Glamping in 2020: Encore and Thousand Trails’ Top Locations and Accommodations of the Past Year

Encore RV resorts and Thousand Trails campgrounds, part of a network of more than 200 RV resorts and campgrounds across North America that provide travelers opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in top vacation destinations around the country, has released their top locations for glamping accommodations of 2020. Glamping accommodations include cabins, yurts, cottages, safari tents and even tiny houses.

Camping is one of the few travel industries to see an increase in demand during the pandemic. Statista says vacationers have been seeking less crowded places to take a break, and since Covid, camping has accounted for 16 percent of all trips taken. According to a market research study done by Arizton, the glamping market will reach roughly $1 billion by 2024 in the U.S.

So where were glamping customers of Encore and Thousand Trails headed in 2020?

Most Popular Glamping Destinations of 2020

When looking to camp but don’t want to rough it without common amenities, many travelers seek “glamping” opportunities. Fresh air and recreation were the likely draws for customers of glamping accommodations in 2020, as the most popular destinations were close to national parks and forests. Here are the top glamping destinations in 2020 where guests got a feel of the great outdoors while enjoying the luxurious unique accommodations that make it feel like home.  

Cabins: Lake George Escape, a 178-acre RV resort full of lush woods, meadows and direct access to the Schroon River is surrounded by the six million acre Adirondack Park, making this an ideal getaway for those looking to enjoy the beauty of the great outdoors. This was Thousand Trails and Encore’s most popular destination for cabin rentals in 2020. Last year, Lake George Escape celebrated the completion of a $1 million wetland remediation project, restoring and enhancing wetlands throughout the campground. Lake George Escape offers plenty of full hook up RV sites, rental cottages and a full activities center following COVID protocols, a new remote control park, a new 9-hole disc golf course, wagon rides, fossil hunting and gem mining, live entertainment and for the four-legged friends, a brand new expanded dog park. 

Tiny Houses: Fun and adventure for all ages can be found at Oregon’s Mt. Hood Village RV Resort. Mt. Hood offers a unique way to experience the artistry and culinary vibe of Portland while surrounded by the nature and stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest. The popular RV resort, which has access to more than 700 groomed hiking trails, rock climbing, bird watching, mountain biking, miniature golf, fishing, lakes and streams to explore, a 27-hole golf course and the famous Alpine Slide, provides for an action packed vacation. Glamping in a tiny house and relaxing by the communal firepit after a day enjoying the great outdoors is a favorite for guests as well. Mt. Hood was Thousand Trails and Encore’s most popular destination for tiny house rentals in 2020. 

Yurts: Located just 5 miles from the west gate of California’s beautiful Yosemite National Park sits Yosemite Lakes RV Resort. This vacation hotspot is a 400-acre preserve set amidst a backdrop of towering trees. Known for the unique yurt rentals letting guests escape to nature in comfortable retreats that still retain all the modern conveniences. The Hillside Yurts, Thousand Trails and Encore’s most popular yurts of 2020 comfortably sleep 4 in a queen-size bed and a double-size futon. The 3-piece bathroom suite contains a shower and the kitchenette is fully furnished with an apartment sized refrigerator, 2-burner gas stove top, microwave, coffee maker, toaster, and dinnerware for 4. Outside, a porch with a gas grill, nearby picnic table, and fire ring add to the appeal of outdoor living as you “glamp” through your Yosemite stay. 

Cottages: Located in the heart of the Florida Keys is Fiesta Key RV Resort, home to an assortment of tropical inspired colorful cottages and the perfect family getaway, all on an island of its own. Surrounded by incredible ocean views, the resort features a restaurant, beach bar, free WiFi hotspots, swimming pool, hot tub, playground and marina with plenty of areas to relax and enjoy the sunsets from your breathtaking cottage. The waterfront colorful cottages come fully equipped and furnished, with separate bedrooms, living room with a sleeper sofa, full kitchen, bath, and a loft. The spectacular views can be taken in from the furnished back porch within feet of the water, making it easily Thousand Trails and Encore’s most popular cottage location. Additionally, PADL has opened its newest location at Fiesta Key RV Resort—their first in the Keys. PADL provides rentable paddleboards, allowing guests to hit the open water on their very own paddleboard. 

Glamping Safari Tents: Perfectly located north of Los Angeles, near the ocean of Monterey Bay, Marina Dunes RV Park in Marina, CA is not only situated near the ocean but close to everything the area has to offer. With beachfront access and within driving distance to downtown Monterey, there is plenty to do for that quick glamping escape. Surrounded by famous wineries, Big Sur and Santa Cruz, guests can explore the area filled with different sites like Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach, and Carmel by the Sea, or enjoy the onsite amenities. Guests enjoy direct access to Fort Ord Dunes State Park, the nearby hiking trail or taking a romantic stroll at Marina State Beach. It’s easy to see why the resort was Thousand Trails and Encore’s most popular destination for glamping-style safari tent stays. 

Those looking to take advantage of the glamping trend in 2021 can visit RVontheGo.com or use the CampUSA App to book RV sites or a range of accommodations perfect for any type of camper or glamper, including yurts, cabins, cottages and even tiny houses.