Camping is pretty cut-and-dry: Get a tent, bring a sleeping bag, prepare your shovel for… you know what. Glamping however, can mean a RANGE of things. The only general rule-of-thumb for glamping is there’s almost always a pretty awesome bed and a roof/cover you don’t have to pitch yourself. Everything else is “fill in the blank” based on the place you visit. On a scale of 1 through 10: 1’s being that simple roof/bed and 10’s being more of a hotel than a glamping site —there can be a huge range. Staying with Simply Glampin’ in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina was definitely a 7/8 on the luxury scale. This place was pretty dang cool.

For starters, the road to get there is one of the most beautiful I have ever driven. Wayah Road twists and turns around Nantahala National Forest with its many rivers, trees, and a beautiful lake in the center. I drove mid-summer and the trees canopied above, shading the perfectly paved road below. Once on site, Simply Glampin’ is the first of multiple, individual, glamping sites, owned by various people. Simply Glampin in the first one at the top of the hill and the easiest to park at. It’s quaint, with its welcome fire pit down the gravel road/walkway and the two canvas tents waiting for its temporary homeowners. 

Each of the two tents can sleep up to 4 people with one big, comfortable bed on a carved wooden frame and soft sheets. Cots are located under the bed, likely for kids, though they do fit adults as well. There is an individual fire pit for both tents, which is common to find in glamping sites, however, there is a list of things NOT commonly found at other sites that are present at Simply Glampin’. It’s obvious the owners know hospitality, pay attention to detail, and cater to every creature-comfort. 

In each tent is an ice maker, coffee maker, hot water kettle, rugs, chairs, electric blankets and a wood fired mini stove for heat. Some glamping sites have one or two of these things, but this list puts Simply Glampin’ in a new category of “comfort.” What’s more, they have power inside their tents for lamps, charging phones, working on laptops, amazing wifi that works really well unless it rains (HA), and the best part— indoor, private, full-bathrooms for each tent and two public bathrooms for community or guest use. The power and indoor bathrooms alone made this stay 10/10 on individuality. 

Couple other things that sets this glamping site apart is their unlimited amount of firewood, a cookstove top with dishes, pots and pans for a very small additional fee, and tons of games to choose from. It’s a tiny site, but with only two tents, this makes the perfect community getaway. However, don’t let the luxuries fool you, it is still glamping. You WILL find bugs in your tent on occasion, you WILL hear the birds chirping loudly through the canvas tent, and you WILL still be very immersed in nature…but that’s what it’s all about any way, right?!

Cooking meals over an open flame, playing corn hole and games at a community table, and reading a book on the many comfortable chairs is relaxing, but the real magic of staying in this part of the world are the many activities in the area. Nantahala National Forest may be one of the most beautiful places in the world, so get out and enjoy it. 

Around the Nantahala lake is boat rentals, swimming, paddle boarding or fishing. There is also the Nantahala River which is free for floating, Stand up paddle, kayaking or white water rafting. If you want to stay dryer, check out one of the many hiking trails, especially the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, one of the most popular hiking trails in the United States running 2,193 miles from Georgia to Maine.

There are endless opportunities for fun, and when you finish, Simply Glampin’ has a hot shower ready and waiting for your return. 

Overall, a stay with Simply Glampin’ provides an awesome retreat. It’s private, dog friendly, and has all the amenities. Getting there is fairly easy as it’s less than a 3 hour drive from Knoxville, Atlanta, Charlotte and Greenville SC as well. The perfect getaway for all ages and all levels of outdoor ambition. My best advice, bring an umbrella as the weather can change quickly, bring a towel to prepare for all the water activities, and even though they have power and wifi, lean into the nature of it all and relax. 

Here is a vlog of my journey and first impressions, but if you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to send me a message on instagram any time and follow along for the next glamping trip!