Fire Lookouts: Utilitarian Vacation Fun
Want a room with a view? Operational and retired fire tower lookouts across the country now offer public access for nightly stays, and they're easier to book than most travelers think. Run by Recreation.gov (the same folks who book many traditional campsites), fire lookouts are usually one-room affairs, with heat and electricity and a simple kitchen. Most are accessible via car by primitive road, though some require a hike in. Without exception, fire lookouts afford amazing wilderness views (without the firefighting job).
How to book: Search fire towers by state or national forest, then book by name at Recreation.gov.
Top fire lookout: Oregon's Pickett Butte is accessible by car, but adds a dash of adventure with its long dirt road entrance and tower of steps to the top. The perfect home base for hiking, fishing, or outdoor play, Pickett Butte includes a full propane-powered kitchen in the one-room tower.
More: How to Make Your Kids Fall in Love With Camping
Tree House Lodging: Sleep in the Trees
The kids will thank you for a Tarzan camping trip! Tree house resorts, or "treesorts", have sprung up in several rural locations across the U.S., offering nightly stays in inventive lofts, cabins, and tents in the air. Tree houses range from basic to deluxe, with group kitchens and bathrooms located on the ground. The best treesorts include rope bridges spanning trees and plenty of swings. Many have age restrictions to ensure child safety, so families will want to make sure all their little monkeys make the cut.
How to book: Reserve directly from private resorts.
Top treesort: Out'n'About Treesort in Cave Junction, Oregon is a wooded playground, with ropes, ladders, swings, and zip lines. Plus, the resort is adjacent to a swimming hole and hiking trails.
Teepees: Take a Trip Into Early American History
Return to the Wild West with a night in a teepee. Located in private campgrounds in the western U.S., teepee accommodations provide basic shelter (think of them as a very big, tall tent), and sometimes heat. Look for teepees in warmer climates, and bring your own bedding, including mattress pads. Families are amazed by how roomy teepees can be, with plenty of space to stand up, walk around, and enjoy a game of cards or a family picnic.
How to book: Teepees are generally located in private resorts and campgrounds, and should be booked directly. Occasionally, state parks offer teepee accommodations in lieu of cabins or yurts.
Top teepee campground: Kah-Nee-Ta Resort and Spa offers teepees situated around their natural mineral hot springs pools, making for the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
More: Campfire Starters that Never Fail
No matter which type of unusual outdoor lodging travelers pick, the load will be lighter, setting up camp will be less work, and the fun will begin sooner. And without a doubt, the camping trip will feel more adventurous, if not downright daring. Enjoy camping in style this off-season!
Click here to view the entire infographic.More: 8 Luxury Campgrounds for Glampers
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