Best Bay Area Glamping Sites
After Labor Day is when San Francisco’s true summer starts 🌞. At the same time, the surrounding areas in the Bay Area start to cool down to an acceptable temperature, especially for those spots that are a little further away from the coast. I’m sharing my list of the top 5 best Bay Area glamping sites – basically my glamping wish list!
For many years, I always liked the idea of being a “camping person”. However, it wasn’t until I had children, that I was able to meet parents who enjoyed camping and were actually experienced campers. So before this point, I tried glamping, and it’s the best way of getting a taste of the “outdoor” life without having to learn all of the ins and outs of tent camping.
Personally, I choose to stay at sites that are close to activities, and every place on this list is near the Russian River in Guerneville, which means proximity to lots of water activities and beaches.
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AutoCamp Sonoma
How cute is this place?! Whether you choose to stay in a tent or an airstream, a picturesque (instagram friendly) stay is guaranteed. Amenities and decor is minimal modernist perfection.
It’s only a couple streets away from the river and Guerneville main street. AutoCamp provides bikes for exploring. Check availability here
Johnson’s Beach
The most famous beach in Guerneville is Johnson’s Beach. A stay in one of these historic bungalows is well worth your weekend. You’ll have priority booking at the beach, which has kayak and canoe rentals, as well as great hikes nearby.
If you know this area, you would know that there is always a great family atmosphere at this camp and the beach is always lively. The main strip is just across the road, making it easy to grab ice cream or a quick dinner. The beach also has a truck that serves pretty decent food!
The vibe here is closer to a true rustic camping vibe because there are some campers and trailers in the same space.
Dawn Ranch
Dawn Ranch is located very close to Johnson’s Beach, in fact it is just across the road behind it. Dawn Ranch is a little more upscale, with cute cabins as well as glamping options; they even have a bar, a sauna and a spa, perfect for a well rounded relaxing getaway from the city.
Wildhaven Sonoma
Still along the Russian River, this glamping site is within 5 minutes drive of a couple of highly rated wineries – Stonestreet winery and Jordan vineyard and winery. Both wineries offer beautiful spaces for picnics and tastings with lots of open space.
Wildhaven itself offers comfortable cabin or glamping tents, similar to the others in this list. They actually have their own private beach, so you don’t have to worry about overcrowding, unlike some of the popular spots along the river.
Given the proximity to wineries, the river, hiking, as well as glamping options, this is one of the best bay area glamping sites!
Costanoa Lodge
Going south of San Francisco now, Costanoa lodge is one of my favorite bay area glamping sites. There is a restaurant, it is dog friendly, it is right next to the beach so it is great for hikes and they also have a playground for kids right next to their beer garden.
Some families come here every year, and one of the most popular events is trivia, so you have a chance to show off your general knowledge while enjoying a drink on the lawn!
We loved the mix of things to do – biking around the property, mini hike at the beach and flying kites on the beach. We stayed in a cabin but you can also stay in an RV, trailer, permanent tent, or your own tent. All sites have access to a fire pit where you can make smores.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may get some coffee money if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I hope you’ve gotten value out of this post that I’ve enjoyed writing 🙂
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