Long before fireworks lit up the night sky, there were stars. In 1776, nearly every American could look up and see the Milky Way stretching overhead. Today, fewer than 1 in 5 people in the United States can experience that same view due to light pollution. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Under Canvas invites you to connect with nature through Americana and night sky programming under some of the darkest skies in the country. Think s’mores around the fire, stars and stripes sips beneath DarkSky-certified skies, friendship bracelet-making, patriotic paint nights, Americana live music and moonlit hikes through breathtaking landscapes. From Moab’s arches to Glacier’s peaks, Yellowstone’s geysers, and New England’s coastline, our camps offer unforgettable ways to celebrate America’s heritage in the great outdoors this summer.
Celebrate From Sea to Shining Sea
There’s something timeless about spending summer outside together and exploring America the Beautiful, whether you’re heading out West for red rock adventures or gathering around the campfire in the Smoky Mountains.
With 14 Under Canvas camps stretching from Washington to Maine, each location offers its own connection to natural beauty, history, and the American spirit. Situated near national parks, monuments, and iconic outdoor landscapes, we make it easy to experience the places that help tell America’s story while enjoying upscale glamping.
Spend your days exploring Mount Rushmore and the towering faces of presidents past, wandering the rim of the Grand Canyon, paddling across Lake Powell, or watching larger-than-life wildlife roam freely in Yellowstone, America’s first national park. Each night, return to camp for evenings that feel both nostalgic and elevated, with stylish safari-inspired accommodations, ensuite bathrooms, nightly campfires, comfortable lounge spaces, complimentary programming, star-filled skies, and the kind of quiet that only exists far from city lights.
A Star-Spangled Summer Beneath the Night Sky
Staying at a DarkSky-certified camp offers a rare chance to experience America’s 250th anniversary beneath the same star-filled skies the founders once knew while staying near the national parks. With family-friendly celestial programming at each of our camps, everyone can look up, feel connected to the night sky, and appreciate the natural wonders around them. On clear evenings, you may spot constellations, meteor showers, planets, and even the glowing band of the Milky Way.
Camp Programming for America’s 250th Anniversary
Here’s a sneak peek at the themed programming at some of our camps, from presidential trivia to celestial jewelry making and so much more.
At Under Canvas North Yellowstone – Paradise Valley, you can gather for Star-Spangled S’mores evenings and storytelling beneath Montana’s wide-open skies. At Zion, Galaxy Canvas Painting invites you to create artwork inspired by swirling galaxies and constellations. At the Grand Canyon, Zion, and Columbia River Gorge camps, you can sip Cosmic Cocktails while stargazing beneath some of the clearest skies in the country.
Put your knowledge to the test at Under Canvas Mount Rushmore during Presidential Trivia nights with views of the monument lit up at night, or enjoy something sweet in the Great Smoky Mountains with a Moon Pie and Hot Chocolate Galaxy Bar before crafting a DIY star lantern to send floating into the sky. At Lake Powell – Grand Staircase, you can take a guided full-moon hike for a chance to experience the desert after dark and take in otherworldly views of the cosmos.
Check out our Celestial Calendar for a complete list of scheduled events celebrating America’s birthday and the night sky to help you plan your trip.
Outdoor Adventures for the Adventurous Spirit
America’s 250th anniversary is the perfect reason to embrace the adventurous spirit. Under Canvas offers easy access to some of the best outdoor experiences in the U.S., with curated and expertly guided adventures available near each camp.
Spend the morning whitewater rafting the Colorado River in Moab, try canyoneering or Via Ferrata along Zion’s towering red rock cliffs, kayak the scenic coastlines near Acadia National Park in Maine, or feel at home in the American West while horseback riding on Montana’s forested trails. Whether you’re looking for thrilling adventures or slower moments in nature, we make it easy to create unforgettable memories in every destination.
After booking your stay, you’ll receive an email with details on how to book adventures through the Adventure Concierge.
The Return of Timeless Summer Traditions
More than anything, America’s 250th anniversary is a chance to slow down and reconnect with beautiful landscapes, time-honored traditions, and the experiences that bring people together generation after generation.
At Under Canvas, staying close to nature doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort. Guests enjoy stylish safari-inspired tents with plush beds, wood-burning stoves, private decks, and ensuite bathrooms at many locations, along with nightly campfires, cozy lounge spaces, locally inspired dining, grilling stations, complimentary programming, and extraordinary scenery just beyond your tent flap.
This summer, celebrate America’s heritage beneath starry skies, surrounded by natural wonders from sea to shining sea.
Plan an Epic Summer Road Trip
What better way to celebrate America’s 250th than with a classic summer road trip? Set out on the Grand Circle Road Trip for the ultimate loop through the desert Southwest, connecting Zion, Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, Moab, and the Grand Canyon in one unforgettable journey. Explore Montana’s Big Sky Country from Yellowstone to Glacier, or head to New England for coastal Maine and the mountain charm of New Hampshire. With Under Canvas as your base, every route becomes a chance to experience America’s most iconic landscapes while enjoying comfort in nature.
Book Your Stay and Get a $250 Experience Credit
Wake up to the sounds of nature, spend your days exploring, and return each evening to comfort, connection, and nights beneath the stars. Whether you’re planning a family road trip, a romantic getaway, or a summer adventure with friends, Under Canvas offers a memorable way to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in style, surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.
To celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we’re offering a $250 experience credit to use towards guided adventures, on-site dining, and retail when you book a 3+ night stay at any location with code CELEBRATE250*. Book by July 13th for stays through August 31st.