Explore Alternative Platforms

Finding a spot at a well-known national park campground might be difficult, but alternative platforms like Hipcamp and Pitchup.com offer fantastic options. Hipcamp features tent sites on farms, ranches, and private camps, in addition to spots on public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and other agencies. For those seeking a little more comfort, Hipcamp also lists unique stays such as an A-frame cabin in Oregon or a creekside farm in Mississippi, where guests can collect eggs for breakfast.

Check Out Glamping Solutions

If traditional camping isn’t quite your style, consider glamping. Platforms like French-based Huttopia offer several glamping locations across Canada and the U.S., with amenities such as sturdy wood-and-canvas tents. For example, Huttopia Southern Maine, located about half an hour’s drive from Kennebunkport, features a cafe, a camp store, a swimming pond, and hammocks slung between the pines.

Consider New Hotel Brands

Several new hotel brands are now catering to nature lovers with locations near national and state parks. Loge, for instance, has 17 locations open or in development, including one near Montana’s Glacier National Park. These hotels often come with equipment rentals such as bikes and child-carrier backpacks. Similarly, Field Station has properties in Moab, Utah, and near Joshua Tree National Park in California, offering quad rooms, gear shops, and swimming pools.

Utilize Recreational Vehicles

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are another excellent option for a family adventure. Platforms like Outdoorsy and RVshare offer rental RVs, many of which can be delivered to a campsite or driveway of your choosing. For high-quality parking spots, Harvest Hosts tracks U-pick farms, breweries, drive-ins, and other businesses that welcome overnight stays.

Optimize Your Search Terms

Platforms like Airbnb have filters that can help you find unique stays. Using terms like “domes” can guide you to geodesic homes, while “play” turns up options like a Colorado cabin with an indoor climbing wall and an outdoor kids’ fort. “Treehouses” might pull up an off-grid dwelling on a wooded farm in rural Ohio, offering a magical family experience.

With these hacks, pulling off an affordable family adventure is entirely possible. All it takes is a bit of planning and a willingness to explore unique alternatives.