Canyon of the Eagles is a rustic resort and nature park with amenities and cuisine befitting a luxury hotel. That’s what “glamping” is: A glamorous take on the campground lifestyle.

Tucked within the picturesque Texas Hill Country is the Highland Lakes region of Burnet County. Canyon of the Eagles sprawls over 940 acres overlooking the largest of the seven interconnected lakes, Lake Buchanan. As you might surmise, the property is named for the American bald eagles who roost there each winter. Other residents of the fauna type include deer, roadrunners, snakes, feral pigs, bobcats and armadillos. The sunsets over the water are radiant, and the spring and summer wildflowers are bountiful.

Depending on your proclivities, you can spend your days and nights in active or leisurely pursuits. Trek, jog or bike the 14 groomed trail miles on your own, or join a guided nature hike. Stop at the Eagle Eye Observatory for spectacular stargazing with the resort’s resident astronomer and research-quality telescopes. Lounge around the swimming pool. View a family-friendly outdoor movie with complimentary s’mores. Take a sightseeing wilderness cruise on Lake Buchanan and the Colorado River. Check the daily schedule for more.

For the most popular activity of all, plop yourself into a rocking chair and relax. Dozens of rockers are stationed around the resort, so you won’t have to go far to find one.

Canyon of the Eagles has 61 guest rooms in 16 cabins reminiscent of 1920s Hill Country homes. Pets are welcome, too. My room, Number 11, was simply but elegantly furnished in knotty pine woods and vintage leathers. A bank of picture windows captured views of woods and water when the muslin shades were drawn. The walls were painted forest green, and the concrete floor was painted a rich brown. The queen-size bed was dressed in luscious white linens and down-filled pillows. On the front porch were two white rocking chairs. Of course.

Deluxe rooms have two queen beds, microwave and mini-refrigerator. If your idea of camping is more rugged, the resort has 25 RV sites and 33 campsites. 

The resort’s award-winning Overlook restaurant serves up inventive dishes with regional flavors and locally sourced ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menus change seasonally, but I can attest to the delicious Texas-style Eggs Benedict with maple-glazed ham and just the right amount of heat. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring sweeping vistas your dining table. You can also eat on the deck, where a telescope awaits. A full-service bar and light bites are offered at the Eagle’s Nest.

Every season at Canyon of the Eagles promises memorable adventures in a beautiful natural setting–and lots of glam!

CANYON OF THE EAGLES Lodge and Nature Park at Lake Buchanan

A Calibre Resort

16942 RR 2341

Burnet, TX 78611

(Many thanks to Canyon of the Eagles for hosting my most enjoyable stay!)