Summer is creeping around the corner, and with warm weather comes camping trips. I go on an annual camping trip with a group of friends that I love, but I have a confession to make: I actually don’t like camping. In reality, that’s a blanket statement. I like some of it; the great outdoors, campfire, grilling food, sing-alongs, day drinking, etc. Unfortunately, once night falls and the warmth of the cocktails has worn off, I dread getting into my tent with a partially deflated and cold mattress.

I am not interested in messing with my sleep, so this year I decided to look into some camping options that will put my concerns to bed.

While proper sleep is key, so is getting to the destination in a reasonable amount of time. All of the destinations below are within 3 hours of Mississauga. Check out some of my most intriguing picks for glamping this summer.

Forested Eco-Tents

Located just 1 hour and 45 minutes northwest of Mississauga in beautiful Rice Lake, you will find Forested Eco Tents. You just arrive with your overnight bag and they provide the rest. Some of the highlights here are a floating dock, hiking trails, and freely roaming farm animals such as baby sheep, alpacas, piglets and free-range chicken. I can’t say any campground has ever offered a zoo of animals I could hug and squeeze. Very high cuddle factor here.

Long Point Eco Adventures

Long Point Eco Adventures does a great job of offering a unique experience. They’re known for their awesome zip lining which is a must-do while you stay in one of their very nicely outfitted wilderness suites. This is a far departure from traditional camping. Each suite boasts a king size bed, down duvet comforter and an outdoor shower for a scrub under the stars. In the morning, rise up to a freshly prepared buffet breakfast. All of this is just a 2-hour drive away.

Eco Friendly Treehouse

My second confession is that I’m still sore about not getting a tree house as a kid. Luckily, I found some therapy for that trauma just 1 hour outside of Mississauga in a place called Blackstock, Ontario. Yes, that’s right. You, as an adult, can spend a few days living it up in a tree house. An eco-friendly tree house, that is. It’s so private that there is a short ½ km hike to the cabin from where you park. But, once you reach your destination, you have 6,000 acres to roam around in. The tree house runs on solar power and the cabin hosts provide fresh water for the duration of your stay. Some may see this as a downside, but there is no internet available at the tree house. If you’re really looking to disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself, this is the place to do it. Oh, and there’s a hammock on the screened in porch for major lounging. Isn’t that dreamy?

Campbellville Cabin

The next destination on my list is so close you may as well pitch a tent in your backyard and call it camping. But, who needs to stay home when just 20 minutes away in picturesque Campbellville you will find a cozy cabin to rest your head. There are so many trails and sandy beaches to explore – Mountsberg, Hilton Falls, Kelso and Rattlesnake Point. Also, if you don’t want to leave the property, there are arcade games and a movie amphitheater for some nightly entertainment – or, just enjoy your crew for the duration of your stay. Love pancakes? I recommend staying over the weekend for weekly pancake breakfast every Sunday.

Bancroft Luxury Tent

On the more luxurious end of the spectrum, Bancroft is home to one fancy campground. Just 3 hours away, you will arrive at the chic and rugged “Glamping Wellness Retreat Centre.” It is home to one fancy campground. Here you can spend $748/pp and get the ultimate pampering explosion complete with Austrian Moor detox bath and face mask, ion-cleanse detox foot bath with oxygen Inhalation therapy, or an energy regeneration package that comes with a Seaweed Rejuvenating Bath. They also offer many other services ranging from massage to nutrition consults and more! Even the décor in the tents is tastefully done. It looks like something you would see in your Instagram feed and like. If you want to ball out, I say check this place out.

There you have it! This is camping for all my people out there who value ultimate comfort but love the great outdoors. If you visit any of these places this summer, feel free to post your pictures to social media with the hashtag #ModernMississaugaGlamping.