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Southern California. Home to entertainment capital Los Angeles, surf-city San Diego, outdoor and design-mecca Joshua Tree, wine-tasting region Temecula Valley, star-studded Malibu, miles of the stunning California coast, and excellent burritos, among other attractions. This region of California is packed with things to do and places to see, all in the comfort of 70+ degree weather.
From Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks in the East, to the coastal Los Padres National Forest and countless state beaches to the West, there's plenty to explore outdoors too. Which means there are plenty of opportunities to go glamping under SoCal's wide-open skies.
The varied terrain of the region has produced glamping spots that are just as unique, with accommodation ranging from mountain huts, to desert Airstreams, to luxury tents overlooking sprawling vineyards. In short, SoCal has some of the best glamping around, most of which is within a short road-trip to a major city, and a major park. Dreaming of a visit? Us too.
Below are our top picks for the best spot for your own weekend getaway in Southern California.
14 Best Places to go Glamping in Southern California
El Capitan Canyon — Santa Barbara, CA
Vibe: Glampers Paradise
There's no lack of things to do at El Capitan Canyon. This beachside glampsite aims to provide a relaxing experience for guests while protecting its beautiful landscape. Take a guided hike along the Selma Rubin Trail, check out the organic garden and llama farm, take a dip in the heated spa, catch live music at their Canyon Concert Series, or treat yourself to the on-site spa, all surrounded by views of Gaviota Coast, Pacific Ocean, and Santa Ynez Mountains. This is glamping with a capital G.
Rate: $189/night
AutoCamp Joshua Tree — Joshua Tree, CA
Vibe: Desert Oasis
Opened in early 2022, AutoCamp Joshua Tree offers up the hip midcentury Airstreams and other rentals the glamping company is known for, but this time in the design mecca of Joshua Tree, CA. Hang in the design-forward clubhouse, around your own private fire pit, inside the shade of your cabin, or go out and take a gander at all the impressive architecture in the area.
Rate: $199/night
Getaway Big Bear — Running Springs, CA
Vibe: Unplug and Unwind
With celebrity investors and Outposts now open in each corner of the country, Getaway is swiftly becoming a name known nationwide for its thoughtful approach to glamping. Each unique "outpost" features a few dozen tiny houses, each complete with one or two beds, kitchenette, bathroom, and private firepit and picnic area. Guest are encouraged to unplug and unwind in the nature. With reasonable nightly rates and beautiful views of the Big Bear Lake region, Getaway is a sure bet for a Los Angeles-adjacent escape.
Rate: $116/night
Use discount code FIELDMAG for $25 off your Getaway stay.
Joshua Tree Acres — Joshua Tree, CA
Vibe: Airstream Party
In the desert of Joshua Tree, CA, this 5-acre site hosts 5 1970's inspired Airstreams, and we must say, it was hard to choose the best one. Decorated and renovated using both thrifted and luxury items, the Airstreams are the perfect blend of lush and homey. With a central clubhouse, this glampsite was designed to bring like-minded, nature-loving folks together, so if you're looking to bring a group or meet some friends, this one is for you!
Rate: $179/night
Quonset Hut at Blue Sky Center — New Cuyama, CA
Vibe: Community in Cuyama
Dedicated to developing place-based initiatives to address inequities in rural development, Blue Sky Center hosts a variety of events and initiatives to promote their Cuyama property—and glamping in a unique, architect-design hut is one of them. Each hut comes equipped with the necessities, and shared restrooms, and kitchen are nearby. The surrounding area has plenty to explore, from activities like wine-tasting, thrifting, horseback archery to hiking Santa Barbara Canyon, Caliente Mountain Ridge Trail, or Juddel Canyon. (A standout on our state-wide Best California Glamping Guide, too.)
Rate: $116/night
Renovated Airstream — Malibu, CA
Vibe: Spa Day
Easily one of the most visually stunning setups in the stat, this Airbnb property features a renovated Airstream, cedar hot tub, outdoor barrel sauna, and fire pit. All with epic canyon views just one mile from the Malibu beach and Pacific Coast Highway. Inside the Airstream you've got a proper bathroom and kitchen. But don't worry city folks, food delivery apps work at this mountain top location, too.
Rate: $359/night
Be Well Yurt — Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA
Vibe: Yogi Yurt
Surrounded by towering pines, along the banks of Strawberry Creek, sits the Be Well Yurt-a serene outpost for year-round retreats. Rest and recharge among 100% cotton sheets, bird-watch from the elevated deck, or explore all the offerings of the charming Idyllwild area (a zone jam packed with epic Airbnb cabin rentals btw).
Rate: $154/night
Edwards Vineyard Bell Tent — Ramona, CA
Vibe: Vineyard Views
About 1-hour drive outside of San Diego, this glamping tent sits on 64-acres in the Ballena Valley overlooking Edwards Vineyard. Off-grid and powered by 100% green natural energy, you'll be fully immersed in wine country here. The tent comes equipped with a wood-stove, a two-burner propane stove, homey decor and a Star Gazer fly that opens to reveal 360 degrees worth of skylights. Outside, there's a spacious deck and an outhouse for hot showers.
Rate: $143/night
Beachside Bungalows — Catalina Island, CA
Vibe: Catalina Wine Mixer
In Catalina Island's White Cove, these beachside bungalows make up a portion of the campsite Pimu Eco Village, a 25-acre glamping destination with safari tents, 14-person canvas tents, and a cafeteria. The area is known for its rich and unique wildlife, including the California Bison, the Catalina Fox, the Mule Deer, and Green Sea Turtles. The cabins contain tasteful basics and are the perfect place to crash after exploring the island.
Rate: $100/night
Boho Bus — Ojai, CA
Vibe: Cozy Hideout
2-hours drive north of Los Angeles, step into this vintage bus and relax a little why don't ya? The warm wooden interior is decorated in a tasteful boho meets midcentury meets rustic style and is outfitted with a cool steel-plated shower, kitchenette, compostable toilet, and a cozy bed nook with lush linens. If you'd like to adventure, you'll be close to Santa Barbarda, Ventura, Los Padres National Forest, and 30 min to San Buenaventura State Beach.
Rate: $105/night
Just Average A-Frame — Pool Ranch, CA
Vibe: Rustic Relaxation
Steps away from hiking trails at Anza Borrego State Park, this little A-Frame cabin rental is the perfect minimal getaway for some nature-immersion. The cabin comes equipped with a single mattress, while nearby onsite there's a communal cooking trailer and outhouse shared by a couple other tent camping sites. Wake up to the sunrise over the parklands, and gaze up at the wide-open night sky before bed.
Rate: $80/night
Area 55-Futuro House — Joshua Tree, CA
Vibe: Mars Attacks
For a fun family or group trip, stay in the fully restored Futuro house. Besides staying in a UFO- you'll have access to a private outdoor shower, bathrooms, outdoor kitchen, and fire pit and be minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. Spend all day exploring the high desert, then return to your alien-themed chambers at night-what could be better?
Rate: $280/night
Vintage Glamping Trailer — Chatsworth, CA
Vibe: Spacious Retreat
With views of the West San Fernando Valley, this 1954 vintage trailer comes equipped with a smattering of amenities. Besides its own lovely wooden interior with a living area, kitchenette, tiled bathroom, and sleeping area with high-quality linens, the main trailer also comes with a spacious outdoor living area with a canopied double bed, dining area, seating area and terrace, and a mini office trailer. Whew! Talk about a glamping experience.
Rate: $180/night
Glamping Campus — Yucca Valley, CA
Vibe: Wildly Comfy West
Rent out this desert oasis for your next group trip or event. Capable of accommodating an impressive 30 campers, there's plenty of off-grid glamping options from retro-Airstreams, bell tents, and trailers- all decorated with an old-west flair. Throughout the campground, there's outdoor seating, fire pits, and even art installations, all set under the Mojave Desert Sky.
Rate: $2,825/night
Sunset Hideaway — Los Ranchitos, CA
Vibe: Secluded Lookout
What this mountain hut lacks in space, it makes up for in charm. Decorated in an antique style and furnished with a queen bed, single burner, and basic cooking supplies, you'll have panoramic views of the ocean and nearby San Diego. To take it all in, there's a small deck, hammock, and outdoor fireplace. Venture outside the 10' x 10' walls for biking, hiking, and wine tasting in the surrounding area.
Rate: $125/night
Published 04-21-2022
Updated 05-29-2024
