Best Glamping in California and Around the USA

I read somewhere that glamping is camping for indoorsy people but I would have to disagree. Glamping is for people that love spending time outdoors but don’t love sleeping in a tent.

Glamping in California has the advantage of good weather. There are also some amazing glamping destinations all over the USA.

Whether you choose glamping for a weekend getaway or visiting National parks, glamping will add a unique experience to your trip. The chance to be set in nature on a dreamy mattress while you can hear the sounds of the outdoors is something everyone should experience at least once.

7 Great California Glamping & USA Glamping Spots

One of the best times to get outdoors is during fall. While some of the glamping locations are near areas with amazing fall foliage like Yosemite, others are just great during fall because of the crisp air and fun activities nearby. There’s just something awesome about sitting around a campfire when there’s actually a little chill in the air. Glamping in California is often year round while USA glamping spots with four seasons typically close when the last fall leaves hit the ground in October.

California Glamping

Glamping at Autocamp Yosemite, California

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Autocamp Yosemite is one of the best places for California glamping. I think we’re all a little enamored with Airstream trailers, right and this chic, retro-cool, lodging is the perfect addition to your Yosemite National Park adventure.

The trailers have a “mid-century modern meets the mountains” decor. Each airstream suite has a bedroom with a comfy queen size bed and top quality linens. There are side tables with lamps, places to plug in electronics and a flat screen tv too.

The living room has a sofa that converts into a full sized bed and the kitchen has a microwave, sink and dishes. The mini mudroom as you enter is a great place for boots by the door. Surprisingly, the gorgeous bathroom is HUGE with a seriously spacious shower.

Outside, each trailer has a deck and a fire pit with a grill for cooking. You can order dinner that is ready to cook or go to the clubhouse. They have a chic lounge and food options. Food offerings are on the expensive side but you can also drive 10 minutes to the historic town of Mariposa for dinner and window shopping.

Spend 2 days in Yosemite National Park for hiking, rock climbing, bike riding, waterfalls and photography. The campsite is 38 minutes from the Big Oak Flat Entrance and one hour from the Yosemite Valley floor. It sounds like a big distance but it was nice to be a little removed from the crowds. There are also activities to do along the way. Those that are glamping in California can also find Autocamp Russian River. East Coasters can head to Autocamp Cape Cod.

Ventana Glamping in Big Sur, California

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It’s hard to have a favorite glamping in California spot because there are so many amazing choices but Ventana in Big Sur is the ideal luxury camping experience. Located in the midst of a huge redwood forest, the safari-style tents are spaced out for maximum privacy. It’s the perfect getaway for couples, families or just a fun girls weekend.

Each tent has a queen sized bed, heated blanket, side tables and lamps with outlets, a sink with filtered instant hot water, a cooler to hold ice or things that need refrigeration, a deck with Adirondack chairs and a fire pit that starts with a push of a button.

Also at the campsite, is a picnic table, place where you can build a campfire and a parking spot. The bathrooms are located throughout so it’s a short walk and the main spa style bathroom has fluffy towels and Alila spa products.

There are so many fun things to do during your stay. You can go to Pfeifer state beach to have a beach day, go hiking on a variety of trails, enjoy a glass of wine at sunset on the patio at Nepenthe or use the pool and other facilities at Ventana Resort. Read more about our Ventana Glamping experience and all of the things to do in Big Sur.

Wildhaven Sonoma – Glamping in California Wine Country

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Contributed by by Christina Menth with CMenthTravel

Wildhaven Sonoma is wine country glamping located on the banks of the Russian River in Northern California. Surrounded by many of Sonoma County’s most popular wineries, it’s a unique option for a Wine Country getaway.

The extra large safari tents are spacious and well appointed and the staff is committed to making your stay both comfortable and memorable. Make it an adult weekend or bring the family because there’s plenty to do.

Wildhave Sonoma has their own private access to the Russian River which makes this such a great glamping destination during the summer months. Go swimming, tubing, or rent a kayak and explore. Or just relax in one of the cozy hammocks with a good book.

At Wildhaven you’ll be in close proximity to popular wineries like Robert Young Estate Winery, Jordan Winery and Francis Ford Coppola Winery. If wine tasting is at the top of your list, rent a bike and make a fun day of it.

Dry Creek General Store in nearby Healdsburg is a great place to pick up everything you need for a picnic. September and October when harvest happens at all of the local wineries is a very popular time of year to visit. You’ll also get some beautiful fall color.

Sequoia High Sierra Camp in Sequoia National Park California

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Under Canvas Top Notch USA Glamping Locations

Under Canvas has grown to be one of the biggest glamping companies in the United States. They have new glamping locations opening in California at Yosemite and Joshua Tree National Park. In the meantime, they have glamping options at the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion, Moab, Glacier National Park, Great Smoky Mountains, Mount Rushmore and soon Acadia National Park.

They set up luxurious safari tents with West Elm furnishings coupled with healthy dining and adventure activities. Read more about a few of their locations below.

Under Canvas Grand Canyon

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Contributed by Valentina from Valentina’s Destinations

Under Canvas at the Grand Canyon is the ultimate glamping destination in Arizona. Under Canvas offers luxury canvas tents equipped with king size beds and real mattresses! They’re the perfect place to rest your head after a long day of hiking at the Grand Canyon.

Under Canvas tents also come with a wood burning stove, so you’ll be sure to stay nice and toasty. Some tents include in-unit bathrooms with flushing toilets and hot water showers. Otherwise, there are communal restroom facilities on site. There’s a restaurant and bar. There’s also a fire pit for s’mores and campsite stories. Guests can join weekly free yoga classes and enjoy live music and entertainment.

Visit the Grand Canyon and enjoy hiking, mule rides or bike rides along the South Rim. There are also many incredible viewpoints to check out. You can also learn more about the Grand Canyon by joining one of the fun ranger tours. Travel time to the Grand Canyon is 40 minutes.

Some may choose to sign up for Grand Canyon tours and activities through Under Canvas. There are many things to do like horseback riding, helicopter tours or whitewater rafting. No matter what you decide to do at the Grand Canyon, you’ll be glad you’re staying at Under Canvas. End every night enjoying stargazing in legendary dark sky country from the comfort of your glamorous tent!

Under Canvas Yellowstone

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Contributed by Jeanine Romo from Le Wild Explorer

If you’re going to Yellowstone National Park then Under Canvas Yellowstone is the perfect place to stay. The “glamping” campground at Under Canvas is open from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend each year. May and early June can still be chilly so keep that in mind when visiting. However, at Under Canvas you’ll have comfortable, hotel-like amenities such as hot showers and heating. So if you don’t want to commit to camping but want the experience, “glamping” is a great option. 

Take in the view of the stars at night, they’re worth staying up for. Gather by the campfire and indulge in complementary s’mores. Then retreat to your cozy tent that has a wood-burning stove to keep warm at night and a comfortable king-size bed (available in most tents). Under Canvas is perfect for a romantic getaway for the couples who look for unique experiences but also perfect for families.

Under Canvas is located just a 10-minute drive from the park’s West Entrance. So it’s super convenient to begin your national park excursion and start seeing what Yellowstone has to offer. Don’t miss the park favorites such as Old Faithful and the Grand Prismatic. And enjoy a scenic drive while seeing wildlife from your car. You can also do a Wyoming National Parks road trip and easily visit Grand Teton National Park as well. The parks are only 31 miles away from each other.

El Cosmico in Marfa Texas

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Contributed by Paige Wunder from For the Love of Wanderlust

El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas is undoubtedly a glamping, bohemian dream. While Marfa is a bit out there, in a hippie sense and geographically, it’s a place that any lover of art and nature should visit. El Cosmico is the epitome of glamping with their array of teepees, yurts and renovated vintage campers all grouped together in one spot.

Marfa is one of those small towns in Texas that runs on its own time: shops and restaurants may be spontaneously closed, especially in off-peak seasons. This just adds to the spontaneity and adventure though. Even though it may be harder to plan ahead during those times, the shoulder seasons are the best time to visit (late winter to early spring and fall to winter) because the weather is much cooler and nicer for exploring the glories of West Texas.

Aside from being a beautiful, funky town in its own right, with interesting art installations like Marfa Prada, it’s also a wonderful detour if you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Big Bend National Park or Guadalupe Mountains National Park. While in Marfa, don’t miss the mysterious Marfa lights, Marfa Prada and eat at Marfa Burrito. Although a stay at El Cosmico would be suitable for any type of trip, I would highly recommend it for a romantic getaway or a super cool girls trip. No matter why your going, or who you’re going with, you’re sure to fall in love with El Cosmico.

Beachcomber Camping Resort in Cape May

Contributed by Taylor Deer from Brown Eyed Flower Child

One of the best places for glamping in New Jersey is at the Beachcomber Camping Resort in the charming seashore town of Cape May. There are rustic wooden cabin located near a lake.

What is awesome about staying at Beachcomber Camping Resort is that it is situated in the heart of the Cape May peninsula. It’s only a 15-minute drive to both the downtown beach area as well as the Cape May – Lewes Ferry. The campground, inland from the beach, has plenty of nature-walking trails. There are also wineries, breweries and places to shop nearby. 

Our log cabin included a full bed, along with two bunk beds. There was a half bathroom, ceiling fan, A/C, heat, refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, and television with DVD. The screened-in porch prevents bugs from coming in.

Outside is a charcoal grill, fire ring, picnic table and two chairs. The shower facility is located nearby. In addition to cabins, there are Sioux Indian Teepees and tiny houses. There are also traditional camping sites at Beachcomber that accommodate RVs, trailers and regular camping tents. Shower and bathroom facilities are located all around the resort. 

Beachcomber Camping Resort is located lakeside where you can go swimming, fishing, paddle boating, canoeing, kayaking and more. There are a few swimming pools, a small beach with a jungle gym and an ice cream stand with a snack bar. You can also catch some great fall foliage in this area. Overall, my glamping experience here made for the perfect weekend escape in Cape May.

USA Glamping is the Perfect Fall Activity

Glamping provides the perfect way to have a unique, out of town experience, where you can enjoy nature and luxury accommodations at the same time. Autumn is a perfect time to book a Glamping in California trip or a fall weekend away to other spots in the USA. Combine it with a National Park visit or a fall foliage tour for even more fun.