5 Reasons Why You Should Glamp at Under Canvas Grand Canyon

This article originally appeared on My Grand Canyon

Short for "glamorous camping," glamping at the Grand Canyon means you can experience nature while sleeping in modern tents equipped with the creature comforts of home. Here are five reasons why you need to make a reservation.

1. Sleep in Luxury Accommodations near the Park

Does falling asleep in luxurious linens in a king-sized bed with the quiet of a pinon and juniper forest and soft crackling of your wood stove sound dreamy? What about sipping gourmet coffee in the morning on your private deck? Welcome to vacation at Under Canvas' Grand Canyon "glampground." Near Valle, Ariz., south of Grand Canyon National Park, it's the kind of place where non-campers find themselves completely enamored with tented living. From the moment you step into the West Elm-curated lobby tent, you realize luxury and the outdoors aren't mutually exclusive. Choose between four different tent types, three of which are equipped with a king-sized mattress, luxury linens, an in-tent flushing toilet and an in-tent private shower equipped with organic EO soap products. If you stay in the more economical Safari tents, choose between a king bed or three twins. The communal bathrooms are steps away. Some tents have a “second bedroom” hive tent next door.

2. Stay Minutes from Popular Tourist Attractions but Away from Crowds

Under Canvas' glamping resort is minutes from Williams, making it easy to check off all the Route 66 tourist attractions on your list. Drive or take an excursion to Grand Canyon Village at the South Rim, filled with museums, visitor centers and glorious overlooks. But first, stop in Tusayan just outside the park’s south entrance to watch the IMAX movie, “The Grand Canyon: Hidden Secrets,” get your park passes and learn about the shuttle system and ranger tours. The national park is a popular tourist destination, but once you return to your tent at Under Canvas, you'll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle.

3. Disconnect From Devices and Connect with Friends and Family

Under Canvas is more than a place to rest your head. It's designed to encourage guests to stay off their phones and share experiences in the outdoors with those around them. For instance, there is no WiFi at the camp, an absence which Under Canvas staffers gleefully refer to as an "intentional inconvenience."

Instead, it offers board games, free yoga classes, live music and s'mores in the evening around a community fire pit. "It sets us apart from a standard hotel," says Stephen Nelson, a guest experience manager for Under Canvas. "We like to send people off with lifelong memories." Look for the chalkboard in the lobby tent every day for a list of complimentary on-site activities.

4. Leave Booking Activities to the Concierge Service

You'll avoid hours of research and the hassle of booking daily activities when you work with Under Canvas' guest experience coordinators. With their expert knowledge of the area and a list of vetted guiding companies, they'll help you decide how best to spend your time. They can book everything from horseback riding and helicopter tours to guided hikes and whitewater rafting, either inside the national park or nearby.

5. Avoid Lengthy Restaurant Lines

Forget about battling the crowds for a seat in one of the bustling restaurants in Williams or Grand Canyon Village. At Under Canvas, you can enjoy delicious healthy breakfasts or dinners at the resort's Embers Restaurant. The diverse dinner menu includes the Under Canvas Burger, Pan-Roasted Trout or the Superfood & Quinoa Salad. At breakfast, there's something even the pickiest of eaters from French toast to breakfast burritos. If you're planning on being in the Grand Canyon for the day, visit the lobby tent for a selection of grab n’ go food items available 24/7.

More Information:
Under Canvas(r) Grand Canyon
928-248-8808
Near Valle, Ariz.
www.undercanvas.com/camps/grand-canyon/

For exclusive access to all of our fitness, gear, adventure, and travel stories, plus discounts on trips, events, and gear, sign up for Outside+ today.