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The Best Glamping Sites to Book in California

AutoCamp Yosemite is the perfect glamping home base for exploring Californias iconic national park
AutoCamp Yosemite is the perfect glamping home base for exploring California's iconic national park | Courtesy of AutoCamp Yosemite / Booking.com

It’s time to take California dreamin’ to a whole new level. Glamping in California will forever change the way you experience the Golden State. Trade five-star lodging for camping under a starlit sky, Cali style: Airstreams outfitted with luxurious beds and large kitchens, or tents filled with cots that feel as heavenly as the sky above. With scenic sites situated near national parks, desert towns and forest retreats, your California glamping experience won’t get any better than these top picks – bookable with Culture Trip.

Caravan Outpost, for easy access to the beach and to wine tasting in Ojai

Glamping

An Airstream trailer and small tables and chairs sit among lush foliage at Caravan Outpost in Ojai
Courtesy of Caravan Outpost / Booking.com

Caravan Outpost isn’t in the desert but that doesn’t stop it from seeming like a mirage. At this oasis in downtown Ojai, a lush garden surrounds your fancy outdoorsy abode. You’ll wake up and wonder if you sleepwalked into the jungle. Where you go when you step outside of this California glamping site is up to you. Caravan Outpost will drive you into the Ojai Valley for wine tasting and soaking in hot springs or help you cruise over to the beach for an all-day surf sesh.

Rancho 51 for food trucks and helicopter rides in Coachella

Glamping

People with colorful towels enjoy a yoga class on a palm tree-shaded lawn in front of large tents at Rancho 51 in Coachella
Courtesy of Rancho 51 / Expedia

Rancho 51 is your typical California-style glamping site. You know the type: communal trailers for showering. Yoga classes under the sun. Helicopter rides, because why not? When you’re not flying around in a chopper like a boss, you’ll certainly be hitting up the food trucks and chowing down in the shade of swaying palm trees. Visit on an off-festival day and you’ll still groove with a live DJ spinning hits. Massages, a beauty bar and amazing mountain views will help you forget that you’re crashing in a tent and not at an all-inclusive resort.

Base Camp Pop Up RV & Tent Camping Resort, for poolside happy hour in Vista Santa Rosa

Camping, Glamping

Rows of luxury tents sit side-by-side in a large, flat lawn at Base Camp Pop Up RV and Tent Camping Resort in Thermal, CA
Courtesy of Base Camp Pop Up RV and Tent Camping Resort / Expedia

If you’re the type to bring your giant inflatable unicorn raft to the pool, then you’ll fit in nicely with the youthful crowd at Base Camp. Poolside is the place to be during happy hour. Rows of luxury tents laid side-by-side and communal dining tables will ensure you have no trouble making new friends. BYO tent or RV if you please; you’ll find us hunkered down in a luxury tent, blowing up a giant inflatable donut raft and sipping something from the bar.

Autocamp Joshua Tree, for plenty of amenities near Joshua Tree National Park

Glamping

Large lobby space with polished concrete floor and round fireplace under high barrel ceiling at Autocamp Joshua Tree
Courtesy of Autocamp Joshua Tree / Booking.com

Not unlike a journey into Joshua Tree National Park, a few nights in Autocamp’s Airstreams can be a spiritual experience like no other. A refreshing dip in the plunge pool soothes more than just sunburn. In the chill of winter, the indoor fire pit kindles cozy vibes that will warm you up to the thought of turning in early. We recommend the Vista X Suite; the private bedroom in a secluded spot leaves only the birds and bees as your audience.

Cloud9 Coachella, for fabulous mountain views in Coachella

Glamping

Open deluxe glamping tent at night with large bed, soft lighting and Persian-style rug at Cloud9 Coachella
Courtesy of Cloud9 Coachella / Expedia

Now, before you assume which type of “cloud-nine” experience this is in Coachella, let us clear the air. This Cloud9 in Coachella is an awesome California glamping site. The views from your furnished tent will leave you wide-eyed in wonder – and we’re not blowing any smoke. Situated in the Lake Cahuilla Recreation Area in full view of the San Jacinto Mountains, it’s the perfect place to roll out a sleeping bag, strike up a flame and inhale Coachella’s mind-clearing air.

Autocamp Yosemite, for livin’ it up in an Airstream near Yosemite National Park

Camping, Glamping

Stylish lounge space with raw wood walls and large opening to outdoor seating at Autocamp Yosemite
Courtesy of Autocamp Yosemite / Booking.com
Yosemite National Park speaks for itself, so we won’t dare assume we could sum up how extraordinary Cali’s most iconic park is. However, we will be so bold as to rave about Autocamp’s exceptional glamping site right near the park’s entrance. Settle into an Airstream, then quickly make your exit: the hammock grove, freshwater pond and fire pits will keep you outdoors for hours. Bounce around the property on a mountain bike if you please; just make sure you double-time it to catch the Yosemite shuttle in time.

Redwood Meadows RV Resort, for ample on-site amenities in Crescent City

Camping, Glamping

Deluxe A-frame tent on platform with large porch at Redwood Meadows RV Resort in far north of California
Courtesy of Redwood Meadows RV Resort / Booking.com

There’s a comforting presence to California’s mighty redwood trees, surrounding your site like a living stockade as you lay your head down in Redwood Meadows RV Park. Wide open spaces and a dedicated dog park give you and your mutts a place to wander. No roughing it here, though; you’ll have access to hot showers, laundry equipment and a reading room, because who needs TV when you’re in nature? (Well, we do, and we’re glad cable channels are also gratis).

Looking for a unique stay in California? Check out our guide to the best inns and hotels to book in Yosemite National Park, bookable on Culture Trip.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

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