Creature Comforts: Cozy Yurt Camping in California

Tierra del Cielo Farm

It's child's play at this yurt tucked in the San Luis Obispo mountains. Specifically, you'll find a tree house, zip line, tire swings and trampoline surrounded by green grass and beautiful trees. There are also plenty of farm animals from chickens to a goat to keep the fam engaged. Plus, you get fresh eggs for breakfast! At long last, stay a few days and relax and reconnect as a family. To book this yurt, send an email to tierradelcielofarm@gmail.com.

Distance from San Diego: About six hours away in Santa Margarita
Yurt Features: A 20-foot yurt with a queen bed, a double bed and pack n' play family crib. A kitchen (with pots and pans), wi-fi, indoor fireplace, central heating and hot water. It's also solar-powered, with a wood-burning stove, shower and bathroom.
Cost: $120 per night for two people, plus $20/night each additional person. (Two-night minimum stay).

Santa Margarita, CA
Online: tierradelcielofarm.com/farmstay

Santa Margarita KOA

From jumping on a giant pillow to catching fish in the nearby lake, there's plenty for the whole fam to do at this KOA campsite. Even more, in the summer you'll find foam parties, movies by the pool and stargazing at night. So grab the crew and pick a date for glamping at this campsite.

Distance from San Diego: About six hours away in Santa Margarita
Yurt Features: A 20-foot, quiet yurt that sleeps 8 with a queen bed and 2 bunk beds. No kitchen and bring your own linens. Fire pit and picnic table out front.
Cost: $120 per night

Santa Margarita, CA
Online: koa.com/santa-margarita

El Capitan Canyon

Camping is made easy in an adventure yurt. Deer, birds, trees and nature surround your clan at this camp area with plenty to do. Take a 30-minute hike to the beach or a morning walk to feed the llamas and goats. You'll find a camp store and restaurant full of amenities. Further, truly glamp it up by ordering a bbq kit delivered right to your campsite. Then, fire up the grill and eat up. 

Distance from San Diego:  About four to four-and-a-half hours just north of Santa Barbara
Yurt Features: One queen bed and one twin day bed with a twin trundle, which can accommodate a family of 4 comfortably. Electricity inside the yurt and bathhouse amenities are located only steps away. Also, included are a private picnic table and fire pit with a removable grill for both grill dining and a cozy campfire.
Cost: $170 to $225

11560 Calle Real
Santa Barbara, CA 93117
866-352-2729
Online: elcapitancanyon.com

Cachuma Lake Yurts

Relax at the lake and roast marshmallows at your fire ring. Your crew will have plenty of room in these yurts, which accommodate up to six people. Little glampers have fun at the playground and the swimming pool (open in the summer). Further, scout out the nature center and explore the lake on a pontoon boat cruise (for ages 5 and up). A ranger leads this adventure into nature. Even more, there's a country store in case you need any essentials.

Distance from San Diego: four-hour drive past Santa Barbara in the mountains
Yurt Features: Bunk beds with twin bed on top and a larger bed on bottom, depending on the yurt, it sleeps from three to six people. Also, a lockable door, indoor lighting and heating, screened windows and fabric siding. Outside you'll find a deck, picnic table (some are inside), fire ring, charcoal bbq and water spigot.
Cost: $75 to $120 per night

1 Lakeview Dr.
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
805-686-5054
Online: countyofsb.org/parks/cachumayurts.sbc

Purty Yurty

Truly off the beaten path, you'll find this magical yurt near Joshua Tree. Stay in this adorable, comfortable and surprisingly spacious space. Grab warm blankets and experience stunning sunsets and stargaze at night. You'll find peace, quiet and desert fun. Head to Joshua Tree in the day (20 minutes away) to enjoy beautiful landscape and great hikes for the half-pints.

Distance from San Diego: About three hours
Yurt Features: One queen bed and one air mattress sleep four. This yurt is more rustic since there's no kitchen, showers or electricity. However, there are battery and solar-powered lamps. Also, remember to bring prepared food and plenty of drinking water.
Cost: $59 per night

Joshua Tree, CA
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/19860463

Treebones Resort

Introduce your crew to the beauty of Big Sur's camping paradise. Note that only kids 7 and older are allowed here. However, if you do have older kids and want to experience the beauty of the coast, this is the perfect spot. From nature walks, a spa, pool and organic garden, you and your family will feel close to the earth. Even more, glamp it up in comfy queen beds, warm comforters, and dig in at the restaurant nearby. There are two family yurts and one with a view!

Distance from San Diego: About nine hours
Yurt Features: The family yurts sleep 6 and the beds come with linens, cozy comforters and colorful quilts. There is a small table and set of chairs, reading lights and plenty of hooks for hanging your gear. There is a sink vanity with hot and cold running water with towels. The yurts have generous redwood view decks with Adirondack chairs.

Cost: $320+ per night
Online: treebonesresort.com

The NELA Yurt

Stay among fig and orange trees in this Los Angeles neighborhood. Glamp and explore the local sites of LA during the day. This yurt sits on a half-acre lot shared with a 1920's farm. Enjoy a wood burning stove and outdoor hot shower. Even more, there's a fire pit that's great for a campfire sing-a-long.

Distance from San Diego: One-and-a-half to two hours
Yurt Features: 16 feet in diameter and the conical roof has a skylight directly over the bed. You'll find one queen bed, one single bed and an air mattress. Even more, you'll find internet access, a toaster oven, coffee, mini-fridge, hammocks and fruit from the trees. 
Cost: $59 per night

Glassell Park
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/1688018

Skyfarm Yurt

A glamping bohemian yurt in Paradise Hill (just 10 minutes from downtown Los Angeles). Families dig that this yurt's on an urban farm. Moreover, you can visit goats, chickens and a pig next door. You'll find a full outdoor kitchen, claw foot garden (solar) bathtub with hot running water.

Good to know: There are steps, so for toddlers, this yurt may be a challenge.

Distance from San Diego: About two to two-and-a-half hours
Yurt Features: A 20-foot yurt with king bed and two single mattresses. A full outside kitchen, wi-fi, indoor fireplace, solar-powered bathtub on an urban farm. Even more, coffee maker, microwave and refrigerator. A big window, patio, garden and bbq grill outside.
Cost: $149 per night

Paradise Hills Neighborhood
Los Angeles, CA 92139
Online: airbnb.com/rooms/19012748

Launch Pointe

If your brood loves to have plenty of activities, then the Lake Elsinore's Launch Pointe Recreation is a camping hot spot. From splash pad, playground and swimming pool, little campers have tons of fun. Further, if you love to jet ski, boat, fish or lake swim, you've got it all here. Even more, there's a restaurant on-site for when the crew gets hungry.

Distance from San Diego: About one-and-a-half to two hours
Yurt Features: There are 3 themed yurts that sleep four and they have two comfortable beds with linens. Each yurt has in-room coffee and refrigerator. The bathrooms and showers are outside.
Cost: $110 to $170 per night

32040 Riverside Dr.
Lake Elsinore, CA 92530
855-471-1212
Online: launch-pointe.com