Courtesy of the Stay at Liberty Farms
No need to rough it just cuz you’re outdoors. Treat yourself to these elevated experiences, which combine nature and convenience.
If you want to revel in Mother Nature by stargazing and roasting s’mores, but sleeping on the hard ground alongside crawling critters isn’t your idea of fun, indulge in one of these glamping experiences, which range from a lofty version of a traditional tent stay to an extravagant, full-service, inclusive vacation.
For many campers, tents are an integral part of the overall experience, but if you don’t see the need to sacrifice comfort and convenience, then visit The STAY at Liberty Farms, in Ghent. The boutique site offers 10 luxe, large, canvas cabins and amenities. Each safari-style tent features a king-size bed or two twin beds with high-thread count linens, mini-fridge/freezer, seating area with armchairs, writing desk, private deck, and an en-suite bath. Covered front decks have Adirondack chairs, perfect for lounging and enjoying the Hudson Valley views. The property features a central lodge with lounge areas, dining locations, communal cooking facilities, and even a camp store for little conveniences.
While considered a camp, Lake Kora, nestled in the Adirondacks, is the epitome of luxury. The inclusive lakefront, pet-friendly property set on 1,000 private acres with a 500-acre lake is equal parts rustic and extravagant, the ultimate family getaway. The property (available by exclusive reservation) was the home of Gilded Age icons and features 16 guest rooms in six separate structures, accommodating 24 guests; additional accommodations are available for another 11 people. Original decor is inspired by the rural surroundings. Oversized fireplaces, vintage soaking tubs, and plush bedding all lend to a relaxing stay. Meals are typically served family-style, dockside at the Boathouse, overlooking the grand lake, or in the dining room. A fleet of boats (sailing and wooden electric), canoes, and kayaks are all for exclusive use, like everything else on the property. Go bowling at the alley or play squash or ping-pong at The Playhouse. While a five-hour drive from White Plains, you may opt to arrive at the Great Camp in style, by convenient seaplane.
Related: Here’s Where to Go Camping in and Around Westchester
In the heart of the Catskills, Getaway offers an alternative to roughing it while still ensconced in nature. Getaway Eastern Catskills (in Catskill) and Getaway Western Catskills (in Roscoe) — both less than a two-hour drive from White Plains — feature tiny cabins with queen beds, rustic interiors, fresh linens, pillows, a shower, electric toilet, heater, stove, and mini-kitchen. Full-length windows in the cabins offering unobstructed nature views are Insta-worthy (assuming you choose not to disconnect). The cabins, which all have private firepits for s’mores nights, are in proximity to ponds, trails, and reservoirs for avid hikers and nature lovers. The property also has chairs and picnic tables where the whole group can gather.
