Whether you’re looking for a laid-back retreat in the wild or an action-packed adventure, diverse Southern California should quickly strike your mind. It’s a glamorous and endlessly surprising glamping destination in the whole of the US.
Laced with joyful beaches, picturesque mountains, and deserts, there’s something for everyone!
Irrespective of the season you decide to choose for calling upon “SoCal,” here I am with 15 awe-inspiring glamping resorts and sites in Southern California. Make sure to book your favorite spot for your next glamping trip before it is too late.
Is There Any Glamping In California?
Yes, California is a goldmine of glamping sites. From climate-specific glamping to camping along the lovely beaches, California has something for everyone.
Read on as I share some top glamping resorts with you next.
15 Must-Visit Glamping Resorts In Southern California, U.S.
In this section, I’ve rounded up my top-ranked sites to experience luxury glamping in Southern California. I highly recommend adding these to your wishlist.
The Castle House Estate deserves the top spot on this list. It’s a pet-friendly and luxury glamping spot that’s ideal for groups as well as families. It takes your overall experience to the next level, being situated amid Joshua Tree with a desert view. This glamping spot offers family-sized safari tents to make you feel that you’re at a home away from home.
The location has fantastic views at its guard towers, where you can book a night or two. The included amenities, maintenance team, and spot will leave you speechless. The glamping spot has a blend of indoor and outdoor accommodations with an outdoor shower to provide you with an unforgettable stay.
It also features a barbeque station with a fire pit and grill top. The spot has many desert treks directly connected to nature. All in all, the Castle House Estate is an ideal go-to spot for a quick break with your loved ones and to enjoy the desert view.
The Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is a perfect spot for solo travelers and friends. The high-end resort provides an incredible view of the beautiful central coast. The campground has a heated swimming pool, cycling track, and a huge barbecue station with grills.
The Flying Flags also provide you with housing such as RVs, cabins, luxury tents, and cottages. The glamping area lets you park your RV or use your tent in the surrounding places. All the glamping accommodations are pet friendly and are also provided with free Wi-Fi.
The glamping area has a huge playground and wet zone for children. There are also relaxation areas like cabanas and furnished gas-powered fire pits. Many popular destinations like Lake Cachuma, the local wineries of Solvang, and the Los Padres National Forest are at a walkable distance from this glamping resort. So, what are you waiting for? Book now!
- The Pioneer’s Penthouse
The Pioneer’s Penthouse is located in Temecula Valley, distinguished for its vineyards and picturesque mountainside. This glamping spot spreads across 10 acres of private property on a tranquil hillside. It’s one of my best recommendations for travelers searching for tranquility as it offers peaceful and serene surroundings.
Love crouching around a campfire? The Pioneer’s Penthouse has that covered as well! All tents you’ll find here are relatively big at the front and equipped with many facilities like a cooking stove, picnic table, and ice chest. Many horse riding and hiking activities are also readily available at this spot. All you have to do is drop off your backpacks and enjoy the stunning mountains.
The night sky with magnificent stars and the sunrise view are all you need to disconnect from the daily hustle. Thus, if you’re longing for a nomadic-yet-comfortable glamping experience, consider getting here.
- Camp Ribbonwood Safari Tent Retreat
The Camp Ribbonwood Safari Tent Retreat is a private luxury camping resort located on a 12-acre ranch in SoCal. The glamping spot provides breathtaking sights from your tent like no other. This ranch is immensely calm as it’s nestled far from the hustle and bustle of the city and is tucked away in the countryside.
It’s a perfect spot for those who crave some quality time away from their daily lives. There is only a single cabin, so you’ll not meet anyone at the time of your stay except at the check-in and while you vacate the property. The glamping tent also offers visitors their pet-friendly fenced borders.
The tent features a heated bed, hot tub, and barbecue grill. You can book this glamping spot for a minimum of two nights. All the furnishings and buildings are handcrafted with recycled materials. There are also many activities like wine tasting, hiking, and balloon rides awaiting you.
- Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway
Not a fan of glamping in a tent and instead inclined to a hotel room? Then the Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway is for you. This glamping site is the go-to spot for a laid-back weekend getaway.
The lodging is a fully restored travel trailer. Yet, it has a feeling of luxury in a quiet natural setting.
The Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway comes with retro-style furnishings and equipment. Even though it’s so close to the hustle of Los Angeles, the place appears very secluded.
All conveniences of home are available, including a shower, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi.
Again, this glamping spot is furnished with recycled materials, making it highly unique. This is more like a resort for those who want to enjoy nature without surrendering their comforts. The glamping spot is tucked in the hills, giving breathtaking views of the SoCal landscape.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind glamping spot in SoCal, you can’t miss out on the Ventura Ranch KOA. This campground is located at the foot of Topa Topa, which is the city’s highest peak. The view here is fantastic, with a brook, woods, and an abundance of wildlife. What more is needed to experience the best glamping in Southern California?
Many activities can be found here, like swimming and ziplines. Kids won’t be bored, for sure. However, some activities require a small fee. All accommodation comes with enough space at the front to set up chairs. There are three types of accommodation choices: large tents, teepees, and luxurious glamour tents.
If you’re looking for a campground in the local area, the Ventura Ranch is the ideal place to unwind. There are upgraded RV spots with a KOA Patio and Exclusive Cabins with standard bathrooms for camping with ease. Bring your friends and family as there are many ways to have fun at Ventura Ranch Koa.
Next on the list is this Wellspring Ranch. It’s an exclusive and luxurious glamping resort spread across 160 acres in Cayucos. This resort is recognized for its untouched grass valley. It offers nothing less than an extravagant accommodation you’ll remember for eternity.
The Ranch is isolated enough from the city, and is a hideaway as it’s in a no phone zone. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?
You can choose your desired accommodation. Some popular options include:
- Rustic-chic Cabana Yurts
- Sophisticated Bedroom Lofts
- Premium Airstream Trailer
It’s a heavenly destination with both hiking & biking courses that are casual and challenging on different levels. There are also well-maintained gardens, crystal-clear ponds, and attractive picnic spots to pamper yourself to the max. The Ranch offers on-site amenities for travelers like yoga, hot tubs, and a spa.
Set at Zuma Sanctuary in Los Angeles, Malibu Glamping Lotus Belle is another gorgeous glamping spot that is my all-time favorite. This particular glamping site offers a fantastic getaway from city life by providing a scenic ocean view. The tents are set up within a few minutes’ stroll from some of the best picturesque beaches.
Its outdoor showers and the yoga decks come with an incredible view. The tents are fitted with comfortable beds in a contemporary setting amongst the wilderness. Thus, it is a perfect place to escape. The glamping site is equipped with:
- An indoor bathroom
- A barbecue station
- Yoga decks
- Comfortable hammock beneath the trees
The glamping area is next to Malibu’s most beautiful beaches. In the Lotus Belle glamping area, all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the beautiful wilderness setting with tall palm trees covering you.
- Boatel California
The Boatel California is a camping site that makes your dream of glamping on a boat come true. Yes, I’m not kidding! It’s more like a floating RV. Situated next to the Ventura Harbor Village, this particular site unlocks a stunning visual of the beach.
And guess what? All boats always stay hooked to the dock, so there won’t be any seasickness. The boats are equipped with:
- Queen-size, single, and bunk beds
- Luxurious bathtubs
- Modular kitchens
- Marine-style toilets
You can rent kayaks or paddle boats at the Ventura Harbor, which happens to be less than 100 feet away.
Note that the Boatel California is available only for staying and not for chartering. Overall, Boatel California is the best camping area to give you a floating camping experience.
- African Safari Tent Eco Glamping
The African Safari Tent Eco Glamping is a hidden glamping spot for utmost comfort and startling views. The glamping spot is based on the South African safari environment and spans a 2.5-acre property with extraordinary greenery.
I define this African Safari Tent Eco Glamping spot as a perfect weekend getaway. You get to unwind in hotel-type safari tents, with all the basic amenities at your fingertips.
It’s undoubtedly one of the most pleasing glamping spots to try in Southern California, as it disconnects you from your day-to-day life. And connects you with nature.
You can explore the serene beaches, centuries-old wineries, and nearby local microbreweries as well!
FYI, this glamping spot uses solar energy and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce its carbon footprint.
Thus, have an excellent weekend with the taste of Africa at this fantastic glamping spot in Southern California, which is 10 miles south of Temecula.
- The Land Yacht
Even if you aren’t into desert camping, I wouldn’t tick off the Land Yacht from the list. This 31-foot Airstream trailer will change your views about desert camping with its
- Cozy furniture
- Private kitchen
- Premium bathroom
- Integrated tank pool
- Wooden patio
- Picnic table, and more.
The isolated surrounding is perfectly connected with the convenience of the highway. All these make the Land Yacht a perfect desert glamping spot for adventurous souls keen for a break from everyday life.
The Wonder Valley Yurts is a spacious and cozy glamping spot entirely located off the grid. The glamping site is on 5 acres of desert surrounded by tranquility. Moreover, the location is very close to the Twentynine Palms.
This spectacular glamping lodging is accessible at a hard-to-believe cost despite the stunning views and comforts! The Yurts are made entirely out of cotton and furnished with:
- Portable cooler
- King-size bed
- Solar-powered lighting
- Outdoor hammock for gazing at starry nights
The Wonder Valley is situated near the east entrance to the Joshua Tree National Park and also near SoCal towns where you can collect your glamping essentials.
What’s stopping you from organizing a staycation at the Wonder Valley Yurts?
The El Capitan Canyon spans 350 acres by the Santa Barbara coast. Dotted with sycamore and oak trees, this wonderful location is ideal for folks in pursuit of a luxurious retreat.
All the accommodations here accompany domed skylights and stunning sights of the Santa Ynez Mountains. You get to experience the utmost luxury in a retro style.
The rooms come with integrated kitchens, spacious bathrooms, and soothing fireplaces for an unforgettable night get-together.
This glamping site offers three types of accommodations:
- Cedar cabins
- Adventure yurts (highly recommended)
- Safari tents
Additionally, each room is fitted with a barbeque station at the front. The resort is a 10-minute stroll from the calm El Capitan Beach and 30 mile stretch from the Santa Ynez Mountains.
Overall, El Capitan Canyon is the perfect option to rest and chill with the ocean air and view.
Keough’s Hot Springs is another highly sought-after glamping property that runs out of availability in no time. That’s the craze of this place. What attracts most tourists and localities to Keough’s Hot Springs is its hot spring pools. In summer, the big pool is maintained at 86° to 89° degrees and 90° to 92° in winter. The hot pool is always maintained at 104°.
The water for the hot spring pools is collected from an existing hot spring flowing from the ground. It’s made to look like a waterfall in the pools and that’s another prominent reason for its high footfall.
Another interesting aspect of the water here is the high mineral content, which is good for your body. The glamping area provides you with canvas tents and an RV for a long-term stay. Each cabin is furnished with:
- Mini-fridge
- Heater
- Outdoor fire pits
- Beds with down comforters
Last but not least, here’s the El Dorado Glamping Tent – the iconic site for group glamping in Southern California. This is known for its livable tent accommodation amongst the spectacular wilderness of Joshua Tree. The morning desert mountain views and the sunrise views from the tent look breathtaking.
The glamping area is only a quick drive away from some popular cafeterias and shops along the highway to purchase your glamping equipment, if any. Further, El Dorado is only a 10-minute drive away from downtown Joshua Tree and a 15-minute drive away from the national park entrance.
The tent is fortified with many features, including a queen bed with cozy pillows, two mattress cushions, a generator, outdoor furnishings, and a propane grill. All in all, you’ve got everything served on your plate for a fun-filled SoCal glamping experience!
Do Glamping Tents Have Toilets?
Yes, all the glamping tents are provided with a modern-style flush toilet. If you pay a few extra bucks, you can even opt for glamping spots with integrated private bathrooms.
For low-budget trips, shared bathrooms are common. Some spots also come with an outdoor bathroom.
How Much Does Ventana Glamping Cost?
Glamping at Ventana cost $240 per night. The cabins cost $500 per night, and the classic campsites cost $80 per night (you’ll have to get your tent and supplies though.)
Conclusion
If you’re craving a worthwhile glamping site in Southern California, this article will surely help you figure out what’s most important to you on your trip!
I have rounded up my top-ranked glamping resorts, sites, and tents that would welcome you with the best views. e.
You’ll have to try it out to see the charm of glamping for yourself!
