Vintage airstreams, luxury tents and yurts. This glamping Southern California guide will show you the best 12 glamping spots in SoCal.
Camping with uncomfortable sleeping pads, a cloud of mosquitoes, and no electricity is a thing of the past. Glamping, or glamorous camping, is the new way to spend a weekend in nature…with some style! And what better place to do it than glamping Southern California?
👉 If you already know me, you’ll know that I looove glamping. In the past, I’ve written about the best glamping destinations in the US and the best places for glamping in Northern California.
Today, it’s time for a list of the best 12 spots in Southern California where all of your wishes will come true. In here you’ll find some great ideas for a weekend away from Los Angeles or San Diego, or to include in an epic San Francisco to Los Angeles road trip itinerary.
And you know what best thing is? Many of these locations are also environmentally friendly!
Some of the glamping spots below can be found either on Hipcamp, VRBO, or Airbnb, while some of them can be booked directly on the owner’s website.
▶ Get $10 off your first Hipcamp booking by clicking here.
12 BEST SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA GLAMPING SPOTS
The Castle House Estate
The iconic white towers of the Castle House Estate will remain with you after your stay at this luxurious glamping location in Joshua Tree National Park. As will the palm trees, the safari tents, and the original interior design. Definitely one of the best glamping resorts in California.
In operation only since June 2019, the Castle House Estate has already been doing a great job at providing an excellent, boutique hotel kind of experience indoor and an unforgettable communion with nature outdoor. Rooftop bed? Check. Outdoor shower? Check. Impactful desert hikes? Check.
We like it because is very pet friendly. If you’re looking for a dog-friendly glamping in Southern California, this is the perfect one. The Castle House Estate is perfect to go on a short vacation with your little one and have them enjoy the desert landscape with you.
African Safari Tent Eco Glamping
This secluded glamourous camping location will surprise you for its comforts…while being extremely green! Inspired by South African environment and flora, Safari Sunset Echo Glamping is perfect for a romantic getaway, where you’ll sleep in a safari tent with all the amenities of a standard hotel (tents have a kitchenette and wine and cheese plates are available for purchase).
It’s definitely one of the best places to try out glamping in southern CA for first timers, you won’t miss a hotel room – guaranteed.
This out-of-the-world glam campground is about 10 miles south of Temecula. Its motto is “unplug, relax, and unwind”…and I have no doubt that the stunning sunsets and vibrant nature will make it happen for you!
We like it because it reduces its carbon footprint in amazing ways. Solar heating and rainwater catchment are just two of its many proven methods.
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Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground
Buellton, California welcomes you to this glamorous high-end campground, where you’ll find an outdoor pool, a large barbecue station, and a children playground next to a variety of accommodations such as RVs, cottages, and tents. Fltying Flags cottages are so cute by the way!
One of the best campsites in Southern California, Flying Flags RV Resort & Campground is perfect for solo traveling as well as group bonding, possibly because of the great wine you can purchase on site!
We like it because you can play all kinds of games here, going from table tennis to bocce and pool. And if you’re more on the fit side, cycling is also available on the resort. As one guest mentioned, “it’s like summer camp here!”
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The Pioneer’s Penthouse
Temecula Valley is already known for its vineyards (on top of being a perfect destination for a short road trip from Los Angeles!), and the gorgeous The Pioneer’s Penthouse is really just a cherry on the cake. Consisting in one large canvas tent perched hillside on 10 acres of privately-owned land, this glamping in Southern California is a dream. It welcomes all kinds of travelers for the most beautiful nomadic-yet-comfortable getaway.
The tent hosts between 2 and 4 people but the space in front of is quite large and has plenty of amenities (cast iron cooking stove, ice chest, picnic table). And if gazing at the stars and the landscape is not enough for you, activities such as horseback riding, and hiking are easily accessible.
We like it because up to 10 people can stay here…they just need to bring their own tents!
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Camp Ribbonwood Safari Tent Retreat
Luxury camping in Southern California has never been so cute. I have rarely seen as a breathtaking view as the one you get from your bed as at Camp Ribbonwood Safari Tent Retreat. This quiet glamping is tucked away in San Diego county and is perfect for couples who just want some time on their own.
The tent is 16 by 20 feet, has a heated bed, WIFI, a hot tub, a charcoal barbecue…and did I mention that the amazing view is also available from the clawfoot bathtub? Minimum stay is 2 nights, but I can’t see how anybody would want to ever leave.
We like it because the furnishings and construction are handmade and were created with recycled materials, including native incense cedar trees killed from the Cedar Fire of 2003. Glamping near San Diego at its best.
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GET $10 OFF YOUR FIRST BOOKING ON HIPCAMP
El Capitan Canyon
Only 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, this large resort is bringing the glamping experience to Southern California since 2001. Plus it’s the perfect overnight stop on a drive from LA to San Francisco. It’s actually amazing how many options El Capitan Canyon offers!
If you’re looking for yurt camping in Southern California, this is it. You may choose a cedar cabin (with king beds and individual heating controls), the adventure yurts (microwave and mini-fridge available!) or a safari tent (for your classic camping experience with modern touches like electric lamps and a wooden floor). In any case, you’ll have a picnic and grilling area in front of your “room.”
We like it because it’s all about sustainability. The “Canyon Poolside Renewable Energy Project” assures a solar heated pool system that lengthens the swimming season and is safe for everyone. It’s our favorite place for glamping in Santa Barbara and it features some of the best yurts in Southern California.
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Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway
If you’re the kind of traveler that would always choose a hotel room over a tent, I have the place for you, even when talking glamping. Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway is a gorgeous, silver RV with patio and gazebo, all permanently sitting on a sandstone mesa.
With 1954-style furnishings and appliances, this glamping near Los Angeles is the perfect place where to spend a serene weekend in nature…with all the comforts of a home (shower, coffee maker, WIFI…all included!).
Despite being one hour north of Los Angeles, the area is very secluded and offers a 360-degrees view. Experience the beauty, and prepare for a private, luxurious relax session!
We like it because it’s furnished with recycled, reclaimed, and repurposed materials, which make it extremely unique and sustainable.
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Secluded Hobbit House
Lord of the Rings fans of the world, the moment you have been awaiting has finally arrived. Near San Diego, the Secluded Hobbit House has the hobbits’ iconic round door, scented wood furnishings and ceiling beams, granite rock walls, and outdoor patio with a sink and grill pit.
This unique San Diego glamping venue may host up to 2 people and has a handcrafted outdoor bathroom and shower. There’s no electricity but the cooler and the access to the hosts’ main house, in case of necessity, are all you really need!
We like it because it has a temperature insulating “living roof,” where plants and moss prosper while protecting you.
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Dome in the Desert
Star Wars meets U2, with a touch of vintage. This is the vibe that Dome in the Desert gives, and you’re going to adore this glamping location.
Located in Joshua Tree National Park, this modern-bohemian dome is skillfully and fully furnished (and the AC is on for hot summer days!), it provides old-fashioned books and games, and it may host up to 4 people in two different bedrooms.
It’s a perfect destination even in colder days, thanks to the indoor fireplace. It’s my favorite Joshua Tree glamping spot, and the competition is fierce!
We like it because it’s really a home for all ages, thanks to the vintage games, the typewriter, and the guitar that any child is going to love.
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[CLOSED] Sky Bubble Suite
Looking for glamping in Los Angeles? This is it. I thought I had seen everything until I discovered the Sky Bubble Suite on the Hollywood Hills. Made uniquely for solo and couple traveling, this romantic lodging will welcome you all days of the year with an astounding view of Los Angeles that can only get better at night, from its 1200-feet height and the transparent bubble surrounding the bedroom.
As the name implies, this suite consists in a 6x6x6 foot dome-shaped entrance bubble, a larger 9x9x9 main bubble, a bathroom, and a complimentary brick-and-mortar bedroom. Being quite isolated, it will allow you to really take in the city view…and possibly spot some wildlife.
We like it because the host provides upon request a romance package, which includes rose petals, champagne, and flameless candles. Perfect for a romantic 2-day trip to Los Angeles!
READ ALSO: 12 Luxury Treehouse Cabins To Add To Your Bucket List
Wellspring Ranch
Glamping can be as romantic as a rom com, especially if you do it at Wellspring Ranch. You can disconnect from the world while reconnecting with your partner in this 160-acres refined eco-resort in Cayucos.
Accommodations vary in shape—from elegant bedroom lofts to chic cabana yurts and luxe airstream RVs—but they are all stylish and homey as well as solar powered. You can find some of the best cabins in Southern California here! The activities options are no less top notch, including bird watching, gardening, and daily yoga classes.
We like it because its complimentary offering is astounding, featuring easels and paints, hiking sticks, outdoor showers, and towel warmers.
➤ CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY (there are 6 listings for 6 different accommodation options)
The Land Yacht
I’m telling you; RVs are the next best thing, and glamping Joshua Tree is one of the best ways to experience the park. The Land Yacht is yet another awesome glamping location in Joshua Tree National Park that features a silver, 31-foot RV with cozy furniture and private kitchen and bathroom, along with a stock tank pool, a wooden patio and picnic table just outside your door.
The Land Yacht was assembled with adventurers in mind but as long as you’re in tune with the deserts and its perks, you’ll love it here. The remote atmosphere is also perfectly combined with convenient proximity to the highway and the town of Joshua Tree. Definitely one to include in your Joshua Tree itinerary!
We like it because it’s designed by hosts Sasha and Crystal to have the least impact on the environment and all guests are invited to treat the desert’s fauna with the utmost respect.
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There you go! These are some of the best glamping in Southern California venues, but of course there are hundreds more. If you know any other glamping or cabin camping in Southern California that should be on this list, let me know in the comments!
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