Author
Kat Englishman
Photographer
Photo courtesy Ventana Big Sur
Glamping combines the best of outdoor adventure travel with modern-day comfort in resort-like accommodations that come ready-made with cozy king-size beds, modern furnishings, and complimentary organic bath products, just to name a few. An abbreviated term for “glamorous camping”, this boutique style of camping in sought-out, scenic destinations has spiked in popularity over the years for its ability to provide an immersive outdoor experience without the need for expensive camping gear, making the outdoors more accessible, and way comfier.
The glamping experience can be traced back to a time when monarchs traveled the globe in lavish, palatial tents and wealthy Brits and Americans stayed in the classic canvas tent while on safaris in Africa. Today, the safari-style canvas tent is still just as popular along with bell tents, yurts, treehouses, and even converted Airstreams or tiny homes. Some glampsites have established “glampgrounds” that offer on-site dining, activities, and all the creature comforts you could need for a relaxing vacation in some of the most beautiful places.
Although California’s San Francisco Bay Area is home to over seven million people, it’s not hard to find plenty of pristine outdoor places to explore and find adventure. It’s most famous for the giant redwood trees, dramatic coastline and stunning beaches, and of course, the world-famous vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valley (not to mention the Eastern Sierra). There’s hiking and biking, surfing and sunbathing, climbing, paddling, and so much more when it comes to outdoor activities, however, the natural beauty alone makes for the perfect spot to recharge for a long weekend. Surrounded by National Forests and a 3 three-hour drive from the world-famous Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do just outside the area, too.
Skip the crowds and the heat by visiting the California Bay Area from September through October when it’s pleasantly warm and sunny—most importantly, this is also harvest season at its many vineyards, wink, wink. Scroll through our list of the best glamping in the Bay Area of San Francisco to find your perfect place for a weekend getaway.
[Prefer more guaranteed sunshine? Check out our top picks for the Best SoCal Glamping Spots.]
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Field Mag's Best Glamping in the Bay Area
Mendocino Grove — Mendocino, CA
Waldhaus Retreat — La Honda, CA
AutoCamp Russian River — Guernerville, CA
Running Springs Ranch — Ukiah, CA
Treebones Resort — Big Sur, CA
Boon Hotel and Spa — Guerneville, CA
Ventana Big Sur — Big Sur, CA
The Preserve at Chalk Bluff — Nevada City, CA
The Pinecone Treehouse — Bonny Doon, CA
Wildhaven Sonoma — Healdsburg, CA
10 Best Bay Area Glamping Spots Within Reach of San Francisco
Mendocino Grove — Mendocino, CA
Vibe: Refuge in the Redwoods
Distance from San Francisco: 155 miles
Standout Amenities: Heated beds, fire-pits, bathhouse, ADA accessible
Nightly Rates: $299
For dog-friendly Bay Area glamping, head to Mendocino Grove. A quick drive from the scenic Big River Beach, Russian Gulf State Park, and downtown Mendocino, Mendocino Grove’s canvas tents offer a cozy shelter after a day of exploring complete with crisp cotton linens, heated beds, fire-pits, and a lovely bathhouse with hot showers. This spot also earns bonus points for offering wheelchair accessible canvas tents so the outdoors are open to all.
Waldhaus Retreat — La Honda, CA
Vibe: Reunion in the redwoods
Distance from San Francisco: 45 miles
Standout Amenities: Entire site, barn kitchen, outdoor fireplace, minimal design, near SF
Nightly Rates: $829/night
Book this entire Japanese inspired glamping site for a weekend with friends or family. Tucked amoungst the redwoods, it features four canvas tents that have been outfitted with simple yet cozy furnishings, a barn kitchen, chic bathhouse and a huge stone fireplace for relaxing outdoors. Plus, there's 40 acres to explore on property.
AutoCamp Russian River — Guernerville, CA
Vibe: MCM Campout
Distance from San Francisco: 75 miles
Standout Amenities: Boutique hotel inspired, MCM design, firepits, variety of accomodations
Nightly Rates: $149
Hidden away in a peaceful spot surrounded by sky-high redwood trees, AutoCamp’s Russian River glamping location (they have six properties from coast to coast, including Joshua Tree & Cape Cod), provides Airstream glamping in the Bay Area in mid-century style lodging a 5-minute drive from Guerneville. Stay in one of their Airstream campers, glamping tents, or roomy accessible cabins outfitted with queen-sized beds, private bathrooms, and in some-a private outdoor area including a fire-pit and picnic table.
Running Springs Ranch — Ukiah, CA
Vibe: Lost in lavender
Distance from San Francisco: 115 miles
Standout Amenities: Canvas tent, working farm, great views
Nightly Rates: $125
Stay in classic canvas tent on this lavendar farm located in the rolling hills of Ukiah. Each tent is situated on a wooden deck with incredible mountain views, vintage furnishings and fresh spring water provided at no charge. For a quick dip, Orr Hot Springs is nearby or explore the many hiking trails the area has to offer.
Treebones Resort — Big Sur, CA
Vibe: Big Views in Big Sur
Distance from San Francisco: 147 miles
Standout Amenities: Cliffside location, variety of accomodations, on-site dining, massages
Nightly Rates: $695
For some of the best Big Sur glamping, head to Treebones Resort. Perched on a cliff with wide-open ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, at Treebones guests can rent a yurt, off-grid autonomous tent, or a human-sized twig nest crafted by a local artist. The posh campground uses solar power to keep the 600+ square-foot interior cozy when a chilly sea breeze blows in. Don’t forget to take advantage of the spacious redwood decks and outdoor space to catch an epic West Coast sunset.
Boon Hotel and Spa — Guerneville, CA
Vibe: Relax and recharge
Distance from San Francisco: 75 miles
Standout Amenities: Pool, spa, on-site dining
Nightly Rates: $250
For those who want a more luxury glamping Bay Area experience, Boon Hotel and Spa is for you. Once home to local mercury mining community, the property now hosts a variety of mid-century inspired hotel rooms, glamping tents, a vintage camper, a pool, spa, and a farm-to-table resturant on a forested site in the Russian River Valley.
Ventana Big Sur — Big Sur, CA
Vibe: Back to nature
Distance from San Francisco: 151 miles
Standout Amenities: Sauna, pool, firepit, on-site dining
Nightly Rates: $240
Although you’ll be tempted to stay in one of their beautiful luxury hotel rooms, Ventana Big Sur also has 15 canvas safari tents on 20 acres of picturesque Redwood forest not far from the rugged Northern California coastline. Indulge in the resort-style amenities at the glampsite including a sauna and pool, or get out and experience the area’s hiking trails, biking, climbing, kayaking, and surfing for some adventure.
The Preserve at Chalk Bluff — Nevada City, CA
Vibe: Just keep swimming
Distance from San Francisco: 159 miles
Standout Amenities: 1,000 acres, pool, games, outdoor fireplace,
Nightly Rates: $195
This 1,000 acre private property once served as a base for gold mining before being converted to the tranquil glamping site it is today. Centered around a swimming pool with a waterfall, there's two glamping tents available, as well as games like ping-pong and horseshoe to keep folks entertained. An outdoor stone fireplace, large deck, BBQ area, and bath house with stone detailing also add to the allure.
The Pinecone Treehouse — Bonny Doon, CA
Vibe: Sculptural aerie
Distance from San Francisco: 71 miles
Standout Amenities: Unique architecture, treehouse bathhouse
Nightly Rates: $650
This site is not for the faint of heart (or anyone with a fear of heights). At its highest point, this sky-high treehouse sits 60 feet above the ground in a grove of redwood trees. Outside, the architecture resembles a giant pinecone, while the interior is made up of a single room with views of the treetop canopy in nearly every direction. Surrounded by the Santa Cruz mountains, outdoor exploring is easily accessible or explore the artsy, lavender-farm filled town of Bonny Doon.
Wildhaven Sonoma — Healdsburg, CA
Vibe: Will vacay for vino
Distance from San Francisco: 152 miles
Standout Amenities: Luxury tent cabins, winery adjacent, private river access
Nightly Rates: Starts at $99/night
Yes, Wildhaven glamping provides safari inspired luxury tent cabins that are a clean, well-designed place to rest your head at night, however, the real draw is its close proximity to over 425 local wineries in Sonoma County's wine country. If wine tasting isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of outdoor activities: horseback riding, paddling, and swimming on Lake Sonoma and the Russian River, cycling, and hiking through the redwood groves or venture to nearby Santa Rosa and Guerneville.
Published 02-10-2024
Updated 02-21-2024
