Places to Sleep in the Middle of Nature

Places to sleep surrounded by nature have always touched me in a special way and have become one of my travel goals.

Ever since I was little, I imagined what it would be like to swap the noise of cars and the gray of the city for a night surrounded by trees, with the chirping of crickets as the soundtrack and a starry sky that looks like a blanket of lights.

I have already had some of these experiences, and each one of them left a mark on me in a different way.

If you also feel this calling, come with me and I will take you on a journey full of ideas, stories and tips to make the most of what nature has to offer when it's time to rest.

First of all, it’s good to think about what “sleeping in nature” means to you.

For me, sometimes it's just a tent and the basics, but I've met people who prefer a rustic cabin or even a more comfortable guesthouse, but still with that smell of the countryside in the air.

That’s why I decided to explore several options in this text – there’s something for everyone.

The important thing is to find that little corner that makes you feel at home, even though you are so far away.

Camping under the open sky

First, let's talk about camping, because, for me, this is the purest way to connect with nature.

I've camped in several places in Brazil, but one that never leaves my mind is the Serra da Canastra National Park, in Minas Gerais.

There, you can set up your tent close to waterfalls that look like something out of a dream.

I remember one specific night: the sound of falling water mixed with the wind in the trees, the sky so clear you could count the stars.

I took a very warm sleeping bag, because the cold in the mountains is unforgiving, and I slept as if the outside world didn't exist.

Plus, camping has a simple charm that wins me over every time.

One of my first times was with friends, and we only took the essentials: a tent, a portable stove, flashlights and enough food for a weekend.

There was no cell phone signal, and boy, what a relief that was!

At night, we sat around the campfire, roasted some potatoes on the coals and talked about life while the fire crackled.

For those who are just starting out, I recommend more structured campsites, such as the ones in Itu, São Paulo. They have bathrooms, hot showers and extra security, which makes everything easier until you get the hang of it.

But not everything is perfect. I've had some troubles, like forgetting to use thermal insulation and feeling the floor cold on my back all night.

Once again, an unexpected rain shower made everything wet, and I learned the hard way the importance of checking the weather forecast.

Still, these “unforeseen events” are part of the adventure, right? It’s the price we pay for leaving our comfort zone and experiencing something so real.

Cabins: The rustic touch that warms the heart

On the other hand, if you don't like sleeping on the ground or dealing with mosquitoes, cabins may be the ideal choice.

I've stayed in one in Serra da Mantiqueira, and it was one of the coziest things I've ever experienced.

The cabin was made entirely of wood, with a wood stove that kept the air warm and gave off a nice smoky smell.

From the window, I saw a sea of mountains covered in green, and at night the silence was so deep that you could almost hear your heart beating.

What I like most about cabins is this mix of simplicity and comfort.

One time, I arrived exhausted after a long hike and found a hammock waiting for me on the porch. I spent the afternoon there, swinging slowly, with a book in my hand and a steaming coffee by my side.

Places like Campos do Jordão, in São Paulo, or São Francisco Xavier, also in the same region, are full of options like this.

They often have that homey feel, with antique furniture and thick blankets, that make you feel like you've stepped back in time.

If you look, sites like Airbnb or Booking have several amazing cabins, but it's worth checking out the details.

Some do not have electricity or hot water, which can be a delight for some and a problem for others.

I, for example, like a hot bath at the end of the day, so I always confirm this before making the reservation.

Eco-lodges: Nature with comfort

Now, if you want nature without giving up a soft mattress and a hotel-worthy breakfast, eco-lodges are a great option.

Have you ever heard of Bonito, in Mato Grosso do Sul? There, the inns seem to blend into the landscape.

I once stayed in one that had a room overlooking a crystal clear river, the kind that makes you want to jump into it as soon as you wake up.

In the morning, the sun rose reflecting on the water, and I would sit on the balcony just admiring it, with a cup of tea in my hand.

Furthermore, what I love about these inns is their care for the environment.

In one of them, the owner showed me how they reuse rainwater and use solar panels for energy.

Knowing that I was enjoying myself without harming that place gave me extra peace. Another destination I love is Chapada dos Veadeiros, in Goiás.

The lodges there have a unique energy, with views of the cerrado that seem to never end. Some even offer exclusive trails or waterfalls in the backyard, which makes everything even more special.

Different experiences: Trees and Wheels

What if I told you that you can sleep high up or on wheels? Tree houses are a trend that fascinates me.

In Santa Catarina, for example, I've seen incredible buildings, with beds hanging between tree trunks and rope ladders that give you butterflies just climbing them.

I stayed in one of them once, and waking up to the sound of birds very close by, watching the sun rise between the leaves, was magical.

There was even a squirrel walking on the branches while I was having breakfast!

Another idea that is on my list is traveling in a motorhome.

I haven't tried it yet, but friends who have said it's pure freedom. You can travel around, wherever you want, and sleep with nature outside.

Places like Serra do Rio do Rastro, in the South, or the beaches of Santa Catarina are perfect for this.

Just imagine: opening the door and finding yourself face to face with the sea or immense mountains, with no time to leave. It's a way of taking your home with you while you explore the world.

Tips to avoid getting into trouble when it comes to places to sleep in nature

However, sleeping in nature requires a bit of preparation. I've forgotten to use insect repellent and woken up looking like a map of bites.

So, take note: bring insect repellent, sunscreen, light clothes for the day and warm clothes for the night.

If you're going camping, invest in a good tent and check the weather – rain can turn into chaos if you're not prepared.

And please don't leave anything behind. I once saw a plastic bottle thrown on a trail and wondered how anyone could do that to such a beautiful place.

In the meantime, choose your destination carefully. Want a total adventure? The Amazon is a dream, but it requires planning. Do you prefer something lighter? Parks like Serra do Mar, in Paraná, are accessible and beautiful. The secret is to go at your own pace, without rushing.

Places to sleep in the middle of nature

Finally, let me tell you why I think this is all so amazing.

Sleeping in nature is not just an escape from routine; it is a way of finding yourself.

In the rush of everyday life, we forget what it's like to breathe deeply, smell the earth, hear the silence.

I've spent nights lying on the grass, not even trying to sleep, just looking at the sky and thinking about life. It's simple, but it changes us inside.

So whether it’s in a tent, a cabin or a motorhome, give it a try.

Places to sleep in the middle of nature are out there, waiting to embrace you.

Pack your backpack, call someone you love – or go alone – and get going.

Who knows, maybe we'll cross paths on a trail, exchanging stories around a campfire? Nature has this power to bring people together and make life seem easier. Are you coming?