Among the hundreds of Western ranches is one set apart by its unique lodging: The Resort at Paws Up. Located in Greenough, Montana, amidst wide plains and mountains along the banks of the rushing Blackfoot River, Paws Up is a true getaway for your entire family. Its name comes from the owners’ fond memory of going to a ranch with dogs that would always welcome them with two paws up, but the key to this 37,000-acre resort’s success is not the great story but its unusually glamorous camping, humorously nicknamed “glamping.”

Although I recommend it, if glamping is not for you, check out some of the “luxury homes” on the property for a more hotel-like experience. However, if you do opt in, your first glamping experience should be surprisingly pleasant. Once you have stepped inside your giant tent upon arrival, you will be shocked. The tent is nothing short of a palace, with queen-sized beds, heated blankets for the cold Montana nights, and furniture galore – although if you would like to use the restroom, you will need to walk up the hill to the private restrooms, which are quite luxurious themselves, complete with granite countertops, high-end fixtures, and electrical outlets. Additionally, each glamping site has its own “butler,” who is in charge of all snacks, drinks, breakfasts, bonfires, and keeping a watch over the campsite.

Although it would not be hard to stay in your spacious tent all day, you might want to try out some of Paws Up’s activities.  Our personal favorite was all-terrain vehicle rides, or ATVing.  On a vehicle like a large four-wheeled motorcycle, alone or with a loved one, you will ride around the dirt trails stretching across the resort grounds.  Your ATV ride will likely have a guide leading the way on his or her own ATV if you are new to the sport. Be prepared to get dirty! By the end of the ride, you will likely have mud splattered along your clothing and face and even some dirt in the creases of your nose and earlobes.

Want to cool off or clean up a little after your dirt-filled ATV ride?  Head down to the Blackfoot to dip your feet in for a while.  If you enjoy fishing, bring some poles along with you and get a guide to help you catch some Westslope cutthroat trout. The resort also offers guided horseback rides, guided rafting, archery, geocaching, hot air ballooning and much more.  Get busy – you will want to make the most of your experience here! Through all of this activity, you will not be hungry with the three ranch restaurants, appropriately named Pomp, Trough, and Tank.  Whatever you choice, you cannot go wrong – the food is, simply put, excellent and the atmospheres are top-notch as well.

At Paws Up, you will get a Western ranch experience that is glamorously unique.  Because of your luxury camping, ATV rides, fly-fishing, and dozens more activities, you will want to stay here forever.