"Glamping," in case you're not familiar with the term, is what lexicographers call a portmanteau or a made-up word — in this case a clever blending of glamour and camping. The term itself may be new, but the concept of luxury outdoor living goes way back in time.

Ottoman sheiks and Mughal emperors surrounded themselves with lavish and extravagant tents, and there is little question that Mongol invader Genghis Khan spent his private moments in a pretty fancy and well-outfitted yurt. During more recent centuries, luxury tented safaris brought all the comforts of home to Africa's Serengeti and beyond.

In its latest incarnation, glamping appears to have been reborn as a marketing gimmick employed mostly by upscale Western guest ranches to entice wealthy folks to venture beyond the lodge and into the wilds. Not, however, while sacrificing such essentials as wine, steak and scented candles.

Ruben Martinez, co-founder of Denver-based GlampingHub.com, a website that connects travelers to glamping spaces around the world, says he's seen the trend really take off in the last couple of years.

"People are looking for new and different vacation experiences," Martinez says. "They want to be outside, but for a lot of people traditional camping just isn't for them. They may not know how to start a fire or set up a tent — and they don't like bugs or sand in their beds — they just want to be comfortable."

Glamping possibilities of all kinds abound nationwide. We've filtered through them to identify a representative sampling in all budget categories. Here are seven of them.

The Resort at Paws Up — Greenough, Montana

This 37,000-acre spread just north of Missoula doubles as a working cattle ranch and luxury resort that pioneered the glamping concept back in 2006. Paws Up features 30 elegantly decorated 1-2 bedroom tents scenically set in four clusters around the ranch.

"Paws Up lets guests live like the fanciest cowboys on Earth," writes Megan Friedman of TIME.com. Tents feature heated slate floors, electricity, bathrooms, cell and Internet service — even butlers who cater to guests' every need. There are activities galore, including horseback riding, cattle roundups, skeet shooting, archery, ATV riding, whitewater rafting and some of the finest fly-fishing anywhere on earth.

Pricey as you'd expect, all-inclusive rates range from $1,070-$2,225 per night. Transportation and meals are included, but activities are extra. Contact: 877-580-6343 or visit PawsUp.com. Note: Glamping has also recently been introduced at another premier Montana guest ranch, The Ranch at Rock Creek, near Philipsburg. Contact: 877-874-4038 or visit TheRanchatRockCreek.com.

Blue Sky Ranch — Wanship, Utah

Situated in the Wasatch Mountains just outside Park City, Blue Sky's Antelope Yurt sets new standards for this popular Mongolian-style accommodation. Amenities include solar LED power, wood stove, propane and charcoal grills, outhouse, bunk and queen beds (suitable for families of 4-6 members) and all necessary kitchen accessories.

Open year-round, Blue Sky can complement your stay with a variety of seasonal activities, including horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking/rafting, yoga, skiing and snowshoeing. Rates start at $199 per night. Contact 453-336-2646 or visit BlueSky-Adventures.com.

Westgate River Ranch — Lake Wales, Florida

Although it's a far piece from the Rockies, this Sunshine State dude ranch is nestled in a relatively untouched stretch of woods about an hour south of Orlando. As a part of extensive renovations in 2013, the ranch — the largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi — added a 10-unit glamping site.

Set on platforms, its spacious tents are fully furnished and air-conditioned and each has a minifridge, microwave and a private, keyed bath and shower facility. A personal glamping concierge service keeps guests supplied with fresh linens and towels, complimentary toiletries plus coffee, tea and juice each morning.

Florida has a rich cattle ranching history, and Westgate faithfully executes its traditions with the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the U.S. — along with a variety of activities, including horseback riding, nature hikes, hayrides, cookouts, trap and skeet shooting, swimming, boating and fishing. Rates start at $169 per night. Contact 863-692-1321 or visit WestgateResorts.com/River-Ranch.

Concordia Eco-Resort — St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Overlooking idyllic Salt Pond Bay on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Concordia provides a rare glamping opportunity in the Caribbean. The camp's hillside cluster of wood-framed eco-tents sits at tree canopy level, inducing cooling coastal breezes and affording pristine views of the bay.

Each of them features private decks, solar-heated showers, comfy beds and island-style furnishings. Walled studio and efficiency units also are available for those preferring a more traditional room experience.

Guests can dine on-site at Cafe Concordia, a full-service, fittingly casual outdoor restaurant. Nearby Virgin Islands National Park offers plenty of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, hiking, boating and bird watching. Rates vary by unit type and season, ranging from $110-$230. Contact 800-392-9004 or visit ConcordiaEco-Resort.com.

Wildwater Chattooga Adventure Center — Long Creek, South Carolina

Outdoor enthusiasts can combine glamping with a variety of exciting activities at this popular adventure center in South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains. Following a day of rafting or kayaking on the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River and zip-lining through the forest canopy, guests can bunk down in one of Wildwater's yurts, just steps away from the center's headquarters building.

These aren't luxury digs, mind you, but they're fitted with all the necessities, including a toilet, ceiling fan, heater, electric lights and bunk beds that can comfortably sleep 4-10 people. Outside decks are set up with a picnic table and charcoal grill, and a nearby Commons Building has showers and a kitchen. Budget friendly rates range from $69-$129 per night. Contact 866-319-8870 or visit WildwaterRafting.com/lodging.

The Martyn House — Ellijay, Georgia

Set on 18 acres in the Georgia foothills an hour north of Atlanta, The Martyn House reflects a soothing blend of Southern hospitality and back-to-nature philosophy. Resurrected from a dilapidated 1930s homestead by multimedia artist Joann Lucas and photographer Rick Lucas, this glamping B&B features four colorful "canvas chic" tents imported from Rajasthan, India and furnished with all the comforts of home.

Farm-to-table dining, including optional dinners, play up sustainable living and the Lucas' pair of cheerful Labradors and clucking hens add to the laid-back atmosphere here. Guests can take up hiking along the nearby Appalachian Trail, mountain biking, kayaking or simply browsing among shops, galleries and antique stores in the nearby towns of Ellijay and Blue Ridge. Rates start at $180 per night. Adults only, two-night minimum. Contact 706-635-4759 or visit TheMartynHouse.com.

Safari West — Santa Rosa, California

If an African safari is on your bucket list but beyond your travel budget, Safari West may be the answer. This 400-acre wildlife preserve in the heart of California wine country has the animals — A to Z, antelopes to zebras — and a whole lot in between, including giraffes, cape buffalo, rhinos, cheetahs and wildebeest.

They have the tents too, straight from Africa and built on high wooden platforms with spacious decks. These tents are the real things with polished wooden floors, gleaming copper basins, hand-hewn furniture and private baths and showers.

Combine your stay with a fascinating three-hour driving and walking safari through the "Sonoma Serengeti" to make this a one-of-a-kind glamping experience. Seasonal double-occupancy rates range from $220-$315. Contact 800-616-2695 or visit SafariWest.com.