If you're an Atlanta millennial who wants to experience nature, you may not necessarily want to rough it out by sleeping on the ground and being away from other creature comforts.
That's why glamping – a mashup of glamour and camping – has become so popular. It lets you enjoy activities such as hiking and biking while staying in a comfortable environment.
The following millennial guide to glamping tells you what you need to know to get started:
Where to go near Atlanta
From glamping sites near Atlanta to those that are a little farther away, there are plenty of locations from which to choose:
Go glamping in yurts – circular dwellings that are somewhere between tents and cottages. The Stone Mountain versions have outside decks, heating and air conditioning and other amenities. A dozen lakeside yurts are available and can be reserved by calling 1-800-385-9807.
Parks including High Falls, Red Top Mountain, Fort Yargo, Tugaloo, Cloudland Canyon and Sweetwater Creek have yurts available to rent. Futons that fold out to full-size mattresses are provided, along with electrical outlets, a ceiling fan and a small heater. Bathhouses that have hot showers and flush toilets are within walking distance.
Credit: Via Asheville glamping Facebook page
Credit: Via Asheville glamping Facebook page
The Smoky Mountains & North Georgia
Locations that include Bryson City and Asheville, both in North Carolina, Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Lula, Georgia, have glamping sites that range from yurts to vintage Airstreams. Depending on the town and site you choose, you can enjoy amenities such as free board game rentals and even a flat-screen TV.
Located about 19 miles south of Douglasville, Historic Banning Mills offers a unique glamping location - a treehouse village set about 70 feet above the gorge. Rope and wood sky bridges offer the only access to seven treehouses, but they offer surprisingly modern perks such as a king-sized bed, small fridge and jetted tub for two. A full country-style breakfast is even included each morning. Call 770-834-9149 for reservations.
If you're looking for more locations, millennial-inspired startup Hipcamp - an online Airbnb-type rental - makes it easy for users to find and reserve unique spots around Georgia.
Credit: Sean Gallup
Credit: Sean Gallup
If you'd like to get away from it all while staying ITP, Airbnb has a listing for three connected treehouse rooms in Buckhead. You'll have access to a living room, bedroom and deck areas, all connected by rope bridges, and you'll also have access to the main house's restroom. The location has received plenty of five-star reviews and was named to Airbnb's list of most desirable locations. It’s super popular so plan far ahead.
What you'll need to bring along
Research your glamping destination to find out exactly what will be provided for you, since each site differs.
The following suggestions from Lifehack tell you what you'll want to bring if it's not already available at your glamping destination:
Lighting – Go beyond the traditional flashlights with hanging lights strung around your campsite. In addition to creating a nice look and providing lighting, they'll help keep the animals away. Add a little more glamour by choosing colored lights.
Air mattresses – Sleeping on the ground in only a sleeping bag is one of the main complaints about traditional camping, so invest in a good-quality air mattress to sleep in comfort.
A portable toilet – This type of luxury can help bring the conveniences of home to your campsite and save you from having to go further into the woods at night.
Nice bedding and pillows – These niceties will greatly increase your comfort and help you get a good night's sleep.
»RELATED: 8 alternatives to tent camping around Georgia
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