PAWS UP – “GLAMPING” – MONTANA STYLE
I have been lucky to go on safari in Africa many times. What thrills me most are the wonderful and very deluxe accommodations in the “bush”. No amenity is left to chance with full bathrooms and oriental carpets on the floors under the canvas. Camping here in the US has a completely different connotation.....until now.
Just outside of Missoula, Montana, the folks at the Resort at Paws Up have created a new kind of camping experience. Yes the tented Creekside Camp and the two other camps at the Resort equals any of those in Africa.
This August while staying in nearby Bozeman, I was invited to come to the resort to get a firsthand view of what ”Glamping” is all about. In Africa, you go to bed under stars with the night noises for accompaniment.
At Creekside Camp, the baths with vanity and double sinks, and a shower are attached within the tent At the other two tented camps there are bath houses a few steps from your tent
If “Glamping” isn’t for you....you can also stay in any of the deluxe log cabins and homes scattered around the 37,000 acres (more than 60 square miles). These 3 bedrooms, 3 bath Wilderness Estates come complete with wireless access and 42" flat screen TV’s and outdoor hot tubs. The views from the wide porches across the meadows to the vast plains and hills in the distance are spectacular.
There are also two bedroom Meadow Homes and the four-Bedroom Morris Farmhouse which belongs to the owner. In total there are accommodations for 180 people throughout the property. All rates include 3 meals a day even thought each of the homes come with complete kitchens.
Each of the tented camps comes with its own dining room and as each camp has only about 6 tents it almost like having your own private chef and servers. This is true throughout the property as there are almost as many staff members as there are guests.
A rental car is not needed even with the “wide open spaces” as each guest is provided with either a golf cart or a small electric car to go from the homes to the restaurants and activities.
There are hikes to see the wildlife, horseback riding, clay shooting, ATV’s, Fly-fishing and even golf 20 minutes away. Nearby Seely lake provides guests with kayaking, canoeing and raft floats as well as water skiing and jet skis. Even in winter you can snowmobile, g snowshoeing or cross country skiing and of course ice fishing, dog sledding and sleigh rides.
For horse enthusiasts, this is a paradise with a 23,000 square foot riding arena, a 52 stall barn, equestrian showers and a huge outdoor pasture. The Saddle club offers private lessons group rides, tours as well as horse care lessons as it actively breeds, raises, trains and sells quarter horses and paints.
For those that travel with their entire families....there is even a daily kid’s camp so that adults can enjoy activities with their friends while the kids go hiking and on treasure hunts with the camp directors. Nannies are also available for that evening out enjoying the award wining restaurant Pump.
Pump, the resort’s gourmet restaurant features western influenced cuisine featuring Montana raised meats like quail, elk, buffalo, trout and rattlesnake. The wine list has become recognized world wide and won Wine Spectator Awards year after year. There is also the Tank & the Trough Bistro with outdoor dining as well as an indoor tent with crystal chandeliers with a more casual menu.
So here I am in the car heading back to Bozeman, wishing I was down by the creek at Creekside Camp enjoying a cool beverage in front of my tent. It is 95 today in Montana....and I thought Florida was hot? Oh well...tonight it will be in the 50’s
Resort at Paws Up is definitely a place I can return to and where I can bring everyone in the family. Tents or not.....Glamping is a great way to “rough it” Western style..
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