jill H.
Guide
GuideMercey Hot Springs
Desert Oasis
Friendly staff, great facilities away from the grind
Glamping near Coalinga, CA
6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Lake San Antonio - North Shore and Monterey County Lake San Antonio South Shore provide glamping options for travelers seeking upscale outdoor accommodations in Central California. Both properties feature cabin and glamping accommodations with amenities beyond traditional camping, including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and toilets. Visitors appreciate the comfort combined with natural surroundings. According to a camper, "We stayed at a cottage at Lake San Antonio. We were fortunate to have a local show us around... this is a favorite spot when we want to get away but still have all the accommodations of home." Lake Nacimiento Resort and Mercey Hot Springs also offer glamping accommodations with modern conveniences including electric hookups, showers, and trash service.
The glamping sites around Coalinga provide access to numerous water activities on Lake San Antonio and Lake Nacimiento, where boating, fishing, and swimming are popular during warmer months. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound with guests reporting sightings of deer, eagles, and various bird species. One visitor noted, "The lake is everything. A few years ago it was dried up. Thank you rain! Now it's back and better than ever." Mercey Hot Springs offers a unique experience with natural hot springs for soaking. Most properties maintain year-round operations, though summer brings higher temperatures often exceeding 100°F. Reservations are recommended for premium glamping sites, especially during peak season when waterfront locations fill quickly.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Coalinga (6)
1. Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
"It had fenced campsites, a bathroom, covered pavilions, picnic tables, and fire pits."
"Fire pits and covered picnic tables at each site as far as I can tell… nice spot!"
2. Lake San Antonio - North Shore
"New camper great experience beautiful place friendly staff great prices"
"The temperature at the lake often exceeds 100 in the summer. There is ample space for camping . You’ll need reservations if you want a hookup . Boat ramps are available."
3. Lake Nacimiento Resort
"Overall, the privately-owned sites at Lake Nacemiento resort are good - but you'll probably want to get one of the reserved spots!"
"Bathrooms were clean, campsites are really close together, we overland and need a wide campsite for the full set up. Camp sites # 313, 217, 215, 311 were the ones we like for size and view."
from $45 - $55 / night
Check Availability4. Lindy's Landing and Campground
"The spot had a huge concrete barrier so people wouldn't drive up on the sand area. If that wasn't there it would have been easier to get into the spot bit we couldn't go forward anymore."
"Lots of trees, river and lagoon access, friendly and helpful staff. Skoolie friendly to boot!"
from $35 - $65 / night
Check Availability5. Monterey County Lake San Antonio South Shore
"The first time I went to Lake San Antonio was with a birdwatching group looking for bald eagles. It was another hot summer and the water level of the lake was low."
"You cannot fish or swim in the lake. There is no reduction in price. This may be temporary, but it has been this way for at least a year."
from $35 - $45 / night
Check Availability6. Mercey Hot Springs
"If you’re doing the long drive from the Bay Area to LA, a nice place to stay is Mercey Hot Springs. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from the freeway and is in the middle of nowhere. "
"When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably."
from $70 - $185 / night
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Drive Time
- 39 min from Hanford, CA
- 53 min from Visalia, CA
- 1 hr 3 min from Fresno, CA
- 1 hr 31 min from San Luis Obispo, CA
Recent Glamping Photos near Coalinga, CA
2 Photos of 6 Coalinga Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Coalinga, CA
39 Reviews of 6 Coalinga Campgrounds
Grant M.
RangerUpper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Worth the drive, a Pinnacles stop
The winding road to get here is definitely out of the way, and the bumpy drive left one of our passengers feeling pretty carsick. That said, it was absolutely worth it.
I have to give this place a 5-star review. When it comes to dispersed camping, I’m used to rough clearings and overgrown roads, but this site was exceptionally well maintained. It had fenced campsites, a bathroom, covered pavilions, picnic tables, and fire pits. There was a burn ban in effect during our visit, so we couldn’t use the fire pits, but I was still impressed by the overall setup.
One thing I really appreciated was the balance of sun and shade. I was able to park in full sun for my solar panels while still enjoying shade under the pavilion and surrounding trees. Cell reception was also good.
We visited on a Saturday in June and were surprised by how uncrowded it was. Only a few other campers were there. It was also reassuring to see several other dispersed camping areas along the drive in, providing additional options if this site happened to be full.
In dry conditions, I think a two-wheel-drive vehicle can make it here. The roads are bumpy but generally well maintained. We saw several two-wheel-drive cars at the campsite. That said, there are a few sandy uphill sections where traction could become an issue, so you’ll still want to drive carefully.
The bugs were a little annoying, with both flies and mosquitoes present, but that’s something you can encounter almost anywhere depending on the season.
Overall, this is one of the nicest dispersed camping areas we’ve stayed at and a place I would gladly return to.
- NNatalie O.Guide
Lake San Antonio - North Shore
Perfect Reset
We had the best experience here. It was warm, peaceful, and truly the best reset for our family. We took our tent trailer, teenager and 3 dogs. We stayed Thursday through Sunday. The perfect days in my opinion. Water was great for floating and fishing, as well as swimming and watching the boats on the water. We stayed in a campsite, not down by the water. Which was perfect for us. Our dogs loved playing in the water as much as we did. This is truly a great place.
Bobby D.GuideUpper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Beautiful drive/wild spots
Pulled in at dusk to find several free spots nicely separated for privacy and fairly level, likely large enough to fit an RV although the road here is windy and narrow in places. Fire pits and covered picnic tables at each site as far as I can tell… nice spot!
Andrea Q.
TravelerLake San Antonio - North Shore
Total solitude
This is a huge park with many places to camp. We were the only ones in the camping loop on the water the night we were there. Tons of birds, wildlife. Only downside was some minor litter.
- Julia H.Traveler
Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground
Great
Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you’ll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will). i went early August and there was only one other camper van. very quiet. AMAZING sunset view. one of the best i’ve seen. just wished there was signal , for safety reasons.
Jack J.TravelerLake San Antonio - North Shore
Weekend Trip
Great camp ground. Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk. They had clean bathrooms and showers.
W R.
ScoutLindy's Landing and Campground
Nothing, just nothing
There is nothing to do at Lindy's other than the river and horseshoes, oh and watch the staff run around trying to look important.
What a joke of a "resort", California folk have no clue what a resort is.
- ddavidTraveler
Mercey Hot Springs
Amazing Place
I Van Camped at Mercey Hot Springs for 5 days. When I arrived the nights were hot so I decided to take an AC Cabin #10 where I could park right next to the cabin and slept comfortably. I moved to a RV camp site #5 when the temps at night were a more comfortable mid 60s. I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing. The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature. This is a completely off the grid resorts that has good energy and tranquil atmosphere. It is very clean with clean bath rooms and showers. When I was there in June 2024 they did not have the restaurant open yet but one looks like it is in the near future. They do have snacks, cold drinks, coffee, ice cream and Ice in the front office for purchase. I took the short hike up the hill to see the solar array, while up there I discovered a most amazing triple Labyrinth circle walk that was very mindful experience. I have never seen such a neat labyrinth as this. Truly an amazing stay, I will be back.
Guide to Coalinga
Glamping close to Coalinga, California centers around two major lakes: San Antonio and Nacimiento. Located in Central California's hot inland region, summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F, with winter lows dropping to the 40s. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though water levels fluctuate seasonally affecting lake access, especially during drought periods.
What to do
Hiking with wildlife viewing: Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground provides access to numerous trails with abundant wildlife. "Fresh Air (despite being surrounded by bad air on all sides) + Nature (deer, quails, turkeys, coyotes in one night) + Dark New Moon Skies means Bright Stars with Clear View of the Milky Way," notes one Upper Sweetwater visitor.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote locations provide exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. At Mercey Hot Springs, campers can combine stargazing with soaking. "I love that the hot tubs are available all night long. It allows for long soaks while star gazing," shares one reviewer who visited in June 2024.
Fishing and boating: The lakes offer prime fishing conditions when water levels permit. "Launched the boat and anchored it to shore. Literally had the place to ourselves. Fishing was great from shore in morning and dusk," reports a visitor to Lake San Antonio North Shore.
What campers like
Affordability and privacy: Upper Sweetwater offers free camping with surprising amenities. "I was surprised how nice the campground was, especially since it was free. Be aware there is no water available," notes a reviewer who chose it over staying at Pinnacles National Park.
Well-designed sites: Several Lake Nacimiento Resort campers appreciate the layout of certain areas. "We were in pine knoll with a great view of the lake! We scored with the size of our site! Our site was shaded all morning and all afternoon," explains a camper, though they caution about the party atmosphere.
Mineral hot springs: Visitors to Mercey Hot Springs value the therapeutic mineral waters. "The therapeutic water is magical some of the best I have found. As soon as you enter the pool or hot tubs you feel the smooth water on your skin. The hot tubs are all oversized privet bath tubs that you fill with mineral water of your desired temperature."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Lake conditions change dramatically with seasonal rainfall. A Lake San Antonio South Shore camper warns: "There is no potable water available, not even a water fountain. People and animals cannot touch the water. You cannot fish or swim in the lake. There is no reduction in price. This may be temporary, but it has been this way for at least a year."
Noise levels vary significantly: Many lake campgrounds can get rowdy, especially during peak season. A Lake Nacimiento Resort camper reports: "The campsite was very crowded and quite a few of the neighbors were very loud even after the quiet hrs. The park staff never came to ask them to quiet down at all."
Cell service limitations: Many sites have limited or no connectivity. At Upper Sweetwater, a camper notes: "Great spot. takes like a whole hour to get there. you'll lose reception about half way getting there (at least with Verizon you will)."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites strategically: At Lake Nacimiento, family-friendly spots are available but require planning. "We went here with another family and were in spots 23 & 36. It was a perfect area for the kids to play," mentions one visitor, though they note the campground has a "party vibe."
Consider cabin glamping: For families seeking upscale camping near Coalinga, cabin options provide greater comfort. At Lindy's Landing and Campground, one reviewer notes: "If you have a long fifth wheel or RV this place is perfect pull through parking full hook up... Great family place."
Prepare for limited amenities: Many sites lack potable water or other basics. "Didn't actually camp here. Was planning a group camping trip and wanted to scout the place out before hand. Thought BLM land maybe there was a good spot for group of 5/6 vehicles. Camping looked ok but not for groups," shares a visitor to Upper Sweetwater.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Carefully research spaces if you have a large trailer. "We have a 35 foot 5th wheel and they put us on the far end where it was hard to turn. It took a lot of turning and backing up to get into this spot," warns a camper at Lindy's Landing.
Off-grid preparation: Many sites have limited hookups or services. A Pine Knolls camper at Lake Nacimiento advises: "Campsites # 313, 217, 215, 311 were the ones we like for size and view."
Campground amenities vary seasonally: Call ahead to confirm current conditions and available services. At Lake San Antonio, one camper notes: "Currently the lake is open but the campgrounds have closed at various times due to the fires in Monterey County. Summer droughts can reduce water levels significantly."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Coalinga, CA?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Coalinga, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Coalinga, CA is Upper Sweetwater Laguna Mountain Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Coalinga, CA?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Coalinga, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 glamping camping locations near Coalinga, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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