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Not everyone wants to sleep on hard ground to enjoy the great outdoors. Glamping gives you the trees, the trails and the campfire, but with a real bed and a clean bathroom close by.
California has some great places to try it, from cliffside yurts in Big Sur to redwood hideaways near the Russian River. If you have ever wanted a nature trip that still feels like a treat, these seven spots are a smart place to start.
1. El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara, CA
Families who are not quite ready for a full camping trip tend to land here, and it makes sense. El Capitan Canyon sits about 25 minutes north of Santa Barbara, which means you can swap city streets for canyon trails in less time than a grocery run.
The resort calls its style rustic-chic, and that fits. Guests stay in cedar cabins and safari tents set in a casual wilderness setting, with enough comfort that nobody has to rough it.
Hiking and biking trails run through the area, and the beach is close by for anyone who wants sand with their stay. An outdoor pool and an on-site deli round out the basics, so snacks and a swim are never far away.
I would save this one for a family weekend where half the group loves nature and the other half loves a real mattress. Downtown Santa Barbara is also an easy day trip for shopping when you want a break from the canyon.
The property is at 11560 Calle Real, and the front line is 805-685-3887 for booking questions.
2. Treebones Resort, Big Sur, CA
Here is a road trip tip that could save your whole day. Highway 1 closures in Big Sur sometimes mean the route from Carmel to Treebones turns into a long loop around Highway 101, so check road conditions before you leave.
Once you arrive, the payoff is big. Treebones is known for its upscale yurts on the coastal cliffs, each with a sink and colorful quilts that add a homey touch.
The extras are part of the charm. There is a pool, and complimentary perks include breakfast and yoga.
Plenty of guests end up staying put the whole time instead of driving around, and honestly that is the point. With the Pacific stretching out in front of you, the resort becomes the destination.
The address is 71895 CA-1, and the front desk hours run from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. daily.
3. Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping, Healdsburg, CA
Summer in Alexander Valley has a way of turning first-time guests into repeat visitors. Wildhaven Sonoma sits right in the middle of Sonoma wine country, just outside Healdsburg.
You can choose between heated glamping tents and modern cabins. The cabins are quieter and warmer, and they come with air conditioning for those hot valley afternoons.
Days here tend to be simple and full. Cooking with friends, floating on the nearby Russian River, walking the grounds and gathering around a campfire are the kind of plans that fill the schedule.
Healdsburg’s dining and shopping scene is close by, so a fancy dinner and a night under canvas can happen on the same day. It also works well as a local staycation for families with little ones.
Find it at 2411 Alexander Valley Rd. The office is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
4. Mendocino Grove, Mendocino, CA
A 15-minute walk is all that separates your tent from the cute little town of Mendocino. That short stroll is one of the best parts of staying at Mendocino Grove.
The campground offers rental tents set up with fire rings and picnic tables. Coffee, games and a bathhouse with showers are on site, and the facilities are known for being well kept.
Dogs are welcome, which makes this a rare find for pet owners. It is also a relaxed pick for families.
Big River sits right next door, and canoeing there is a highlight. Plenty of hiking trails are close by too, so you can spend the morning outdoors and the afternoon browsing town.
Parking is free and on site, and Wi-Fi is available. You will find it along CA-1, and the phone number is 707-880-7710.
5. AutoCamp Yosemite, Midpines, CA
Yosemite Valley gets busy, so having a quiet home base outside the crowds is a smart move. AutoCamp Yosemite in Midpines puts you about 30 minutes from the park entrance on Highway 140.
Lodging comes in three styles: trendy trailers, cabins and luxe tents. The whole property has a rustic-chic look, with an outdoor pool and a clubhouse for hanging out.
After a long day on Yosemite trails, it is nice to return to a place that is peaceful and tidy. The location is also handy for grabbing food supplies, since a town is close enough for a quick run.
I like this one for travelers who want a stylish stay without giving up the easy park access.
The address is 6323 CA-140, and the phone number is 844-993-9888.
6. AutoCamp Sonoma, Guerneville, CA
Tall redwoods overhead and the Russian River next door give this spot a very different setting from its Yosemite sibling. AutoCamp Sonoma sits just outside Guerneville in a shady, woodsy corner of the county.
Guests stay in Airstream trailers, cabins or fixed tents. The property has a special access point to the river, which is a big plus on warm days.
One practical tip is to stay close to the clubhouse if you need to get online. Wi-Fi works best near there.
The staff are known for sharing solid local recommendations. Guerneville has good food options, and it is an easy drive into town.
Summer weekends can get lively, so plan ahead if you want a quieter stay. You will find it at 14120 Old Cazadero Rd, and the number is 855-942-0792.
7. Wildhaven Yosemite Glamping, Mariposa, CA
Mariposa is an old gold-rush town, and Wildhaven Yosemite sits less than a mile from its restaurants and shops. That makes dinner out and a campfire back at camp an easy combo.
Guests choose between canvas tents and updated glamping cabins, all with comfortable beds, heat and electricity. The Valley View cabins look out over the rolling foothills outside Yosemite.
The property covers 36 acres with its own hiking trails. Some guests come for the national park and end up spending more time on site than they planned.
Clean bathrooms and showers, a camp store and Wi-Fi are all included. The team also helps guests plan their Yosemite days.
The park entrance is about 45 minutes away, and nearby lakes and rivers offer boating and swimming. Sunset, s’mores and a fire pit make a strong ending to any day here.
The address is 4808 CA-140, and the phone is 209-225-9225.
