Best Glamping in California

Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.

When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails. When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.

Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.

With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

Best Glamping Sites in California (517)

    1. Pinnacles Campground — Pinnacles National Park

    88 Reviews
    Pinnacles, CA
    Website
    +1 (831) 200-1722

    $43 - $164 / night

    "We had a separate dome tent to keep out bugs. The site had two picnic benches, a fire pit and bear lockers for your food."

    "The campground loop we were in was full and the sites are fairly close to your neighbor but it wasn't bad. The main reason being absolutely NO generators allowed so it was peaceful."

    2. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "South Carlsbad is another Cali jem set up on a bluff overlooking the pacific. It is long and thin so it has a nice thinly populated feel. All bathrooms are clean."

    "South Carlsbad State Beach is extremely crowded (like many coastal campsites in Southern California), but has very easy access to your own space on the beach below the cliffs."

    3. Upper Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    61 Reviews
    Yosemite Valley, CA
    Website
    +1 (209) 372-8502

    $36 / night

    "The site was clean, spacious enough, flat enough, and very convenient to access to everywhere in the valley."

    "Sites are moderate sized with bear locker, picnic table and fire pit. Campground has flushing toilets, sinks. Campground is close to curry village where showers, pool, market and pizza are available."

    4. Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    63 Reviews
    Grover Beach, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 473-7220

    $40 / night

    "We checked in late evening, it was nice that the gate/entrance was open for late arrivals. Campground was walking distance to the beach."

    "Ocean front, off road sand dune recreation if you have a capable vehicle. It’s great. Best with an off-road capable vehicle. Bathrooms are a bit rough without running water."

    5. Jedidiah Smith Campground — Redwood National Park

    55 Reviews
    Hiouchi, CA
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    "On-site host sells firewood for $10/bundle. Coin operated hot showers for $0.50 to start the shower for 2 min, $0.25 to add minutes up to a 12 min max."

    "A well run campground with newer bathroom and shower blocks. The rangers were delightful and the camp host was kind and helpful."

    6. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "Most yurts have a foot trail down to the water. The Yurt I stayed in (we camped 3 nights and had a yurt the last two) slept 4-6 people, 6 if you have kids. Yurts do not have bathrooms."

    "clean spacious sites, pool, laundry, grocery store, gas. Sites have fire pit, grill grate and picnic table. Great views of the sunset from our site #287. Beer and wine for sale."

    7. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    "It's on the landward side of the pch and feels like you are away from everything. The beach is accessible by a short walk that goes under the pch, so no crossing this busy road."

    8. Samuel P. Taylor State Park Campground

    51 Reviews
    Lagunitas, CA

    $35 - $225 / night

    "This campground is beautiful, set in the redwoods, with a creek and nature trails. It has all the amenities: flush toilets, showers, fire pits, running water, and grills."

    "On our first visit, there was no running water or showers, but they did have portapotties."

    9. William Heise County Park

    46 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-0650

    $24 - $34 / night

    "Table and fire pit at each site. 

    Hiking available walking distance from camp, trails leading out of camp. Family friendly environment."

    "The drive up was amazing. They had plenty of water to wash and drink with a lot of bathrooms as well.

    You can walk trails, stargaze, take your bikes around and so much more!"

    10. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Beach is clean, swimming is mellow, the tide pools are cool, and you can walk to just about anything you need."

    "I naively thought the campgrounds wouldn’t be open to capacity and I was hoping for camping not so close to other campers."

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Glamping Reviews in California

4704 Reviews of 517 California Campgrounds