23 Best Places to Go Glamping in California — Including Vintage Airstreams and Tiny Cabins

For many travelers, camping is one of those experiences that sounds better in theory, but when the cover of night comes, not everyone wants to pitch a tent, stoke a fire, and be on bear watch. Some things are just better left for scout troops and Jack London novels. However, that doesn't mean you have to hole up indoors and miss all the natural beauty that exists in the Golden State, from old-growth redwood forests and dramatic coastal cliffs to verdant vineyards and otherworldly desert landscapes.

Thanks to the incredible array of California glamping destinations, sleeping under the stars no longer means attempting to snooze on the ground while rocks dig into your back. It's not necessary to trek to the remote reaches of the wilderness to get immersed in nature either. Glamping in California makes it easy, convenient, and — dare we say — chic to plan an outdoorsy getaway that doesn't skimp on creature comforts.

Another big draw of glamping is the eco-conscious aspect. It's more sustainable than staying at a resort and offers many of the same perks (think: high-thread-count sheets, USB chargers, private decks, yoga classes, saunas, and Wi-Fi). That's enticing if you're trying to reduce your carbon footprint and still enjoy a hot shower and a good night's sleep. And, obviously, the appeal of being surrounded by plants rather than throngs of people can't be overstated. Getting out into nature is a great way to relax and recharge.

Whether you want to post up in a solar-powered tent on the coast, an iconic Airstream trailer nestled in a redwood grove, or a tiny cabin in Big Bear, here are the 23 best places to go glamping in California.

Huttopia Paradise Springs, Valyermo

The perfect escape for nature-starved Angelenos, Huttopia Paradise Springs, the glamping company's first West Coast outpost, is located inside Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains, just 90 minutes from Los Angeles. The wood and canvas glamping tents are equipped with electricity, private bathrooms (in most tents), camp kitchens, barbecues, and eco-friendly toiletries, so all you need to pack are your hiking boots and bug spray.

Ventana Campground, Big Sur

Imagine rising from bed — a custom-designed mattress, no less — after a restful sleep and pulling back the flaps of a sturdy canvas tent to reveal behemoth redwood trees. That's how your days will begin at Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort. And though some might scoff at the thought of communal washrooms, when the shared facilities include teak showers, heated floors, and aromatherapy bath products, it's still quite posh by glamping standards.

Costanoa Tent Bungalows, Pescadero

If you're not into the idea of roughing it, reserve one of the Cypress Village Tent Bungalows at the Costanoa eco-resort. Each premium accommodation comes with electricity, heat, a queen-size bed with down bedding, Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping service, and hot tub access. Plus, this is the first time we've heard of a shared bathroom facility that includes indoor hot showers, heated concrete floors, and a dry sauna.

Mendocino Grove, Mendocino

When it comes to glamping in California, Mendocino Grove is something of a NorCal glamping institution. Spacious tents have heated beds and private redwood platforms with leather butterfly chairs, while two communal bathhouses sport both indoor and outdoor showers and organic bath products. Guests can also make use of the bocce court, yoga classes, hammocks, and board games.

Vintage Glamping Trailer, Chatsworth

For a private (not to mention incredibly photogenic) glamping getaway, skip the resort and book this vintage 1954 riveted aluminum trailer that's perched on its own platform overlooking the San Fernando Valley. The perfect indoor-outdoor living setup, you'll find plenty of practical amenities such as air-conditioning, electricity, Wi-Fi, and hot water, and cozy spaces to hang out both inside the camper and on the deck.

Wildhaven Sonoma, Healdsburg

A short drive from many of the best wineries in the area sits Wildhaven Sonoma, a respite of tranquility where glamping in California means staying in a tent that's outfitted with a cozy bed and electricity, lounging in a hammock, telling campfire stories, and nightly stargazing. Oh, and there's an on-site shop to buy s'more kits and local vino, too.

The Trailer Pond at Alta Colina, Paso Robles

The Trailer Pond at Alta Colina Vineyard, located about halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco in Paso Robles, offers guests the ultimate California-wine-country glamping getaway. Choose from one of five fully refurbished vintage trailers — a 1958 Kenskill Deluxe, a 1959 Terry, a 1962 Aristocrat, a 1959 Shasta, or a 1957 Deville — each positioned next to a scenic pond on a vineyard. Each trailer suits one to two adults in a double bed with comfy home-away-from-home amenities like down comforters, original stoves and ice boxes, and in some cases, the original flooring and counter tops to help complete that vintage trailer look.

Safari West, Santa Rosa

Situated on a 400-acre wilderness preserve that's home to more than 90 different animal species, Safari West promises to bring the Serengeti to Sonoma. Overnight guests get to go on game drives with vino — it's wine country, after all — and stay in raised safari tents complete with hardwood floors, ceiling fans, rattan furnishings, en suite bathrooms, and decks for wildlife viewing.

Autonomous Tent at Treebones Resort Big Sur, Big Sur

Love the idea of an unplugged glamping-in-California escape, but can never manage to actually turn off your phone? The lack of cell reception and limited Wi-Fi at Treebones Resort Big Sur might actually be the push you need. Spend your time relishing the simple yet posh pleasures of a private solar-powered luxury tent with an en suite bathroom and soaking in the ocean views.

The Castle House Estate, Joshua Tree

The beautifully designed yurts at The Castle House Estate, which look like something you'd expect to see at a luxury Bedouin camp in Morocco, feature (depending on which tent you choose) electricity, queen-size beds with 1,600-thread-count sheets, hand-loomed carpets, and pools. Sure, the outdoor bathroom may take some getting used to, but we're confident you'll warm up to it quickly.

Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground, Buellton

Glamping in California with the kids or a crew who require constant entertainment? Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground in the Santa Ynez Valley is a great pick, with multiple pools, hot tubs, a splash pad, a playground, bocce courts, cabins, glamping tents, and refurbished vintage trailers to keep everyone busy. It's also close to tons of wineries, fruit orchards, and hiking trails.

AutoCamp, Joshua Tree

Besides the awesome Airstream accommodations, a huge round of applause goes out to AutoCamp Joshua Tree for having some of the coolest amenities around. Learn about local flora and fauna from a desert ecologist or zen out with yoga and mindful meditation in the Mojave Dome. How great do golden hour, sommelier-led wine tastings, and live music under the stars sound?

Getaway Big Bear, Running Springs

Tucked away on 60 acres of Southern California wilderness, Getaway Big Bear boasts sleek, minimally minded, tiny cabins with heaps of contemporary touches — a cellphone lockbox, minifridge, two-burner stovetop, shower, toilet, queen-size bed, air-conditioning, and heat. It's an ideal choice if you're still wary of tents, no matter how structurally sound. (It's a baby-friendly setup, too.)

Boon Glamping, Guerneville

The only problem with glamping at Boon is having to decide between a luxury tent and vintage "lovebug" camper. Both come with platform beds, firm mattresses, organic Coyuchi linens and towels, a yummy breakfast delivered to your door, and Malin+Goetz toiletries to use in the shared outdoor bathroom. Either way, you can't go wrong. Plus, it's a 21+ property, so leave the kiddos at home.

28 Palms Ranch, Twentynine Palms

About an hour from Palm Springs and just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, 28 Palms Ranch offers an excellent opportunity for glamping in California in a Mongolian-style yurt, a perfect getaway option for anyone who loves seclusion with a side of stargazing. Let yourself unplug and enjoy the solitude of the desert around you, all while indulging in little luxuries like a comfy queen-sized bed, a private bathroom with a heated shower, a fire pit, a barbecue area, and a picnic table. There are eight yurts to choose from, each with the capacity to hold four to six guests.

Sonoma Treehouse Adventures, Occidental

If your childhood fantasy was to live in a tree house, your adult self can easily turn that into a reality — at least for one night. For adventure enthusiasts, the prospect of zip lining through soaring redwoods is just too good to pass up. To calm your nerves after all that high-flying fun? Slumbering in a tranquil tree house with panoramic forest views.

Sequoia High Sierra Camp, Sequoia National Park

At Sequoia High Sierra Camp, you can chill out in nature from the comfort of a deluxe canvas tented cabin with Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks as your backdrop. Open from mid-June to mid-September, each of the 32 glamping cabins measures 330 square feet and comes with a cozy plush-top mattress and down pillows, plus access to a luxurious communal dining area and shared bathhouse (not to worry, modern toilets and hot showers await you inside). Guests also receive three meals, including a buffet breakfast, picnic lunch, and a communal al fresco dinner, while all meals are made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

Inn Town Campground, Nevada City

Don't let the name turn you off — Inn Town Campground isn't just for real-deal rugged types. It also has glamping accommodations. Are the furnished canvas tents the most glamorous of the bunch? No, but they're comfortable, equipped with queen-size beds, nice linens, electricity, and private porches. Plus, they come with access to the common camp store, kitchen, showers, laundry, and barbecue area.

Safari Sunset Eco Glamping, Vista

When luxury, sustainability, and unwinding are of equal importance, it can be hard to find a place that checks all the boxes. There's no need to compromise when staying in this free-standing safari eco tent, which features solar-powered electric and hot water, a compostable toilet, sumptuous bedding, and a hammock. Peering out at South African sugarbushes and fruit trees is a beautifully transportive bonus.

AutoCamp Russian River, Guerneville

AutoCamp Russian River guests get to snooze in a luxury tent, classic Airstream, or miniature Happier Camper; ride around on complimentary Linus bicycles; and suds it up with Ursa Major bath products at the communal bathrooms in the clubhouse. Need provisions? The on-site general store sells local cheeses and other nibbles, as well as beer and wine.

El Capitan Canyon, Santa Barbara

Hugged by 2,500 acres of protected parkland, El Capitan Canyon is home to a trio of awesome glamping accommodations, plus a solar heated pool and miles of hiking trails. We're particularly partial to the yurts, which have electricity, picnic tables handmade from fallen trees, and domed skylights that allow for stargazing without leaving your queen-size bed.

Wylder Hotel, Hope Valley

Lodging options at Wylder Hotel Hope Valley's riverside campground range from cabins and Scandinavian-inspired yurts to 28-foot restored vintage Spartans. Can't decide? Split your time between the three — all of which give off glamping in California vibes, but with a bit more emphasis on the glamorous side of things.

The Camp at Carmel Valley, Carmel Valley

The Camp at Carmel Valley is basically a summer camp vacation for the entire family. Campers of all ages shack up in rustic cabins with queen or twin beds sans power — not to worry, the bathhouses have electricity and hot water — chow down on canteen cuisine, and participate in activities like tennis, hiking, swimming, archery, and campfire singalongs.