11 Enchanted Glamping Retreats in Northern California

Northern California is heaven for outdoor and wine lovers alike. NorCal also offers a lot of great glamping opportunities!

With towering redwood forests, panoramic ocean views, massive chilly rivers, and easy access to both Sonoma and Napa Valley wineries, the glampsites on this list all have one thing in common: you’ll never run out of things to do.

Whether you’re looking to visit time-honored Yosemite National Park in a luxe Airstream or get as far away from civilization as possible down a dusty dirt road, we’ve got you covered. (And you won’t have to skip the creature comforts!)

Especially with the record-breaking fire seasons California has been having and the influx of travelers to popular outdoor recreation sites, it’s more important than ever to practice Leave No Trace Principles when heading out on an outdoor adventure. Read your host’s fine print before heading out so you know if any fire restrictions exist or if unexpected gear, fuel, or water needs to be hauled into the site.

Best Glamping in Northern California – Our Picks!

No matter which one you choose, these epic glamping destinations in Northern California are sure to warm the heart of any nature seeker.

Best Tent Glamping in NorCal

Spacious luxury tents with epic views, what’s not to like? Here are a couple of great tent glamping options.

Free Range Farm

Why you should stay: Enjoy epic views of Mount Shasta from these snapshot-worthy canvas tents set on an organic farm.

• Location: Gazelle, near Klamath National Forest
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $125/night

Tucked into an organic, regenerative agriculture farm near the new age mecca of Mt. Shasta, these raised safari-style tents are each furnished with two double beds (luxurious bedding included), leather-backed chairs, a battery-powered lantern, and cowhide throw rugs, creating a rustic, Southwestern scene.

Be sure to bring your own plates and cookware for the nearby communal meal prep area, which features a grill (pellets provided by host), a hot plate, and an outdoor sink. The communal gazebo chill out area has plenty of charging stations for your necessary electronics, and farm-loving Hipcampers get access to the property’s orchard and greenhouse U-pick program. Who said good things can’t come for free?

Related Read: 11 Sweet Camping Spots Near Fort Bragg, California

Ventana Big Sur

Why you should stay: Discerning nature lovers will simply adore this heavenly retreat, one of the plushest glamping destinations in the country.

• Location: Big Sur
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $240/night

Gorgeous décor, cozy wooden decks, and private fire pits await glampers at this luxe retreat set in the bohemian enclave of Big Sur, California. Though it’s one of the more expensive destinations on our list, we feel the spa-like communal bathrooms, mountain-chic furnishings, and stunning location inside a towering redwood forest make this site truly unforgettable.

Electric lamps and power outlets come standard with every glamping tent here, though amenities like s’mores kits, firewood bundles, and bags of ice are extra. Wake up every morning to the delicate trill of birdsong before embarking on a hike in nearby Limekiln State Park or checking out the picture-perfect waterfall at Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Related Read: The 9 Best Cabin Rentals Near Big Sur, California

Mendocino Grove

Why you should stay: Located mere minutes from Big River Beach, these adorable ocean-view tent cabins sleep 2-6 and have wonderful amenities, fit for the whole family.

• Location: Mendocino
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $189/night

This stunning glamp-ground is situated among the ancient redwoods, sweeping meadows, sandy beaches, and craggy coastal bluffs that make Mendocino so special. Six clusters of tent “neighborhoods” are set among the forested grounds, and, for a fee, guests can book canvas cabins with phenomenal ocean views for the ultimate nature-filled stay.

Each tent is equipped with a fire pit and picnic table, plus warm down comforters, wool blankets, and leather butterfly chairs for stargazing on the deck. When you’re not hanging out at camp, take a little hike to tranquil Big River Beach or drive down to watch the surfers at Caspar Headlands State Beach.

SMR Carmel Camping

Why you should stay: Famous for its breezy, oceanside charm, Carmel is primed for a small town getaway, and this canvas safari tent is an excellent home base.

• Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $176/night

Snuggled into a lush, garden-like setting, these homey tents are everything weary travelers need when escaping the big city to check out seaside Carmel. Private patios (with grills and fire pits) sit outside each safari-style canvas hut, while inside, guests will find a comfy double bed with linens, towels, and an electric blanket included. A small bedside table with a reading lantern is also present for late-night chill sessions.

The Saddle Mountain Ranch, RV Park, and Campground is loaded with shared amenities for when you’re not sprawled out in bed, too. A private hiking trail takes travelers up to a fantastic ocean viewpoint, and a seasonal pool beckons when the weather outside turns hot. Add on the ultra-clean washrooms, communal deck with shaded tables, and panoramic views of Northern Cali’s rolling hills, and it’ll be extra hard to leave when it’s time to head home.

Related Read: 9 Amazing Glamping Spots Near Los Angeles, California

Running Springs Ranch

Why you should stay: These spacious canvas tents with epic views were named some of Hipcamp’s best glampsites in the country in 2022.

• Location: Ukiah
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $125/night

Choose between two glamping tents (both have cozy antique queen beds) at this handsome ranch perched atop rolling green hillsides in Ukiah, California. Though the amenities here are simple, the chance to explore a working lavender farm close to Orr Hot Springs and Mendocino National Forest makes this place a real gem, not far from San Francisco.

The glamping tents here are well-equipped with seating areas, bedside tables, lanterns, and front decks with wonderful views of verdant Northern California. Hot showers and bathrooms are shared and available in the main house compound. Doze off to sleep while the Milky Way soars overhead.

Related Read: 9 Soak-Worthy Hot Springs in California

Best Airstream Glamping in Northern California

Airstream glamping has become super popular. Here are a couple of good glamping spots in NorCal.

Velasquez Tambo Ranch

Why you should stay: Get some R&R in this fabulous, revamped Airstream nestled into a grove of stately oak trees.

• Location: Paradise, near eastern Chico
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $96/night

Glamping doesn’t have to mean roughing it in a canvas-walled tent. In fact, some travelers might enjoy the great outdoors even more if they have a few chromed walls separating them from the elements. Luckily, the folks at Velasquez Tambo Ranch have created an utterly charming glampsite for city folks who want a few more creature comforts than they might find elsewhere.

Plush linens adorn the Tuft and Needle mattress inside this cozy, heated trailer, where inside, guests will find a spacious living area, full kitchen, and ¾ bathroom with a hot water shower. Sip your morning cup of Joe from the Airstream’s private outdoor patio or from the nearby hammock. Love animals? Guests here have full access to visit the alpacas, kittens, and chickens at the host’s ranch.

Related Read: 7 Awesome Campervan Rental Companies in Northern California

AutoCamp Yosemite

Why you should stay: Modern Airstreams and uber-luxe amenities make this stay so much more than just a trailer park.

• Location: Midpines, near Mariposa
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $249/night

It’s about time someone built a chic base camp full of elegant glamping trailers and thoughtful amenities. AutoCamp Yosemite is just that–outdoor fire pits, spa-inspired bathrooms, luxurious bedding, and complimentary wifi, coffee, and tea.

Though the real draw here is the bevy of modern Airstreams decked out with private outdoor dining patios, cozy queen beds, and Ursa Major bath products, the space also has a cluster of glamping tents, a healthy kitchen fronted by Chef Melissa, and an on-site experience coordinator to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Yosemite.

Related Read: 11 Stunning Glamping Spots Near Yosemite National Park, California

Best Cabin Glamping in Northern California

Cabin glamping offers a perfect blend of luxury, natural beauty, and solitude. Here are a couple suggestions for those seeking a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.

Muir’s Muse Retreat

Why you should stay: This off-grid, homemade cabin is the perfect blend of indoor comfort and outdoor access.

• Location: Nevada City, Tahoe National Forest
• Minimum stay: 2 nights
• Rates from: $85/night

Set at an elevation of 5,000 feet, this private, off-the-grid cabin is the definition of solitude. There’s no electricity or running water at this site, though the hosts have done their best to ensure a comfortable stay, with an outdoor fire ring, pit toilet, lofted bed, portable heater, and small camp stove available to use (BYO-propane canisters).

Outside, you’ll find a small deck with two chairs, and a short walk brings visitors to the Pioneer Trail, which winds for miles through verdant conifer forests and ice-cold rivers. Upon booking, the hosts send each guest an email with instructions on how to get to nearby swimming holes and river access points — kayak rentals sold separately!

Related Read: 12 Unique Places to Stay in Northern California

Swallowtail Historic Art Studios

Why you should stay: Set near San Francisco and just a few miles from Point Reyes National Seashore, these quirky cottages are brimming with character.

• Location: Petaluma
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $156/night

Bed down in an antique, Indonesian teak wood cabin that was once an artist’s studio, and let nature be your muse. Colorful stained glass windows line the enormous soaking tub, while the sleeping quarters are full of rustic charm-wood paneling, vintage light fixtures, and painted artsy accents.

A plush, rust-tinted velvet sofa sits peacefully in the living room area, but even more treasures await. This little beauty has a hot tub, private patio, and tranquil garden, right outside the front door. It’s the best way to escape the bustle of San Francisco while visiting Point Reyes or the wineries of Santa Rosa.

Best Treehouse Glamping in Northern California

Treehouse glamping is a unique and enchanting way to experience the outdoors while enjoying the comforts of a cozy and elevated retreat.

Eagle’s Nest Treehouse Farmstay

Why you should stay: Traditional forest bathing just got a massive upgrade with this impeccably designed hobbit house in the trees.

• Location: Sonoma Coast
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $319/night

An elevated suspension bridge brings intrepid travelers to this unique farm stay that’s situated in a grove of fragrant pines. Set on a working ranch of over 400 acres, the location of this treehouse rental is fantastic for nature and wine lovers alike. Hike one of the property’s many private trails in the morning, then zip off to Napa or Sonoma for lunch and a day of fabulous wine tasting and food fit for a gourmand.

When your adventures are done, nestle into the treehouse’s rustic redwood vibes by reading a book in the comfy queen-sized bed or rinsing off in the copper-lined shower (with a wonderful view of the surrounding forest). No matter what you do during your stay, getting some R&R while perched 40 feet up in the air will make you feel a thousand miles away from your worldly stresses.

Sonoma Treehouse Stay

Why you should stay: Zipline into your very own yurt in the sky and enjoy delicious room service from your treetop perch.

• Location: Sonoma Coast, near Santa Rosa
• Minimum stay: 1 night
• Rates from: $615/person

It’s rare that getting to your cabin for the evening requires roping up and ziplining in, but adventurous souls looking for a truly unique stay will fall in love with these treehouse yurts, built into a shady redwood canopy high off the ground.

Each treehouse experience includes both the Forest Flight and Tree Tops tours, plus a gourmet catered dinner and breakfast with hot coffee, delivered right to your front door. Inside the huts, you’ll find a surprisingly spacious home base, with a seating area, a double bed (plus bunk beds for larger groups), and a sink to wash up before bedtime. The treehouses are also equipped with electricity and outlets, so you can have a connected stay, even while escaping your city life.

Explore NorCal

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