When sleeping on the ground is no longer attractive, check out these must-go glamping sites located just a couple of hours away from Los Angeles
If your family’s looking to getaway from LA and commune with nature, but the idea of pitching a tent with sweat dripping down your face and choice words flying out of your mouth is less than ideal, we hear you. Luckily, there’s a fantastic selection of glamping accommodations near LA that will definitely level up your camping experience—sweat-free. Whether you’d like to stay in an Airstream, stay in a treehouse, wagon, or a yurt decked out with 4-star hotel amenities, we’re pretty sure these must-go glamping spots will become your new favorite way to spend the night away from home.
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Glamping in Santa Barbara, CA
Cliffside Camp: Looking to experience the beauty of Santa Barbara County with some truly unique accommodations? Cliffside Camp checks all the boxes with luxurious tents that feature private ensuite bathrooms, a queen size bed with mattress, and up to two extra beds for kids at no extra charge. Add to that: cozy bedding, a propane heater for chilly evenings, off-the-grid lighting, a BBQ and picnic table and you're set for your entire stay. Tents allow enough space for up to 4 people—2 adults and up to 2 children, 1 adult and up to 3 kiddos, or if you're making it a an adult-only getaway (hello kidless weekend!) 3 adults per tent. The best part? The campsite offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views, a secluded beach and provides the perfect dark night sky for some serious stargazing.
Good to Know: This spot closes in early Nov. for the winter but will re-open in Mar. 2023
Santa Barbara, CA
Online: cliffsidecamp.com
El Capitan Canyon: Since 2001, El Capitan Canyon has been one of SoCal’s most popular glamping experiences by offering guests a wide selection of cedar cabins and glamorous yurts that offer total comfort. Cabins come equipped with king, queen or double beds, a standard bathroom, heating, a kitchenette, all linens, a private picnic table and a firepit with removable grill for dining and campfires. The number of people each cabin sleeps depends on what size you book.
If you’re looking for something a little different, check out the adventure yurts—free standing accommodations atop a wood platform with canvas walls and a raised rooftop that includes a domed skylight for some swell stargazing that sleep up to four people. Yurt amenities include a queen size bed and twin day bed with trundle, bar sized fridge, microwave, ceiling fan and space heater. Adjacent restrooms have private shower stalls and changing rooms. Outside, each yurt has its own picnic table and a firepit with grill.
Good to Know: El Capitan also has a great Canyon Store that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner for dine-in or take-out, as well as wine, souvenirs, snacks and different types of BBQ kits. During your stay, you’ll also want to check out the great hiking trails, the llama and goat farm, the pool and children’s playground, beach cruiser bikes and occasional live concerts.
11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA
Online: elcapitancanyon.com
Related: Want to Go Glamping in Northern California? Check Out These Book-Worthy Spots
Glamping in Joshua Tree, CA
AutoCamp Joshua Tree: Joshua Tree is one of our fave places for an adventurous family getaway. But the experience is made even better by staying at AutoCamp—a luxury desert camping spot located just outside the famed national park that features an array of modern Airstream trailers with tons of amenities. Think private bedroom with a queen size bed, a bathroom with stand-up shower, a pull-out sofa, AC for sweltering days, a kitchenette stocked with complimentary coffee, tea and waters, an outdoor picnic table and a firepit for cooking meals and making s’mores.
Near the lobby, there’s a pool to cool off and lounge the afternoon away whenever you’re not busy hiking Joshua Tree’s fantastic trails nearby. There’s even a curated marketplace where you can purchase food, wine, beer, and supplies in case you forgot any essentials. Each Airstream sleeps 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kiddos. For even more of an upgrade, AutoCamp also has an impressive selection of Vista X Suites that guests can book for their stay. Each suite features a memory foam queen bed, full living area, kitchenette and private outdoor space. Complimentary mountain bikes are also available on the property as well. You many never go back to tents after this.
62209 Verbena Rd.
Joshua Tree, CA
Online: autocamp.com/joshua-tree
Related: Luxury Camping and Joshua National Park in One Glorious Place
Glamping in Big Bear, CA
Getaway: This family glamping spot near Los Angeles offers cozy cabins that provide restorative nature stays for their guests just two hours outside the hustle a bustle of major cities. With 15 outposts and growing, Getaway offers a true escape that encourages you to savor your free time, find balance, embrace disconnection from the world, and bond with the people you love most.
For SoCal folks, Getaway has 40 outposts in Big Bear that's perfect for some much needed peace and quiet—and would make a great group destination if you can get everyone to coordinate the same dates. These modern, tiny cabins feature a queen bed or queen bunks, AC and heat, a private bathroom, a stove and mini fridge, as well as your own picnic table, firepit and many more amenities. Dogs are also welcome for a small additional fee. Cabins fit 2-to-4 people depending on the accommodations you choose.
Big Bear, CA
Online: getaway.house
Related: Why Big Bear is a Favorite Vacation Destination for LA Families
Glamping in Ventura County
Ventura Ranch KOA: Just an 80-minute drive from LA and tucked away at the foot of Topa Topa Mountain is the Ventura Ranch KOA campsite. Filled with wildlife, a creek, a forest and breathtaking views as far as the eye can see, this KOA location offers a wide variety of glamping options, including spacious safari tents, teepees, Conestoga wagons and cabins.
Kids will love the on-site pool, rock climbing tower, gem mining, Bigfoot Watering Hole and Soar Over Ventura Adventure Course that combines a zipline and ropes/obstacle course. Boredom is not an option when camping here.
Online: koa.com
Glamping on Catalina Island
Two Harbors Campground: For an extra special camping experience, Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island can’t be beat. Located on high on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the site offers traditional camping, as well as unique tent cabins that are equipped with cots, a two-burner stove, a shade structure, picnic table and fire pit with cooking grate. If you don’t feel like lugging a bunch of food and drinks to Catalina, simply purchase items from the Two harbors General Store and have them delivered straight to your campsite for a small fee. During your stay, your family can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling or simply lounging waterside.
Campground
Two Harbors
Online: visitcatalinaisland.com
More Glamping Resources near Los Angeles & Southern California
Check Out: Glamping Hub
When you’re on the hunt for remarkable glamping locales, make sure to check out Glamping Hub. Their impressive selection of accommodations, including treehouses, safari tents, tiny cabins and more throughout Southern California, will give your family tons of ideas for your next outdoor adventure. Standouts like this stargazing dome near Joshua Tree and this delightful vintage trailer set-up in Chatsworth are just two of the unique spots to choose from.
Online: glampinghub.com
Check Out: Hipcamp
If you’re looking for a variety of interesting camping options that think “outside the tent,” Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for unique outdoor stays. From an old gypsy wagon with Topanga views to guard tower suites that resemble tiny castles in the Joshua Tree desert, there’s truly something for everyone at various picturesque spots throughout SoCal. Guests also have direct communication with campsite owners, making booking and questions about your stay easy breezy.
Online: hipcamp.com
