Who says camping isn’t for everyone?

The word “glamping” might be received with some strange looks or sheer confusion from the adventurous and outdoorsy types, but yes, there can be glitz and glamour when it comes to camping. Not everyone wants to experience a one-with-nature kind of weekend. In fact, if it doesn’t include some girl time, romance or a good bottle of wine, some might not even consider it a weekend getaway.

So if you’re not dusting off your Chaco sandals, and the thought of packing all your belongings into a bag that fits on your back sounds like the beginning of a nightmare, glamping might be right up your alley.

The perfect location to enjoy a close-to-home, decked-out, over-the-top campsite is in your own backyard. Otherwise, a handful of parks have picked up on the glamping trend and now offer suitable camping amenities that pass our glamping requirements.

YURTS AT LAKE OF THE OZARK STATE PARK

This campsite prides itself on offering campers an outdoors experience that doesn’t require pitching a tent or a fit. A yurt is a circular structure with a fabric cover and a wooden frame that offers the feel of a tent but holds up to weather and climate challenges. Positioned nicely on a deck and complete with a locking door, it’s a nice step between a backyard campout and a traditional campsite.

Drive time from Columbia: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Activities offered: Boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, canoeing and kayaking, cave tours, biking, picnic areas, rock climbing, rappelling and metal detecting

Site amenities: Each unit sleeps five with occupancy of six and includes a log futon, log bunk bed, a mini refrigerator, coffee table, lamp, air conditioner and heater. Outside the yurts are a picnic table, fire pit and grill. Restrooms and a shower house are located within walking distance. Dogs are allowed in specific yurts.

Pricing: $50 plus tax Sunday through Thursday and $55 plus tax Friday and Saturday. Note that single-night reservations are not accepted, and amenities change in the off season (November-March).

Hours: Park grounds: Sunrise to a half hour after sunset; park office: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

 

HOOT OWL HILL

So, technically this site is out of Missouri. But trust us, it’s worth the drive! This adorable location defines glamping. Its motto even sounds inviting: Come, breathe and just be.

Drive time from Columbia: 2 hours, 42 minutes

Activities offered: Yoga classes and demos covering topics such as crafting, cooking and gardening; and a tour of the Miami County Wine Trail. Note that all activities require extra fees.

Site amenities: A bell tent setup with a comfy bed and complete with cozy quilts, chairs, soft lighting and your choice between a full country breakfast on the wraparound porch of the main house or a continental breakfast delivered to your tent. Guests can also enjoy a pre-lit fire or a garden-fresh meal upon arrival per your request.

Pricing: $75 per person per night, plus additional activity and accommodation fees upon request.

Hours: Check-in starts at 3 p.m. Any parties arriving after 7 p.m. need to make arrangements. Checkout is at 11 a.m. the following morning.

 

If you’re looking for a location that holds tried and true to a more traditional camping atmosphere, there are some “safer” options when it comes to local campsites. Just keep in mind, microwave popcorn will not be accessible, and the bathrooms most likely won’t offer scented handsoap options.

FINGER LAKES STATE PARK

Finger Lakes State Park is the place to go for an ideal summer getaway location and then some. Located right inside the Columbia city limits, it’s enough nature to enjoy while still being able to make a mad dash home during inclement weather.

Drive time from Columbia: Roughly 18 minutes

Activities offered: Swimming, fishing, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, biking, picnic areas, boating, a playground area, off-road vehicle tracks and metal detecting

Site amenities: Showers, water, a dump station and electricity. Wi-fi connection is also available.

Pricing: $23 per night for premium electric site, two-night minimum reservation required on weekends

Hours: Park grounds: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round; park office: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March to October; motorcross area: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April to October *Visit mostateparks.com for off-season hours.

 

ARROW ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE

Arrow Rock State Historic site might be an a-typical location for camping, but it offers functional amenities as well as daytime entertainment. Plus, a trip to this site can serve as a nice history lesson.

Drive time from Columbia: 43 minutes

Activities offered: Camping, dining, fishing, hiking, picnic areas, interpretive programs and a playground area

Site amenities: Parking pad, table, grill, lantern post, electric power supply, private water supply and sewer connection. On-season (April 15 through Oct. 31) services include dump station, shower facilities, woodlot and portable water spigots. Wi-fi connection is also available.

Pricing: $28 per night for premium campsite

Hours: Historic site grounds: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, year-round; visitor center: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, June 1 to Aug. 31 *Visit mostateparks.com for off-season hours.

 

Glamping essentials

As strange as glamping might seem, Columbia shops stock their inventory with products made for the high-tech, non-outdoorsy, somewhat high-maintenance camper.

1: Oggi Stainless Margarita Glasses, $13.97, Macadoodle’s; 2: Globe Lantern Lights, $24.99, Camping World; 3: Triumph Sports LED Lighted Ladder Toss, $49.99, Bass Pro Shop; 4: Cypress Evergreen Acrylic Stem with Straw, $7.52, Macadoodle’s; 5: Goal Zero: Portable Speakers, $39.99, Bass Pro Shop; 6: Margaritaville Battery Powered Frozen Concoction Maker, $398.67, Sears; 7: Nature Power Bank, $61.10, Camping World; 8: Goal Zero: Nomad 7 Solar Panel, $79.95, The Alpine Shop;