Epic Glamping Spots in Southern California You Shouldn't Miss

As California mitigates health risks during the COVID-19 pandemic, some travel restrictions may remain in certain communities. Call the local and regional tourism offices to learn more about the restrictions in your intended destination. Thank you for reading, and stay safe. 

Love being in the great outdoors but hate giving up your creature comforts? Find your home away from home at the coolest glamping spots in Southern California. The Golden State has plenty of luxurious accommodations to suit your taste—seaside cabins, AutoCamp destinations, rustic-chic cottages, and fancy yurts that are anything but rugged. 

Whether you’re looking for action-packed adventures or a laid-back retreat in the wild, there’s something for everyone. You don’t have to wait for summertime to go glamping—many of these glamorous camping spots are just as mesmerizing in the winter. So, once you cross off a Northern California glamping experience from your bucket list, it’s time to go glamping in SoCal. 

The 10 Best Glamping Spots In Southern California

1. El Capitan Canyon

Location: 11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara

Connect with nature on 350 acres dotted with oak and sycamore trees at El Capitan Canyon, a top destination for people seeking a lush and luxurious retreat by the Santa Barbara coast. An El Capital Canyon glamping experience is precisely what you need to relax and unwind as the crisp ocean air reinvigorates you. 

Here, you’ll have cedar cabins, adventure yurts, and safari tents to choose from. Each is unique, but they all have one thing in common—they provide maximum luxury. With comfortable bedding, domed skylights, and unparalleled views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, glamping in Santa Barbara has never been this wonderful. 

2. Ventura Ranch KOA 

Location: 7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula

Ventura Ranch KOA is a glamping spot in Southern California that genuinely stands out. The 76-acre campground is located at the base of the Topatopa Mountains, the highest mountain range in Ventura County. Cabins, safari tents, teepees, tents, and RV sites are at your disposal—you can even spend the night in a Conestoga wagon.  

Let your four-legged pal tag along when you go glamping here—there are several nature trails and even a dog park where you can embark on adventures with your pet. Explore the rock climbing tower, sunbathe by the pool, visit Bigfoot’s Watering Hole, and hang around the swing set at one of the best glamping destinations in Southern California. 

3. Wellspring Ranch

Location: 9150 Santa Rita Road, Cayucos

Looking to go yurt camping in Southern California? Wellspring Ranch is your go-to spot. Nestled on 160 acres of natural beauty, the glamping destination offers accommodations that are nothing short of extravagant and posh. Guests have the option to stay in rustic-chic cabana yurts, refined bedroom lofts, and a luxe Airstream trailer.

Glamping at this SoCal destination is as heavenly as it gets—there are miles of hiking and biking trails with varying levels of difficulty and several picnic spots where you can rest. There are even spa and yoga facilities on-site, making it easy to pamper yourself and unwind to the max. Try Wellspring Ranch glamping in Southern California, and you may never want to leave. 

4. Flying Flags RV Resort And Campground

Location: 180 Avenue Of The Flags, Buellton

Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground is a glamping RV resort that’s one of the best in SoCal. Spend the night in an Airstream, vintage trailer, charming cottage, luxury tent, or your very own RV. The on-site amenities are more than enough to make your stay enjoyable; lounge by the swimming pool and enjoy your afternoon with the kids at the resort playground.

The RV resort is also located close to popular attractions within the area—Cachuma Lake, Los Padres National Forest, and the Danish-inspired town of Solvang are a few of the must-see spots when glamping here. 

Cool Places To Go Glamping Near Los Angeles

5. Malibu Glamping Lotus Belle

Location: Zuma Sanctuary, Malibu

Malibu Glamping Lotus Belle is a gorgeous Los Angeles glamping spot located at Zuma Sanctuary. Boasting dramatic ocean views, the two Lotus Belle tents offer a wonderful getaway from the hustle and bustle. Here, you get to sit back and relax in a gorgeous natural setting with towering palms concealing you from the city. 

Both sites are equipped with outdoor showers, a bathroom, barbecue and yoga decks, and even a place for you to relax in a hammock under the trees. The glamping spot is within walking distance of Malibu’s best beaches, including Leo Carrillo State Beach. Glamping near Los Angeles can’t get much better than this. 

6. Authentic Tipi in Topanga

Location: Topanga State Park, Topanga

Forget about pitching a tent—revitalize your body and soul in the great outdoors by glamping in an authentic tipi in Topanga. This isn’t your typical tipi, either. Queen-size beds, cozy linens, complimentary breakfast, miles of scenic trails, and a hot tub under the trees? Yes, please. 

Plan a weekend getaway here with your special someone. You can cuddle up to your one and only and gaze at the night sky while soaking in the outdoor hot tub. Experience the glory of Mother Nature by glamping at this L.A. destination; you won’t regret it. 

Where To Go Beach Glamping In Southern California

7. Boatel California

Location: Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura

Ever dreamt of camping in a boat? Boatel California is here to make your dreams come true. This unique glamping spot redefines beach camping and allows you to have a one-of-a-kind experience. The boat is less than 100 feet from Ventura Harbor Village, one of the top places to visit in Ventura, and of course, the beautiful beach.

Guests are provided with everything they need for a comfortable stay: queen-size, single, and bunk beds; bathtubs; a living room; a small kitchen; a deck with umbrellas for dining alfresco; and every in between. Boatel California is guaranteed to float your boat. 

Incredible Joshua Tree Glamping Spots

8. Area 55 Futuro House

Location: Sunny Sands Drive, Joshua Tree

Leave it to Area 55 Futuro House to give you an unprecedented Joshua Tree glamping experience. This is not a cabin, nor a yurt, nor a safari tent—it’s a flying saucer. Less than 100 Futuro pods were built in the world, and we’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend a night in one of them in the middle of the desert.

The Futuro House features a workspace (although we doubt we’ll get any work done at this awesome place), air conditioning, a full kitchen, a neat backyard, an outdoor shower, and a private entrance. Disconnect from the world and reconnect with yourself at this UFO-shaped home—this Southern California glamping experience is unlike any other. Who knows, you might just witness a UFO sighting in California.

9. Stargazer Yurt at Luna Vista Ranch

Location: Luna Vista Ranch, Yucca Valley

Situated 10 miles from Joshua Tree National Park, the Stargazer Yurt at Luna Vista Ranch is just as magical as it sounds. Guests are enclosed within 40 expansive acres dotted with striking Joshua trees. The yurt has an outdoor shower and bathtub, an enormous firepit, and a treasure chest full of costumes and games to keep guests entertained.

Immerse yourself in the high-desert landscape and take in the magnificent views as the last bits of light set the entire area ablaze with the colors of the sunset. Don’t forget to go enjoy the incredible stargazing here—it makes for an unparalleled Joshua Tree glamping experience.

10. The Land Yacht

Location: Panorama Heights, Joshua Tree

If you’re not usually into desert camping, the Land Yacht will change your mind—at least about glamping. The Land Yacht is a 31-foot Airstream trailer with its own private deck and refreshing stock tank pool. You will truly be amongst nature here, making it the perfect glampsite for those needing an escape from everyday life. 

The Land Yacht is furnished with a queen-size bed and two bunk beds, a full kitchen, a bathroom, and an air conditioner to cool you off from the desert heat. Adventurous souls adore staying in this vintage trailer in the heart of the Mojave Desert.