KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
June 17, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
Katy families (and couples) are turning to outdoor activities to enjoy time together as they continue to observe social distancing guidelines. While camping is as outdoorsy as it gets, it may not be for everyone. See how many families are combining nature and comfort by going “glamping.”
Sinya on Lone Man Creek
A Glamorous Take on a Nature-Filled Getaway
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.
Glamping Options a Road Trip From Katy
We can’t all be Eagle Scouts or adventurers like Bear Grylls. Glamping gives everyone the chance to enjoy the great outdoors on their comfort level. There are so many glamping options to explore just a road trip away from Katy.
Waller, TX (MAP IT)
Camp Jellystone offers many options from campsite, RV hookups, and family cabin rentals. The park is located just 35 miles northwest of Houston so families or couples can visit the San Jacinto Monument and/or Pleasant Hill Winery. Golf carts are available to rent to explore the grounds and take in all the activities.
Glamping Perks: In addition to the usual water activities including a vast lazy pool, Jellystone is known for its outdoor theater, water zone playground, and so much more.
Son’s Island, nestled in the middle of the cool waters of Lake Placid, offers guests a beautiful, Hawaiian-styled-island retreat. Bring the family for a fun time of outdoor leisure in the Texas Hill Country. Relax under a shady cabana, swim, rent a paddle board or kayak before slumbering among nature in one of the island’s spacious tents. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for a quick getaway or a long weekend outing.
Glamping Perks: Glamping option available (7:30 p.m. to 10 a.m.) - guests relax while park associates set up a tent with two queen size mattresses, two fans, and two lanterns for four people.
Sinya on Lone Man Creek welcomes visitors to enjoy the enchantment of the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country and a peaceful, babbling creek. Inspired by the adventure of an African safari, Sinya combines the rugged camping escapade with the romance and luxury of a five-star hotel. With Sinya nestled less than an hour southwest of Austin, guests don’t have to step on a plane to reach this worldly glamping destination.
Glamping Perks: Milk baths in century-old claw-footed bathtubs
Completely unique and wonderfully restful, this 20-acre compound is the perfect getaway for artistic souls, group retreats, and a place to rest after treasure hunting in nearby Round Top. Guests can enjoy all of the plush, luxury details in Rancho Pillow's accommodations which range from a deluxe, king-sized tipi, to a fully furnished, restored farmhouse.
Glamping Perks: Private chef/pastry chef available for hire, poetry library, heated saltwater pool
Located northwest of San Antonio, Camp Comfort merges the coziness of a bed and breakfast with the natural, rugged setting of the Texas Hill Country. Carved from a historic 1860s bowling alley, rooms and cabins are fully furnished with plenty of comforts including comfortable plush beds, rustic high ceilings and amazing views. Enjoy a stroll along the edge of beautiful Cypress Creek while embracing the sounds of local country and blues artists.
Glamping Perks:
Attractive add-ons: Shiner Seasonal Bucket, Wine & Cheese package, BBQ Kit, fresh flower delivery, or Romance Package which includes late check out, white wine, and a red rose
Located in historical Fredericksburg, Barons Creekside invites guests to take a trip back in time to the rugged pioneer days while keeping the comforts of the modern era. Choose from luxury laden 250-year-old log cabins, a fully-furnished farm and Victorian houses, or the adventurous Barons Wagon where guests can snooze in an authentic covered wagon with all the indulgences of a lush hotel. Visit The Club to savor a glass of red at the wine bar or indulge in the tasting room while listening to local live music.
Destination Perks: Couple's massages, wine bar/bistro, just 20 minutes from the famous Enchanted Rock State Park
Cypress Valley Canopy Tours provides guests with the dream of flying through the canopy of Hill Country trees while spending the night high above the forest floor. Choose from luxurious lofts with spacious porches to enjoy your morning coffee and spectacular green views. Choose the simplicity of a traditional, yet modern tree house with a reading lounge and view of view of creek waterfalls, or the large lavish ranch house that can accommodate a large crowd with all the comforts of home.
Destination Perks: Skybridges (lit at night), rope swings, and day/night time (lighted) zipline tours
Adults can relive their childhood by lodging in a genuine tree house specially designed for extended stays. Located near the Guadalupe River, River Road Tree Houses blends the nostalgic feeling of being in the trees with modern comforts with six uniquely different tree houses. Guests can also enjoy fishing, tubing or kayaking the cool waters of the river.
Glamping Perks: Private decks and BBQ areas, River Park access (one-acre waterfront property across River Road from the treehouses for the use of guests)
Spend the night near the well-known Guadalupe River in a spacious, fully-furnished tipi. The Reservation on the Guadalupe provides guests with a getaway from the bustling city life with all the comforts and modern conveniences of home. There are eight different tipis on site to accommodate just about any sleeping need. While there, guests can float along the river, enjoy peaceful fly fishing, check out the entertainment in the community treehouse game room or simply relax around the fire pit with loved ones.
Glamping Perks: Easy access to Guadalupe River, Whitewater Ampitheater, and River Road Ice House
Plan your escape from the busy city life and head to the uniquely enchanting Geronimo Creek Retreat. The family can spend the weekend swimming, fishing, and spending the night in one of the many truly unique accommodations. Choose from one of the luxurious tree houses, cozy glamping cabins overlooking the creek, or the tipis nestled in the green of the Hill Country. With the comforts of air conditioning, comfortable beds, full kitchens and gorgeous Hill Country views, you don’t have to worry about the Texas heat keeping you from enjoying your stay.
Glamping Perks: Kayaking, recreation rooms, fishing, and swimming
Get in touch with your inner nature lover by glamping at the environmentally-friendly Living Waters on Lake Travis. Just west of Austin, stay in the luxurious, yet earth-conscious straw bale home named La Casa de Joy, the serene Floating Cabin on the calm waters of the lake, or one of the many charming Eco-Cabins on the property.
Glamping Perks: On-site massage therapy, yoga classes, and options to rent the entire property for weddings/special events