Best Luxury Glamping Spots in Northern California
Growing up camping with my family, I’ve realized that there are two different types of people in the world: campers and glampers (yes, we don’t all like getting dirty, okay?).
When I think of camping, I find myself longing for hot showers, cozy cabins, and luxury tents. If you do, too, then you prefer glamorous camping over roughing it in the great outdoors.
Now that we’ve established you’re a proud glamper, it’s time to plan glamping in one of the best regions in the United States, Northern California! From Yosemite National Park and the Yuba River in Sonoma to Big Sur, this area is the perfect location to find your family’s go-to glamping spot.
Photo credit to Autocamp.com
Here are the top 10 glamping sites in Northern California
1. Autocamp
Did I find this hotspot on Tiktok last winter? Yes. Have I been dreaming about it ever since? Also yes. Boasting three locations in NorCal, including Autocamp Russian River (i.e. Sonoma Wine Country), Sequoia (just outside Sequoia National Park) and Yosemite, these campgrounds pack in everything a family needs to enjoy the great outdoors and fresh air.
Accommodations include options like vintage trailers (think Airstreams!), adventure tents, bunk rooms, cabins, and base camps (basically an Airstream PLUS a safari-style canvas tent). You’ll get the ultimate glamping experience thanks to the comfy beds (which include a king bed, a queen bed, or twin beds), a mini fridge in the Airstreams, an on-site restaurant, a general store to pick up essentials, and, if you’re staying in one of the Airstreams, a full kitchen. Each location also has its own activity itinerary with options like morning yoga, wine tasting, bike tours, live music, Bingo, stargazing, rock painting, movie night under the stars, and much more.
2. Treebones Resort
Treebones Resort Big Sur is glamping like you’ve never experienced before. To start, the resort is home to the twin Autonomous Tent Collection, both of which use solar power for a true off-grid experience. The unique tents each have a private bathroom (even Dyson blowdryers!), fire pit, Adirondack chairs atop a private deck that gazes at the Pacific Ocean, and of course, comfortable beds.
Additionally, you can book a yurt, a regular campsite, a campsite with a human nest (yes, it’s exactly what you’re picturing), or a night in the Cove Tiny House. For food, you can choose from Wild Coast Sushi Bar (I told you this place was fancy!), grab a four-course dinner from The Lodge Restaurant or bring your own food, because…picky toddlers.
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3. Sequoia High Sierra Camp
Are you feeling guilty about being too bougie when it comes to glamping? If you prefer to tough it out, you can hit up the Sequoia High Sierra Camp which requires you to hike into the resort from the Marvin Pass Trailhead and can be accessed through Kings Canyon National Park.
The resort’s private tent cabins have either king beds or twin beds, a dining pavilion with a fireplace, three meals provided daily, modern toilets (yes that’s a big deal!), and hot showers. The camp can also accommodate large groups, which makes it a great place for family get-togethers during the summer months. While you’re there, the fam can take part in daily hikes, stargazing, horseback riding, flyfishing, and trips to the Sequoia groves.
4. Huttopia Wine Country
There is no shortage of various glamping options at Huttopia Wine Country, Sonoma (located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay area). Frankly, all I needed to hear was “wine” and I was in! Nonetheless, this locale offers everything from glamping tents with bunkbeds and kitchenettes, private BBQs, baby rental kits, eco-friendly shower amenities, and luxury bedding, to Wifi.
Kiddos can enjoy outdoor games and a playground, a swimming pool, and take part in the Little Trappeurs program (available July and August), that includes treasure hunts, outdoor games, crafts, and more. Families can grab breakfast, drinks, and snacks daily and eat at the on-site restaurant daily in the summer and on weekends the rest of the year.
Photo credit to treebonesresort.com
5. Tower Park
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Tower Park in Lodi, California has some of the best glamping cabins with rustic charm that the state has to offer. The resort has over 15 types of cabins (including a pet-friendly Ranger Smith Cottage!) and families can enjoy full bathrooms, kitchens, covered porches, A/C, hot tubs, and more. If you want to semi-rough it, you can also reserve an RV site (BYORV) that comes with electric, water, and sewer hook-ups, picnic table and fire ring.
Daily activities are plentiful and include foam parties, movie nights, glitter tattoos, “Hey Hey” rides, laser tag, and lots of weekly theme days! Nearby attractions include the Jelly Belly Factory, downtown Lodi, Micke Grove Zoo, Isenberg Crane Reserve, Funderland Park, and so much more. If you don’t feel like cooking, try the Waterfront Grille, Pic-A-Nic Basket (a food truck!) offering burgers, pizza, and hot dogs, or Mountain View Sweets for a coffee and dessert.
6. Wildhaven Sonoma
If you’re heading to the Russian River in Sonoma County, Wildhaven Sonoma is a great place to get glamping. Choose from either glamping tents or glamping cabins with private river access steps, and enjoy communal areas that include a central extra clean bathroom area with showers with easy access from your lodging, covered outdoor cooking area, and daily complimentary coffee service.
The cabins come with A/C and heat, skylights, upgraded furnishings, and are super close to the river. Meanwhile, Wildhaven’s tents come with heated mattress pads, electricity, a private patio, and options for double, twin and bunk beds so the whole family can stick together. When you’re not snoozing in your cabin or floating down the Russian River, be sure to take advantage of morning yoga, live music, wine tasting, and a trip to the Healdsburg Farmer’s Market.
Photo credit to towerparkresort.com
More Glamping Recommendations in Northern California
7. Mendocino Grove
With a tagline of “Woods…Ocean…Glamping,” you know Mendocino Grove is going to be amazing. This glamorous hot spot offers platform tents for couples up to large groups that include critter-friendly food storage, heated beds, a deck with butterfly chairs, a fire pit with a grilling grate (charcoal packs and firewood available for purchase), and a picnic table. If you’re not keen on starting your own fire, you can call on the Campfire Valet, who will start and stoke your campfire for you!
Be sure to head to Meadow Common, the central hub of Mendocino Grove, offering coffee and tea every morning, Wi-Fi, and hammocks (count me in).
Mendocino Grove also offers two central bathhouse locations, complete with hot indoor and outdoor showers, organic bath products, hair dryers, and even a dog wash for your fur baby. Now for the best part: the Camp Spa. Send the kids off with dad and then book your own 60 or 90-minute massage, followed by a rest in the dry sauna! Nothing says “glamping” like some pampering!
8. Inn Town Campground
Inn Town Campground in Nevada City offers traditional tent and RV camping, but glamping too. Choose from 25 glamping canvas tents (or a YURT!) and then sit back and relax. Each tent has electricity, a fan, heated mattress pads, comfy beds, linens, and a private porch or balcony. Several cabins are also dog-friendly, so no family member gets left behind.
For meals, head to The Commons, a communal kitchen stocked with multiple stoves, refrigerators and all the cooking accessories you need. On the back of the building you’ll find showers and a coin-operated laundry facility. Inn Town Campground also packs in the fun thanks to its swimming pool and outdoor movies, not to mention the local events in Nevada City.
Photo credit from inntowncampground.com
9. Dawn Ranch
Dawn Ranch offers luxury glamping like you’ve never seen before. Nestled amongst the trees of the redwood forest, the resort offers cabins, cottages, chalets, bungalows, and glamping tents. For families, the cottages or bungalows provide the most sense to enjoy your stay amongst the natural wonders that are the redwoods, with private decks, A/C and heat (bonus points for the cottages: they have a full kitchen!).
Moms, enjoy a little “you” time in the handcrafted redwood soaking tubs, partake in a soundbath, or take a refreshing walk through the meditation garden. Meanwhile, the fam can enjoy fun activities like s’mores, creative workshops like beading and origami, or a free guided tour at Armstrong Redwoods.
10. Village Camp (Truckee-Tahoe)
Great for summer or winter, Village Camp in South Lake Tahoe is the perfect hot spot for families who love the outdoors. The resort’s Cedar Cabins pack it all in: full kitchen (with a dishwasher!) and full bathroom, in-floor heating, a private patio, and a queen plus two twin beds.
Village Camp also offers a dog park, clubhouse, fitness room, community firepits, laundry room, and a playground. Families can take advantage of hiking on their own or book one of the paid experiences offered by the resort.
Does your family glamp in Nor Cal? Tell us your favorite spot, and we can add it to our list! Message us @thecitymoms here.
