groups.
Sleepy Pine Cottages, the Garden House, the Farmhouse are among the most modern, while the Guest House, Red House, and Blue Bird Cottage offer a more rustic experience. On-site activities and amenities include guided yoga classes, bonfires, hiking, swimming, and more.
Cedar Lakes Estate, 1 Team USA Way, Port Jervis, NY 12771