by Maggie Downs posted in Life

In an alternate reality, I'm the kind of person who can tie bowlines, make a shelter out of sticks, build a fire and cook campfire chili on top of it. I'm as comfortable on a sea kayak as I am in a suspension tent hanging off the side of the mountain. All my photos are hashtagged #AdventureMom without a hint of irony.
In this reality, though, I'm a wannabe outdoorswoman. Growing up, my family never spent much time outside, and we certainly never went camping. Now I go to REI, wander the aisles, and I covet the gear as much as I am intimidated by it.
Maybe you're like me. Maybe you long for the outdoors and you don't know where to start. Maybe you don't have the gear. Or maybe you're just up for a little glamping. That's where Hipcamp can help. Hipcamp is kind of like Airbnb for camping, offering totally unique spots to stay overnight on ranches, farms, land preserves, vineyards, and more. (Plus info on public parks and campgrounds too.) The site includes traditional campsites, where you would pitch a tent, as well as specialty lodgings like yurts, trailers, and lean-tos.
Check out some of these favorites where you don't even need a tent:

Where: Butterfly Farm Sanctuary near Asheville, N.C.
What makes it cool: Stay on private property nestled within the Smoky Mountains in a spacious Lotus Bell tent, which looks just like a flower bud. You'll sleep surrounded by acres of forest, pastures, and a babbling creek. This is perfect for the...