Unique ways to glamp: Airstreams, cabooses, teepees, and more

“Glam camping” doesn’t have to mean gourmet s’mores hand-roasted for you by an expensive, all-inclusive resort’s butler (although that does sound pretty nice). It can also mean you still get to rough it a bit, making campfires beneath the stars and having a chance to get away from your laptop and those constant work emails—but, you know, with a bed and a bathhouse only a few steps away.

If you’re looking for the glamping experience that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than unique glamping options like the ones below. These camping options use some unexpected things like Airstreams, teepees, and even cabooses to put a one-of-a-kind spin on the concept of cabin camping. Plus, the other amenities that come along with staying at some of these spots (pools, laundry, WiFi) mean you’ll never be without the comforts of home.

Airstreams

Is there anything more awesome than camping out in an Airstream trailer? Airstreams are perfect for anyone who wants to rough it just a bit, but still wants most of the comforts of home. They feature electricity and comfy beds so you don’t have to sleep on the ground. Some (but not all) even come with full bathrooms and partial kitchens.

Emberglow Outdoor Resort in Western North Carolina is a prime example, featuring a lovingly restored 1971 Airstream along with 20 other unique glamping options (including a double-decker British bus!).

Cabooses

Renovated cabooses are an increasingly popular glamping option. These historic railroad cars from train lines like the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe; the Louisville and Nashville; and the Boston and Maine, are revitalized to be pretty swanky inside.

Some can sleep up to six people, and most have at least half-baths included. It’s a totally unique experience that you won’t find in most other places, so take advantage at the Mount Pleasant / Charleston KOA Holiday, the Oregon Dunes KOA Holiday, South Carolina’s Point South / Yemassee KOA Journey, the St Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA, or the Twin Mountain / Mt. Washington KOA Holiday in New Hampshire.

Teepees

Though a teepee may conjure images of camping out in the days before electricity, many glamping teepees come fully equipped. These units come comfortably furnished and usually feature electricity and heat.

Some teepees come with bonus amenities like mini-fridges or porches as well. The Moab RV and Glamping Resort is a fun example that features several luxury teepee options with private lawn areas, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Yurts

Yurts are similar to teepees, but are Mongolian in origin. The round structures were conveniently portable for nomads on the steppes of Central Asia. Yurts almost always come furnished, with skylights, windows, and cable TV, and with electricity, A/C, and heat.

Find them at spots like the Bay Center / Willapa Bay KOA Journey in Washington and Ohio’s Shelby / Mansfield KOA Resort.

El Cosmico is a dark sky campground outside Marfa, TX that features several Yurt glamping options in one of the quirkiest and most unique spots imaginable.

Wall Tents

Also called a Deluxe Tent, glamping tent, canvas tent, or safari tent, wall tents give you the closest feeling of actually camping, minus the setup and plus furniture and electricity. You can find them in places like the San Diego Metro KOA, Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday, and Royal Gorge / Canon City KOA.

Conestoga Wagons

These wild west road vehicles have been transformed into luxury accommodations at campgrounds across the U.S. Glamping wagons like the ones at The Graystone Ranch in Ohio offer a secluded stay amidst 26 private acres of nature. The wagon features a full bathroom, workstation, a comfy queen bed and bunk beds for the kiddos.

By blending tradition with luxury, these unique wagons are growing in popularity all over the country.

Glamping offers the chance to try something unique in the outdoors. Campgrounds, RV parks, and private homesteads are offering these accommodations in increasing number to offer the chance to camp with extra amenities. The beauty of it is that these hosts are often transforming historic items into stays that hearken to the past while still keeping it modern.