Nurture Your Nature at These Black-Owned Vacation Retreats

Fancy “glamping” with your girls, exploring the wild via an ATV or RV family adventure, bunking in a boathouse or visiting beaches in Africa or Mexico?

By

LaKisha Cargill

 
Published July 25, 2024

What's your favorite thing to do in the great outdoors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Want to spend some quality time gazing at the stars and breathing in some crisp fresh air as you soak in all that nature has in store? Are you feeling inspired to take on an adventure that gets back to your roots but still offers you some world-class amenities? Then try the outdoors with a twist. Camping or glamping at these Black-owned sites can help connect you and your besties or your family to Mother Nature in varies ways. Plus, it is nice to bring some diversity and inclusion to the outdoors. From domestic adventures to trips abroad, these businesses have something for everyone.

Northeast: Retro RVs inspired by legendary sisters

Boheme Retreats

Livingston, NY

Boheme Retreats is a Black-owned company started by Keva Niver and her husband Rudel Felicien. The two adventurers offer a way to camp without “roughing it.” From May through October, guests can stay in one of their vintage campers in Livingston Manor, NY. Here, you can do all the natural things—fishing, hiking, and seeing beautiful waterfalls. Plus, check for some of their events, like a Waterfall Picnic Experience. But the icing on the cake may be their retro inspired campers. The campers all have signature names paying homage to Black female legends from Rosa to Fannie, Shirley to Leona, and Zora to Maya. Take your pick. We love the Fannie, a 1964 Franklin, which is pet-friendly and can accommodate a family of 4 plus 1 child. The cost starts at $450 per 2-night stay.

bohemeretreats.com

Northwest: Enjoy Camping in the Cascade Mountain Range

Camp Yoshi

Various locations

Seeking serenity and connection in the wild? Camp Yoshi is a Black-owned, family-owned, business that was started during the pandemic. It is the brainchild of Chef Rashad Frazier, his wife, and his brother and was born out of their idea to “take trips to nowhere.” Enjoy the beauty of such places like MT. Saint Helens or MT. Rainer. In both locations, camping gear is provided along with meals, guides, campsites and more. Cost is $700 for these 2-day, 1-night adventures.

campyoshi.com

Southeast: Acres of walking trails and water features 

Coble’s Landing 

Burnsville, NC

Coble’s Landing is a Black-owned, family owned, multi-purpose campground started by Rex Coble Jr and his wife Shawanda. These grounds feature a fishing pond, hiking trails, and picnic areas for those looking for traditional camping activities. But the site also has a gun range, ATV rentals, RV campsite and even a bee farm. While one can enjoy these amenities one-by-one, we think you may enjoy the 4 People Adventure Package that allows you and your friends or family to ride ATVs, take aim on the gun range, prepare a grilled feast, explore the many trails, and humanely catch and release fish in the pond. The cost is $530.

visitcobleslanding.com

Northeast: Anchored boathouses connecting you to calming waters

FLOHOM

Baltimore, Maryland  

For a unique luxury experience, check out the floating suites offered by FLOHOM, a Black-owned, veteran-owned company. Per their website, “the gentle sway and movement in response to the currents and breezes are integral parts of the unique experience we've crafted just for you. This subtle motion invites you to truly go with the flow, allowing for a deep connection with the tranquil rhythms of water life.” FLOHOM houseboats give you a chance to experience breathtaking views of the waterfront and roof-deck also views of sunrise and sunset. Perfect for a romantic getaway or a girl’s trip, the FLOHOM 1 Bay Escape sleeps 4 and is in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The location allows you to mentally drift away while remaining close to the city. Cost $350 to $550 per night but may increase based on the season.

flohom.com

Southeast: Futuristic domes surrounded by nature

The Glamp Inn  

Lincolnton, GA  

Want to go camping without…well camping? Then try glamping at The Glamp Inn in Lincolnton, Georgia. The Glamp Inn is a Black-owned, female-owned glamping retreat that allows you to experience nature on your own terms. The word “glamping” is said to be a combination of the words “glamorous” and “camping.” At The Glamp Inn, an adventurer can trade in the traditional sleeping bag for a comfy bed and a tent for a geo - dome. A complimentary breakfast is included in each stay and a dinner package is available. While these facilities are ideal for couples or girlfriends, we love the idea of the PESSCE (peace) Wholeness Ladies Wellness Retreat. The retreat is 3 days and 2 nights filled with the luxury glamping experience (gourmet meals, fine amenities, and access to all the area’s treasures - a beautiful lake for kayaking and land for hiking) plus lifestyle coaching and more. The cost is $1200.

theglampinn.com

International: Experience global destinations

Camp Yoshi

Various destinations

After the pandemic, Camp Yoshi’s vision expanded from domestic trips to various tailored adventures abroad. Each trip has a particular style that can suit different travelers. Whether you choose the “overland” style, where you sleep in tents and stay exclusively outdoors, changing campsites daily, or the “live well” style, which offers you a “softer approach” with no actual camping but an abundance of “nature, community, and culture,” Camp Yoshi has something for everyone. See below for planned adventures in Africa, The Caribbean and Mexico.

North Africa

Morocco - October 2024 Visit the famed Casablanca or watch the sun set while enjoying a camel ride. This trip style is a live well plus an overland excursion. The total cost is $5,800.

East Africa

Tanzania & Zanzibar - November 2024 This is a live well experience to two exotic places. Enjoy a safari adventure, an underwater excursion, hiking Kilimanjaro and more. This 9-day trip comes with all the comforts of home but is still big on nature and promises to immerse you in the wild. The cost is $6,800 per person (double occupancy), $8,300 (single occupancy).

The Caribbean

Puerto Rico - December 2024 Take a horseback ride to a chef-prepared lunch on the beach. The trip style is a live well experience and costs $4,650 per person.

Mexico

Baja California Sur - February 2025 Enjoy snorkeling with sea lions by day and luxe amenities at night. This trip style is a live well experience and costs $4,750 per person.

campyoshi.com

Prices subject to change

What's your favorite thing to do in the great outdoors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

LaKisha Cargill is a Birmingham-based freelance writer and award-winning poet who focuses on lifestyle, health and wellness, diversity and inclusion, and pop culture. She has contributed to Reckon South, Honey, and Wildfire Magazine. She is also an experienced insurance professional who has contributed to industry publications. Find LaKisha on Instagram @lakishawrites.