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Glamp Across the Sunshine State: 12 Destinations for Glamping in California
Find the best glamping destinations in California for your visit to the Sunshine state!
Whether you want to experience standing beneath towering redwoods, breathe in the salty coastal breezes, or find peace and isolation in the desert sands, there’s a glamping spot out there for everybody! But if you’re not sure where to start, that’s okay – we’ve gathered a list for you! Here are X destinations for glamping in California to inspire you toward your next vacation or camping adventure!
California is a massive state and we’ve got a lot of glamp ground to cover – let’s get started!
The 12 Best Glamping Destinations in California
Whether you’re looking for Northern California glamping destinations or planning to stay close to Los Angeles, the Golden State has tons of glamping to offer. In this list, we start north in the redwoods and wine country then make our way south toward the deserts and the beautiful coastal beaches.
#1 Mongolian Yurt | Weed
Find tranquility in the Zen-like Mongolian yurt designed with bright colors and intricate paintings all around. Eco-friendly and a part of its natural surroundings, this yurt-like glamping tent features a small but efficient kitchen with a two-burner stove, micro-fridge, and toaster are all you need for making quick meals.
Communal Areas + Amenities
A communal bathroom is available for all retreat guests. Partake in sound and energy healing with the perfect acoustics in this “Spaceship Temple” as it’s been lovingly called. Visit the healing creek and balance your chakras at the energy spots located throughout the 10-acre sanctuary.
Get Your Zen on in the Mongolian Yurt
#2 Treehouse in Trinidad | Trinidad
In Northern California towers this truly idyllic treehouse surrounded by redwoods. Be one with nature in the outdoor living room or climb the ladder to the cozy sleeping loft, which features two skylights for stargazing. The Shower Grotto makes for a truly amazing rainshower experience, made inside an old growth stump.
Communal Areas + Amenities
This treehouse sits on three private acres featuring a seasonal creek with a redwood bridge. Enjoy the meditation platform for relaxing yoga sessions. They offer another treehouse on site too (in case this one is booked), so be sure to check it out!
#3 Safari West | Santa Rosa
Straight “out of Africa” is the amazing Safari West retreat located in Santa Rosa. Nicknamed the Sonoma Serengeti, this destination for glamping in California allows you to see amazing African wildlife and stay in one of their luxurious safari-style glamping tents imported from Botswana. Each safari tent features an ensuite bathroom and private viewing deck, where you can listen to the sounds of wildlife and take in the amazing Serengeti-like plains.
Communal Areas + Amenities
Go on safari, of course! And, because it’s wine country, Safari West offers activities like private safaris – Winos and Rhinos or Brews & Buffalo – where you can indulge in drinks and watch wildlife. Grab lunch at the Savannah Café or experience a traditional South African Braai barbecue.
#4 The Preserve at Chalk Bluff | Nevada City
About a one-hour drive west of Lake Tahoe is the beautiful 100-acre property, once serving as a gold mining operation base. On this private forest and ridge view property now rests one of the most serene destinations for glamping in California – The Preserve at Chalk Bluff. These bell tents are tastefully designed in a neutral, minimalist style with cozy touches like butterfly chairs, rugs, and poufs that give it a homey touch.
Communal Areas + Amenities
There is a shared bathroom and washroom. Take a dip in the private swimming area with a thoughtfully landscaped pool and waterfall. Try your hand at horseshoes, shuffleboard, ping pong or cornhole. Need more adventure? The area offers plenty of hiking and watersports, especially near Tahoe.
Book a Preserve Bell Tent on Hipcamp
#5 Caboose in Redwoods | Cupertino
If life feels like it’s going off rails, take rest in this rustic caboose surrounded by giant redwood trees. Located just outside downtown Saratoga, this train caboose is a charming way to step back in time and features a clawfoot tub for a rejuvenating deep soak and a queen size bed tucked away in a cozy loft.
Communal Areas + Amenities
Kick back on the more private patio, featuring a canopy shelter-covered table and chairs, along with a barbecue grill. Or mingle in the shared lawn area, which offers a fire pit too. Saratoga also has plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking trails to wine tastings.
Book Your Glamping Train Ticket
#6 Saddle Mountain Ranch | Carmel
If a drive along Big Sur is on your agenda, Saddle Mountain Ranch offers a nice break before or after your journey. Located near the charming seaside village of Carmel, this destination for glamping in California offers luxury tent sites with canvas style shelter tents, complete with an outdoor patio with Adirondack chairs, a propane fire pit and BBQ grill.
Communal Areas + Amenities
Each luxury glamping tent is a quick jaunt to a communal bath house with hot showers and more. The campground itself also features a swimming pool, private hiking trail and modern amenities like WiFi so you can stay connected (if you so choose).
Book Your Saddle Mountain Tent
#7 Rocky Canyon Ranch | Atascadero
Wake up to the sights and sounds of nature in this glamping tent, featuring screened windows on all sides and a rustic sliding barn door that lends a farmhouse touch. Inside, is a comfy hanging queen bed along with chairs, nightstands, a mini-fridge and extra creature comforts. A heater keeps the canvas tent warm when temperatures dip low.
Communal Areas + Amenities
A Bath House is a short walk from the tent, which offers hot showers, and there is a fire pit and propane grill in case you want to bring back a bottle and sip. Located on a ranch, animal lovers will enjoy visiting horses, cows, and the rest of this friendly farm.
Sonoma isn’t the only wine country California offers. Nearby Paso Robles is home to 200 wineries and is famous for its reds. And at Rocky Canyon Ranch, nestled along the Salinas Riverbed, you can feel like you’re in the middle of the Central Coast wilderness but close enough to charming cities like Atascadero for dining options and activities.
#8 Flying Flags | Buellton
Flying Flags is a wonderful destination for glamping in California close to the Santa Ynez Valley. As a family-oriented private campground, it offers tons of activities to keep everyone occupied. Stay in a cabin, or try the glamping options like the Tiki Tent, Superior Vintage Trailer, or classic shiny Airstream trailer.
Communal Areas + Amenities
Flying Flags offers multiple pools, hot tubs, a splash pad, and many more activities to pass the time. Feather & Fire is an on-site restaurant that fires up brick oven pizzas and rotisserie for personal pizzas and family-style chicken dinners. The valley is also known for wineries and fruit orchards for day outings and more experiences.
#9 Paradise Ranch | Three Rivers
Go off-grid without skipping on luxury at this stunning 50-acre eco-glamping destination in California. Situated close to Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park is Paradise Ranch, featuring 11 glamping accommodations to choose from, including a private room in a nature lodge, glass front ÖÖD tiny homes with hot tubs, and 5 lotus style canvas tents.
Communal Areas + Amenities
Fire pits and cliffside decks allow you to take in the gorgeous natural beauty of the river. Swing in lovers hammocks at Hammock Camp or stargaze in the mosquito-shielded hammock at night. Each ODD house features a hot tub, but if you prefer bell tents, not to worry. Tent guests share a bath house with a sauna.
Crave more adventure or rest? Go whitewater rafting in Seqouia’s Kaweah River or find deep relaxation with yoga and a plethora of self-care amenities from massages to Reiki.
#10 Area 55 Futuro | Joshua Tree
Close to Joshua Tree National Park is Area 55 Futuro, an out-of-this-world California glamping destination. This UFO-style Futuro House offers guests a step back into 1960s architectural history with its stilt-raised curved design and series of oval windows. The interior is just as retro! While this bright orange round spaceship isn’t exactly a tent and might be considered a step above glamping, it’s a unique experience!
Communal Areas + Amenities
Contact the Cosmic Concierge for activities and adventures like e-bike rentals and half-day Jeep excursions to explore the Joshua Tree NP highlights like San Gorgonio Pass and Keys View Overlook. Or choose to relax with a private yoga session or a sonic healing sound bath. You can even hire a private chef service for an indulging culinary experience.
#11 The Kosmic Tortoise | Twentynine Palms
Another amazing destination for glamping in California’s beautiful desert landscapes is the Kosmic Tortoise. With amazing mountain views, this private property features two unique geodesic dome glamping tents with private outdoor bathrooms. Hot desert climates call for air conditioning, of course, but there’s also an electric stove heater for chilly nights. Keep cold drinks in the mini fridge.
Communal Areas + Amenities
You are just outside Joshua Tree National Park and a skip away from San Bernardino National Forest, so there is plenty of outdoor exploration to be had. But the region is perfect for stargazers, thanks to the official DarkSky certification.
#12 Waypoint Ventura | Ventura
Stay at Waypoint Ventura, featuring restored vintage and modern luxury trailers situated along the coastline of Ventura, California. These luxuriously restored trailers are little time capsules inside and out, but also have an outdoor lounge area lit up with cafe bulbs and a table and chair to dine al fresco.
Communal Areas + Amenities
A communal area invites you to enjoy s’mores at the fire pit, engage in a friendly cornhole competition, and fire up a barbecue. There are also bikes to rent to get around.
Waypoint Ventura is located near the Channel Islands National Park, considered North America’s Galapagos, where you can go snorkeling and hiking. Or grab your board and catch some waves at Surfers Point, located north of the Ventura pier.
Rent a Trailer or Hitch Up Your Own
Make a Music Festival Your Next California Glamping Destination
And don’t forget about Cali’s music festivals – each one has its own amazing destination for glamping in California. With a variety of music festivals going on throughout the state, there’s something for everyone’s tastes too. And with lovely sunny weather year-round, many music festivals offer event camping close to the action (so you don’t have to book an overly expensive, far-away hotel). Plus, it’s simply a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So grab a site and choose to rough it or find a Festival Camping Tent to create your own glamping destination for you and music-loving friends!
Related Resources
The History of Bell Tents: From Battles to Festivals
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The History of Canvas Camping Tents
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