Let’s be honest—not everyone wants to sleep on the ground. Maybe you love the idea of camping—campfires, stargazing, waking to birdsong—but the reality of air mattresses deflating at 3 a.m. and communal bathhouses doesn’t quite align with your vacation vision. Enter glamping: glamorous camping that delivers authentic outdoor experiences without sacrificing comfort. Near Orlando, glamping has evolved beyond novelty into a legitimate accommodation category, offering everything from safari tents with personal concierges to treehouses suspended in oak canopies. This is camping for people who appreciate both wilderness and thread count.
What Exactly Is Glamping?
Glamping occupies the sweet spot between traditional camping and hotel stays. Picture this: canvas walls instead of concrete, but inside you’ll find real beds with quality linens, climate control, private bathrooms, and often full kitchens. The goal is immersion in nature with minimal discomfort—you still hear owls at night and wake to dappled sunlight through trees, but you’re not wrestling with tent poles or rationing baby wipes for “showers.”
The term emerged in the UK around 2005, though luxury camping concepts existed long before—think African safari camps and Mongolian yurts. Today, glamping encompasses safari tents, geodesic domes, Airstream trailers, treehouses, yurts, and custom-built cabins that blur the line between rustic and refined.
Top Glamping Destinations Near Orlando
Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo
Distance from Orlando: 55 miles southwest in River Ranch
Westgate River Ranch might be Central Florida’s most polished glamping operation. Set on 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River, this resort delivers authentic ranch experiences—horseback riding, weekly rodeos, airboat tours—wrapped in upscale accommodations. The glamping village features 20 luxury safari tents arranged under towering oak trees, each elevated on wooden platforms for that suspended-in-nature feeling.
What’s Included
- Accommodations: Spacious canvas tents with one king bed and two twin beds (sleeps 4), portable air conditioning/heating units, real mattresses with upgraded linens.
- Private Bathrooms: Short walk to your dedicated bathroom facility with shower, toilet, and sink. No sharing with strangers.
- Glamping Concierge: Perhaps the standout feature—your personal concierge handles everything from activity scheduling to nightly campfire setup. Morning coffee delivery to your tent? Yes, actually.
- Amenities: Microwave, mini-fridge, covered porch with seating, fire pit, picnic table, luxury toiletries, extra blankets on request.
Activities & Experience
Saturday night rodeos are the main attraction—professional bull riding, barrel racing, and calf roping draw crowds from across Central Florida. Beyond rodeo nights, the ranch offers horseback trail rides, archery, fishing, airboat excursions on the Kissimmee River, and swamp buggy adventures. There’s also a saloon, steakhouse, and general store that feels authentically Old Florida—though prices reflect the resort atmosphere.
Cost & Booking
Expect $200-300 per night depending on season and day of week. Weekend rates (especially rodeo nights) command premium pricing. Book directly through Westgate for best rates; third-party sites often add significant markups.
Insider Tips
- Request tents away from the saloon if noise concerns you—weekend evenings get lively.
- Bring bug spray. River proximity means mosquitoes, especially at dusk.
- The concierge service is genuinely helpful—don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations or assistance.
- Rodeo tickets aren’t automatically included—reserve when booking glamping.
Safari Wilderness Glamping
Distance from Orlando: 45 miles southwest near Lakeland
This is glamping with a twist—you’re camping on a 260-acre ranch populated by over 500 exotic animals: zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, wildebeest, ostriches, and more. Falling asleep to the distant calls of zebras and waking to giraffes browsing nearby trees creates an experience you won’t find anywhere else in Central Florida. It’s part safari adventure, part luxury camping, entirely unforgettable.
Accommodation Details
- Safari Tents: Canvas platform tents with real beds, linens, electricity, fans (no AC—embrace the safari authenticity), and screened windows for cross-ventilation.
- Shared Bathhouse: Clean, modern facilities a short walk from tents. Not private, but well-maintained.
- Glamping Additions: Upgrades available for s’mores kits, wine packages, and private animal encounters.
The Safari Experience
Glamping packages include a 90-minute safari tour where you’ll hand-feed giraffes from an open-air vehicle, observe zebra herds, and learn about conservation efforts. Evening safaris offer different perspectives—animals become more active as temperatures drop, and sunset light transforms the savanna-like landscape into something genuinely magical. I’ll admit, feeding a giraffe leaves slobber on your hands, but that tongue-curl when they grab lettuce is worth it.
What to Know
No AC means summer camping is hot—plan spring, fall, or winter visits for comfort. Fans help, but Florida humidity doesn’t sleep. Animal sounds at night are constant and delightful if you love wildlife, potentially disruptive if you’re a light sleeper. Rates run $150-250 per night including safari tour, making this excellent value for the unique experience.
Treehouse Accommodations
Various locations around Orlando metro area
The Orlando area has embraced the treehouse trend with surprising enthusiasm. These aren’t childhood forts—they’re architectural feats suspended in mature trees, offering elevated perspectives on Florida’s landscapes. Staying in a treehouse combines novelty with genuine serenity; there’s something meditative about sipping morning coffee 25 feet above the ground while cardinals flutter past.
Treehouse in the Cloud (St. Cloud)
Perhaps the most popular option, this private treehouse sits on a property with resident horses. The structure wraps around massive oak trees with a full deck, bedroom with king bed, kitchenette (microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, mini-fridge), full bathroom, and dining area. No stove due to fire safety, but the toaster oven handles breakfast needs. Bonus: the property provides carrots for feeding the horses, who quickly become your morning routine companions.
Distance to Disney: 20 minutes. Cost: $200-275 per night. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic retreat with theme park access.
Treehouse at Danville (Geneva)
Located 30 minutes northeast of Orlando, this treehouse offers more seclusion on an 800-acre ranch. Expect wildlife viewing—deer, wild turkeys, sandhill cranes—and complete quiet. The treehouse includes a cozy outdoor shower (temperature-controlled, surprisingly pleasant), king bed, and minimal amenities emphasizing the disconnect-from-technology experience. Fishing ponds on-site for catch-and-release recreation.
Cost: $175-225 per night. Ideal for nature lovers prioritizing solitude over convenience to attractions.
Morlando Treehouse Mansion (Reunion Resort area)
This isn’t traditional glamping—it’s an 11,000-square-foot luxury vacation home with a treehouse theme. Ten bedrooms, laser tag arena, game room, lazy river pool, and a third-floor sports bar overlooking the Jack Nicklaus golf course. Camp Morlando, the kids’ area, features an indoor treehouse with slides, bridges, and nine bunks where children can sleep under projected stars. This is glamping meets theme park meets luxury estate—utterly over-the-top and incredibly fun for large family groups.
Cost: $1,500-2,500+ per night (sleeps 20+). Best for multi-family vacations or reunions where cost-per-person becomes reasonable.
Florida State Park Glamping Tents
Various state parks within 90 minutes of Orlando
Florida State Parks have introduced glamping tents at select locations, offering budget-friendly luxury camping with the reliability of state park management. These aren’t elaborate setups like private resorts, but they deliver comfort at accessible prices within protected natural areas. For families wanting to introduce children to camping without full commitment to gear investment, state park glamping provides perfect middle ground.
What’s Provided
- Large canvas tents on elevated platforms
- Queen bed with linens, pillows, blankets
- Seating area, table, lighting
- Outdoor fire ring and picnic table
- Access to bathhouse facilities (not private)
- No electricity, no climate control—this is upgraded primitive camping
Available Locations Near Orlando
Hillsborough River State Park (60 miles southwest) offers glamping tents in beautiful riverside settings. The park features rapids—rare in Florida—and extensive hiking trails through hardwood forests. Cost: $60-80 per night, significantly less than private glamping operations.
For a complete overview of traditional camping options in the Orlando area, explore our guide to camping in Orlando or check out Orlando state park camping for more rustic alternatives.
Camp Margaritaville Auburndale
Distance from Orlando: 45 miles southwest
Jimmy Buffett’s Camp Margaritaville brings the “island life” vibe to Central Florida with RV resort amenities and cottage rentals that toe the line between glamping and traditional vacation accommodations. Tiki bars, pool complexes with water slides, organized activities, and a general atmosphere of relaxed fun characterize this property. It’s less wilderness immersion, more themed resort with outdoor elements—but the experience is polished and family-friendly.
Glamping Cottages
Modern prefab cottages with full kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and climate control. These function like tiny homes with outdoor patios, grills, and fire pits. You’re “camping” in the sense of being in an outdoor-focused resort rather than genuinely roughing it, but the setting and activities justify the glamping designation.
Cost: $150-300 per night. Activities like paddleboard rentals, fishing, and resort programming add value for families.
Choosing the Right Glamping Experience
Budget Considerations
| Glamping Type | Cost Per Night | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| State Park Glamping Tents | $60–$80 | Budget-conscious families, camping novices |
| Safari Wilderness | $150–$250 | Wildlife enthusiasts, unique experiences |
| Treehouse Rentals | $175–$275 | Couples, romantic getaways |
| Westgate River Ranch | $200–$300 | Families wanting full-service luxury |
| Camp Margaritaville | $150–$300 | Buffett fans, resort-style stays |
| Luxury Treehouse Mansions | $1,500–$2,500 | Large groups, special occasions |
Amenity Comparison
Climate Control: Westgate River Ranch and most treehouse rentals offer AC/heating. Safari Wilderness and state park tents do not—plan accordingly for season.
Private Bathrooms: Westgate provides private facilities (short walk). Treehouses include full bathrooms. Safari Wilderness and state parks use shared bathhouses.
Kitchen Facilities: Full kitchens in treehouses (with limitations) and Camp Margaritaville. Westgate includes mini-fridge and microwave. Safari Wilderness and state parks require coolers and camp stoves.
Activities: Westgate and Safari Wilderness include robust activity offerings. State parks provide DIY recreation (hiking, paddling). Treehouses emphasize relaxation over structured activities.
Seasonal Planning for Glamping
Best Times to Glamp Near Orlando
October–November: Ideal weather, lower humidity, reduced bug pressure. Fall is perhaps the single best window for glamping—temperatures moderate, crowds thin after summer vacation season, and you can comfortably enjoy both indoor and outdoor spaces.
December–February: Winter glamping offers pleasant days (60s–70s°F) and crisp nights perfect for campfires. Properties with heating (Westgate, treehouses) shine during this season. Safari Wilderness without AC becomes comfortable rather than stifling.
March–May: Spring brings wildflowers and perfect weather, but also spring break crowds and elevated prices. Book well in advance.
June–September: Summer glamping requires tolerance for heat and humidity. Properties with AC become essential unless you embrace the sweat. Afternoon thunderstorms are near-daily occurrences—plan indoor activities or flexible schedules.
What to Pack for Glamping
Unlike Traditional Camping, You Won’t Need:
- Tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads (provided)
- Extensive cooking gear (kitchens or restaurants available)
- Complicated logistics planning
Do Bring:
- Comfortable clothing in layers—nights can be cool even in summer
- Bug spray and sunscreen (non-negotiable in Florida)
- Reusable water bottles—staying hydrated is crucial
- Flashlight or headlamp—even glamping sites have limited nighttime lighting
- Camera—glamping locations are typically photogenic
- Books, games, or entertainment—embrace the digital detox
- Snacks and drinks—on-site options may be limited or expensive
- Personal toiletries—luxury properties provide basics, but bring your preferences
Combining Glamping with Orlando Attractions
One of glamping’s advantages near Orlando is strategic positioning—you can access theme parks while enjoying peaceful evenings away from tourist corridors. Most glamping sites sit 20-60 miles from Walt Disney World, translating to 30-60 minute drives. This distance filters crowds while remaining practical for daily park visits.
Consider splitting your vacation: spend first nights at a glamping retreat (settling in, adjusting to vacation mode), then move closer to parks for intensive touring days, and finish with a return to glamping for decompression. This rhythm balances excitement with relaxation better than staying exclusively in theme park hotels.
If you’re looking for more traditional options closer to the parks, our guide to best RV parks near Disney World offers additional accommodation ideas.
Glamping with Kids: Is It Worth It?
Absolutely—with caveats. Kids typically love glamping’s novelty: sleeping in tents (but nice ones!), campfires, outdoor exploration, and unique accommodations like treehouses create excitement traditional hotels can’t match. However, managing expectations matters.
Tips for Family Glamping Success
- Choose properties with activities—Westgate and Safari Wilderness keep kids engaged
- Bring familiar comfort items—favorite stuffed animals, blankets, bedtime books
- Plan for bugs—kid-safe repellent and after-bite treatment
- Set screen-time boundaries early—use glamping as an opportunity for device-free family time
- Involve kids in planning—let them help choose activities or meals
Romantic Glamping Getaways
Couples seeking romantic escapes will find glamping particularly appealing. Treehouses deliver intimacy and uniqueness that hotels rarely match. Imagine morning coffee on a private deck, afternoon naps in a hammock, evening stargazing by a personal fire pit—all without neighbors overhead or through walls.
Top Romantic Picks
- Treehouse in the Cloud: Privacy, charm, and horse encounters create memorable moments
- Westgate River Ranch: Concierge service means minimal planning stress; rodeos provide date-night entertainment
- Safari Wilderness: Sunset safari tours and animal calls at night offer adventure-romance blend
Environmental Considerations
Glamping occupies an interesting environmental space. On one hand, it introduces people to nature who might never traditional camp, fostering conservation awareness. Platforms and permanent structures minimize ground disturbance compared to tent camping. On the other hand, climate control, water usage, and construction impacts raise sustainability questions.
Choose operators demonstrating environmental responsibility: solar power, water conservation measures, native landscaping, and partnerships with conservation organizations. Westgate and state park glamping operations generally score well on sustainability metrics.
Personal Reflections: Is Glamping “Real” Camping?
Purists argue glamping isn’t true camping—and they’re right, technically. You’re not filtering creek water or sleeping on the ground. But perhaps that’s missing the point. Glamping democratizes outdoor experiences, welcoming people who’d never otherwise engage with nature. A family scared off by traditional camping logistics might find glamping accessible, creating gateway experiences leading to deeper outdoor pursuits.
I’ve done both—spent nights on primitive trails with nothing but a tarp, and weekends in luxury safari tents with concierge coffee delivery. Both have merit. Both connect you with landscapes and skies and sounds beyond walls and traffic. One isn’t superior; they serve different purposes and appeal to different comfort thresholds.
My first glamping experience at Westgate felt almost silly—calling it “camping” when I had a real bed and bathroom. But watching my niece’s face light up as staff lit our campfire, hearing her excited whispers about zebras at Safari Wilderness, I realized glamping’s value isn’t in roughness but in access. It brings more people outdoors, and that matters.
Booking Tips & Strategies
- Book directly when possible—resort websites often offer better rates than third-party booking sites
- Look for weekday discounts—Westgate and Safari Wilderness reduce rates Sunday–Thursday
- Check cancellation policies—Florida weather is unpredictable; flexible cancellation provides peace of mind
- Read reviews carefully—photos can be misleading; recent guest experiences reveal reality
- Ask questions before booking—clarify AC availability, bathroom proximity, site-specific amenities
- Consider off-season—summer heat deters many glampers; rates drop accordingly
Final Thoughts: Redefining the Camping Experience
Glamping near Orlando offers something increasingly rare: genuine relaxation that doesn’t sacrifice comfort. Whether you’re falling asleep to giraffe calls at Safari Wilderness, sipping wine on a treehouse deck, or enjoying concierge-delivered coffee at Westgate, you’re experiencing nature on your own terms. That’s not compromise—that’s evolution.
Theme parks will always be Orlando’s main draw, but glamping reveals Central Florida’s quieter side. It asks you to slow down, listen to crickets instead of crowds, watch stars instead of screens. And in a world that rarely offers permission to pause, that invitation might be the most luxurious amenity of all.
So book that safari tent or treehouse. Pack your sense of adventure (but leave the sleeping bag at home). And discover that yes, you can have both—the magic of camping and the comfort of civilization. Sometimes, having it all is just fine.
For more traditional outdoor experiences, explore our comprehensive guide to camping in Orlando, or if you prefer day adventures without overnight stays, check out our Wekiwa Springs day use guide.
