TYRO LODGING FIELD GUIDE
Creekside Luxury Tents on The Priest: Glamping at The Retreat at Crabtree Falls
A concise guide to staying in hand-sewn canvas tents beside Lick Branch Creek at The Retreat at Crabtree Falls, detailing amenities, booking rules and what to expect.
Creekside Luxury Tents on The Priest: Glamping at The Retreat at Crabtree Falls.
Adventure brief
Creekside Luxury Tents on The Priest: Glamping at The Retreat at Crabtree Falls
Set on a mountainside property in Tyro, Virginia, The Retreat at Crabtree Falls places soaring canvas tents on hardwood decks alongside the rushing Lick Branch Creek. Each site pairs five-star creature comforts—a king-size bed, private bathroom access, and a fire pit—with the hush of a mountain brook and views toward Pinnacle Ridge off The Priest.
Perched near the renowned Crabtree Falls in Virginia, The Priest offers an extraordinary glamping experience that blends the raw beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains with upscale comfort. Located in the small mountain community of Tyro, this site provides a gateway to nature’s grandeur paired with amenities that redefine outdoor lodging. Here, travelers can immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without compromising on convenience or style.
The campsite features finely crafted tents positioned alongside a quiet, babbling creek, creating an intimate atmosphere framed by the lush Appalachian landscape. Each tent is furnished with a king-size bed that promises restful sleep beneath a canopy of stars, along with a private bathroom—a rarity that elevates this setting well beyond the typical camping experience. Evenings come alive as you gather around your own fire pit, the perfect spot to share stories, roast marshmallows, or simply soak up the tranquility of the mountainside.
Situated just minutes from Crabtree Falls, one of Virginia’s tallest cascading waterfalls, this location delivers access to a signature hiking route that reveals stunning rock outcroppings, rich hardwood forests, and vibrant wildflowers depending on the season. The Priest is part of a broader local outdoor recreation area where the blend of steep ridges and flowing waters offers a dynamic playground for hikers, photographers, bird watchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat.
What sets The Priest apart is its seamless combination of natural charm and thoughtful amenities. Unlike typical campgrounds, this site caters to visitors looking for a romantic or restorative getaway with a touch of indulgence. The proximity to Crabtree Falls means guests can easily incorporate vigorous day hikes or leisurely nature walks into their schedule, returning each day to the comfort of a plush bed, refreshing shower, and warm fire.
Tyro serves as the nearby town hub, where visitors can explore local eateries, pick up supplies, or delve into regional culture before heading back to the serenity of the mountains. The historical backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with trails that have been traversed for centuries, adds a subtle layer of heritage to your stay.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, reconnecting with nature, or simply escaping the bustle of city life, The Priest at Crabtree Falls invites you to experience Virginia’s wilderness with an elevated touch. This camp is a standout destination for those who want the adventure of the outdoors balanced with the comforts that make any trip memorable.
Route Schematic
On-property route and key spots
The property clusters four glamping sites along Lick Branch Creek with short lit pathways connecting decks, patios and a central bathhouse—here are the main stops.
Creekside Tent Deck
A tongue-and-groove hardwood deck directly adjacent to Lick Branch Creek with two rocking chairs and views of the surrounding forest.
Flagstone Patio & Fire Pit
Irregular flagstone patios built from on-site rock, each featuring a smokeless Breeo fire pit, Adirondack chairs and cooking accessories including an Outpost Grill and Searplate Griddle; charcoal Weber grills are also available.
Central Bathhouse
A short walk from each tent: the private, locked bathroom for each glamping site, with floor-to-ceiling limestone walls and radiant stained concrete floors.
Trail Access & Views
On-property vistas include views toward Pinnacle Ridge off The Priest with nearby trail opportunities such as the Brew Ridge Trail and the Appalachian Trail for day hikes.
Booking rules matter: tents have a maximum occupancy of 2, guests must be 21 or older, pets are not permitted in these tents, and weekend stays typically require a two-night minimum (rental options run up to seven nights).
What the day feels like
What it feels like to stay here
The stay unfolds like a deliberately slowed evening: coffee on a creekside rocking chair at dawn, long views toward Pinnacle Ridge, an open-flame stove and leather sofa for fire-gazing, then the privacy of a locked bathroom and warmed concrete floors after a day on nearby trails.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Hand-sewn canvas tents with a king bed
Each glamping site features a hand-sewn canvas tent set on a tongue-and-groove hardwood deck and furnished with a handcrafted, rough-cut king bed and rustic furnishings—deliberately built to combine luxury and natural texture.
THE RIVERFRONT
Decks and patios beside Lick Branch Creek
Tents sit alongside Lick Branch Creek; each deck has two rocking chairs for quiet mornings and private flagstone patios with a smokeless Breeo fire pit and Adirondack chairs for evenings by the water.
THE AMENITIES
Private bathrooms, cooking gear and thoughtful provisioning
Guests have a private, locked bathroom in the central bathhouse with limestone walls and radiant floors; tents are stocked with bedding, linens, toiletries, cooking utensils and a Keurig coffee setup.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this stay suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Rates start from $380.01 per night plus tax; rental options extend up to seven nights. One-night rentals are not available on certain weekend nights and weekends have a two-night minimum.
The tents are supplied with bedding, bathroom linens and toiletries, paper products, cooking utensils and a Keurig coffee maker with coffee, creamer and sugar—pack personal hiking gear and clothing for changing mountain temperatures.
The Retreat at Crabtree Falls is operated by The Cabins at Crabtree Falls and is located in Tyro, Virginia; pathways around the site are lit for evening access.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are pets allowed in the glamping tents?
No. These glamping tents are not pet-friendly; guests with dogs are recommended to stay in the operator's pet-friendly cabins.
What is the maximum occupancy per tent?
Each glamping tent has a maximum occupancy of 2 guests.
Is there an age requirement to book?
Yes. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to stay in these tents.
Is a private bathroom included?
Yes. Each glamping site has its own private, locked bathroom located in the central bathhouse with limestone walls and radiant stained concrete floors.
What amenities and supplies are provided?
Bedding, bathroom linens and toiletries, paper products, cooking utensils, and a Keurig coffee maker with coffee, creamer and sugar are provided in each tent.
Are there minimum-night requirements?
Weekends generally require a two-night minimum; one-night rentals are not available on certain Friday and Saturday nights. Rental periods can extend up to seven nights.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-25T03:07:45.034Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.