Northern California is one of the primo destinations for camping fun. But, there are some of us...cough...cough...who would rather stick pins in our eyes than lie on the ground to get some shut-eye. Sure, we love the outdoors and good old Mother Nature. We just don't want to feel like we've enlisted in the military to enjoy it.
Luckily, our part of the state has lots of "glampgrounds" (glamour campgrounds) to accommodate the camper who'd rather sleep in a bed or maybe make her own breakfast from a fully stocked kitchenette. There's lots of different places ready to make you change your mind about camping.
Here are some you'll just love!
1. Sequoia High Sierra , Giant Sequoia National Monument
You'll definitely discover all the usual California camping perks – from dramatic mountain peaks, cascading creeks, tranquil meadows and star studded evening skies – but it also Sequoia High Sierra Camp also provides guests with luxury accommodations. I mean, who eats like this? Where's the crusty ol' camping stove? Kind of hoity toity, and looks great! King size beds, feather pillows, spacious carpeted canvas tents with maid service, premium toiletries and five course meals are all included. Enjoy fine wines and craft beers while you take in the incredible view.
2. Strawhouse Resorts, Trinity
If it's not enough to have an adorable cottage along the Trinity River, how about your own cafe in the woods? Yep, they've got it here. Not only that, but this group of folks are big on organic meals and they roast their own coffee.
3. Costanoa, Pescadero
Glamp in a lodge by the Bay. Enjoy all the amenities of a luxury hotel but with the added benefit of nature. There's even more for a small fee, like a guided kayaking tour with the whales. Um, yes, please!
4. Earthtrek Expeditions, Lotus
Enjoy a few nights in a cozy cottage with your own deck. Or, take advantage of the only glampground in Northern California that gives you the opportunity of sleeping in one of their tents by the American River. Go to sleep by the lull of the rushing water of the South Fork. Don't worry about cooking on this trip. They've got it covered if you purchase a rafting trip. They'll provide your meals. But, there's also the option of eating at local restaurants only a short walk away.
5. Treebones Resort, Big Sur
Enjoy a breakfast buffet -- waffles, eggs, granola, yogurt with a hot mug of coffee or tea. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, you're invited to partake in the free morning yoga class. There's a sushi bar close by and while it's not included, there's nothing better than fresh sushi while enjoying a spectacular sunset.
6. Safari West, Santa Rosa
Spend the night in a safari tent imported from Africa. Built high on a platform with a deck to enjoy your view. Safari West is a 400-acre African wildlife preserve. Come face to face with cheetahs, giraffes, monkeys and lemurs in their natural habitats. Go to sleep to the sounds of the jungle. Channel your inner Indiana Jones as you take a jeep ride with your tour guide into the preserve -don't forget your camera!
7. Windsong Cottage, Point Reyes
Not far from your stay is the ocean and along with that are things like lighthouses and did I say the ocean? This yurt has lots of amenities to make camping a lot more fun. Like a hot tub and a nice comfy bed.
8. Casini Ranch, Duncan Mills
With a working ranch of horses and cows on one side and the picturesque Russian River on on the other, this is the perfect spot to get some glamping on. Family owned since the late 1880s, this has been a resort getaway since the 1960s. RV and tent camping available. There's wifi and hot showers, and karaoke. From the reviews I read, the folks who run this resort are pretty awesome, too.
9. Shelter Co. , Bay Area
This may not be a destination, but it will definitely help you find one. Two ingenious parents have come up with a way to give YOU the freedom to choose your glamping destination. Pick your camping spot and let Shelter Co. do the rest. Rent tents with beds, games for kids and more. Apparently, they're kind of a big deal when it comes to helping you "rough it".
Where do you go glamping? Share your favorite spots with us so we can meet you there!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!