June is both National Camping Month across the United States and an ideal time of year to plan a camping trip to Arizona’s many amazing state and national parks and recreation areas. The great news is that camping in the Grand Canyon State lends itself to everyone – you don’t even have to “rough it” to experience the great outdoors in Arizona.
Several campgrounds, outfitters, tribal lands and even wine regions offer various glamping options for those who are ready to experience all the fun of the outdoors while enjoying all the comforts of staying indoors! “Arizona is an amazing destination for outdoor adventure, camping and especially glamping,” says Lisa Urias, Director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “There are so many options for immersing yourself in nature to the level that is most comfortable to you. You really have to try it!”
Whether you want a view of mountains, white-water rivers, pine forests or red-rock buttes, the only real challenge of Arizona glamping is choosing your level of luxurious lodging for the night. Here are a few options from Arizona Office of Tourism to help plan your next glamping excursion in Arizona.
Backland Glamping Resort
Williams
Backland Glamping Resort recently opened up on 160 acres of Kaibab National Forest, about 25 minutes outside of Williams. What makes this resort special is its custom-designed glamping tents and tented suites, each which offers panoramic windows, full bathrooms, luxury beds and automatic climate control. There’s even a spa tent. It’s likely that the goal here is to make guests forget they’re camping at all, while still remaining immersed in nature.
On-site amenities include a restaurant, pond with beach, hiking trails, yoga, stargazing and, perhaps the most important task – concluding each night making complimentary s’mores at the firepit.
With the summer highs averaging comfortably in the 80s, Backland is a great getaway to beat the summer desert heat while glamping in Arizona. For more information, visit www.travelbackland.com.
Shash Dine’ Eco-Retreat
Page
The Shash Dine’ Eco-Retreat offers visitors a unique way to experience the tribal lands and culture of the Navajo Nation. Some consider this eco-friendly destination a “5 billion-star” hotel, because it provides many options to stay overnight under some of the darkest skies in the state, 15 minutes outside of Page.
The choose-your-own accommodations include canvas bell tents, sheepherder wagons and traditional Navajo hogans. Each is outfitted with modern glamping comforts including plush bedding, solar lights, fresh water, juice, snacks and even games for the family.
Plus, its spectacular location offers a five-minute hike up a nearby ridge for views of the Colorado River. And it’s a great starting point for tours of Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and Vermillion Cliffs. For more information, visit www.shashdine.com.
Raven’s Nest Nature Sanctuary
Patagonia
Nestled in a mesquite bosque near Patagonia Lake in Southern Arizona, Raven’s Nest operates two secluded glamping sites at its eco-friendly retreat. At each site, comfort is the top priority. African-style safari canvas tents atop wooden platforms are outfitted with rustic furnishings, fans in the summer (heaters and electric blankets in the winter) and an outdoor shower. Flaps at both ends are equipped with screen doors, allowing fresh airflow, and comfort comes in the form of adjustable, queen-size Sleep Number air mattresses and private en-suite bathrooms.
To keep guests entertained, Raven’s Way Wild Journeys hosts bird-watching excursions, astronomy programs, biodiversity tours, botanical walks, wilderness survival workshops and more. For more information, visit ravensnatureschool.com.
Rhumb Line Vineyard & Lavender Farm
Willcox
For an out-of-the-box option for glamping in Arizona, Rhumb Line Vineyard & Lavender Farm is in the absolute heart of wine-growing country in Southeastern Arizona near Willcox. Guests here are invited to tour the vineyard and then stay the night at one of the on-site Quonset Huts.
Despite the name, these “huts” offer arched walls and ceilings, polished concrete floors and a private patio. A full 16 feet of glass at the end of each hut allows for relaxing and enjoying the vineyard and mountain views. Rhumb Line joins many of Southern Arizona’s vineyards and wineries which have started adding overnight accommodations right on their properties.
While here, visitors are minutes away from the great variety of wine-tasting rooms in Willcox and just 45 minutes from the always-amazing Chiricahua National Monument. For more information, visit rhumblinevineyard.com.
The Cozy Peach at Schnepf Farms
Queen Creek
The 300-acre organic farm and orchard boasts 10 vintage trailers – including four Airstreams – that mix retro (8-track sound systems) with modern amenities (flat-screen TVs) for a fun, kitchy glamping in Arizona experience.
Spend the day riding the farm’s bicycles to the onsite U-pick produce and flower gardens, or walk to nearby Queen Creek Olive Mill. At night, roast marshmallows at a private fire pit before retiring to beds with five-star quality bedding, down comforters and feather pillows.
The Cozy Peach also offers “trailer service,” where guests can order farm-fresh breakfast or lunch, including – one hopes – Schnepf Farm’s famous peach cinnamon rolls. For more information, visit schnepffarms.com.
Featured image credit: Backland Glamping Resort, Candancelynn Photography