Want to Camp, but Don’t Want to Rough It? Try Glamping
Story by April Orcutt
Cabin fever’s cry is, “Escape solid walls!” so we found seven fresh-air spots for “glamping,” a.k.a. glamorous camping. No flannel-sleeping-bags-on-air-mattresses here. No, we’re talking wood- or metal-frame canvas tents or yurts with real beds, soft linens and actual bathrooms, either attached or nearby. Ah, to be out-of-doors with the additional lure of socially distanced privacy.
On the coast
Treebones Resort
The scenic southern Big Sur coast stretches below this serene couples-focused yurt village spread over nearly 11 acres. Two large, secluded “cocoon-shaped” luxury tents have private baths, king beds, gas fireplaces, and private decks. Sixteen yurts include decks for sunset-watching, queen or king beds, and sinks with hot and cold running water. Yurt guests share women’s and men’s bathhouses.
Info: 71895 Highway 1, South Big Sur; (877) 424–4787, treebonesresort.com/yurts. Yurts from $360 a night. Campsites from $105 a night. Grab-and-go breakfast included. Lunch and dinner in onsite restaurant and sushi bar. Limited seating; reservations recommended; take-out available. Bring your own board games, binoculars, extra blankets, etc.
Ventana Big Sur
In a 20-acre redwood canyon 34 miles farther north along the rugged Big Sur coastline, glampers stay in 15 safari-style tents with fire pits, picnic tables, electric lamps, sinks with hot and cold running water, and covered decks with Adirondack chairs. Shared bathroom and shower facilities.
Info: 48123 Highway 1, Big Sur; (800) 628–6500, ventanabigsur.com/glamping. From $240. Firewood, ice, beverages, and pre-ordered breakfasts are available. Glampers are not permitted in resort areas, including pools and restaurants. (Villa, lodge rooms and cottages also available.)
Costanoa
Less than half a mile from beaches along the Pacific coast between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, 75 glamping tents sit on green lawns or in a cypress grove. All have electric blankets, and five have ocean views. Shared bathroom/shower facilities. Visitors can hike coastal trails, bike and kayak.
Info: 2001 Rossi Road at Highway 1, Pescadero; (877) 262–7848, costanoa.com/stay/tent-bungalows. From $96 a night. Two restaurants are onsite for take-out. Guests may eat at tables on the lawn. Guests may request fresh towels anytime. (Lodge rooms, cabins and campsites also available.)
Flying Flags RV Resort
Flying Flags has nine safari tents sleeping two to four people in king, queen or bunk beds. Tents have a mini-fridge, barbecue grill, sofa or chairs, and a private patio with views of the hills. Shared bathroom and shower facilities. For more fresh air, drive 11 miles south to the beaches at Gaviota State Park.
Info: 180 Avenue of the Flags, Buellton; (877) 783–5247, highwaywestvacations.com/properties/flyingflags. From $199. Bring your own towel and sports equipment. Dog park is open. (Cottages, travel trailers, and campsites also available.)
Mountains
AutoCamp at Yosemite
Twenty miles southwest of Yosemite National Park, 15 luxury tents have king beds with organic linens and handmade textiles from Chile. Each has electricity, mini-fridge, fan, heater, sofa and a small private deck with outdoor fire pit and grill. Shared bathrooms are in the clubhouse, where guests can also buy food. Alternately, food can be purchased online and delivered directly to the tents. (Airstreams and cabins are also available.)
Info: 6323 California 140, Midpines; (888) 405–7553, autocamp.com/guides/location/yosemite. From $279 a night.
Wine Country
Safari West
Not only are the zebras, giraffes and lemurs from Africa, the safari tents are, too. Wildebeest and rhinoceros wander outside so guests can listen to the sounds of the savanna overnight. The 30 tents have private attached bathrooms, one king or two double beds, handmade furniture and hardwood floors. Each veranda overlooks a small lake or rolling hills. Signs indicate areas where mask-wearing is required. Safari trips for an additional charge.
Info: 3115 Porter Creek Road, Santa Rosa; (800) 616–2695, safariwest.com/plan-your-visit/spend-the-night. From $250 a night. Continental breakfast included. Savannah Cafe serves dinner with arranged seating under outdoor arbors.
Wildhaven Sonoma
Tube the Russian River or wander the beaches along its shores while staying in this six-acre “glamp.” Twenty new safari-style tents beside the river have queen or two double beds, fans, space heaters, electricity, a small table and chairs, and a front deck.
Info: 2411 Alexander Valley Road, Healdsburg; (707) 283–7773, wildhavensonoma.com. From $129 a night. Guests can cook in the outdoor communal kitchen with two appropriately spaced barbecues and two sinks, or they can grill over their own fire pit (premium tents only) or get takeout five miles southwest in Healdsburg.
A version of this story originally in the Los Angeles Times.
Find more of April Orcutt’s stories at travmedia.com/aprilorcutt, linkedin.com/in/april-orcutt-writer/, AprilOrcutt.com, AprilOrcutt.Medium.com, Medium.com/BATW-Travel-Stories, and Medium.com/Travel-Insights-And-Outtakes.
