Explore Some of Washington's Best Glamp Spots

Get Your Glamp On

Discover alternative lodging options in enchanting spots around the state

written by Corinne Whiting

WITH SO much getting stripped away in recent years, it’s quickly become clear to many that—despite whatever else is going on in the world—escapes into nature benefit the mind, body and soul. Luckily for Pacific Northwest residents and travelers, Washington offers a bounty of alternative accommodations, from decked-out yurts to revamped trailer pods. They can be found in dreamy locations along the rugged coast or nestled into the highest peaks.

“Besides the impacts of the pandemic driving travelers’ desires to be outdoors and identify lodging that is naturally socially distant,” said Corey Weathers, co-founder and chief executive officer of ROAM Beyond, “there has been a movement for a number of years to seek outdoor or open-air experiences and to take part in the unique lodging opportunities that ‘glamping’ provides.” Here are some options for getting rejuvenated in the splendor of the great outdoors.

ROAM Beyond

As a migratory company that changes its locations both with the seasons and to accommodate the most desirable experiences, ROAM Beyond has kept Olympic National Park as a cornerstone of its concept. “After evacuating from wildfires at our River Canyon site in 2020 and launching in Montana outside Glacier National Par, we knew it was just a matter of time before we returned to Washington,” Weathers said. “We are excited to launch new opportunities for experiences around Olympic National Park!”

The team worked with Homegrown Trailers to perfect sustainable, handcrafted mobile dwellings that offer an off-grid experience with a focus on conservation and responsible travel.

The cabins run on solar energy, and each has its own 29-gallon water tank, private shower and cartridge toilet. Small luxuries enhance the stay, like down pillows and comforters, an under-counter fridge and freezer, a two-burner stovetop, plus dual climate-control fans (for summer) and electric space heaters (for winter).

The newest location, situated just outside Olympic National Park, means direct access to nature and countless opportunities for nearby adventure, plus spaces built as a gathering ground for friends and family. While it may be tempting to simply stay put at the inviting site, movement and beauty can be found throughout the surrounding park, along the shores of Ruby Beach or the trails of the mystical Hoh Rainforest.

“With the ability to locate in truly remote and off-the-grid destinations, ROAM Beyond provides guests with incredible comforts in locations inaccessible to traditional lodging providers,” Weathers noted. “Our team supports the entire journey with the goal of helping travelers find their best selves while deepening connections with travel companions, fellow guests and the beautiful soul-stirring surrounds.”

Lakedale

A canvas cabin at Lakedale.

Lisette Wolter-Mckinley/Lakedale

San Juan Island’s Lakedale resort presents 82 acres of tranquil space on which to unwind among the trees and three fresh-water lakes. Located between Roche and Friday harbors, the property has unique accommodations such as cozy log cabins and 225-square-foot canvas cabins that satisfy all cravings for camping with a tinge of luxury. Lakedale’s seven glampworthy yurts are especially enticing in any season, with newly installed heating and cooling systems that add even more year-round comfort.

Highlights of the light-filled, 450-square-foot, luxury yurts include a king-size bed with flannel duvet cover, full-size sleeper sofa, flat-panel TV, wet bar, mini-refrigerator and bathroom. Watching shadows dance across the yurt’s raised roof and sun-dappled walls prove the perfect way to wake up among the towering trees. Then there’s the private wrap-around deck— ideal for an evening BBQ or night stargazing session—complete with hot tub, additional dining table and chairs, Adirondack chairs and grill.

One of Lakedale’s seven yurts in the San Juans that is surrounded by trees and lakes for swimming, canoeing and kayaking.

Jason Hummel Photography/Washington Tourism Alliance

The island can be reached via ferry from Anacortes or float plane from Friday Harbor. The property lends itself to an abundance of outdoor fun— biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, row boating and even SUPing. During spring and summer months, kids also enjoy activities like tie-dying, bird house-building and playing games of giant chess. The resort’s guest experience was recently enhanced with updates to the bathhouse, new outdoor games and improvements to the volleyball court and activities tent. If lucky, guests might enjoy sightings of bald eagles, otters, foxes, deer, owls and trumpeter swans during their stay. Off property, the whole family can enjoy the gems this Pacific Northwest island is best known for—crabbing, farm-to-table dining and whale watching, too.

Guemes Island Resort

Guemes Island Resort just off the coast of Anacortes.

Guemes Island Resort

A small piece of land in western Skagit County, Guemes Island can be reached by taking a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it (five-minute) ferry from Anacortes. First established in 1947, this small, family-run business welcomes guests of all ages and their furry friends, too. Resort manager Jan Neel thinks this “little piece of paradise” is compelling since lodging options range from yurts, located equidistant from a beach stroll or a trail walk through the woods, to historic beachfront cabins.

Amenities include a wood-fired Dutch tub, and guests have access to boats and paddle boards at no extra charge. “We also have a wood-fired sauna for those brave enough to do the polar plunge.” said Neel. “Whale watching season in the area starts in the spring, and we have excellent crabbing right off of our beach beginning mid-July.” With the property’s northeast facing location, Mount Baker remains a focal point of the site’s seasonal splendor.

The lodging ranges from yurts to historic beachfront cabins.

Guemes Island Resort

One rare amenity is the wood-fired Dutch soaking tub.

Guemes Island Resort

“Another pleasure of the resort is that when visiting Guemes, you aren’t one of the many,” Neel said. “You’re one of the few.” The staff is also excited about the Guemes Island General Store bringing back live outdoor music to the island. “From Earth Day to Labor Day, the weekend music is a must!” Neel said.

Rolling Huts

Rolling Huts just outside of Winthrop in the Methow Valley are rustic and wonderful. Each cabin has its own bathroom around back.

Rolling Huts

In Washington’s Methow Valley, the Rolling Huts call to all outdoors lovers, especially hikers, mountain bikers and cross-country skiers. Designed as a modern alternative to camping by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects in Seattle, the huts are grouped as a small herd, which gives them a communal feel. Each structure offers stunning views of the mountains, and are located right off the Methow Trail System, which grants easy access to lengthy bike rides and hikes in the site’s own backyard.

Abby Pattison, co-owner of the huts’ managing company, is working directly with the owner to update and breathe new life into this already amazing place. The experience of the huts? “To be a little closer to nature, with comforts from home,” she said. The setup is quite rustic, she said, and that is exactly the way many adventures prefer it. For example, guests may build their own fires, but without the aid of modern processes. Firewood, kindling and matches are provided for the indoor fireplace, while paper and fire starters are not.

Each hut has its own small refrigerator, microwave, fireplace, wi-fi and a sleeping platform for two (with a memory foam pad and a sheet), plus modular furniture that can be reconfigured to sleep two more. Guests must bring their own sleeping bag or blankets. And while each structure has an adjacent portable toilet, full bathrooms and showers can be found in a barn just a short distance away. This upcoming season will bring two new sauna rooms and updates to the outdoor kitchen area, so that it’s more of an experience, Pattison said. The huts will also get updates, and the property will have new Solo Stoves that can be used before the burn ban goes into effect.

Though winter draws outdoor junkies to the region’s prime ski terrain and the Winthrop ice rink, spring and summer welcomes an abundance of rock climbing, mountaineering and rafting adventures. One of Pattison’s favorite times of year is April and May, when a sea of wildflowers bring brilliant bursts of color and hope to the entire valley.

Washington State Parks

Washington State Parks has a portfolio of its own yurts like this one at Cape Disappointment State Park.

Washington State Parks

The State Parks website also offers year-round draws for those who enjoy camping but prefer to not rough it among the elements. A wide variety of cabins, rustic shelters and yurts offer simple furnishings, as well as electricity and heat. Adventurous folks can explore the entire state. One week they may rent a Cape Disappointment State Park yurt, located inside the 1,882-acre camping park on the Long Beach Peninsula; the next, they may head to a 5,129-foothigh fire lookout, sleeping while perched atop the rocky summit of Quartz Mountain in Mount Spokane State Park. Happy trails, with whichever path you choose!

Adventurous folks can explore the entire state. One week they may rent a Cape Disappointment State Park yurt; the next, they may head to a 5,129-foot-high fire lookout.