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Whether you’re a committed ‘dirtbag’ or an RV camper who enjoys camping with a side of comfort, we can all agree that sometimes a little luxury is just what you need after roughing it. Even if you enjoy the dust accumulation in your hair after a week or so without a shower, it can feel refreshing to get back to the creature comforts of civilization.
Part of the fun of camping is how your everyday routine seem positively luxurious after a night or a few of the great outdoors. That’s even more true when you trade camping for a luxury eco-resort.
These 8 Eco-Resorts Blend Nature and Luxury
If you like the sound of mixing camping with the good life, a trip to an eco-resort might be right up your alley. We’ve collected eight destinations where you can live your perfect blend of luxury and dirt, yurts and tents, hot tubs and clear blue streams.
1. Sacred Groves and Fay Bainbridge State Park, Washington
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This Bainbridge Island eco-resort is just a thirty-minute ferry ride from Seattle, but feels like its own little world in ten acres of forest. They have several yurts available packed with creature comforts like wifi and electricity. There are nearby trails for forest bathing, a meditative labyrinth in the woods, gorgeous gardens, sunny deck space, and even a trampoline.
You’re more than welcome to book a yurt and simply enjoy spending time in the woods with real furniture, but Sacred Groves also offers a number of workshops and events including grief support, aging groups, sweat lodges, and women’s only spiritual gatherings called the Sacred Groves Women’s Mysteries School. You can camp on Bainbridge Island, too, at Fay Bainbridge State Park. It’s a popular spot for day use activities as well as camping, and has a number of amenities from full hookups to showers to firewood for sale. Enjoy the lovely views of Puget Sound and proximity to everything Bainbridge Island has to offer.
2. Wildspring Guest Habitat and Cape Blanco State Park, Oregon
Kayaking at Cape Blanco State Park Image from The Dyrt camper Meghan O.
A slate hot tub overlooking the Pacific Ocean should be enough to convince you to visit Wildspring Guest Habitat. Tucked away from the touristy portions of the southern Oregon coastline, Wildspring eco-resort is just a few minutes from downtown Port Orford, Oregon. Its cabins are separated from one another by stands of trees that glimmer gold and green in the morning light, surrounded by a lush carpet of ferns. There’s a labyrinth to walk in the middle of the glade, and it’s fun to see the little trinkets left by other meditative visitors.
You can check out movies and other entertainments from the community room, or have a bottle of wine delivered to your cabin. You can socialize at the hot tub or amongst the sculptures that dot the property, or soak up the peace and quiet in your cabin. The cabins are compact but nicely appointed, with a shabby-chic vibe that feels just right. Gear up to wind down at Cape Blanco State Park, just a few miles north on the coast. There you’ll find a similar vibe to Wildspring.
“Cape Blanco State Park is the hidden treasure of the Oregon Coast – maybe of all of Oregon. Each site is secluded with lovely hedges. The hikes through the forests are like taking a walk through a Tolkien novel with hanging moss, giant trees, ferns, mushrooms and meandering trails.” — The Dyrt camper Debbie B.
Don’t forget to visit the historic Hughes House, built in 1898, while you’re in the area.
3. The Woodlands House and Milo McIver State Park, Oregon
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The Woodland House is a gem situated just outside of Portland, Oregon. It was given new life by Rachel and Rico Castillero, a pair of wedding photographers originally from San Diego. They built a new deck overlooking a creek on the property, put in a hot tub, and gave the place a fresh, minimalist vibe that compliments the surrounding forest without feeling too rustic. Located close to Mount Hood, Lake Trillum, and Latourell Falls—as well as some local-favorite swimming holes—it’s a great place to crash after a day of hiking, wandering, and skiing. This eco-resort has also been used for photography sessions, women’s retreats, and to host intimate weddings.
See what else the area has to offer at Milo McIver State Park, which sits right on the lovely Clackamas River. There’s 900 acres to explore here, including equestrian trails and two competition-grade disc golf courses. In the summer you can rent floats at the boat launch or launch your own canoe or kayak. During the day, it can get busy with all the rafters and afternoon visitors, but you’ll have plenty of privacy at night.
“There are private feeling hiking trails around the large park. The campground area is a standard State Park area, mostly private sites tucked into the trees.” — The Dyrt camper Nancy H.
Milo McIver State Park has a walking bat trail to follow that’s perfect even if you aren’t a chiroptologist (a bat researcher). There are six species of bats that live here in the park, some in special houses made for them by local scouts. The bat trail is home to one of Oregon’s breeding colonies of Townsend’s bats, which have adorably big ears.
4. Lakedale Resort, San Juan Islands, Washington
Lakedale Resort Image from The Dyrt Camper Jen R.
Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor both feel a little luxe as soon as you step off the ferry or seaplane. After all, they’re incredibly picturesque islands whose harbors are lined with historic homes, quaint shops, and sleek white yachts. Lakedale Resort, which is halfway between the two ports, will do nothing to dispel that first impression. Not when they have real log cabins, canvas tent glamping, and a family-friendly campground and RV park. You can have an eco-resort experience here if you want, or just camp the old-fashioned way.
If you stay in the tent glamping section, you can expect services like the Toasty Toes turndown, in which Lakedale delivers a pair of hot water bottles wrapped in fleece to warm your feet and your bed. Or you can get a little privacy on the water in Lakedale’s vintage, fully-restored 1978 Excella Airstream. Even the camping is super easy— if you want to give the outdoor life a try but don’t have the gear, Lakedale will have a two-person REI tent with rain fly and canopy, two cots, and two camp chairs for lounging set up at your campsite upon arrival.
Pack a pair of therapeutic sandals for a stroll into Roche Harbor for supplies at the Company Store. The name is a tongue-in-cheek reference to the building’s history as the actual company store, where workers in the nearby lime kilns could purchase their essentials. Now the Company Store is a lovely waterfront market where you can pick up salads, sodas, wine, beer, and other groceries.
If you grab some picnic supplies you can head up to the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park and see some lovely outdoor art. Wherever you wander, it’ll feel like you’re getting a foot massage.
5. Stillpoint Lodge and Homer Spit, Alaska
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If the idea of watching for sea lions, otters, and moose from a Scandinavian-inspired Alaskan eco-resort sounds sublime, you need to head to the Stillpoint Lodge in Halibut Cove. Their “Mindfulness Cabin” is open 24 hours a day for those seeking stillness. The resort also offers guided meditations, yoga classes, massage services, and a cedar hot tub gazebo. The folks at Stillpoint can arrange all sorts of adventures for you, from whale watching cruises to excursions to catch a glimpse of wild grizzlies.
Not far from the village that shares its name, the campground at Homer Spit offers 280 degree views of Alaska’s pristine wilderness. You can enjoy incredible proximity to wildlife, including numerous eagles, while also sticking close to shops and groceries where it’s quick to grab picnic supplies.
“The Spit is such a unique place to camp and explore. It does assume a stop at the Salty Dawg Saloon as well as a swing under the gift shops. Kachemack bay has an abundance of critters and sea shells making beachcombing amazing. Rent a bike to explore more or just walk the boardwalks and smell the sea air.” — The Dyrt camper Sierra S.
6. Stormking Spa and Mounthaven Resort, Washington
Mounthaven Resort Image fromThe Dyrt Camper Celina M.
At the foot of Mount Rainier, the Stormking Spa and eco-resort used to be a family homestead that was built 1890. Since 2003, the property has hosted guests in luxurious cabins with hot tubs and gas fireplaces. In addition to a spa that offers body polishes, massages, and more, they also host events including weddings.
Most of the cabins are round, yurt-style, but hard-sided with wood paneling. They have plenty of privacy and large windows, so you can remember that you’re lounging in the forest, even when you’re curled up by the fireplace wrapped in quilts.
Also at the foot of Mount Rainier, Mounthaven Resort is just 1/2 mile from the Nisqually entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park, and they offer camping amongst the towering cedar trees on their property. This private campground, like Stormking, has a long history. The Billings Lodge was once a family home in the 1920s but turned into a boarding house during the Great Depression.
Mounthaven offers cozy cabins, too, some overlooking Tenas Creek, others with large outdoor fire pits or fireplaces. One has a hot tub, and one overlooks a “deer station” where you’re likely to see wildlife. You can also rough it at Mounthaven at one of their full hookup RV sites or tent sites. Whichever option you choose, there’s a playground on site and lawn games to borrow.
7. Breitenbush Hot Springs and Piety Island, Oregon
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Breitenbush Hot Spring resort is, perhaps, the quintessential eco-resort. Unplugging is a necessity, given the lack of cellphone reception or WiFi (though there is a landline phone in case of emergency). There’s no alcohol, cannabis, or even caffeine served on site, but three nutritious, vegetarian meals a day are served up in their dining room. The buildings are warmed with the same geothermal heat that keeps the hot springs steamy. Depending on availability, you can choose between cabins, hostel-style bunks, platform tents, as well as tent campsites and boondock space for small trailers or campervans.
Not only does Breitenbush offer a meditation labyrinth and sanctuary space, but also numerous workshops based in a variety of spiritual traditions and psychological contexts. That means you can decide just how much mindfulness and mineral water you want to soak up, from an afternoon dip to a multi-day yoga, Qi Gong, or emotional awareness retreat. And, of course, there are the (clothing optional) hot springs and sauna that attract day users in addition to overnight guests.
For a slightly different vibe in the same neck of the woods, try visiting Piety Island before or after your stay at Breitenbush. It’s right on…or, well, in… Detroit Lake, opposite the popular Cove Creek Campground. It’s pretty easy to boat in to Piety Island, and once you’re there you can enjoy the relative seclusion.
If you want to get your blood pumping, hike up to Piety Knob on the island to get excellent views of the lake and shorelines that surround you. Detroit Lake is also full of rainbow trout, Kokanee salmon and catfish.
8. Doe Bay Resort and Doe Island Marine State Park, Washington
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Luxurious cabins and yurts, gourmet “seed to table” food, massages, yoga, a sauna, the community fire pit. Doe Bay on Orca Island definitely has all the trappings you’d want from an eco-resort. They even host their own summer music gathering called Doe Bay Fest, as well as the usual events like weddings, corporate retreats, reunions, and other gatherings.
“You can camp out in the woods and see the local wildlife (lots of deer and otters!) and there are plenty of trees to hang your hammock. There’s also a restaurant, and a concert hall on site. If you’re lucky enough to be there during a show it is life changing. Don’t forget you are in WA. and it rains more often than not, so come prepared with tarps and rain gear. All in all this is an amazing spot to camp and I highly recommend checking it out.” — The Dyrt camper Dawnielle C.
For a little more remote an experience, paddle out to nearby Doe Island Marine State Park.
“There are only about 4 camping sites on the island, 1 well maintained composting toilet, but no fresh water. However, Doe Bay resort is a quick ten minute paddle away and offers the luxuries of food, hot tubs, sauna, showers, and a calendar of events including music festivals, in a down to earth, hippie-vibe way. So check out their information so that you can plan accordingly, to either go or stay away from the resort as you wish.” — The Dyrt camper Shari G.
