10 great places to take real comfort in nature

— -- Leave the tent behind and add creature comforts to your list of pleasures while exploring the wilderness this summer. Laura Kidder, editorial director of Fodor's Travel (fodors.com), shares her favorite places from 239 Great Places to Escape to Nature Without Roughing It with Kathy Baruffifor USA TODAY.

The Boulders Inn New Preston, Conn.

"The Boulders Inn is one of the most impressive inns in Connecticut — an 1890 Dutch colonial stone-and-shingle mansion built at the base of Pinnacle Mountain about 85 miles from New York City," Kidder says. "A stately carriage house adjoins the inn, and eight sweet cottages are tucked into the woods nearby. The restaurant is so popular, advanced bookings are required even for guests. The key to the inn's appeal is a refined air mixed with pleasant informality." 860-868-0541; bouldersinn.com

Cibolo Creek Ranch Marfa, Texas

"In no way is this 30,000-acre west Texas ranch, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, a typical guest ranch. There are no organized singalongs, staged cattle roundups or other clichés here," Kidder says. The isolation of this upscale property, originally built for a cattle baron, has attracted the likes of Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Tommy Lee Jones, Randy Quaid and Mick Jagger. Go horseback riding with a wrangler or skeet shooting, then feast on memorable meals. 866-496-9460; cibolocreekranch.com

Libby Camps Ashland, Maine

"Getting to this lakefront sporting camp in Maine's North Woods is half the fun — the easiest and fastest way is by floatplane," Kidder says. "Matt Libby and his wife, Ellen, are the fourth generation of their family to operate the camp." While Matt spends his day flying guests to isolated ponds for fishing and to primitive outpost cabins for hunting, Ellen busies herself in the kitchen making three meals daily, served family-style. 207-435-8274; libbycamps.com

Denali Backcountry Lodge Kantishna, Alaska

"Guests at this lodge, in a remote area of Denali National Park, not only get greater access to the highly protected wilderness than most visitors, they get an opportunity to see Mount McKinley," Kidder says. Located on the bank of Moose Creek, the cedar cabins have running water, private baths, and heat — all rarities for the area. Days are filled with fishing, gold panning, guided hikes for wildlife viewing and mountain biking. 877-233-6254; denalilodge.com

Blackberry Farm Walland, Tenn.

"This two-story stone inn, topped with turrets and fireplace chimneys, looks like a large Georgian cottage situated on an expansive English country estate," Kidder says. "The veranda offers a fine view of the farm's 4,200 acres." A concierge will help you experience nature in measured doses, along with generous helpings of creature comforts. Go fishing, play croquet, take a cooking class or have a customized farm experience. 800-273-6004; blackberryfarm.com

Sundance Resort Utah

"Owned by actor Robert Redford, this 6,000-acre resort was constructed from cedar, fir, pine, and stone without disturbing the original landscape so that the wilderness remains front and center," Kidder says. "No matter what the season, you can find varied activities, from an author series to silversmith classes, pottery throwing, painting and jewelry making. In January, the Sundance Film Festival showcases independent films at the resort and in nearby Park City." 800-892-1600; sundanceresort.com

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Little Torch Key, Fla.

"Just 15 minutes from the mainland, this resort, with its thatch-roof villas and wind-tossed coconut palms, couldn't feel more removed," Kidder says. "Much of the resort's appeal lies in what it doesn't have: cars, alarm clocks, room phones and TVs." Fashioned for couples, the one-bedroom suites are furnished in colonial plantation-style, each with a porch with an ocean view. Spend your days out on the water or swaying in your bungalow's hammock. 800-343-8567; littlepalmisland.com

Lake Quinault Lodge Quinault, Wash.

"Surrounded by the lush Olympic National Forest, this old-time retreat is nestled in a cathedral of old-growth firs and cedars," Kidder says. "The cedar-shake lodge with cheery blue shutters is unpretentious — a sort of grand lady on Lake Quinault. Swim, fish, kayak and play horseshoes or walk in the rain forest, where trees are so large, you could fit your family inside." 800-562-6672; visitlakequinault.com

Lake Powell Resorts& Marinas Page, Ariz.

"You can be your own captain and set your own course to explore the blue-green waters of Lake Powell and the red sandstone cliffs of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area when you rent a houseboat from these outfitters," Kidder says. "Explore this vast lake on the Colorado River and the otherworldly geological scenery — swirling, cross-bedded rock and petrified sand-dune domes — almost pulsating with color beneath brilliant blue skies," 800-209-8941; lakepowell.com

Devil's Thumb Ranch Tabernash, Colo.

"The most private and cushy of the ranch's accommodations are eight log cabins on a ridge apart from the main lodge," Kidder says. "Stone fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and lofts or sitting areas, they're a 21st-century evocation of frontier living." Though only 1½ hours west of Denver, this Rocky Mountain ranch feels much farther away with its 5,000 acres of meadows and pine forests. 800-933-4339; devilsthumbranch.com