The 6 Best Glamping Stays in California
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California might have the widest range of glamping scenery in the country — Pacific cliffs in Big Sur, desert stars in Joshua Tree, and redwood-shaded vineyards in wine country, often within a few hours of each other. Here are six worth building a trip around.
Big Sur
1. Treebones Resort — Big Sur (the special-occasion splurge)
A magical, family-run glamping resort perched above the Pacific. Complimentary breakfast, gourmet dinners by the fire, and a hot tub with ocean views make this genuinely special-occasion territory. Bathrooms are shared for standard yurts — worth knowing if that matters to you.
Best for: couples, anniversary trips, return regulars | See full listing →
2. Fernwood Resort and Campground — Big Sur (the versatile basecamp)
A genuinely versatile Big Sur basecamp with the river running right through the property — tent sites, RV spots, and canvas tent cabins all in one place. It’s pet-friendly and social, suiting campers who like company more than total seclusion.
Best for: families, groups, pet owners | See full listing →
Joshua Tree
3. AutoCamp Joshua Tree — Joshua Tree (the desert intro)
A polished, well-known glamping brand right at the edge of Joshua Tree National Park. Cooking pizza over your own fire pit under the desert sky is the signature experience reviewers rave about — a great, low-effort intro to desert camping.
Best for: couples, groups, first-timers | See full listing →
Wine Country
4. Wildhaven Sonoma Glamping — Healdsburg (the river float)
A genuinely well-run wine country glamping property right on the Russian River — float during the day, s’mores by the fire at night, and downtown Healdsburg’s restaurants just ten minutes away.
Best for: couples, families, groups | See full listing →
5. AutoCamp Sonoma — Guerneville (the redwood escape)
AutoCamp’s redwood-country sister property to their Joshua Tree location — same polished Airstream experience, completely different scenery. Gated entry makes it a genuinely comfortable pick for solo travelers.
Best for: couples, solo travelers, pet owners | See full listing →
6. Huttopia Wine Country — Lower Lake (the family pick)
A French-curated glamping property paired with a working winery next door — wine tasting for adults, farm animals for kids, genuinely something for the whole family. Worth knowing: the walk from parking to your tent can be steep, and tents run hot on warm days.
Best for: families, groups, first-timers | See full listing →
How to Choose
- Planning a special-occasion splurge? Treebones Resort
- Want your first desert glamping trip? AutoCamp Joshua Tree
- Building a trip around wine tasting? Wildhaven Sonoma or Huttopia Wine Country
- Traveling solo or with a pet? AutoCamp Sonoma
Pack for genuinely variable coastal and desert temperatures with our Camping Comfort Checklist, and browse every stay in our full Glamping & Campground Directory.