Cover Image Credits: Visit California/Max Whittaker

There’s a lot to love about camping—clear skies with starry nights, the sounds of nature, roasting marshmallows over a bonfire, interacting with the wilderness, and of course, finding inner peace away from the hustle bustle of the city. But there’s no denying that camping trips often come with some amount of discomfort. If you wish to explore your love for the outdoors without compromising on comfort, we’ve got the perfect holiday destination for you. Surrounded by the most breathtaking landscapes, California offers you the chance to go glamping, which is short for glamorous camping. The US state is home to picturesque glamping spots which give you the best of nature’s wonders in the lap of luxury. Check out our top picks for an unforgettable glamping retreat in California below.

1. Treebones Resort, Big Sur

Image credits: Visit California/Chris Leschinsky

A truly luxurious glamping experience awaits you along the Big Sur coast at Treebones Resort. You can enjoy panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean from each of the 16 yurts on top of redwood platforms. The interiors beautifully complement the outdoor scenery by elevating your comfort with queen-sized beds, plush couches, heaters, electric lights, etc. Don’t forget to head out to the deck chairs to catch the spectacular sunset. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even sleep in their unique ‘wood-art’ installations, Human Nest and Twig Hut. The property also offers a one-of-a-kind ‘autonomous tent’, a solar-powered 500-square-foot structure in the shape of a cocoon, featuring a private deck, king-sized bed, outdoor fire pit, and more. And if you’d prefer something simpler, you always have the option of availing the bring-your-own-tent campsites with all the basic facilities at this resort.

2. Sequoia High Sierra Camp, Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks

Image credits: Visit California/Michael Lanza

To the south of Yosemite Valley, about four hours away, is the isolated Sequoia High Sierra Camp, a hidden gem in the wilderness of the area. It is situated between Kings Canyon National Park and Sequoia National Park. Perfect for those who want to go off the grid, the glamping spot has tent-cabins with lavish rugs, feather-soft duvets, and warm blankets on comfy beds. Five course-dinners, open-air meals prepared by a gourmet chef, and scenic views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada from your abode make this a distinctive California glamping experience. You can spend your mornings fishing or splashing in the alpine lakes; your afternoons bird-watching the various species of birds found here; and your evenings hiking or horse riding. And once you get back to the campsite, you can hop into a warm outdoor shower under the starry sky—a true luxury in the outdoors.

3. Yurt Glamping at Strawhouse Resorts, Big Bar

Nestled in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area in Northern California, this luxurious yurt is the ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by wilderness, the property allows you to reconnect with nature. You can make your way to the Trinity River for a morning stroll, which is a few minutes away from the glamping site. Upon your return, run yourself a bath in the inviting clawfoot tub and let yourself unwind and relax. If you fancy a bit of adventure, you can explore the many hiking trails around the area.

4. Costanoa Lodge, Pescadero

Image credits: Visit California/David H. Collier

Merely a one-and-a-half-hour drive south of San Francisco is the coastal Costanoa Lodge in Pescadero, a must-visit for wildlife and nature lovers. Their fully outfitted safari-tent or bungalow comes fully equipped with cosy bedding, WiFi, and electricity. There’s no dearth of activities here—you can zoom off on a mountain bike to explore the redwoods, take a stroll along the beaches with tide pools, go on hiking or kayak tours, attend a yoga session, and more. If you’re travelling with kids, enrol them into the Costanoa Kids Camp (between April and August) for fun-filled workshops like making tie-dye t-shirts and ice cream. That’s not all. The property takes glamping to the next level by offering amenities like an outdoor hot tub with sweeping views of the coastal hills, and a rejuvenating day spa.

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