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The heart wants what it wants. Earlier this spring, what my heart and soul wanted was to spend quality time with Mother Nature. I booked two nights in a glamping tent in Tennessee, and it was amazing!
To Camp or Glamp
This spring, my soul yearned for quiet, restorative time outdoors, so I booked a trip to the Tennessee mountains the week of Memorial Day. I wanted to accomplish two things during the trip. First, to view the synchronous fireflies in Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The other was to spend time outdoors surrounded by trees while admiring a waterfall.
College-aged me would have been gung-ho for a backcountry backpacking expedition up a mountain to spend a few nights lounging in a tent. Middle-aged me has mellowed and although I enjoy hiking, pitching a tent and snuggling into a sleeping bag, my aging body longs for more comfortable, convenient options. I’m also wiser in knowing there are other ways to connect with Mother Nature. So, I chose a glamping tent.
What’s Glamping?
The word glamping is the combination of glamourous and camping. Its interpretation varies and I’ve had a handful of glamping experiences since discovering HipCamp. The site is my go-to resource for finding and booking one-of-a-kind outdoor accommodations, available from everyday people who open up their private land to those who appreciate the outdoors. Options range from off-the-grid camping spots to RV sites to glamping tents and cabins.
Prices vary, too. I consider myself a budget traveler and glamping isn’t always budget friendly. In my search for the perfect spot, I found some tent glamping accommodations in the $200 – $300 range and beyond. What I found at Mecca Camp Resort in Tellico Plains, Tenn., was perfect for my budget. It was less than $100 a night including my dog (extra fee), plus taxes.
Video: Dog-Friendly Glamping at Mecca Camp Resort in Tellico Plains, Tenn.
What I Loved About My Tent Glamping Experience
I booked a stay at Mecca Camp Resort because of its location, amenities, price, and it looked like a great vibe. It’s an RV park with three glamping tents. Here’s what I loved about my stay:
- Mecca Camp Resort is dog-friendly! Not only is the glamping tent but there’s dog park onsite! Throughout the property, find pup cleanup stations. Before unpacking my car, my dog was stretching his legs in the spacious dog park. He’s not exactly a spry fellow, and his favorite activities were drinking out of the dog pool and resting in the sun. Paw parents will definitely appreciate this dog park! Just remember to never leave your dog alone and always clean up after them.
- The glamping tent was so comfortable and cozy! I parked steps away and the tent is equipped with a snugly bed, linens, nightstand, electricity, and Wifi. The exterior is dotted with string lights, and it looks so pretty at night.
- In addition to the bed being super comfortable, what I liked the most is the heating component! Not sure if it is a heating pad or blanket, but it kept me toasty, and I controlled the temperature. I was hoping for some chilly air, and it was cool in the late evening and early morning (50s – 60s). It sure was nice snuggling into a warm bed. I’m sure my dog appreciated, too!
- The bathrooms are a stone’s throw away from the glamping tents (they currently have three tents and I stayed in the Glamping Tent Jr.) and accessible via a code 24/7. They’re safe, clean, and have fun decor. The sinks are mounted on wood barrels!
Video: Hiking Benton Falls in Cherokee National Forest with My Dog
- The campground is located near natural recreational areas like Cherokee National Forest, Bald River Gorge Wilderness and Nantahala National Forest for hiking and other outdoor adventures. My dog and I hiked Benton Falls in Cherokee National Forest and took a ride out to Tail of the Dragon in Robbinsville, N.C. Yes, it was a lot of driving but the scenery along the way was spectacular! [Sidebar: Mecca Camp Resort seemed to be popular with motorcyclists, too.]
- Three species of owls at night lulled me to sleep along with a symphony of insects and other critters. Fireflies danced behind tent. I definitely felt the camping vibe but had all the civilized comforts I needed.
Video: Tail of the Dragon: “Tree of Shame” at Deal’s Gap Motorcycle Resort in Robinsville, N.C.
Will I Glamp Again?
So, will I glamp again? Heck yeah! I had such a positive experience, I’m ready to do it again! And again! And again!
Here’s $10 to Give HipCamp a Try
Have you booked a trip with HipCamp yet? Use my HipCamp link for $10 in HipCamp credit for your first booking! I’ll earn $10 in HipCamp credit, too. If you have a sense for adventure like I do, I’m sure you’ll find someplace cool to stay, too!
Mecca Camp Resort
You can find Mecca Camp Resort and other groovy glamping spots on HipCamp but you can also book directly with the campground. I like using HipCamp for my vacations because I have my entire itinerary in one place. The resort has a welcoming, chill feeling and a place I’d like to visit again.
Staying here was part of my journey of reconnecting with nature and rejuvenating my soul. The experience exceeded my expectations and I’m looking forward to glamp again!
Mecca Camp Resort
1301 Mecca Pike
Tellico Plains, Tenn. 37385
Tel: (423) 253-3513
meccacampresort.com
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