Upstate NY Glamping Spot Ranked Among Best in the U.S.

If you love the idea of camping but dread the thought of roughing it on hard, uneven ground, you’re going to want to hear about this gem tucked away near Watkins Glen.

Naturluxe & Stars is a glamping site that’s quickly gaining a reputation for luxury and comfort and just landed on USA Today’s 10Best list of the top glamping spots in America for 2025.

Naturluxe & Stars via Facebook

Glam Camping, Finger Lakes Style

Glamping, or glamorous camping, is all about enjoying nature without giving up the comforts of a hotel room. At Naturluxe & Stars, you’ll find plush beds, cozy lounge chairs, and even fully furnished Safari Tents with private bathrooms and showers. No sleeping bags or cold showers here!

A Second Time on the National Stage

This isn’t Naturluxe & Stars’ first rodeo when it comes to national recognition. It’s the second time this beautiful glampground just outside Watkins Glen has made the USA Today 10Best list, which is a big deal considering it was the only New York spot to earn a place among top sites from places like California and Michigan. This year, it ranked No. 8 nationwide, which is no small feat!

The Perfect Basecamp for Finger Lakes Adventures

Besides the luxe tents, the location is a huge part of the appeal. Naturluxe & Stars sits right next to the famous Watkins Glen International racetrack and just minutes from Watkins Glen State Park, home to a jaw-dropping gorge and 19 waterfalls.

Naturluxe & Stars via Facebook

Nature lovers and adventure seekers will find plenty to do, from hiking scenic trails to exploring the renowned Seneca Lake Wine Trail nearby.

More Than Just a Tent

Unlike your typical campground, Naturluxe & Stars offers weekend campfires with s’mores, a lounge area with internet access, and even board games for when you want to unwind.

Naturluxe & Stars via Facebook

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun trip with friends, or a family adventure, this spot combines the best of both worlds: outdoor fun with a side of creature comforts.

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A Warm Welcome

Since opening with a big ribbon-cutting event in June, Naturluxe & Stars has been turning heads with its boutique-hotel vibes in the great outdoors. And with voters and USA Today both loving the spot, it’s clear this glampground is a local treasure gaining national fame.

An "Off The Grid" Tour Of the Finger Lakes Region! Ten Very Cool Places!

This gallery highlights ten of the, well, little known secrets of the Finger Lakes region. Don't miss any of them. They are fun and very interesting. They include unusual food festivals, a relic from World War II, the "Gourd Capital of New York," a tribute to the man who held U.S. Pilot's License #1, and perhaps the weirdest museum topic you will ever find. Trust me, this "tour" will leave you wanting to know more about all of these ten places!

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

Have a Sip At These 11 Finger Lakes Wine Tasting Rooms and Wine Bars

The Finger Lakes is looking for a spring and summer season that will "pop." With dozens or wineries throughout the region, visitors will start trekking into the wine region in big numbers with the advent of warm weather. While there are any number of places to buy wine, we suggest you pick out a couple of wineries that have tasting rooms, or even check out some of the fun wine bars located in the villages across the Finger Lakes. Here is a starter list of some of the best. Most have food, from small charcuterie boards all the way to 5-star cuisine. All have great tastes for you to try. And many of them have that classic Finger Lakes view right outside their doors!

Gallery Credit: Chuck D'Imperio