Ten feet from where the Broad River gently curves around a stand of Carolina pines, imagine a perfectly seared rainbow trout crackling in a cast-iron skillet. The cook, a financial analyst from Charlotte, just 24 hours earlier, beams with the peculiar pride that comes from eating something prepared in the great outdoors. Welcome to the unexpected culinary pleasures of Broad River Campground, recently crowned North America’s premier glamping destination by the 2025 Campspot Awards, where the food possibilities prove as impressive as the transparent geodesic domes that have earned it Instagram fame.
This rural Cleveland County retreat merges luxury camping with opportunities for visitors to connect with their meals in a dramatically different setting than city restaurants. What sounds like another tired outdoor cooking scenario instead delivers an experience that would make even the most committed urban food snob reconsider their stance on campfire cuisine.
Breakfast by Dome Light
Mornings at Broad River begin with the gentle sounds of nature. Guests can enjoy their breakfast provisions on private decks furnished with comfortable Adirondack chairs. The complimentary fire rings provide the perfect spot to brew that essential first cup of coffee while watching the mist rise off the water. It’s worth bringing your favorite local provisions—perhaps some fresh pastries from a Charlotte bakery or regional specialties from nearby towns.. That primal satisfaction comes with a side of luxury—these domes feature proper beds and climate control—this is glamping, after all.
Cast Iron Chronicles
The centerpiece of any culinary adventure at Broad River is the opportunity to cook outdoors. While the campground provides access to a communal kitchen, the real magic happens when guests bring their provisions to prepare over the fire rings. The proximity to the river creates an atmospheric backdrop that no urban restaurant could replicate.
With kayaking and tubing available directly from the campground, visitors can spend the day exploring the waterway before returning to prepare meals in nature’s dining room. Though no formal fishing program exists, the Broad River Campground itself has long been known as a spot where anglers can try their luck at catching smallmouth bass, catfish, and yes—the occasional rainbow trout.
Unlike New York glamping retreats, where prearranged meals might be part of the package, Broad River places guests in charge of their culinary destiny. The complimentary fire rings and spectacular setting provide all the ingredients needed for memorable outdoor cooking experiences.
The geodesic domes also feature rentable hot tubs, perfect for relaxing after a day of river activities and outdoor cooking. The combination of luxury accommodations and natural splendor creates an ideal backdrop for culinary creativity.
For information on seasonal availability and accommodation options, check the campground’s website. Just don’t wait too long—since the Campspot Awards recognition, reservations for these unique riverside domes have become some of North Carolina’s most coveted getaway spots.
