Not a fan of cramped tents, damp sleeping bags or noisy campgrounds but still want the adventure of a night spent sleeping under the stars? Try “glamping,” or glamorous camping. A growing number of options near St. Louis fuse comfort and nature, with accommodations ranging from all-season tents to rustic cabins to quirky treehouses. Whichever you prefer, here are four places to not-so-rough it this fall.

Glamping St. Louis
In the heart of St. Charles County, two safari-type tents have covered front decks that look out on a private pond near the Mississippi River. Enjoy fishing, biking and bird watching, or just relax around the fire pit and cook up some chow on the charcoal grill or gas stove. Amenities include real king or queen beds, bathrooms with flush toilets, private outdoor showers with hot and cold water, and full linens and table/glassware — plus access to the clubhouse facilities at River Island Marina. glampingstl.com

Pere Marquette State Park
Two small cabins provide a slightly more private stay within the park’s Camp A campground in Grafton, Illinois. Each houses a pair of bunk beds, as well as a full-sized bed in a separate space. Restrooms and shower facilities are within walking distance. The true “luxury” is Pere Marquette’s exceptional beauty (especially as the colors change in fall) and the spectacular views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers from several points atop the bluffs. Bonus: You can day-trip to the nearby wineries. dnr.illinois.gov/parks/pages/peremarquette.aspx

Timber Ridge Outpost & Cabins
For an unforgettable experience, two treehouses near Karbers Ridge, Illinois, in the Shawnee National Forest let you sit outside and watch birds fly at eye level around the forest canopy. The White Oak Treehouse is built in a 200-year-old white oak tree, while the Maple Oak Treehouse is built over a small creek between a red maple and white oak. The accommodations include multi-level decks, real beds, bathrooms with showers and toilets, kitchenettes with appliances and even heat/air conditioning! timberridgeoutpost.com

Cuivre River State Park
This park in Troy, Missouri, offers two platform tent sites with raised decks and room for up to six people. The canvas shelters sit on two of the most scenic sites in the main campground and include a picnic table, fire ring and lantern post. Restrooms are nearby; showers a longer walk. Cuivre River is known for its trails, which wind through prairies and forests of oak and hickory. A third, handicap-accessible platform tent site will be available soon. mostateparks.com/park/cuivre-river-state-park

Author: Brad Kovach is the editor of Terrain magazine