Western NC glamping spot voted No. 1 in the US for 2024: Here's why it's the best
Sky Ridge Yurts, located in Bryson City, North Carolina, topped the 10Best Readers' Choice list for glamping this year in voting by USA TODAY readers.
The glamping location has eight distinct structures available for guests to book. 10Best praised its three-person Santeelah and six-person Fontana yurt options, each equipped with cooking areas, full baths, heating and air conditioning. The company also offers massage, photoshoots, local wine baskets and more.
These amenities place Sky Ridge Yurts in a different category than a regular camping experience; But what exactly qualifies a lodging option as "glamping"? Here's what to know about glamping, the 10Best choices and some options in the WNC area to check out this summer season.
More: Taking a road trip? These Western NC places voted among top 10 in US to stay. What to know.
Why is it called glamping?
The idea behind the funny name is a combination of "glamour" and "camping," a one-word explanation of the entire practice.
What does it mean to go glamping?
Glamping.com, a website devoted to the practice, says glamping is where "stunning nature meets modern luxury." Essentially, glamping is intended to combine authentic experiences of the natural world without giving up as many "creature comforts" as you might on a traditional camping trip.
The website categorizes its locations with the following list of options:
Airstreams and trailers
Barns and farmhouses
Cabins
Cubes and pods
Domes
Huts and cottages
Lodges
Luxury lodges
Tents (generally with some enhancements)
Teepees
Treehouses
Wagons and shepherd huts
Yurts
More: 7 Cutest Small Towns in NC: How many are in the Asheville, Western NC area? What to know.
Glamping in NC; Western NC glamping locations
It's no surprise that Sky Ridge Yurts made it to the top of this year's list. In fact, WNC is something of a glamping hotspot. From quirky boutique hotels to the riverside Airstream trailers that made a separate 10Best list, there's no shortage of options in the area.
Here are a few:
Pisgah Glamping at Lake Powhatan - Asheville: Glamping tents
Bel Air hotel - Asheville: Luxury domes and pods
Asheville Glamping - Asheville: Domes, treehouse and bell tent
Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins - Asheville: Tiny A-frame cabins, riverside lodge
The Glamping Collective - Clyde: Domes and glass cabins
Hot Springs Treehouse Cabins - Hot Springs: Treehouse cabins
Broad River Campground - Mooresboro: Cabins and domes
Pilot Cove - Pisgah Forest: Cabins
Asheville River Cabins - Arden: Cabins and Airstream trailers
River's Edge Treehouse Resort - Robbinsville: Treehouses
Emberglow Outdoor Resort - Mill Spring: Glamping tents, yurts, campers and treehouses
Gorgeous Stays - Bryson City: Campers, renovated buses, yurts, tiny houses, shipping container cabin and glamping tents
More: Western NC soon to feature 'Smallest boutique hotel in NC,' Peri Social House
10Best Readers' Choice 10 best glamping spots 2024
Beyond WNC, here are the 10Best Reader's Choice winners countrywide:
Sky Ridge Yurts - Bryson City, North Carolina
Beaver Island Retreat - Beaver Island, Michigan
Piney River Ranch - Vail, Colorado
Treebones Resort - Big Sur, California
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo - River Ranch, Florida
Nomad Ridge at The Wilds - Cumberland, Ohio
Little Arrow Outdoor Resort - Townsend, Tennessee
The Destination - Dadeville, Alabama
The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Montana
Borealis Basecamp - Fairbanks, Alaska
Iris Seaton is the trending news reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at iseaton@citizentimes.com.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Glamping in NC: Bryson City spot No. 1 in US, says USA TODAY 10Best
