Glamping Tents, Luxe Lodges, Sleek Airstreams: Here’s Where to Get Your Nature Fix Now

The best spots to see the great outdoors.

Thomas J. Story

Written by Hugh Garvey and Krista Simmons September 5, 2023

Every year the Sunset Travel Awards honor the best in travel in the West. This year we had over 600 entries across all categories (a record number!). These hotels and campsites are the 2023 winners of the Where to Stay: Best Lodging for Nature Lovers category. Check out the complete list of winners here. For our definitive directory to travel in the West, click here.

Best Lodging for Nature Lovers

Camp V

This classed-up Colorado campsite brings Burning Man to you with a truly unique combination of inspired art, history, architecture, design, recreation, and community-building housed in a combo of cabins, yurts, and converted Airstreams. Located on what was formerly a historic mining town built in 1942, the owners have transformed it into an incredible desert escape.

Hotel Boulderado

Boulderado Sunrise EF (1)_Robin Bouricius Photography.jpg

Surrounded by the majesty of the Rockies in the heart of downtown Boulder, this historic landmark built in 1909 sings of its Victorian heritage and modern mountain style. The decidedly charming hotel is also home to live jazz nights and a speakeasy named License No. 1, given its name for being one of Boulder’s first liquor licenses after local prohibition ended in 1967.

Under Canvas North Yellowstone

Located in one of the most idyllic locations in the West, this National Park– adjacent escape has the Yellowstone River flowing right through it, providing more than a mile of private access to world-class fly fishing. There’s also horseback riding, river floats, hiking tours, and whitewater rafting on offer through their on-site Adventure Concierge.

Ulum

In a category all its own is this new, all-suite resort located just steps from Looking Glass Arch in Moab. It offers a nature-adjacent stay where you truly won’t ever have to leave the property. (Of course, if you do, you’re within reach of the West’s most iconic landscapes for mountain biking, hiking, and canyoneering.) From check-in, it’s next-level glamping luxe, with hot and cold dipping pools, upscale all-day dining, firepits, and a yoga deck.

Washington School House

This stunning converted 1898 schoolhouse in Salt Lake City offers 12 spectacular suites and rooms, a chic ski lounge, personal ski valet, a heated pool, private chef, and 24-hour concierge service. The embodiment of mountain luxury.

Alyeska Resort

You don’t have to fly to Sweden to get a dose of Nordic cozy. This alpine sanctuary in Girdwood, Alaska is just 40 minutes from Anchorage and includes outdoor cold and warm hydrotherapy pools, barrel saunas, massage rooms, a full-service café, and various wellness treatments.

AutoCamp Zion

Zion is one of the most spectacular places in the world, and AutoCamp Zion is its most spectacular place to stay. New this season, this outpost of the acclaimed Airstream chainlet is absolutely worth all the hype.

Dunton River Camp

This southwest Colorado site could hardly be considered camping. Just steps from the Dolores River, the downright luxurious accommodations offer spacious safari-style tents, plus a new bar and lodge where you can cozy up by the fire or play a game of pool.

Marina Riviera

This lakefront lodge in Big Bear is a stylish alpine getaway. Inspired by Viking lodges and decked out with cozy fireplaces, each room oozes with hygge. Bonus: It’s within walking distance of Big Bear Village and within reach of the surrounding wooded wilderness.

SCP Redmond Hotel

Soul, community, and planet (hence SCP) are at the heart of this eco- and benefit-minded hotel brand. Its downtown Redmond, Oregon, outpost is as much stylish sustainable co-working space as it is home base for adventurers looking to explore Smith Rock State Park and the area’s world-class golf resorts, lakes, rivers, and trails.

Gravity Haus Breckenridge

This laid-back, sustainable, pet-friendly ski-in/ski-out hotel at the base of Breckenridge Mountain prioritizes low waste and high style. Indulge in the dry sauna, soaking tubs, or a zero-emission coffee après-ski.

Yonder Escalante

Airstreams, cabins, campsites, a drive-in theater, a pool, and other quirky comforts make this 20-acre resort a one-of-a-kind hospitality experience in southern Utah’s Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument.

Desolation Hotel

Japanese and Scandinavian meet in this serene South Lake Tahoe hotel that combines nature and luxury. Think soaking tubs on private balconies, indoor fireplaces, and kitchenettes with Bertazzoni gas ranges.

Glamping Tents, Luxe Lodges, Sleek Airstreams: Here’s Where to Get Your Nature Fix Now