Let’s Go Glamping Southern California! Top Places to Book Now

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Looking for amazing locations for glamping in Southern California? Come on in, we have you covered.

I love camping, as in, I love being out in nature. But I actually don’t really love setting up a tent, sleeping on a half inflated air mattress (I mean they never stay inflated for the whole night right?) or cooking on a one pot stove or an open flame (anything besides a s’more that is!). Does this sound familiar?

What I like to do instead these days is go glamping, California style.  What is glamping you ask? Basically, glamping is the combination of a natural experience of the outdoors with more glamorous amenities (aka having a bed!). This can be as simple as a canvas tent in nature with a real bed tucked away inside or it can go a few steps further and include things like prepared meals, spa treatments and more. What all glamping experiences seem to have in common however, is a getaway in nature with some comforts of home.

Our family loves being outdoors and experiencing nature in as many ways as we can, but not always roughing it! Here are our top picks for glamping in Southern California with (or without!) children.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

10 Places for Glamping in Southern California

El Capitan Canyon

El Capitan is one of the best places for Glamping in Southern California
Photo via El Capitan Canyon

El Capitan Canyon is the granddaddy of California glamping. Everyone has heard of it and knows someone who has been. It is the perfect glamping option for families in that it offers everything from regular tent camping spots, safari style tents and wood cabins. They also have yurts which your kids will think are super cool!

You can do as much or as little in the way of traditional camping here. It is recommended to bring your own charcoal and/or firewood for your personal fire pit. However firewood is sold at the Canyon Market as are s’more and full meal kits. Or better yet, forget cooking dinner over the fire, just head down to the Canyon Market & Deli for your breakfast, lunch and dinner! The little wooden shack sports organic groceries, wines, entertainment items, locally created clothes and jewelry as well as your must have latte and packed lunches. As you can imagine, it serves as the social hub for the canyon.

This is the place to go if you are interested in getting a bit more into nature, but not so interested in all that goes with it. Prices start from $145 in low season and $170 in summer.

Glamping California Style at Joshua Tree

Glamping in Southern California is amazing in the desert of Joshua TreeThe desert is the perfect place to go glamping and due to the wonderfully artistic community that resides in the Joshua Tree area, there are a ton of amazing options for glamping. Most of the available options are one off places listed on California Airbnb, but here are a few to help your search along.

We love Lisa’s adobe brick huts at Bonita Domes. While this may not be for everyone, it’s a great adventure in getting off the grid and experiencing life like it would have been way back when. These are conveniently located near Joshua Tree National Park so that you don’t waste any time driving to and from the jumbo rocks in the park if that is your destination.

Glamping in Southern CaliforniaWant something a little more luxurious? Check out this totally off the grid Joshua Tree retreat near Pioneertown. Guests say they hear the coyotes howling amid the Joshua Tree forest. Cultus Camp as it’s called offers total privacy with only the 1 tent. It is glamping at it’s finest with is a modern bathhouse and a kitchen stocked with a variety of teas and coffee. In addition, there are two private bathrooms and an outdoor shower with a view. What more can you ask for?

Want to do a little stargazing on your adventure? These amazing tents in Yucca Valley at the Lazy Sky Boutique Retreat might be right up your alley. Here you will be joined by campers in the other 4 tents which makes it a great place for several families to go together. While you won’t have running water in your tent, there is a kitchen house and bathhouse for all you need to do. This is true glamping California style.

Other than these amazing places near Joshua Tree, there are tons of great glamping opportunities near National Parks throughout the US!

Keough’s Hot Springs

Glamping in Southern California
Photo via Flickr

Take a step back in time at Keough’s Hot Springs. This wonderful hidden gem is located outside Bishop off scenic Hwy 395. The main draw here for visitors and locals alike are the hot spring pools. Built in 1919, the pools are the same ones used today. The large pool is kept at 86-89 degrees in the summer and 90-92 in the winter, while the hot pool is kept at 104 degrees year round.  Both of these get their water from an actual hot springs flowing from the ground that is fed into a spray system that looks like a waterfall in the larger pool, cooling as it comes down. The water is loaded with minerals which is said to be great for the body.

Apart from the pools, Keough’s Hot Springs is a perfect stop on a road trip along Hwy 395 or as it’s own destination. There is space for tent and RV camping as well as canvas tents available for those looking to spend some time here. Each tent cabin is equipped with a mini-fridge, heater, outdoor fire pit and of course beds with down comforters. This is definitely not a luxury destination and the reasonable prices reflect that. Note – during the Fall when leaves are changing colors, rooms are sold out quickly.

Flying Flags in BuelltonFlying flags in Buellton is one of the best spots for glamping in Southern California

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground in Buellton is a fun place to glamp with vintage trailers, airstreams, cabins, cottages and luxury tents to rent. You can also pitch your own tent or park your RV here for some time to unwind in the surrounding area. On-site amenities include a heated swimming pool, hot tub, splash zones, playground, fire pits, picnic tables, BBQ grills and much more. There is even free Wi-Fi throughout the park for those of you who cannot unplug.

This area of the Central Coast (OK so not technically Southern California!) offers so much for visitors with access to Lake Cachuma, Los Padres National Forest, Solvang, wine tasting and more. This is also a great place to stop en route to Northern California.

Yurts at Lake Cachuma

Glamping in Southern CaliforniaThe ultimate in family camping fun will be had in the yurts at Lake Cachuma in Santa Barbara County. The yurts are a cross between a tent and a tepee, featuring beds to sleep 3-6, a lockable door, lights and electrical outlets. We recommend bringing all the necessities of tent camping, just not the tent.

When booking your yurt pay special attention to how close or far your yurt is to the bathroom and/or playground. If you go with kids, try to stay near to the playground to avoid having to trek back and forth (because you know that’s what will happen!).

In addition to the yurts, Lake Cachuma also offers 8 wooden cabins including bathrooms and kitchenettes for an even better glamping experience. Prices are quite reasonable for both the yurts and cabins, which means they book up quickly. Book early – up to 6 months in advance. For summer months and holiday weekends, book well in advance.

Looking for a tech free, rejuvenating couples getaway, check out the exclusive yurts and Airstream at Wellspring Ranch

Cabins at Jalama Beach

Glamping California Style - on the beach!The cabins at Jalama Beach, located just north of Santa Barbara are booked through the same site as the Lake Cachuma cabins and yurts listed above. Here at this state beach, there are three large cabins (sleep 6) and four medium cabins (sleep 4) perched on a hill with breathtaking views over the Pacific ocean from the porch. The wooden cabins all have electricity, bathrooms, kitchenettes, living rooms, private porches and fire pits. All you need to provide is your sleeping bags, pillows and groceries. If you don’t feel like cooking, there is an on site cafe that has good basic food on offer. As noted above, cabins book up quickly, so plan well in advance!

KOA Ventura Ranch

Glamping in Southern CaliforniaKOA Ventura Ranch, nestled at the foot of Ventura County’s highest mountain provides a range of camping and glamping opportunities for families looking to get out into nature without all of the work. Guests can go rustic (tent camping) to Indian styled teepees with queen beds to the deluxe cabin with electricity, all while enjoying a forest setting close to a creek with plenty of wildlife, beautiful views and only 15 miles to the beach.

One of the main draws of KOA camping sites are the vast amount of family friendly amenities available. With arts and crafts, a huge jumping pillow, playground, zip lining and organized nature walks, your family will enjoy their time together in a beautiful setting. We love this location as well since it’s a great option for glamping near Los Angeles and there is a ton to do in Ventura County.

Hicksville

Glamping in Southern California
Photo courtesy of Hicksville

Hicksville has two wonderful locations for people looking to get out into nature – one just outside of Joshua Tree National Park and one in the beautiful hills of Idyllwild. The “secret” Joshua Tree location consists of an amazingly awesome set-up of themed trailers, ranging from western themes (The Pioneer), sci-fi (The Integratrailor) and of course the downright crazy (the Pony Stall or glowing wig heads in the Fifi). The trailers are all centered around a small pool and hot tub area with lots of cool activities for everyone. Read the descriptions on the trailers carefully as some have shared bathrooms and/or no AC.

Glamping in Southern CaliforniaIn Idyllwild, the Hicksville Pines Chalet & Motel also provides unique accommodation options ranging from 3 bedroom apartments to unique rooms like the Christmas Tree room and the Nerds place with bunk beds for the kids! Just like at the Joshua Tree location, there is an abundance of cool things to do such as the tipi with a firepit, a rec room for game time and of course a hot tub for those cold nights.

While these accommodation options may not include all of the luxury some of the other options here may provide, it will undoubtedly lead to a very fun weekend away with lots of stories to share. Another great option for glamping near Los Angeles and San Diego.

AutoCamp is a Super Fun Glamping Location on the California Coast

Glamping in Southern CaliforniaNot quite what you might be thinking, no tents necessary here. AutoCamp is a unique type of lodging experience.  Instead of car camping with a tent, your home will be a modern, luxuriously outfitted Airstream minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The Santa Barbara location is not a beach campground, or as nature focused as some of the other glamping recommendations, however it is inspired by camping on a great American road trip.

First established in 1922, this camping location was where old world travelers stopped for an overnight while traveling up and down the Pacific Coast Highway. This is a perfect stop for your own modern day family road trip along the PCH. Each Airstream sleeps up to 4 comfortably with prices starting at $200 a night. If you happen to be in Northern California, check out their awesome location on the Russian River.

Treebones – The Ultimate Romantic California Glamping Experience

Glamping in Southern California
Photo courtesy of Treebones Resort

The Treebones Resort is a premier exclusive glamping resort located in the Big Sur area of the Central Coast of California (so not quite southern California!). Located in one of the most beautiful sections of California, with stunning a ocean view, this is the ideal glamping retreat for couples and small families with children over 6 years old. With only 2 family yurts, families need to book well in advance. In addition to the yurts, there are also campsites for your own tent camping as well as the unique ‘human nest’ campsites.

If you really want a special experience, treat yourself to the luxurious 500 square foot cocoon tent perched on the edge of the property with out of this world sunset views. All stays at the resort include a buffet breakfast, use of the pool and hot tub as well as the 24 hour shower and restroom facilities. Treebones is a real treat and one of the top notch resorts for a luxurious glamping experience.

Not feeling the glamping options here, check out our guide to 50+ amazing spots for camping in Southern California

Glamping Hub: A Great Resource for Glamping in California

Glamping in Southern California
Photo courtesy of Glamping Hub

None of the above options meet your needs? Head over to Glamping Hub to search for some of the best, most unique accommodation options throughout California. Glamping Hub has accommodation options ranging from the rustic teepee and yurts to Airstream trailers, to luxurious cedar cabins nestled high in the mountains. With locations scattered around California from state parks to Yosemite National Park along the sierra Nevada region all the way to Kings Canyon National Park, Glamping Hub has something for everyone. We highly recommend taking a look at the high sierra camps which are perfect most of the year.

Think of this as your nature inspired home away from home, with the added bonus of each of the listings hand picked for their amazingness. Glamping Hub provides beautiful accommodation options located across the globe, with a great number of extraordinary properties located right here in California.

Do you have a favorite glamping site that we have not included? Please share it with us below. We are always on the hunt for unique places to stay and share with you all!

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GLAMPING in Southern California

16 thoughts on “Let’s Go Glamping Southern California! Top Places to Book Now”

  1. I always love accounts of some great camping places in my home state. I still remember the fun we had in a group of 7 at the El Capitan. I didn’t know much about the Ventura Ranch. Got to add it to the list.

    Reply
  2. What a great list.. Thank you for sharing.

    I loved a few of these places but the one I like the most is the Glamping Hub and hopefully, I will get to travel there one day. But reading about it definitely made me want to check it out so thank you for adding in your list 🙂

    Reply
  3. Ha! Never even knew these existed! They look like something even I could be down with – and I HATE camping! lol

    Reply
  4. I live in Sweden and I dream of visiting California during the summer (that might be all year, I’m not sure). There is so much I’d like to see: The architecture, theme parks, LA and much, much more. I’m thinking of renting a car and drive along the coast and see where I land. Great post btw 😉

    Reply
  5. Wow, these accommodations are lovely! I would definitely like to visit those hot springs, and the autumn crowd might be worth it just for the views. Thanks for this list!

    Reply
  6. We gave up tent camping after 2 years and started glamping in an RV. I love the time away while still having some of the conveniences of home. Some of these places like the Treebones yurts look amazing for someone without an RV.

    Reply
  7. Saw your blog because me and my wife were researching where to spend our 21st Wedding Anniversary. Sadly Napa is still smoldering and alot of the smoke is still in the valley and along the coast. We decided on Hicksville. The cabins look fun and adventurous!

    Reply
    • So sad about everything happening in Napa and Sonoma. Such amazing places up there. Hicksville is great though. Hope you have a great trip.

      Reply
  8. Hi Karilyn, thanks for the great tips, reviews, and hints, including your article on Glamping in Southern California.

    Pictures are really excellent also.

    It certainly helps when we can read a blog such as yours, and be guided by it. Many adventures to be had by all.

    Cheers Sharon…

    Reply
  9. Having these items would definitely make it a glamping trip! I bet you’d feel like Tom Haverford if you had all of them. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Excelente artigo relatando os benefícios do lazer na natureza através de barraca. O lazer e a recreação são de fundamental importância na qualidade de vida do ser humano, e estão diretamente ligados à saúde, à educação e à qualidade de vida. Nossa área de atuação aqui no Brasil é proporcionar as empresas locação de tendas e brinquedos para as crianças. Obrigado por compartilhar conosco

    Reply

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