Dreaming of sleeping under a bed of stars with Fido? Camping is a fun way to immerse yourself in nature, breathe fresh air and escape the stress of modern life, but It’s not for everybody. For some, the thought of waking up in a tiny tent with a sprawling pooch for company is more like a nightmare than a dream vacation. Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way. Glamping is the ideal choice for outbound hounds who still require creature comforts, and no one does it better than Under Canvas.
Why We’re “Mutts” About Under Canvas
Posted by Billy Francis
The Origins of Under Canvas
Under Canvas first pitched its tent in 2009. Inspired by a safari trip to Zimbabwe, Sarah and Jacob Dusek wanted to bridge the gap between travel and the great outdoors by making Mother Nature in all its glory accessible to all, including pups!
The Duseks’ first effort was Sage Safaris, a unique Montana safari experience based out of Jacob’s family farm near the Canadian border. The innovative pair used this venture to refine their business model before erecting the first Under Canvas tents on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, creating one of the first glamp-sites in North America.
Over the years, Under Canvas has gone from strength to strength. The company offers luxury, pet-friendly camping in many of the most scenic destinations in America, including Yellowstone and Glacier in Montana; Mount Rushmore in South Dakota; Moab and Zion in Utah; Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, and Grand Canyon in Arizona. With four new spots planned, Under Canvas is making its mark as the gold standard for glamping with your pup.
Why Fido Will Love Under Canvas
Under Canvas is proud to leave the days of stuffy sleeping bags, canned beans and restless nights behind. Instead, guests are provided with daily housekeeping and fresh towels, plush king-size beds, luxurious linens, en suite bathrooms, hot running water and even a wood-burning stove.
Luxury is great, but when it comes to providing your pooch with an unforgettable vacation, location is everything. Fido will be able to fill his Instagram with gorgeous photos and sniff out pet-friendly amenities within a short distance of every single Under Canvas campsite.
Yellowstone
Located just 10 minutes from the entrance to Yellowstone National Park, nature lovers will erupt with excitement at this volcanic hotspot. It’s not the most pet-friendly national park in the country, but seeing Old Faithful from a distance is still worth checking off Fido’s bucket list. Beyond the park, spend a day at the lake at Henrys Lake State Park before moseying on down with your mutt to the Buffalo Bar for lunch.
Glacier
Unfortunately, Glacier National Park doesn’t allow dogs on the hiking trails that lead to some of the more spectacular views. Under Canvas gives you a chance to experience the same landscape with your pooch by your side. It’s also just a tennis ball’s throw away from one of the most epic dog parks in the country in Hugh Rogers Wag Park. Grab a beer and a bite at Bonsai Brewing Project afterwards.
Mount Rushmore
Whether pausing for the night on a South Dakota road trip or spending your whole vacation in the area, Under Canvas Mount Rushmore shouldn’t be missed. Saddle up and drive to nearby Keystone for a photoshoot at Professor Samuel’s Old Time Photos. After Fido’s finished voguing, continue his walk down memory lane with a meal on the patio at Ruby House Restaurant, a turn-of-the-century style eatery.
Moab
Spend your vacation on 40 acres just moments away from the entrance to both Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. Moab is just 7 miles from the site, which means you can load up the mountain bike and your extreme canine for an adventure on the Great Escape Bike Trail. When you’re finished, spice up your life with a meal at Arches Thai.
Zion
Under Canvas Zion bumps up to Zion National Park. Like many parks out west, dogs aren’t permitted on every trail. However, one of the best is the Pa’rus Trail, which allows dogs to join you for a stroll on the paved track. Start the adventure off with a brew at River Rock Roasting Company.
Great Smoky Mountains
Wake up to pristine Appalachian views at Under Canvas Great Smoky Mountains. The company’s only East Coast campsite currently available is located on 200 acres in the midst of the “The Land of Blue Smoke.” Once you’ve sniffed out the trails that welcome dogs at the national park, head into Gatlinburg for dog-friendly donuts at Mad Dog's Creamery & Donuts. And while you’re in the area, don’t forget to bring Fido to Nantahala National Forest.
Grand Canyon
Visitors on two legs and four will love glamping it up at the Under Canvas campsite which lies along historic Route 66. After going for a walk on one of the trails at Grand Canyon National Park, gather around the fire on the patio at Yavapai Lodge for a delicious meal with your pooch.
Travel Tips
The pet fee is $25 at all Under Canvas locations. Dogs must be leashed while wandering around the campsites, and pups can’t be left unattended. Due to the abundant wildlife surrounding the tent villages, food should not be kept inside the tents, including Fido’s treats and kibble.
Have you ever stayed at an Under Canvas campsite? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!
Banner photo by @undercanvasofficial.