TL;DR: The 3 best places for glamping in California are Boon Hotels, Sequoia High Sierra Camp, and Desert Rose Collective. Boon Hotels offers a peaceful escape just an hour and a half north of San Francisco, Sequoia High Sierra sets you up for a luxurious vacation among ancient Sequoia trees east of Fresno, and the Desert Rose is a quaint oasis for resetting in Joshua Tree.
As someone who has spent her fair share of nights in a mummy bag on the ground, I’ll be the first to say it: sometimes camping in a tent isn’t that fun.
I usually don’t sleep great, and honestly, crouching in and out of my tent can be challenging after I’ve tweaked my back hauling my backpack up a mountain.
So call me crazy, but I’m kind of into this glamping thing!
And if finding a California glamping location is a little daunting to you (there are so many!), I’ve even taken the work out of that (cuz I got your back ?).
Whether it’s a yurt in the desert, a tiny cabin in the mountains, or a treehouse in a vineyard, I’ve got a little something for everyone in this article.
This is my complete guide to glamping California, from north to south and everywhere in between.
Note: this article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.
Map of Glamping Spots in California
Glamping Near San Francisco
Wildhaven Sonoma
Cost: Budget
Uhm, glamping plus wine?? That’s a pairing I’ll recommend any day.
Get your Sonoma glamping fix at Wildhaven Sonoma, which is 20 minutes from over 200 wineries.
Wildhaven Sonoma has extra-large safari-style glamping tents that are heated, have electricity, and come in one or two bed options.
This is one of the best glamping spots in California (and definitely the Bay Area), so be sure to book in advance!
Read our guide to the best campgrounds in Northern California.
Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state.
AutoCamp Russian River
Cost: Mid-range
AutoCamp Russian River offers a variety of accommodation types but is best known for airstream glamping in California.
This location is five minutes from the Russian River, with a 1000-year-old redwood grove within walking distance. Each airstream has a cozy private outdoor space as well.
Due to its proximity to the Russian River, I’d rate this as the best glamping in California for those who want to kayak or do a river float on their vacay.
Safari West
Cost: Luxury
Safari West is, how do I put it…completely bananas, but in a good way? This luxury glamping in California is as close to an African safari as you’ll get in North America.
The location offers 30 canvas tents that directly overlook exotic animal enclosures. And before you get all Tiger King on me, yes, they have a comprehensive animal welfare commitment.
You can book a private safari around the grounds, and you can experience an authentic South African Braai (somewhat similar to the American barbecue tradition) at the Savannah Cafe.
I would certainly rate this as one of the best glamping spots in California for families.
Boon Hotels
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
If you’re looking for zen glamping in the Bay Area, Boon Hotels is your spot. The Boon Hotel and Spa is an adult 21+ location geared towards maximum quiet and peace.
They offer a range of room types, including traditional hotel suits, canvas glamping tents, and a “love bug” small teardrop type camper.
This is one of the glamping spots in California that I’d recommend if recharging and relaxing are your number one goals.
The glamping tent and the love bug sell out pretty far in advance, so make sure you plan ahead if you’re dead set on staying here.
Hobbit Hut Airbnb
Cost: Budget
The Hobbit Hut on Airbnb offers a truly one-of-a-kind glamping experience as there is only one structure like it!
I enjoy glamping in California through Airbnb and similar sites because I like having that very small, unique experience.
The Hobbit Hut is located in the Isis Oasis Sanctuary, which offers various spiritually oriented experiences and a wildlife rescue.
This is a glamping spot in California that epitomizes the crunchy Nor-Cal vibe.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Cost: Budget
Glamping in Napa Valley is a fun way to save your money for the things that matter in Napa – wine!
The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District, which includes Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, offers traditional camping spots, cabins, and yurt rentals.
The yurts are more basic than some of the more expensive options; this is one of those glamping spots in California that emphasizes the “camping” portion of glamping.
Yurts don’t come with Wi-Fi or electricity, but they do have outdoor fire pits and are set in a peaceful forest in the heart of wine country.
I rate this as one of the best glamping experiences for those on a budget. If you’re interested in lowering your lodging costs, even more, you can check out one of their many camping sites.
Note: Napa is one of the most popular weekend trips from San Francisco. You’ll want to reserve a yurt at least a few months in advance since they book out fast (take it from our founder, Mimi, who has camped in the yurts here).
Costanoa
Cost: Budget to mid-range
Costanoa offers glamping in Northern California with unique tent bungalows that each have an individual floor plan and provide different views of the wide-open green property.
Each glamping setup comes with electricity and Wi-Fi and their premium package includes hot tub access, in-tent heaters, and maid service.
Costanoa is located in Pescadero, CA, in Northern California (aka right on the water), making this one of the best experiences for beach glamping in California.
I love the beach, but for me, it’s the bathroom situation that sells this place: the bathhouse comes with a 24-hour dry sauna. Sign. Me. Up.
Los Gatos Treehouse
Cost: Luxury
Treehouse glamping in California owes its existence to the influencers who take adorable pictures there – but gosh darn it, the pics are SO charming!
This treehouse is built on a large Douglas Fir tree and includes a 400 sq ft platform with electricity and Wi-Fi.
Oh, and the entire thing overlooks the Monterey Bay AND is located in a vineyard. Does anything scream Bay Area more than this?
If you plan to do some wine tasting while staying here, you can read our full guide to the best wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Mendocino Glamping
Mendocino Grove
Cost: Mid-range
Mendocino Grove in Mendocino, California, offers large canvas (sometimes called safari-style) tents that are arranged into several small “neighborhoods.”
The word is out on Mendocino glamping – they’ve been covered by Outside Magazine, Sunset, and Men’s Journal (and the reviews are great).
In case you’re not swayed by the reviews, the redwood forests, or the luxury tents, I’ll just say: they have heated mattress pads.
That alone makes it worth checking out Mendocino Grove next time you’re looking to glamp in Northern California.
If you decide to stay in beautiful Mendocino, don’t miss our detailed guide to the best things to do in Mendocino.
Nevada City Glamping
Inn Town Campground
Cost: Budget
Inn Town Campground has 25 unique canvas glamping tents nestled among a small village that includes a general store, a pool, and traditional camping and RV sites.
The thing that really stands out to me about this location is the price. Most tents go for about $100/night, which might be why most of them book out a few months in advance.
That said, now that you’re in on the secret too, you can start planning a comfortable getaway a few months from now.
Lake Tahoe Glamping
Zephyr Cove Resort
Cost: Luxury
Who isn’t looking for a way to spend more time in Lake Tahoe?
The Zephyr Cove Resort offers an RV park and an Airstream glamping resort located on the beach of Lake Tahoe itself. Boom. You can’t get any closer without getting your feet wet.
Because of the exceptional location, it books out many months in advance, and there is a two-night minimum stay in the Airstreams.
Read our complete guides to camping in Lake Tahoe and where to stay in Lake Tahoe.
Yosemite National Park Glamping
Autocamp Yosemite
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
Autocamp Yosemite is located about an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley.
If you’ve ever been to Yosemite National Park, you know that’s pretty much as close as you can get if you’re not staying directly in the park.
It offers brand new Airstream trailers as well as canvas glamping setups.
And unlike some mountain glamping spots in California, located at the end of winding roads, Autocamp Yosemite is situated right off the highway.
It might not make for the most natural soundscape, but this is a plus if hitting the road fast is a priority.
Read our guides on how to get from San Francisco to Yosemite, our two-day Yosemite itinerary, and how to experience the Yosemite Firefall.
Yosemite Pines RV
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
Yosemite Pines RV has glamping in the Sierra Nevada down.
They offer retro-style trailers, large luxury cabins, and – the thing I would have found most memorable as a kid – Conestoga wagons which sleep six to eight people.
This is family glamping in California at its finest.
Yosemite Pines RV is located in Groveland, California, just over an hour from Yosemite National Park.
Yosemite RV Resort
Cost: Mid-range
Yosemite RV Resort is located in Coarsegold, California, about an hour and a half from Yosemite Valley.
It offers private yurts and cabins as well as traditional tent and RV camping. The yurts are climate controlled (so crucial in summer) and sleep five or more people.
Santa Cruz Glamping
Camp Cruz
Cost: Mid-range
Camp Cruz is one of the glamping spots in California you should check out if you’re interested in a one-of-a-kind experience close to nature.
This is another option closer to the camping side of glamping than the “glam” side and is located in Santa Cruz, California.
It has two places to stay: an aircrete dome and a yurt, which both have electricity, and cell service but no Wi-Fi.
Each location sleeps up to two people, and there is an outdoor kitchen and shower area on site.
Staying in Santa Cruz for a day or two? Don’t miss our articles on the best Santa Cruz hikes and beaches (written by our founder, Mimi, who’s actually from Santa Cruz).
Carmel-by-the-Sea Glamping
Saddle Mountain Ranch
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
If you’re looking for romantic glamping in California or a glamping spot near Monterey, check out Saddle Mountain Ranch.
Saddle Mountain Ranch sits on 89 acres of forested property near Hwy 1. It offers gorgeous cabins, luxury tents, as well as traditional camping spots.
One of the cool things I like about this place, besides the pool, is that it has a hiking trail accessible from their property.
Looking for more things to do in the area? Read our guide to the best things to do in Carmel and the best things to do in Monterey.
Big Sur Glamping
Ventana Big Sur
Cost: Luxury
Ventana Big Sur glamping might be the epitome of luxury camping in California.
There’s a spa and resort on property in addition to the glamping facilities, which are cleaned with hospital-grade cleaning products between each visit.
You’ll stay in a luxury tent with a queen bed close to the Pacific Ocean, and some of their glamping sites are hike-in only, which to me translates to having more privacy.
This is definitely one of the swankier glamping options in Big Sur, California.
Read our complete guide to Big Sur camping.
Treebones Resort
Cost: Luxury
Treebones Resort is luxury yurt camping in California that strives to offer a quiet and off-grid atmosphere.
They offer yoga classes, massages, and have a pool and hot tub (honestly, I’d trade my phone for a hot tub pretty much any day).
Treebones Resort is for sure one of those Big Sur glamping sites you don’t want to miss.
Fernwood Resort
Cost: Mid-range
Fernwood Resort offers another Big Sur glamping opportunity, complete with a queen bed and close access to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park along the Pacific Ocean.
Fernwood Resort is nestled among giant redwood trees and offers an excellent family-friendly glamping experience or a romantic getaway for couples.
Santa Barbara Glamping
El Capitan Glamping
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
If you’re looking to glamp near Santa Barbara, California, look no further than El Capitan Canyon.
El Capitan Glamping offers cabins, yurts, and safari tents so you can choose your level of adventure.
They’ve been featured by HGTV and Sunset Magazine, just to name a couple (seriously, they have so many shout-outs).
And even without the social proof, El Capitan Canyon offers one of the best glamping opportunities in the Santa Barbara area.
Ventura Glamping
Waypoint Ventura
Cost: Mid-range
Waypoint Ventura styles itself as “the vintage trailer hotel by the beach.” Each trailer has been restored into a luxury glamping experience, AND it’s right by the beach.
Also, each restored glamping trailer has its own lighted porch, which, I’m just saying, would make a great photoshoot location.
This is a fantastic glamping choice for Southern California.
Ojai Glamping
Caravan Outpost
Cost: Mid-range
For Ojai glamping, there’s no other place than the Caravan Outpost.
This is another not-so-secret secret spot that features immaculate Airstreams and has been featured by The New York Times and Forbes as one of the top glamping locations in the area.
And if the New York Times and Forbes know about it, I’ll just go ahead and say this is one of the best glamping spots in California.
Paso Robles Glamping
Stay Unhitched
Cost: Budget to mid-range
Stay Unhitched is a charming camper RV glamping experience in Paso Robles, California, a destination for olive groves and wine country.
Each glamping RV comes with a queen bed (so mostly good for a two-person stay).
One of the aspects I like most about this location is the price. It’s one of the most affordable glamping spots along the California Coast.
The Trailer Pond
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
Is there anything that says, “glamping Paso Robles,” more than a cute trailer in a vineyard? I think not.
The Trailer Pond got me with their vintage aesthetic. This is another excellent glamping spot in Paso Robles, California.
Beds are full-sized and the property includes five restored vintage trailers situated around a small pond tucked away in an organic vineyard. Yes, to all those things.
The trailers can be booked individually or as a group, which I love as a glamping party idea.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park Glamping
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Cost: Luxury
Staying anywhere near California national parks can be a nightmare, especially in the summer.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp should be your go-to for mountain retreat glamping vibes.
The retreat provides meals and linens, but in the spirit of the camping part of glamping, there is a short hike to get to the camp.
One thing I really like about this glamping experience is the emphasis on leaving as small of a footprint as possible on the landscape.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp uses natural materials and solar-lighted paths. Oh, and another thing: it’s located super close to Sequoia National Park.
There is a minimum two-night stay for this glamping gem, and the prices tend to be on the high end.
Los Angeles Glamping
The Cutest Casita On Earth
Cost: Luxury
The Cutest Casita On Earth is Malibu glamping at its finest. It calls itself the Cutest Casita on Earth, and I don’t think they’re wrong after doing all the research for this article.
The casita is a tiny, renovated vintage trailer with an outdoor bathroom and kitchen setup.
The entire space is snuggled in a shady and lush spot near Topanga State Park and Malibu Creek State Park.
Stay in Malibu for a night or two? Read our guide to the best things to do in Malibu, as well as our picks for the best beaches and hikes.
La Boheme Living
Cost: Budget
I know what you’re thinking – glamping in Los Angeles? Trust me on this one.
La Boheme Living styles itself as an “Urban Safari Tent Glamping experience,” located right in the middle of Los Angeles in a private backyard.
The tent itself is a canvas glamping tent with a Bohemian chic porch area. And, as a bonus, there are lots of transportation options nearby to get around and see the city.
Also, the price is super reasonable.
I rate this as the best glamping spot in California that’s actually in a major city.
Looking for more places to stay in Los Angeles? Read our detailed guide to the best neighborhoods and where to stay in Los Angeles.
Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway
Cost: Mid-range to luxury
If you’re looking for glamping near Los Angeles, rather than right in the middle of it, check out Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway.
It’s a renovated 1954 travel trailer in Chatsworth, California, with spectacular views of the West San Fernando Valley.
One feature that makes this stay unique is the option of a smaller trailer outfitted with desk space that can be used as a writing studio.
This is artsy California glamping at its finest – heck, I’d do a writing retreat there!
Joshua Tree National Park Glamping
Desert Rose Collective
Cost: Luxury
If you’re looking for glamping near Joshua Tree National Park, give the Desert Rose Collective a holler.
Desert Rose is a private campground and glamping experience in Morongo Valley. Rose has rave reviews as an excellent hostess, and her space is welcoming but not touristy.
The space offers a large luxury tent with a full-sized bed and outdoor dining and bathroom area, all right next to one of California’s largest national parks.
Visiting Joshua Tree from Palm Springs? Don’t miss our full guide to the perfect road trip from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree.
The Wonder Valley Yurts
Cost: Budget to mid-range
The Wonder Valley Yurts offer an excellent off-grid desert glamping experience with plenty of middle-of-nowhere vibes if that’s what you’re into.
That said, the yurts are still solar-powered, so you can choose how off the grid you want to be.
Each yurt comes with a full-sized bed, a cooler (however, you must bring your own ice), a hammock, and chairs.
Wonder Valley Yurts is located on the quieter east side of Joshua Tree.
Joshua Tree Tents
Cost: Mid-range
Joshua Tree Tents has five safari-style canvas glamping tents.
And they’re not just outfitted with a bed and linens but also a fully furnished kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, water station, and a heater, plus utensils.
One of the big sells for me at this location is the pool. I’m not sure it should even legally be called glamping in Joshua Tree if it doesn’t have a pool, right?
Oh, and it’s two miles from the entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, so what more could you want?
Dome in the Desert
Cost: Luxury
Ah, dome glamping in California. The unique architecture, the one-of-a-kind furnishings.
Dome in the Desert has been featured on Apartment Therapy and Condé Nast, just to name a couple.
This desert glamping beauty offers lovely mountain views in addition to a full kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, all close to Joshua Tree National Park.
If you’re looking for more accommodation options near Joshua Tree, don’t miss our full guide to the best Joshua Tree hotels and campsites.
Glamping Near San Diego
San Diego Safari Park
Cost: Luxury
The Roar and Snore sleepovers at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offer after-hours African safari wildlife tours, a campfire program, evening snacks, and breakfast the next day.
They have different packages available depending on the type of group you have (and yes, there is an adult-only package despite the silly name.)
Despite the somewhat higher cost for this glamping San Diego experience, the San Diego Zoo is known for the quality of care they provide their animals.
I have it on good authority that elephants eat a lot, so the money is going towards a good cause.
Looking for more camping options? Read our guide to San Diego camping.
Alter Experiences
Cost: Mid-range
Alter Experiences is an adventure company that specializes in crafting comfortable, close-to-nature experiences that get people excited to go outdoors.
The sites for their glamping experiences are located in the Launa and Burnt Rancheria campgrounds in Cleveland National Forest, so your tent is private, but the entire space is open to other campers.
The thing Alter Experiences is known for – and this is a first even for me – are their Tree Tents.
These are are nylon tents suspended between three trees to create an elevated living space. The tents come with a foot ladder to gain access through a door in the bottom.
If that’s not your thing, they also have traditional bell-shaped (or safari) tents.
Bailey’s on Palomar
Cost: Luxury
Bailey’s on Palomar is the last California glamping experience on my list, but it’s certainly not lacking.
Their slogan is “Camping isn’t just for summer anymore,” which I love. They have heated yurts, tiny cabins, and safari tents fully equipped with private bathrooms and kitchens.
FAQs About Glamping in California
How much does it cost to go glamping?
The price for a glamping experience varies widely depending on the amenities offered, the location, the day of the week, and the time of year.
Why do they call it glamping?
Glamping is a combination of “glamorous camping.”
It’s called glamping because you get to add comfort items that typically wouldn’t make sense in a traditional tent or campground.
For example, a plush bed with a heater and AC unit in a spacious canvas tent.
Are there toilets in glamping?
Most glamping experiences offer a flush toilet. Sometimes there is a shared bathhouse, or sometimes each unit comes with a private bathroom.
What’s the difference between camping and glamping?
While camping relies on a traditional, small nylon tent with a personal sleeping pad and bag, glamping often includes a large canvas tent with a full-sized bed, access to electricity, and climate control.
Why is glamping so popular?
Glamping is rising in popularity because it offers people a chance to explore the outdoors without giving up amenities that make sleeping and relaxing comfortable.
Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meredith Dennis
Meredith is a biologist and writer based in California’s Sierra Nevada. She has lived in six states as a biologist, so her intel on hiking and camping is *chef’s kiss* next level. One of her earliest camping memories was being too scared to find a bathroom at night on a family camping trip. Thankfully, she’s come a long way since then and she can help you get there too!
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