Glamping on private landowners property in the U.S : Review of Tentrr an Airbnb style of camping

For the last 3 years we have maintained a Thanksgiving weekend tradition of exploring nature together as a family by going camping. We always try to explore a new area and try a new family outdoor challenge. So we jumped on the opportunity when TENTRR invited us to try out one of their camping sites in the U.S. After all, who going to say no to staying at an already set up and ready to use campsite, and sleep in queen size beds in a large standup canvas tent.

We left our 4 person tent at home and did the 6 hour drive to go glamping and hiking in the Adirondack mountains in upstate New York.

What is Tentrr?
Tentrr is an American website that offers an Airbnb style of camping on private properties in the US. At the time this story was written, Tentrr has 722 campsites in 39 states with most of the camping sites located in New York state. From primitive camping sites to fully equipped camping in the TENTRR signature tent with queen size bunk bed, picnic table, toilet and shower.

How the Tentrr website  works
It is quite simple. Tentrr has sourced property owners in the U.S that act as host just like house owners of an Airbnb. Users can search for sites in the area they want to camp. When you find a camping site, log in and make the booking. You will receive a message from the camp host with the address and phone number to the campsite and you can message the host with any questions and give your arrival time. The camp host will also send emails to the you with suggestions on what to do in the area with links to attractions, restaurants and hikes close by while the Tentrr team will email you on what you should bring to the campsite and tutorials how to use the toilet.

Trip report and experience of Tentrr
We booked a campsite at Piney Wood Hills, Mineville New York  $130 a night for a fully equipped camp site including firewood, bedding, dishes, cutlery, flashlights, etc.

The Camp hosts also provided us with a propane camp stove and a cooler with ice. The only thing we needed to bring was food for our stay.

We arrived at the camp host’s home in the dark and was greeted with smiles and invited us in for a cup of coffee. They took us to the camp site that was nestled in the forest far from any buildings on their property.

It was very nice to not have to set up camp after 6 hours of driving. We made a cozy fire in the wood stove with the supplied split wood and jumped into the already made beds. The tent warmed up fast but it did get a little chilly in the morning as it was late in the season and the night time temp dropped to 32°F (0°C). The blankets were not quite warm enough for those temps so we were glad we brought our sleeping bags as well.

Next day we got up early and cooked breakfast on the camp stove. Everything we needed was there; cutlery, dishes, pots and even napkins were packed neatly in large plastic containers by the tent. The rest of the day was spent climbing “The Big Giant” after a suggestion from the Tentrr website about what to do in the area. The hike did not disappoint with amazing views over the Beaver Valley and surrounded by mountains dripping in fall colors. Hungry and sore, we arrived back to our camp just as it was getting dark. Since it was raining we cooked hotdogs and made hot chocolate on the wood stove and ate inside the tent listening to the rain.

Sunday we had a lazy morning and a breakfast feast. We had a quick wash in the Coleman shower provided. Since we were fall camping, and the sun was not strong enough to heat the solar shower, we heated some water on the camp stove.

After a little Sunday road trip to Lake Placid with a gondola ride up Whiteface mountain before retuning to camp. While our kids were playing on the nearby zip line and climbing wall with our hosts’ grandkids, we started our Thanksgiving foil chicken dinners with over the fire. It was a magical evening and a great way to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving under the stars by a campfire and in solitude outside.

Our conclusion about Tentrr
We think Tentrr is a great concept for all campers. Experienced campers can appreciate a camp site that is fully equipped without the prep and novice campers can get the full tent camping experience without buying all the gear you need to comfortably go tent camping.

As a family, we liked the personal touch of a host making it more of an “one of a kind” experience than staying at a public campground. I often find public campgrounds noisy and crowded so for city dwellers like us, it is a treat to have a secluded private camp that the Tentrr experience provides.

Though our camping site was fully equipped with everything you need, we still brought our sleeping bags, cooking utensils, towels, flash lights and plastic bags for garbage. It is always good to be prepared as you never know and it never hurts to be a little prepared.

Check out this  post about glamping tips on Camping For Everyone.