If you’ve been around here long, you know I’m a country girl at heart. So whenever I get the chance to trade the city noise of San Francisco for birdsong, stars, and maybe a s’mores kit or two, I’m all in.
Over the years, I’ve hunted down some of the most unique, cozy, and downright magical glamping spots in California. I’m talking luxury tents in Big Sur, heated yurts in Mendocino, and even a literal UFO in the middle of the desert. Whether you’re looking for glamping in Northern California with ocean views or Southern California spots near Joshua Tree, this list has something for you.
Some of these California glamping Airbnbs I’ve personally stayed at. The rest? They’re high on my wishlist. Let’s dive into my favorite glamping California experiences.
My Top 3 Favorite Glamping Spots in California
1. Mendocino Grove Luxury Camping
Best for: Coastal views + creature comforts. Heated blankets, s’mores kits, and designer bathrooms just minutes from downtown Mendocino? It’s the perfect mix of rugged and refined.
2. Treehouse Overlooking Redwoods (Felton)
Best for: Romance + wine lovers. Robin and I still talk about this one. That view from the porch at sunset with a bottle of local red? Chef’s kiss.
3. Area 55 Futuro Glamping House (Joshua Tree)
Best for: Unique design + desert vibes. Glamping inside a UFO in the desert? Iconic. It’s a must for anyone visiting Joshua Tree National Park.
California Glamping Spots I Love (Or Dream About Visiting)
1. Big Sky Shelton Hut With Views
New Cuyama | Sleeps: 2 | $104/night | Book now
Best for: Budget-friendly solitude
I discovered this Shelton Hut glamping resort while scrolling Instagram. Each hut has its own modern design, plus panoramic views, electricity, and a shared lounge area. I can’t wait to visit one day!
2. Area 55 Futuro Glamping House
Joshua Tree | Sleeps: 4 | $215/night | Book Now
Best for: Off-grid desert adventure
This UFO-inspired tiny house is totally off-grid and has an outdoor shower, grill, and major desert aesthetic. Perfect for post-hike lounging after a long day in Joshua Tree.
3. Treehouse Overlooking Redwoods
Felton | Sleeps: 2 | $399/night | Book Now
Best for: Romantic mountain wine country escape
Robin and I stayed at the Redwood Ridge Tree Fort this winter and I fell in love with this hidden gem in the Bay Area. Heated tent, electricity, fire pit, kitchen to cook and views of the Redwood forest, place steps away from my favorite Santa Cruz Mountain wineries.
4. Mendocino Grove Luxury Camping
Mendocino | Sleeps: 2-4 | $159/night | Book Now
Best for: Luxury camping + coast access
Heated blankets, lamps, cozy beds, stylish shared bathrooms, and s’mores kits. The ultimate NorCal glamp spot and one I’ve been back to many times on trips to Mendocino.
5. Yosemite Half Dome Village
Yosemite National Park | Sleeps: 2-4 | $163/night | Book Now
Best for: National park lovers
Stay in the park and wake up to Glacier Point. I recommend this to everyone visiting Yosemite since I always have a fun time staying at these tents. They’re basic, but magical. Get a heated tent if you can!
6. Rancho Tranquillo
San Juan Bautista | Sleeps: 2 | $206/night | Book Now
Best for: Farm vibes + outdoor shower goals
This luxe tent sits on a working cattle farm with a porch, fire pit, private outhouse, and outdoor shower. Dreamy AF.
7. Dreamy Soquel Tent (Sundance Meadows)
Soquel | Sleeps: 4 | $145/night | Book Now
Best for: Romantic string-lit retreat
We stayed here recently when I needed a break from city life, and it was such a vibe. Think private firepits, romantic lighting, and super comfy beds. We had so much fun making margaritas on the deck while watching the sun set through the trees.
8. Ventana Glamping in Big Sur
Big Sur | Sleeps: 2 | $250/night | Book Now
Best for: Resort-style Redwoods retreat
We camped here for our anniversary before I knew they also had some of the best luxury glamping California offers. Tents now have fire pits and are steps from a chic Airstream bar.
9. Treebones Resort Human Nest
Big Sur | Sleeps: 4 | $170–$350/night | Book Now
Best for: Instagrammable coastal vibes
Yes, you can literally sleep in a human-sized nest on a cliff. Also offers classic yurts with ocean views with all the luxury hotel amenities at the main house.
10. Inn Town Campground Safari Tents
Nevada City | Sleeps: 2 | $105/night | Book Now
Best for: Cozy glamping + historic charm
Tents have real beds, heat lamps, and you’re walking distance to a literal Victorian Christmas town.
11. El Capitan Canyon Safari Tents
Santa Barbara Coast | Sleeps: 2 | Starting at $170 | Book Now
Best for: Beach + forest combo glamping
Ocean nearby, Redwoods above. These safari tents come with linens, towels, and storage trunks.
12. Mount Shasta Glamping Yurt
Shasta| Sleeps: 2 | $175/night | Book now
Best for: Couple getaways + waterfall hikes
A massive yurt a small kitchen, forest canopy, and outdoor showers on acres of good Shasta vibes.
13. Desolation Hotel Hope Valley
Hope Valley| Sleeps: 2 | $181/night | Book Now
Best for: Couple getaways + fall foliage
I stayed at this luxury glamping yurt a few Octobers ago while on the hunt for all the best fall foliage in California and holy moly, I fell in love with this glamping ground. The yurt has an indoor fireplace and soaking tub, plus there’s a sauna guests can use for free.
14. Safari West
Santa Rosa | Sleeps: 2+ | $275+ | Book Now
Best for: Families + wildlife lovers
Stay in African-style tents… with giraffes outside your window. Yes, really. In California!
15. Castle House Estate
Joshua Tree | Sleeps: Varies | $175+ | Book Now
Best for: Design lovers
HGTV-famous glamping near Joshua Tree with yurts, firepits, and a high-style desert vibe. You can rent the whole place out for a group.
16. Stargazer Yurt at Luna Vista Ranch
Joshua Tree | Sleeps: 2 | $135+ | Book Now
Best for: Stargazing + solitude
Off-grid, 40-acre property. No Wi-Fi, no kitchen, just nature and stars.
17. The Trailer Pond
Paso Robles | Sleeps: Varies | $275+ | Book Now
Best for: Girls’ trips + wine glamping
Vintage trailers tucked between rows of vineyard. Sip, sleep, repeat. Glamping California Coastlines can be hard with the cool weather which is why this slightly inland spot is perfect.
18. Luxury Tent in Carmel Valley
Carmel Valley | Sleeps: 2 | $195+ | Book Now
Best for: Wine tasting + beach combo
Glamping tent meets wine country escape. Great for a romantic weekend or Big Sur add-on, or even as a homebase as you wine taste in Carmel.
19. Wellspring Ranch
Cayucos (SLO County) | Sleeps: 2 | $450+ | Book Now
Best for: Adults-only peace + quiet
Adults-only glamping with yurts, cabins, and an Airstream on 160 acres. Total serenity in the hills.
FAQ: Glamping in California
What is glamping exactly?
It’s “glamorous camping.” Think beds, heaters, and real bathrooms, but still surrounded by nature. It’s like the best parts of a hotel and a tent had a baby.
Where is the best glamping in California?
Top areas include:
- Big Sur for ocean cliffs and Redwoods
- Mendocino for coastal charm and adorable town
- Yosemite for national park lovers
- Joshua Tree for desert magic
- Shasta for secluded mountain energy
Is glamping worth it?
100% yes. It’s the perfect blend of adventure and comfort while getting that camping experience. Ideal for newbies or anyone who hates sleeping on the ground.
Are there dog-friendly glamping sites?
Yes! Spots like Our Beach Escape in Goleta and others welcome dogs. Always check the listing, but many yurts and tents are pup-approved.
What do I pack for glamping?
Depends on season and setup, but I recommend:
- Flashlight/headlamp for night
- Cozy layers
- S’mores supplies
- Bug spray
- Book or journal
- Battery bank
- Need a full list? I have a complete glamping packing guide to help you plan.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list helps you find your perfect glamping California adventure, whether you’re in the mood for redwood forests, rugged coastline, or desert stars. If you’ve stayed at a cool California glamping site I didn’t mention, let me know in the comments so I can check it out!
And if you still have questions, feel free to DM me over on Instagram @thewhimsysoul. I always love helping you plan magical getaways in the United States.
6 comments
Thanks for including the Inn Town Campground — the glamping isn’t open in the winter, but we promise for those who get cold, the heated mattress pads are lovely.
Love that you have heated pads! Such a game-changer. I hope to visit in-person one day, I’ve heard great things!
I live at the bottom on the mountain to the sequoia national park. Your tiktok showed a glass house air bib can I get where that was? The info? My husband and I rarely get to get away and that is someplace close that we could possibly pull off stepping away from the routine for a few days, but not being too far off Incase we are needed at home.
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