Best Outdoor Stays for Families Who Love Nature

Family trips are no longer just about hotel rooms and theme parks. More families now want peaceful getaways surrounded by trees, rivers, or mountains. If your family loves hiking, stargazing, wildlife, or just breathing in fresh air, an outdoor stay can turn an average trip into an unforgettable one. From forest cabins to safari tents, let’s explore the best outdoor stays where nature and comfort come together for families.

Glamping Sites: Camping with Comfort

Glamping (glamorous camping) is perfect for families who want the feel of nature but still want a comfy bed and a clean bathroom. Instead of sleeping on the ground, you stay in tents with real beds, electricity, and sometimes even hot tubs.

Top Picks for Families:

• Under Canvas (USA): Near national parks like Yellowstone and Zion. Offers spacious safari tents, private bathrooms, and family fire pits.

• Camp Katur (UK): Stay in hobbit pods, domes, or treehouses with kids’ play areas and nature walks nearby.

Why It’s Great: Kids love the tents, and parents enjoy the ease—no packing gear, no setup, just fun.

Cabins in the Woods

Wooden cabins give you privacy and space while keeping you close to hiking trails, lakes, or forests. They are cozy in any season, and many come with kitchens, fireplaces, and outdoor decks.

Where to Go:

• Blue Ridge Mountains (USA): Family cabins with hot tubs and mountain views.

• Banff National Park (Canada): Lakeside cabins with easy access to nature trails and wildlife viewing.

Why It’s Great: You get the quiet of the outdoors, but with the comforts of home.

Eco-Lodges and Nature Resorts

If your family cares about the planet, try eco-lodges. These places run on solar energy, use natural materials, and are often built inside protected nature areas.

Try These:

• Banasura Hill Resort (India): Mud-built cottages in the rainforest.

• Nayara Tented Camp (Costa Rica): Overlooks volcanoes and includes private plunge pools.

Why It’s Great: Families learn about sustainability while enjoying beautiful surroundings.

Safari Camps for Wildlife Adventures

For families who love animals and want a real adventure, safari camps are a top choice. These stays mix comfort with wildlife viewing—imagine watching elephants while eating breakfast!

Family-Friendly Safari Camps:

• Somalisa Acacia (Zimbabwe): Two-bedroom tents, campfire dinners, and elephant sightings.

• Namiri Plains (Tanzania): Private safari suites with guided wildlife tours.

Why It’s Great: Kids learn about animals, ecosystems, and conservation while living in the heart of nature.

Treehouses and Unique Stays

Treehouses, domes, and yurts turn a normal trip into a storybook adventure. These are great for younger kids who want something magical and memorable.

Fun Options:

• Treehouse Grove (USA): Luxury treehouses with kitchens and forest views.

• Hidden Valley Yurts (UK): Mongolian-style tents with cozy beds and wood stoves.

Why It’s Great: It feels like camping, but with indoor bathrooms and amazing views.

Riverfront and Lakeside Retreats

Water adds another level of fun—canoeing, fishing, swimming, or just skipping stones. Stays near lakes and rivers are great for both relaxation and activity.

Recommended Spots:

• AfriCamps at Kam’Bati (South Africa): Tents with kitchens near a peaceful river.

• Lake District Lodges (UK): Cabins and glamping near calm waters and family hikes.

Why It’s Great: Water play, nature walks, and family bonding—all in one place.

 Final Thoughts

The best outdoor stays for families are those that mix comfort, safety, and natural beauty. Whether you’re sleeping in a safari tent or a cozy cabin, these trips help families slow down, connect, and create lifelong memories.

More than anything, outdoor stays give children the chance to explore, imagine, and learn. And they give parents the peace of mind that comes with quiet surroundings, fresh air, and quality time.