Does the idea of a rustic getaway–minus the outdoor plumbing–hold great appeal to you? Glamping, aka glamorous camping, combines the beauty of the outdoors with many of the comforts of home. From fancy tents decorated with sofas and beds to historic log cabins wired for electrical and air conditioning, there are plenty of places in and around St. Louis to commune with nature while preparing dinner under the stars and, in some cases, in a well-stocked kitchen.
“You can make it the experience that you want it to be,” says Brandi Mathews, owner of Glamping St. Louis, a campsite located at the River Island Marina in St. Charles.
Guests can choose from a variety of units, including a luxury tent with hardwood floors and an off-grid, A-frame cottage painted dark blue with white-and-wood trim. The units are a good choice for those who want something other than a typical hotel room, says Mathews. “But you’re still camping. There can still be bugs, so bring your spray.”
1 of 4
Photography courtesy of Glamping St. Louis
2 of 4
Photography courtesy of Glamping St. Louis
3 of 4
Photography courtesy of Glamping St. Louis
4 of 4
Photography courtesy of Glamping St. Louis
If what you seek is a glamping escape in the city, Stephanie Larimer’s tiny cottage near downtown St. Louis may be more to your liking. She and her husband Andrew run the small cabin on Airbnb. It’s outfitted with vintage décor and rustic touches that imbue the space with Midwestern charm.
“It’s always a pleasant surprise to guests how big and spacious it is inside,” she says. The cottage includes a full kitchen, bathroom, and office space with Wi-Fi. Its location—a mere steps from the cafes and shops along Cherokee Street—is ideal for those who want to get out and explore the surrounding neighborhood. If you prefer to stay home and, say, roast marshmallows over an outdoor fire pit that's possible here, too.
1 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
2 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
3 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
4 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
5 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
6 of 6
Photography by Boheme Photographie
Meghan Reed and her husband James host a popular guest cabin dating back to 1835 in historic St. Charles, near the Katy Trail. “It’s my version of a classy adult summer camp,” says Meghan. “The goal was to make the space feel cozy and upscale but also playful and a true nod to slowing down.”
The cabin’s history and aesthetic are immediate draws, but the interior design, thoughtfully arranged by Meghan, offers another good reason to rent out the space. She chose a mix of patterned textiles and a strong nod to mid-century style to impart a fun-loving and relaxing atmosphere. There are deep red rugs, vintage décor items, and a kitchenette with an old-school, mint-colored fridge, and dark green cabinets.
1 of 4
Photography by Alise O'Brien
2 of 4
Alise O'Brien
3 of 4
Photography by Alise O'Brien
4 of 4
Photography by Alise O'Brien
The Hillside Hideaway is owned by Lauren and Justin Thorp, the couple behind the Shaw neighborhood's beloved Bonboni Mercantile and Co. Lauren decorated the house, the first in what she hopes will include more rentals, with vintage furniture and accessories from her store. Open for business in 2021, the house is located high on a hill near Lake Wappapello, about thirty minutes north of Poplar Buff. “It’s been a dream of ours for years,” says Lauren. “This cabin is a great little place. It’s rough on the edges, authentic, and there’s a lot of imperfections—but I think that makes it more special.”
The cottage sleeps six, with a queen-size bed in one room and four twin bunks in the other. A screen porch offers guests a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.
So, who is the typical glamper? It’s hard to say. These owners have seen a variety of guests book stays with them, including solo travelers looking for “me-time,” families seeking adventure, and locals in need of a staycation.
“Time to reflect is a new luxury, and it is incredible the choices you can make when you have time to remove stress and reflect,” says Meghan.
1 of 5
Photography by Megan Lorenz
2 of 5
Photography by Megan Lorenz
3 of 5
Photography by Megan Lorenz
4 of 5
Photography by Megan Lorenz
5 of 5
Photography by Megan Lorenz
