Naturluxe & Stars, a glamping destination located in Watkins Glen, New York, has earned national recognition as one of the top glamping spots in the United States, according to the 2025 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
Ranking eighth on the list, the property was the only New York-based campground to be included among a diverse lineup of accommodations ranging from yurts to luxury tents across the country.
The awards are determined through public voting after nominees are selected by a panel of travel experts. Naturluxe & Stars was previously named to the same list in 2023.
The repeated recognition comes as the glamping destination prepares to enter its fourth season of operation.
“I’m thrilled to be on this list,” said owner Dawn Aprile. “We made this list in 2023, and it was an honor then and it’s an honor now. It really affirms that we have something special here that people are enjoying.”
Since opening in 2021, Naturluxe & Stars has hosted visitors from 38 states and 17 countries, according to Aprile.
The site is located adjacent to the Watkins Glen International racetrack in Schuyler County, an area known for its outdoor recreation and proximity to the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and Watkins Glen State Park.
“We’re entering our fourth season,” Aprile said in a report by Star Gazette. “We have had guests from 38 states and 17 foreign countries, so we are growing.
It helps people unwind from the normal daily grind by relaxing around the campfire, sleeping under the star, and enjoying all the activities that Watkins Glen has to offer.”
The accommodations at Naturluxe & Stars are designed to offer a high level of comfort, combining elements of a traditional camping experience with upscale amenities.
Each tent includes a bed with a mattress, luxury bedding, down-alternative pillows, a reading chair, a lamp, and a luggage rack.
For business owners in the outdoor hospitality sector, the consistent recognition of Naturluxe & Stars underscores a growing demand for unique, amenity-rich outdoor lodging.
Its success demonstrates the appeal of well-curated guest experiences that blend nature immersion with comfort, particularly for travelers from metropolitan areas seeking short-term escapes.
“It’s just a great way for them to get out in the open air, go hiking and enjoy the winery,” Aprile said. “It’s really a great getaway. People rave about how comfortable our beds are, and certainly sleeping in the outdoor air makes for a great night’s sleep.”