Glamping in the Gorge
Jul 13, 2026, 9:00 AM
Northwest Travel Life
Originally published on Northwest Travel & Life.
Walk along a narrow, crushed gravel trail that leads to a platformed safari-style tent. Now climb 10 wooden steps, cross a small front porch, pull back the zippered entry to discover a tastefully appointed hotel room.
There’s a comfortable, king-size bed, hot and cold running water, a shower, a toilet, even a propane-fueled space heater, most of the comforts of home.
So, this is glamping.
Glamping, short for glamorous camping, is taking hold on the Washington State side of the Columbia Gorge. Skamania Lodge resort introduced five luxury tents in 2024 adjacent to its Treehouse Village. Under Canvas, a collection of glamping locations across the country, then installed an encampment 35 miles down the road in 2025.
And while the two destinations differ in detail, both provide a similar sense of escape.
“People are choosing these (upscale accommodations) so they can feel a part of nature, so they can be in the trees,” says Skamania Lodge spokesperson Bridget White. “It’s not the same being in a hotel. This adds an element of the outdoors.”
Relaxing in the Wilderness
Two Under Canvas campers settle into large Adirondack chairs positioned near a propane-fed fire pit. They sip their 5 o’clock beverages and stare south from this remote Klickitat County site toward towering Mt. Hood on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. They glance at each other, smile, say nothing, and return to the mountain.
The sloping landscape, surrounded by Douglas firs and ponderosa pines, is dotted with 50 white tents. Each is spaced far apart to suggest its occupants are alone in the not-so-rough wilderness.
There’s a hotel lobby inside a concierge tent that also serves as a community gathering place. A small restaurant serves basic breakfasts and dinners. The Adirondacks and firepits are only a few steps away, and there’s a strong possibility someone is roasting S’mores.
A fundamental philosophy here is to camp with what Under Canvas calls a “mindful approach.” Sites are designed to “integrate into the surrounding natural environment,” says site general manager Omar Meshref. “We conserve resources. And being immersed in nature also means that we don’t offer guest Wi-Fi—a critical piece of true disconnection.”
They also promote stargazing. While the Columbia River Gorge camp is not DarkSky-certified, there’s still much to see in the dark of night. A telescope is available for anyone interested in celestial observation.
Camping with Convenience
Glamping at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash., offers a different ambiance. Instead of being tucked away deep in the hills, these shelters are near the main resort facilities and numerous on-site activities, including golf, disc golf, e-bike rides and a zipline.
Yet once the sun goes down, that same secluded forest feel envelopes you.
Reservations are available for one of five canvas tents—two with king beds and three with two queens—east of the main lodge. Each includes an ensuite tent with a shower, toilet, running water and a large soaking tub with a forest view.
Glampers “want to have a sense of real relaxation. Serenity,” White says of the tubs’ popularity. “You can fully relax and embrace the outdoors.”
Experience the Columbia Gorge
As comfortable as the tents may be, overnighters at both camps have the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area to explore. It’s easy to travel east or west along the corridor to discover the towering Multnomah Falls, the stunning Vista House at Crown Point or the simple yet breathtaking Rowena Crest Overlook.
Restaurants and wineries dot both sides of the river. “We were also especially drawn to the food and wine scene in nearby communities like White Salmon and Hood River when we chose this area,” Meshref said. “Both offering charm with independent shops, wineries, breweries and a deep-rooted appreciation for the outdoors.”
Consider taking a tour with a local expert, be it for an outdoor activity—rafting, fishing, mountain biking, e-biking—or perhaps a wine tour.
Book Reservations
Skamania Lodge, skamania.com
Under Canvas, undercanvas.com/camps/columbia-river-gorge
Columbia River Gorge Scenic Attractions:
Multnomah Falls (parking permit required), fs.usda.gov/r06/columbiarivergorge/recreation/multnomah-falls
Rowena Crest Overlook, stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=221
Vista House (parking permit required), stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=108
