Camping
Five Best Glamping Spots in Southwest Missouri
We found five Branson, MO and Arkansas gems where you can take in some Ozarks beauty and the simple charm of a camping-esque experience—without wrestling with a tent.
By Katie Pollock Estes
Nov 01 2019 at 8 a.m.
Photo courtesy Big Cedar LodgeGet the outdoors experience without the stress of camping at Camp Long Creek at Big Cedar.
1. Glamping Tent at Camp Long Creek
Although the camp huts and camping cabins at Big Cedar’s Camp Long Creek (1358 Long Creek Rd, Ridgedale, MO) offer plenty of charm, we are partial to the glamping units. These 280-square-foot babies are peak glamping—with a tent-like exterior but a hotel-like interior and gorgeous Table Rock Lake views.
2. Sanctuary Suite Yurt at StoneWind Retreat
The ultra-secluded location of StoneWind Retreat’s Sanctuary Suite Yurt (15840 Wilson Branch Dr, Chester, AR) means you still get that escape from civilization you crave—but the living is easy. The suite also has two decks, a hot tub, a rock garden and Ozarks views as far as you can see in every direction.
3. African Treehouse Lodge at Branson Treehouse Adventures
This is the not-quite-camping experience you need when you are bringing along a crowd because it sleeps six. The African Treehouse Lodge at Branson Treehouse Adventures (159 Acorn Acres Ln, Branson West, MO) is perched in the trees and is accessible by deck walkways with a grass-roofed gazebo and—for real—a swinging suspension bridge.
4. Serengeti Suite Safari Lodge at Turpentine Creek
All five of the two-person, adult-only safari lodges offer access to a firepit and hot tub. But we recommend reserving the Serengeti Suite, which has a private deck that’s perfectly situated to enjoy the sunrise. The lodging is located at Turpentine Creek (239 Turpentine Creek Ln, Eureka Springs, AR), a wild cat refuge, so you might even hear the lions caroling while you drift off to sleep at night.
5. Tree Top Loft at River of Life Farm
The Tree Top Loft at River of Life Farm (1746 River of Life Drive, Dora, MO) has an upstairs loft bedroom and includes a wide deck that looks out over the North Fork of the White River for a killer view. With spotty cell service, rippling river water and the surrounding woods, you’ll feel like you’ve gotten away from it all—without having to sleep in a sleeping bag.
