Why book?
If you’re headed to Montana to visit Yellowstone, it’s undeniable that you’re in for once-in-a-lifetime views, from incredible wildlife sightings to jaw-dropping pockets of nature. But if you want to up the ante even further, book a stay at Under Canvas’ Paradise Valley location, a luxurious glamping site that sits on 50 acres of breathtaking Montana ranch land just under an hour from the national park’s north entrance.
Glamping here is both comfortable and curated—framed by a picturesque setting of the towering Absaroka mountains and the Yellowstone River running alongside tents, which grants access to fly-fishing, walking trails, and ever-calming riverfront views. It’s the perfect base camp to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Montana, with both convenience and style that will make you feel connected to nature in the most elevated way possible.
Set the scene
The drive to the camp feels like a slow unraveling of time. As you leave behind the last gas station and cell signal, Montana begins to open up—miles of untouched land where cows outnumber cars, wooden fences lean into the wind, and the road stretches endlessly, swallowed by mountains on all sides. Every turn reveals a new backdrop: weathered barns, fly-fishermen knee-deep in rivers that shimmer like glass, and wildflowers peppering the fields like confetti tossed by nature itself. The sky—high, wide, and impossibly blue—wraps around you and shifts into gold and rose as the sun drops into the sprawling green peaks.
By the time you reach Paradise Valley, you’re already somewhere else, mentally. And you’ll then find the kind of quiet that amplifies birdsong, crackling firewood, and your own footsteps on the rocky dirt path. Arriving at Under Canvas feels like you’ve stumbled into a modern-day outpost—where safari-style tents tuck into the hills, canvas flap gently in the breeze, and the constant hush of the Yellowstone River flows just out of view. Mornings start with mist over the river and hugging the mountains. By night, unobstructed starlight illuminates the campfire space and feels like a warm hug. All to say—it’s not too shabby of a welcome to the Wild West.
The backstory
Under Canvas opened its Paradise Valley location in July 2023, marking its 11th camp in the US. Building on the success of the West Yellowstone site, this new property was designed to provide guests with an opportunity to explore the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park, which spans more than two million acres and is home to dramatic canyons, alpine rivers, geysers, and lush forests. The goal of this stunning and vast property is to offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the park's rugged beauty, all while enjoying the comforts of luxury camping in a truly remarkable setting.
The rooms
The camp’s 50 safari-inspired canvas tents sit elegantly on the land, each one (of seven types) a private retreat offering king-sized beds, high-quality linens, wood-burning stoves for warmth, and fully stocked en suite bathrooms with hot showers, sinks, and flushing toilets. Tents fit between two to six guests, depending on the room type, and each has its own private deck, perfect for soaking in the views of the river and mountains. Families will love the Suite Tent with Kids Tent, which features two adjacent tents, allowing parents privacy while keeping the little ones close (it sleeps up to four adults and two kids). The Stargazer Tent is a highlight for anyone who loves to sleep under the stars—it features a clear ceiling panel for unobstructed views of the night sky. The only catch is that there’s no curtain, so you’ll want to use the sleep mask provided to ensure the sunrise doesn’t wake you up too early. Another option for families or groups is the Yellowstone River Suite. With two adjoined tents, two bathrooms, and a spacious shared deck, it comfortably sleeps up to six guests.
Each tent is well-equipped to handle fluctuating temperatures, and all have wood-burning stoves for warmth. That said, be prepared for chilly mountain nights, and don’t forget to bring layers—there are extra blankets provided inside if needed. A no-food policy in the tents is strictly enforced, ensuring you don’t attract wildlife, which is very much a part of the camp’s natural surroundings.
Food & beverage
The on-site dining experience at Embers is a true delight—casual yet elevated, with a menu that’s designed to make you feel like part of the Montana landscape. Whether you’re sinking your teeth into a classic American cheeseburger (Beyond Meat available for vegetarians) or savoring a seasonal special for an appetizer to share, the food is simple but packed with flavor. Pair your meal with a bottle of wine, and watch as the sun sets behind the mountains, casting golden light over the valley. After dark, the camp takes on a special tight-knit energy, with guests gathering around the fire to roast s’mores, play board games, and share stories beneath the stars. It’s the kind of place where people from various corners of the world can come together over a shared experience of nature, food, and new friendship.
The neighborhood/area
A funny note on this location—as much as it seems far-removed from “civilization” given its nature-wrapped locale, one of its best traits is its access to local gems with colorful streets, lively pubs, and cowboy locals. Livingston, just 20 minutes away, offers a taste of small-town Montana, with sports bars, true country soul, and a retro movie theater that feels like a step back in time. If you want to splurge a little, Bozeman is just 45 minutes away, packed with boutique shopping, great restaurants, and bars. As for outdoor enthusiasts, Paradise Valley is ideally positioned to give you unparalleled access to Yellowstone’s north entrance, with its awe-inspiring pockets of rivers, high trees in forest trails, and geysers. Another huge plus is that the Bozeman airport is just a 45-minute drive away, making it easy to get to and from the camp without much hassle.
The service
The service at Under Canvas is impeccable, blending a laid-back yet professional atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re part of the family. Staff—who have usually worked at one or more other Under Canvas sites—are always on hand to answer questions, provide information, and help you get the most out of your stay. They are also on hand to drive you to and from your tent (especially helpful at night when it’s pitch black and you’re wondering if that noise was a squirrel or something larger).
The camp’s partnership with Yellowstone Luxury Tours also takes your experience to the next level. Whether you’re keen to see the park’s wildlife or explore its natural wonders, the tours are top-notch. Inclusive of early pick-ups from camp, luxury transport (Escalade or van), and a curated itinerary that can take you on a search hunt for wolves, bison, and other iconic Yellowstone creatures—these tours include lunch, high-end gear, and a personalized experience that helps you truly immerse yourself in the park’s beauty. If you can, request a tour from in-the-know guide Christa Hayes. I’ve toured with her in Yellowstone twice and her knowledge and love for the region’s history and species shines in her impeccable hospitality.
Eco effort
A cornerstone of any Under Canvas stay is the brand’s Mindful Approach ethos, which refers to the company’s development and operational initiatives. Under Canvas destinations are designed to minimize disturbance and maximize open space. The camp uses solar-powered lights (to which you can always request a new one once it goes out), low-flow showers and toilets, and a towel-reuse program to conserve resources. No Wi-Fi in the tents encourages guests to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other, creating a more authentic, immersive experience. Even the bath products are sustainably made, with many sourced from zero-waste facilities. The brand also partners with brands that align in its values: West Elm furnishings support the brand’s sustainability initiatives and Lululemon (whom Under Canvas works with on its merch) is committed to using 100% renewable electricity in their owned and operated facilities.
Accessibility
All Under Canvas sites have accessible tents and offer accessible parking options, bathrooms, and lobby tents, as well. However, note that given Under Canvas properties’ outdoor environments—which are in relatively remote areas, and are intentionally designed to have minimal impact on the natural landscapes they inhabit—the roads and paths are primarily dirt and/or gravel and are subject to varying weather conditions, depending on the season and destination.
Anything left to mention?
A note on the stars: While this camp does follow DarkSky principles—reducing light pollution to preserve the precious night sky—it isn't one of the camps that is officially DarkSky–certified. (Several camps of Under Canvas camps are among the first Dark Sky–certified resorts in the world.) That said, this site is still ideal for stargazing and those looking for some stillness in the starlight. So bring your curiosity—and maybe a set of binoculars (though, the site does have two functioning telescopes on hand!).
139 Pine Creek Rd, Livingston, Montana 59047
United States
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