9 great ways to go glamping around NYC

Want to get into nature, but don’t want to spring for (or store) a tent, backpack and other expensive, bulky gear? Glamping might be the answer.

While glamping – the portmanteau of “glamorous” and “camping” – isn’t exactly a rugged experience, it can “deliver a much-needed nature-focused timeout” to city dwellers looking to escape their concrete confines, says Sarah Riley, a consultant with the Glamping Academy.

Husband-wife team Mike and Anne Howard know firsthand how important it is to spend time away from the city: The former New Yorkers traded the grind of urban living for a never-ending glamping and outdoor adventure honeymoon.

Having embarked on their journey more than a decade ago, the authors of “Comfortably Wild: The Best Glamping Destinations in North America” and founders of HoneyTrek enthusiastically embrace the best-of-both-worlds advantages of glamping.

“You don’t need to have experience to go glamping. You don’t need to own a tent. You don’t need to know how to light a fire,” says Anne. “You can basically show up with your toothbrush and sneakers and go. So it’s outdoors for everyone.”

But how do you choose a glamping site that’s right for you? Here are some picks for the best glamping options in and near New York City, from off-grid tents and geodesic domes to sanctuary farms and architect-designed luxury dwellings.

NYC Glamping (Greenpoint)

As NYC Glamping admits up front, “there’s no beach, there’s no forest,” but there is air conditioning in each unit, unless you opt for one of the tents on-site. NYC Glamping is decidedly for those who don’t want to stray too far from the conveniences of city living. Guests receive free admission to Skyline Drive-In movies, and NYC Glamping’s location on Greenpoint’s East River waterfront gives you easy walking access to the neighborhood’s plethora of bars, vintage shops and restaurants. Tents with Wi-Fi start at…