KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
March 31, 2021
By Jennifer Miko
Looking for an exciting, drivable getaway? More and more Katy families and couples have discovered how to connect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Glamping sites welcome guests to stay in themed cabins, tipis, retro-RVs, treehouses, and even eco-pods.
Lone Star Glamp Inn
While it may sound trendy, “glamping” has been around long enough that it’s clear this glamorous take on a nature-filled getaway is here to stay. This camping compromise connects families to nature, but with a sense of comfort and style.
Katy Residents Experience Glamping
Lone Star Glamp Inn
4212 Texas Highway 237
Round Top, TX
Morgan Lane, a junior at Cinco Ranch High School, celebrated her sweet 16 with 11 friends (and four chaperones) at Lone Star Glamp Inn in Round Top, TX. Her mother Nicole had been there before with her Bunco group, and says the location is popular with shoppers visiting the Round Top area for the antiquing events.
The indoor glampsite offers all of the fun of camping, but inside 10 vintage glampers and 18 tipis. Each unit is equipped with two twin beds, and the restroom/shower facilities are centrally located. Most glampers have a mini-fridge, fan, and multi plug outlets. The tipis are all fully furnished with a personality of their own. Guests also have access to multiple seating areas, a big screen TV, an outdoor grill, microwaves, and coffee makers.
“The campers were comfortable, but adorably decorated and colorful,” recalls Nicole Lane. “It was a feast for the eyes as every camper was different.”
Glamping vs. Camping?
“Glamping for sure,” votes Nicole. “We were indoors, so no cold or hot elements. There is a camper that has toilets and showers. And they supply games and videos for a fun girls' weekend. And best of all, no bugs!!!”
Morgan said she prefers glamping to camping because of her allergies. She has great memories of her sweet sixteen glamping celebration and says playing games and staying up all night with her friends were some of the highlights.
“The individual campers were awesome,” says Morgan Lane. “All the girls were surprised at how cute they were.”
“We enjoyed watching the girls play games, hang out in each other’s campers and basically have a huge sleepover,” says Nicole.
Eco-Glamping in the Texas Hill Country
Lago Vista, TX
The exact location of the pods is provided upon booking.
Rachel Reid admits she’s never gone camping, and the Katy mom and Katy ISD teacher is fairly certain she never will.
“It’s just not for me,” says Rachel Reid. “Glamping is the best of both worlds for sure!”
Eco-pod in the Hill Country, Photo: Rachel Reid
Reid uses social media to search for unique getaways in Texas and found two on Airbnb with great reviews.
Rachel and her husband Ford Reid recently visited Lago Vista, TX and checked into an adults-only (21 and over) glamping resort. They stayed in a luxuriously furnished “pod” nestled on a hill with breathtaking Hill Country views.
“The bubble pod was extremely spacious,” says Reid. “I was worried my husband and I would be cramped, but that was certainly not the case.”
Photo: Rachel Reid
There are four pods on the property, all with the comforts of home – air conditioning and heat, a “floating” king-sized bed, overhead loft with another bed, and a bathroom. The kitchenette has a microwave, mini refrigerator, silverware, and some bowls. Hot plates are not permitted in the bubble, however a GoSun solar cooker is available for hot food preparation.
On the property, guests can use the grills, fire pit, and hammocks.
Guest pods have either an adjacent hot tub or a star gazing bubble, available at night only. Inside, guests can relax on two bean bag chairs and search the sky with a telescope.
1277 Durst-Maurer Road
Fredericksburg, TX
Rachel and Ford enjoyed another glamping adventure in a three-stories-high treehouse. This hidden gem is located a few minutes from the shops and restaurants in downtown Fredericksburg, TX.
When they arrived close to dusk, they were greeted by deer alongside the long dirt road leading to a small group of treehouses individually lined with string lights. Each building faces the woods providing privacy.
Photos: Rachel Reid
“The treehouse was amazing,” says Reid. “I’m anxious to try some of the other treehouses because they are all very unique inside.”
Their treehouse had a king-sized bed, bathroom, and kitchenette, including a hot plate, microwave, mini refrigerator, pots, pans, dishes, cups, and utensils. A private outdoor bathtub was located on the third floor.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love a good hotel, but these Airbnbs are special and really give you the feeling of a private getaway that’s just for you,” says Reid. “I love that we have so many beautiful places right here in Texas. I can’t wait for our next adventure.”
Glamping Options a Road Trip From Katy
The list below includes many glamping options from tipis to cabins for families or couples. Make your reservations now because these unique destinations fill up fast. You'll discover your favorite glamping option is just a road trip away from Katy.