California is the perfect spot for an epic adventure. Where else can you watch the sunrise over the water in the morning (in certain locations) and settle into the slopes in the afternoon? The state has vast amounts of beautiful scenery—from the lush forests and towering mountains to lakes and the ocean-filled coast. While Northern and Southern California offer visitors different vibes, both ends of this massively blessed state have an equal amount of recreational activities, including fabulous hiking trails, parks, and camping. As a native Southern Californian who's currently enjoying the mountain life of Northern California, I may be slightly biased. But there truly is something for everyone, including plenty of camping opportunities. And if tents aren't your thing but you still want to spend some time enjoying nature, take a dive into our list of California glamping spots.
Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground
If you're looking for a glamping location with plenty of variety, Buellton's Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground fits the bill. Visitors can choose from multiple glamping tents, adorable cabins or vintage trailers. RVing more your thing? Park your RV in one of the pull-through spots with full hookups. The grounds have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including showers and restrooms, complimentary Wi-Fi, bocce courts, two pools, and spas. Your furry friend will have a blast stretching his legs in the fenced dog run. And if you have kids in your group, they can spend the day running through the splash pad or playing on the playground.
Looking for some adventure? Hop over to Solvang to enjoy a tasty Danish pastry and learn the history of this adorable Danish town; or hit some of the local wineries in nearby Los Olivos and Santa Ynez. Hikers can enjoy hitting the Grass Mountain Trail in the Los Padres National Forest; it's home to a gorgeous super bloom featuring the state's flower, the California poppy, during the spring. You could also trek up the moderately difficult trail from nearby Los Olivos to the top of Figueroa Mountain. During a two-hour spring hike, you will see orange and yellow California poppies, purple lupines, towering trees, and green grass. Make time for some sand and surf with a 30-minute drive to Goleta Beach.
El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon sits on the edge of the coast in Santa Barbara County. The grounds are nestled in 350 acres of oaks and sycamore trees. Visitors can sleep in roomy canvas tents perched on platforms, a skylight-lit Adventure Yurt, or a cedar cabin complete with a kitchen and bathroom. After settling in, meander down to the sandy shoreline to explore the tide pools, catch a wave, or stroll along the water's edge. Llamas can take visitors to a field with panoramic Pacific views, or guests can hop on a complimentary bike. The on-site staff will set up wine tasting, kayaking, surf lessons, or whale-watching excursions. Stop by the Canyon Market for your luxury camping staples including coffee from the espresso bar, local beer and wine, and organic food. Order breakfast, lunch, or dinner and pack it up for a meal on the beach.
JTHAVN - Joshua Tree Remote Desert Bubble Dome
Spend some R&R time in the desert in Joshua Tree's Remote Desert Bubble Dome. The clear dome provides panoramic views of the idyllic desert setting and an unobstructed view of the stars. Inside is a four-poster bed in a one-bedroom room that sleeps up to three guests. Snuggle up on the couch to enjoy sunset views or sit in the property's hot tub. The property has Wi-Fi, air conditioning, heating, and a barbecue. While "remote" may be in the title, the bubble dome isn't too far out. It's 40 miles from Palm Springs Airport and less than 10 miles away from a host of trails, museums, and recreation centers.
SMR Carmel Camping
A handful of miles off of Highway 1 is Saddle Mountain Ranch Carmel Camping. The property features 89 acres of secluded forest land filled with oaks, redwoods, and Monterey pines. Campers can choose from the seven cabins, depending on the size of their party, or pull their RV into one of the spots. There are also sites to pitch a tent if you really want to rough it. The cabins have fully stocked kitchens and outdoor BBQs. They also have hotel-like bathrooms and showers. Larger parties can enjoy the Bunk House with Deluxe Luxury Tent. The private site has eight full beds and its own outdoor seating area with a propane fire pit and grill. The kitchen has the essentials: a coffee pot, microwave, toaster, and mini fridge. In addition, the group has a bathhouse with showers, toilets, and a sink to share that's a few steps away. The site sleeps six to 10 people.
Salmon Creek Ranch
Heading toward Northern California is Salmon Creek Ranch in Bodega Bay. Just 45 minutes outside of wine country, the 400-acre property offers seven different camping sites ranging from a magical tree house to tent camping sites. While the property is only 2 miles from the coast, visitors could spend almost their entire time on-site. The acreage is filled with redwoods, hills, a creek, and miles of trails.
Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Sequoia High Sierra Camp may be in the wilderness, but there is nothing wild about the accommodations. The canvas tents are the perfect home away from home, with artisan furniture, Persian rugs, and down feather pillows. Pack light, though: The nearest parking lot is a mile away. Here, your only neighbors are the redwoods and your fellow glampers. All three meals are served on-site, including a five-course dinner crafted by a gourmet chef.
Satisfy your need to connect with nature by hiking the trails in the meadows nearby, or by going fly fishing, bird watching, or stargazing. The camp sits just above 8,000 feet with access to alpine lakes that visitors can reach on foot or horseback. The camp even offers pack trips that last from a couple of hours to a couple of days. The 2023 season is from June 21 to Sept. 23, depending on the weather.
Autocamp Yosemite
Experience the natural beauty of Yosemite in a glamping trailer near the park's entrance. While you may be in the wild, the accommodations are just as nice as a high-end hotel. Glampers can choose from the property's airstream trailers, glamping tents, or cabins. While on-site, visitors have access to a pool, clubhouse, bathroom supplies, tea and coffee, Wi-Fi, and barbecue kits.
The property sits 26 miles from Yosemite's Arch Rock Entrance, where campers can enjoy hiking, skiing, and cycling. The property is also dog-friendly. One visitor said in a Booking.com review, "A great way to stay in Yosemite. Glamping extraordinaire. Perfect mix of comfort and wilderness. The clubhouse, store, and amenities are excellent. Great for pups."
Inn Town Campground
Situated in Northern California is Inn Town Campground. The property has 25 themed glamping tents and covers all needs, from accessibility to family tents and dog-friendly spots. The swanky tents have all the modern comforts, including fresh linens, cozy mattresses with heated mattress pads, electricity, fans, adorable furniture, and balconies that look out into the forest.
All guests have access to The Commons, with reading nooks, a full kitchen, BBQ areas, showers, bathrooms, laundry, Wi-Fi, TV, games, a seasonal pool, and the camp store. Just a hop, skip, and jump away from the 15-acre property is historical downtown Nevada City, where explorers can go wine tasting from the local wineries, shop in the boutiques, or enjoy the local cuisine. Take a short trek down Highway 49 to Grass Valley to enjoy more local small-town sites. For some solid outdoor time, head out for a hike on Independence Trail, the first wheelchair-accessible trail in the nation; stroll the Deer Creek Tribute Trail; or walk to Hirschman's Pond. See the only remaining single-span Howe-truss Burr-arch covered bridge—the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, located in South Yuba River State Park—and take the Buttermilk Bend Trail wildflower hike or the Point Defiance Loop trail, which gives you views of where the river meets Englebright Lake.
