The Most Beautiful Places to Go Glamping in California
Including safari-style tents on the coast and retro trailers in Yosemite.
The cooler fall weather offers the perfect opportunity to pack up your tent for the season and choose a California glamping adventure instead. For those who are out of the loop, glamping is a portmanteau of "glamorous" and "camping," thus, if you're allergic to sleeping on the ground or just want some elevated outdoorsy time, this type of adventure is for you.
Whether you're looking to escape the city lights and enjoy some stargazing or hang out at the beach all day in Big Sur, there's a substantial amount of glamping opportunities across the Golden State. These properties offer the adventure of camping with luxuries like air conditioning, on-site restaurants, and guided hikes. Plan your fall season with this list of the best glamping spots in California, which spans from Humboldt County down to Twentynine Palms, many with easy access to the state's stunning national parks.
Glamping in Northern California
Burnt Ranch
Far Northern California is home to this glamping property, perfect for enjoying a night under the stars and exploring the Humboldt coast and Redwoods National and State Parks by day. There are four glamping tents and one small cabin to choose from, all sleeping two guests each and perfect for a couples getaway. Explore the three miles of hiking trails and book an in-tent massage after a day spent exploring. The property is cannabis-friendly, and you can bring your dog along with you to enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors.
Dunsmuir
Dunsmuir has a long railroad history due to its prime location in the Shasta Cascade region, connecting Central California with the Pacific Northwest. Railfans looking to experience life in the golden age of railroading should stay the night at Railroad Park Resort, where 23 authentic train cabooses (with bathrooms!) are available for overnight guests. Watch the sunset out of your caboose's cupola, dine at the Dining Car Restaurant, and soak in the property's hot tub after a long day of biking the nearby Great Shasta Rail Trail (a 40-mile hiking and biking trail on the former railroad line).
Mendocino
Upscale glamping on the Mendocino Coast can be found at this property, which offers dozens of safari-style tents that sleep up to six guests in cozy heated beds. The property has two luxurious bathhouses with indoor and outdoor hot showers, and there's even a dog wash station where your pup can get cleaned off for the night. Enjoy a yoga session overlooking the Pacific, and then book a massage in the Camp Spa for the ultimate in relaxation. When you're ready for adventure, walk from the property to Catch a Canoe and rent an outrigger canoe to explore the Big River Estuary. Big River Beach is also nearby if you prefer a lazy day in the sand.
Lower Lake
Located on the Six Sigma Ranch and Winery property, this glamping spot an hour from Napa has high-end solar-powered glamping tents that sleep up to five people, and some even have their own bathrooms. All come with barbecues and kitchenettes that are kitted out with everything you need to cook up some bacon and eggs or burgers and hot dogs. Take a dip in the swimming pool, enjoy movies under the stars, or rent an e-bike to explore nearby trails. The property has a central lodge where you can enjoy nightly s'mores and a nearby playground for little ones. Book a wine tasting, visit the farm animals, and tour the Six Sigma property on an all-terrain Pinzgauer.
Healdsburg
You'll find this Wine Country property nestled in between vineyards along the Russian River. Not only does it have easy access to nearby wineries and the charming town of Healdsburg, but it also has private river access, so you can enjoy a cool swim on hot summer days. Safari-style tents comfortably sleep up to six guests, and they have new cabins for those looking for air conditioning/heat and more privacy. Guests can enjoy complimentary morning coffee, yoga classes, and live music. You'll find the bathrooms and shower facilities roomy and clean, and outdoor showers are available when you come up from the river.
Pescadero
Breathe in the crisp, coastal air with a visit to Costanoa, located between San Francisco and Santa Cruz. Glampers looking for beach days will enjoy this property, which offers glamping tents and cabins, lodge rooms, and KOA RV and tent sites. You can enjoy a meal at the on-site Cascade Restaurant and then book a relaxing aromatherapy treatment or massage at the spa. When you're ready to venture off the property, visit the nearby Pigeon Point Lighthouse or fly a kite on Pescadero State Beach.
Glamping in the Sierra Nevadas
Mariposa
Just a five-minute drive from the charming gold rush town of Mariposa is the sister property to Wildhaven Sonoma. This glamping spot sits on a bluff with stunning views of the nearby mountains, and it offers safari-style tents and cabins for overnight stays. Walk the property's hiking trails, share stories around the campfire, and enjoy live music, yoga, and wine tastings. There's a communal cooking area with grills, or drive into Mariposa to enjoy burgers and brews at 1850 Restaurant. When you're ready to head into the park, you're just an hour's drive from Yosemite's El Portal entrance.
Groveland
Have you always wanted to sleep in a covered wagon? You can do just that at this property near Yosemite's Big Oak Flat entrance. While you can stay in cabins and retro trailers at Yosemite Pines, the Conestoga wagons are unique and can sleep up to six people. Pan for gold in the property's sluice box or swim in the on-site pool. Bocce ball courts, a sand volleyball court, and a playground make this property particularly family-friendly.
Midpines
The retro vibes of this glamping property just 45 minutes from Yosemite National Park draws
visitors looking for a unique lodging option with comfortable amenities. While the silver Airstreams are the star, AutoCamp Yosemite offers many different lodging options, including the BaseCamp Suite, which combines an Airstream with a canvas tent to accommodate up to six people. Enjoy complimentary granola and coffee in the morning and happy hour in the afternoon. And for those who don't want to grill up their own dinner, there's a spot on site to grab hot food, snacks, beer, and wine throughout the day. Plus, keep an eye out for AutoCamp's new, upcoming location outside Sequoia and Kings National Park, set to open in spring 2025.
Panamint Springs
This Western-style resort is a favorite for travelers looking to explore the vast and scenic Death Valley National Park. You'll have everything you need at this property, which has a gas station, restaurant, and general store, along with rustic tent cabins, traditional cabins, and camping facilities. Check out the dry lakebed in nearby Panamint Valley, or drive to the Father Crowley Overlook to take in the beauty of the Mojave Desert from above.
Glamping in Central Coast California
Paicines
Whether visiting Pinnacles National Park for hiking, rock climbing, or bird watching, you'll want to book a few nights in the park's glamping tents that sleep up to four people. You'll need to bring your own bedding as these tent cabins only come with one queen and two twin beds, two Adirondack chairs, a picnic table, and a fire ring. You'll have easy access to explore the park's staggering rock formations and possibly spot an endangered California condor.
Big Sur
There's no better place to take in California's rugged coastline than Big Sur, and this property is your ticket to enjoying this area's rustic simplicity. When you book a night or two in one of the safari-style glamping tents, you can explore the 20-acre campground and even bring your dog along with you. Each tent sleeps two and includes a wood-burning fire pit, two Adirondack chairs, electric lamps, and power outlets for charging devices. Head off-property to cruise the coastline along Highway 1, head over the majestic Bixby Bridge, and explore nearby Point Lobos. The property also has a stunning upscale resort with included meals and wellness activities for those times when you want to treat yourself.
Big Sur
Another option along Route 1 is this property tucked in along the banks of the Big Sur River. You can choose cozy cabins that sleep up to six and include a full kitchen, or a more simple tent cabin or adventure tent. The property has a camp store and restaurant if you'd rather outsource your meals. It is a short drive from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, where you can take an easy hike to the stunning McWay Falls. When you're ready for beach time, head to Andrew Molera State Park, where you can hike the bluffs or go beachcombing.
Glamping in Southern California
Santa Barbara
Spend the night at El Capitan Canyon, where adventure yurts and cedar cabins are tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Santa Ynez Mountains. Stargaze through the domed skylight in your yurt and hike the trail to the llama and goat farm nearby. For those traveling with kids, there's a playground and a heated swimming pool. The property offers seasonal wine tastings and live music performances, and you can grab barbecue kits and hot meals from the Canyon Kitchen.
Twentynine Palms
This glamping yurt village in the foothills of the Copper Mountains is the perfect place to stay a few nights while exploring nearby Joshua Tree National Park. You'll have A/C for when it's hot and heat for the chilly nights, so you can stay comfortable in this stunning desert landscape. Each Mongolian yurt has bathroom facilities, an outdoor barbecue and sink, and a private fire pit. Gather with new friends at the communal outdoor and indoor facilities to share favorite hikes and things to do in nearby Palm Springs.