Family-Friendly Glamping in California: Northern Escapes & Statewide Retreats

Glamping in California offers the ultimate family experience for those who want the beauty of the great outdoors with the comforts of home. Whether you’re pitching a basecamp in the towering redwoods of Northern California or lounging lakeside in the Santa Ynez Valley, these handpicked glamping spots offer warmth, convenience, and unforgettable adventure.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed reviews of California’s best family glamping destinations—including local restaurant suggestions, emergency services, seasonal travel tips, and dog-friendly policies. Let’s start with the gems in glamping NorCal, then move south through the Golden State.

Village Camp – Truckee, CA

Glamping NorCal in the Sierra Nevada Mountains

Just north of Lake Tahoe, Village Camp in Truckee is a peaceful, pine-shaded retreat that blends mountain scenery with cozy, family-friendly amenities. Families can stay in fully furnished park model cabins, complete with kitchens, bunk beds for kids, plush living spaces, and reliable Wi-Fi. Each unit features a deck or porch that’s perfect for sipping hot cocoa or playing cards under the stars.

The grounds are designed with families in mind—there’s a shaded playground, a fenced dog park for your four-legged friends, and paved roads that are ideal for scooters and bikes. Regularly hosted campfire nights and community events give the place a true neighborhood feel.

Nearby, families can kayak at Lake Tahoe, explore Donner Memorial State Park, or hike the Tahoe Rim Trail. Downtown Truckee, just five minutes away, offers charming shops, outfitters, and some great family-friendly eateries. Burger Me is a local favorite for gourmet burgers, while Moody’s Bistro provides a more upscale yet relaxed dining atmosphere. For lunch or baked goods, Truckee Sourdough Company is a must.

Emergency services are close at hand at Tahoe Forest Hospital, and Highway 267 provides direct access to I-80—your best route out in case of emergencies.

Coachland is open year-round, though summer through early fall offers the most comfortable weather for outdoor adventures. Dogs are welcome, with plenty of space to roam on leash.

Shoreline RV Park – Eureka, CA

Seaside Glamping in Northern California

Perched on the northern coast in Eureka, Shoreline RV Park offers families a breezy, coastal glamping experience within walking distance of Humboldt Bay. While the park mainly caters to RV travelers, its unbeatable location makes it a fantastic hub for coastal exploration.

Families can stroll the Eureka Waterfront Trail, visit the quaint Old Town district, or drive to Humboldt Redwoods State Park and Sequoia Park Zoo. With full-hookup sites, clean restrooms, coin laundry, and quiet nighttime vibes, Shoreline is ideal for families with younger kids or early sleepers. It’s also dog-friendly, with nearby trails that welcome leashed pets.

Dining in Eureka is a treat. Head to Kristina’s Restaurant for creative Mediterranean dishes or try Brick & Fire Bistro for wood-fired pizzas and gourmet fare. Café Nooner offers hearty portions and a welcoming, family-style atmosphere.

In case of emergencies, Providence St. Joseph Hospital is just a 7-minute drive away. For evacuation, Highway 101 is the primary route north toward Arcata or south to Fortuna.

The best time to visit is from spring to early fall when fog clears and the coastal views are at their best.

Red Bluff RV Park – Red Bluff, CA

Quiet Comfort Near the Sacramento River

Set in the warm foothills of the Sacramento Valley, Red Bluff RV Park is a restful stop for families who want a quieter pace and easy access to outdoor adventure. Families can choose full-hookup RV sites or rent rustic cabins, which include A/C, kitchenettes, and comfy beds.

Kids love the seasonal swimming pool, grassy picnic areas, and open lawns perfect for games. The Sacramento River Bend Recreation Area is just a short drive away, offering peaceful trails and opportunities to spot deer, hawks, and even bald eagles. It’s also a convenient basecamp for exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park without roughing it in the backcountry.

Dining in Red Bluff includes Casa Ramos for casual Mexican cuisine and Green Barn Whiskey Kitchen for upscale burgers and comfort food. Grocery runs are easy with Safeway and Walmart just minutes away. Emergency medical services are provided by St. Elizabeth Community Hospital, and quick evacuation routes are available via Highway 99 or I-5.

Spring and fall are ideal seasons to visit, offering cool mornings and clear skies. Summers can be very hot. Pets are welcome and there’s plenty of space for walks.

AutoCamp Joshua Tree – Joshua Tree, CA

Luxury Desert Glamping in Southern California

For families willing to venture farther south, AutoCamp Joshua Tree is a desert oasis that redefines glamping in California. Guests stay in high-end Airstreams equipped with spa-style bathrooms, plush beds, climate control, and shaded patios. The stylish clubhouse hosts family-friendly events like yoga, stargazing sessions, and local food pop-ups.

Just minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park entrance, this site gives families direct access to epic rock formations, short nature trails, and famous photo ops at places like Hidden Valley and Skull Rock.

Nearby Yucca Valley offers everything from groceries to live music. Stop by Frontier Café for a laid-back brunch or catch a burger and a show at Pappy & Harriet’s. Emergency care is available at Hi-Desert Medical Center, and Highway 62 connects easily to I-10 in both directions for emergency exits.

The best seasons to visit are fall through spring when temperatures are mild and the desert blooms. Summer can be dangerously hot. Dogs are welcome but should be kept leashed due to local wildlife.

Lake Cachuma Yurts – Santa Barbara County, CA

Lakeside Yurt Glamping in Central California

Tucked into the rolling hills of Santa Ynez Valley, the yurts at Lake Cachuma offer an easy entry into the world of glamping. Each yurt includes real beds, decks with BBQs, picnic tables, and fire rings—perfect for s’mores and lakeside storytelling. Bathrooms, coin-operated showers, and laundry facilities are just a short walk away.

This glamping site is ideal for boating, fishing, and nature walks. The Neal Taylor Nature Center is a hit with kids, and during the summer, Junior Ranger programs offer hands-on education and exploration.

For dining, drive 30 minutes to Santa Barbara and check out Los Agaves for award-winning Mexican food, or visit The Natural Café for wholesome options. The Cachuma Lake General Store provides essentials and snacks. Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is the closest emergency facility, and Highway 154 leads directly to Highway 101 for fast exit options.

The best time to visit is spring and early summer, when wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. Pets are allowed but must be on a leash.

Ventana Big Sur Glamping – Big Sur, CA

Forest Meets Luxury Along the Central Coast

Located along the legendary Highway 1, Ventana Big Sur offers luxury glamping in the middle of a redwood forest. Families stay in safari-style tents with heated blankets, plush bedding, hot showers, and fire pits. Daily housekeeping and complimentary coffee service add comfort to your forest retreat.

This location gives you access to iconic spots like Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur Bakery, and Bixby Creek Bridge. Families can hike from camp or take part in yoga and massage sessions on-site.

For meals, visit Big Sur Roadhouse or the scenic Nepenthe for coastal dining with sweeping views. Groceries and gas are available at the Big Sur General Store. The nearest hospital is in Monterey, about 45 minutes north, and Highway 1 serves as the only evacuation route—though it can be subject to closures due to mudslides in winter.

Late spring through fall is ideal, though summer brings more tourists. Winter offers solitude but less accessibility. Dogs are allowed in designated areas.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Glamping Sweet Spot

Whether you’re introducing kids to nature or simply upgrading your camping experience, glamping California provides a family-friendly way to relax, reconnect, and explore. Northern California (glamping NorCal) delights with redwoods and alpine lakes, while Central and Southern California offer desert vistas, lakeside yurts, and redwood retreats—all without giving up the comforts of home.

Before you go, double-check pet policies, book in advance during peak seasons, and note emergency routes and medical facilities. With a little planning, your family’s next favorite vacation might just be under the stars—on a real mattress.

-The Parkers