At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we’ve had a front-row seat to one of the most exciting evolutions in the travel industry: the rise of experiential stays that has taken place alongside the rapid growth of the glamping sector. As traveler preferences continue to shift toward unique, immersive, and nature-based experiences, glamping is no longer a niche, it has become a booming global movement redefining outdoor hospitality.
The Rise of Glamping: Why Now?
From millennials and Gen Z to multigenerational families, today’s guests are trading cookie-cutter hotel rooms for boutique outdoor stays that focus on authenticity, comfort, and connection to nature. In 2025, this trend continues to grow.
According to industry research, the U.S. glamping market is expected to surpass $1.3 billion by 2029, thanks to demand for:
- Sustainable and off-grid travel options
- Luxury lodging that still radiates an authentic camping feel
- Customizable experiences centered around wellness, culture, and adventure
At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we help clients capitalize on this momentum by designing and planning properties that offer more than just a bed. They offer a story, an experience, and memories for years to come.
Trending in 2025: What Guests Are Looking For
Travelers today want more than a place to stay. They’re looking for:
- Unique accommodations like domes, elevated treehouses, unique tent structures and repurposed shipping containers
- Personalized experiences including guided hikes, outdoor wellness programming, and culinary packages
- Technology-enhanced comfort, such as app-based check-in, solar powered facilities, and smart heating/cooling systems within lodging units
We’re seeing a shift toward what we call “curated camps” which are authentic nature stays with a high-touch, high-design feel.
Top Experiential Stays to Watch in 2025
Here are just a few standout examples leading the way this year:
- Terramor Outdoor Resort (ME) – A luxury tented resort near Acadia National Park blending boutique interiors with outdoor exploration.
- Under Canvas (Various Locations) – Safari-style accommodations paired with national park access and curated outdoor experiences.
- Desolation Hotel (CA) – Glamping meets boutique hotel in the Sierra Nevadas, offering adventure-forward luxury yurts and cabins.
- Klarhet (MN) – Geodesic domes with regenerative forest views, combining sustainability with Scandinavian-inspired design.
- Postcard Cabins (Multiple States) – Sleek micro-cabins built for quiet escapes and off-grid simplicity, designed with the modern traveler in mind.
- Timberline Glamping (GA & FL) – Vibrant branding and family-friendly amenities bring a playful spin to traditional glamping setups.
And thanks to platforms like The Dyrt, more travelers are discovering lesser-known gems such as Zion Glamping Adventures (UT), Twin Falls Tents (TX), and Cozy Heron Wagons (NC).
Hotel Giants Step Into Glamping
According to Hotel Investment Today, the explosive growth of the glamping market hasn’t gone unnoticed by big hotel brands. Major players like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt are now expanding into nature-based, experiential lodging to meet growing demand.
- Marriott recently acquired Postcard Cabins and partnered with Trailborn, signaling a move toward outdoor-focused accommodations near national parks and major metro areas.
- Hilton teamed up with AutoCamp, bringing luxury Airstreams and tents into its loyalty program.
- Hyatt partnered with Under Canvas, adding glamping resorts to its portfolio and offering guests unique, safari-style stays.
These moves reflect a broader trend: travelers are seeking memorable, immersive experiences, and the hospitality industry is evolving to meet them right where they are – outside.
Our Take: What This Means for Developers
At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we view this boom not as a trend, but as a paradigm shift. Travelers are telling us exactly what they want; comfort, authenticity, sustainability, and intentionality. At Outdoor Hospitality Group, we are here to help our clients deliver it.
Whether you’re building a glamping retreat from the ground up or converting an RV park into an upscale experience, our team provides:
- Comprehensive feasibility studies and detailed financial proformas
- Site plans featuring custom amenity recommendations
- Personalized branding kits and guest experience consulting
- Operational strategies for long-term success
Ready to plan your next outdoor hospitality project?
Contact us today to turn your dream into a destination!
