Best Bay Area Glamping Sites

Like many San Franciscans, I’m always on the hunt for experiential travel experiences that I could fit into a weekend from SF. Glamping is perfect as it provides a change of scenery, and an “experience” that lasts longer than a hike – enough to break up monotonous work routines and make you feel like you really took a break without messing around with tent poles. Hence, this post about the best Bay area glamping sites was born.

This list has grown a lot since I first published it. The Bay Area glamping scene has genuinely expanded – there are more options now, at more price points, and spread further across NorCal than I originally covered.

I’ve included everything I think is worth knowing about, including ones that only welcome kids 10+, in case you want to add them to your wishlist.

This list is organized by driving distance from San Francisco, starting with the glamping sites that are truly in the Bay Area, then South of SF/ Coastal, followed by those 2.5+ hours drive away.

A note on pricing: rates vary significantly by season, accommodation type (tent vs cabin), and weekday vs. weekend. Always check current rates before booking.

A note on links: I link to Hotels.com because I personally use the platform myself. It always gives the cheapest and most transparent prices, plus it has a solid loyalty program to boot.

Quick Picks: Best Bay Area Glamping Sites

Pricing key: 💰 Budget-friendly | 💰💰 Mid-range | 💰💰💰 Splurge | 💰💰💰💰 Luxury

⛺ Dawn Ranch | 💰💰💰 | Russian River, Guerneville | Check Rates →

⛺ Wildhaven Sonoma | 💰💰 | Alexander Valley, Healdsburg | Check Rates →

⛺ Johnson’s Beach | 💰 | Russian River, Guerneville | Check Rates →

⛺ AutoCamp Sonoma | 💰💰💰 | Russian River, Guerneville | Check Rates →

⛺ Safari West | 💰💰💰💰 | Santa Rosa | Check Rates →

⛺ River Electric | 💰💰💰 | Russian River, Guerneville | Check Rates →

⛺ Sonoma Zipline Treehouses | 💰💰💰💰 | Occidental | Check Rates →

⛺ Costanoa Lodge | 💰💰| Highway 1, Pescadero | Check Rates →

⛺ Huttopia Wine Country | 💰💰 | Lower Lake | Check Rates →

⛺ Jellystone Park Tower Park | 💰💰💰 | Lodi | Check Rates →

Dawn Ranch – Best Upscale Glamping Splurge

Best for families who want the full resort experience wrapped in a redwood forest.

Dawn Ranch is located very close to Johnson’s Beach, in fact it is just across the road behind it. Dawn Ranch is a more upscale, with cute cabins as well as glamping options; they even have a bar, a sauna, heated saltwater pool, free bikes and kayaks, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a spa – the full resort experience 💅

• 💰💰💰 – Feels very luxe
• Stay type: Cabins, cottages, and glamping tents across 22 acres
• On-site spa, heated saltwater pool, farm-to-table restaurant, and free bikes and kayaks
• Families can request adjoining cabins in advance
• Walking distance to downtown Guerneville and Johnson’s Beach

“Our first visit to Dawn Ranch exceeded our expectations at every level – the dining experience at The Lodge was 10/10.” – See more reviews

Wildhaven Sonoma — Best Private Beach + Winery Combo

Best for families who want glamping plus easy winery access, without paying AutoCamp or Dawn Ranch prices.

Wildhaven sits on the Russian River in Alexander Valley, about 10 minutes from Healdsburg and a short drive from Jordan Vineyard and Francis Ford Coppola Winery (the pool here is fab). They have their own private beach – which matters more than you’d think in peak summer (compare with Johnson’s Beach) when the popular river spots get crowded. Safari-style tents and modern cabins with AC, all with private fire pits and covered decks.

It’s fancy enough for even moms who don’t want to rough it in a tent (true story) 😉

• 💰💰 – Cabins with AC run higher
• Stay type: Safari-style tents or modern cabins with AC, all with private fire pits
• Private river beach – no fighting for river access in July
• On-site outdoor kitchen, wine tastings, yoga, and live music on select weekends
• Kids welcome; 2-queen tents available; cots for kids available for an extra nightly fee

“My husband and I have been staying at Wildhaven Sonoma since 2020. We have stayed during winter, spring and summer and have had great experiences during all three seasons.” – See more reviews

Johnson’s Beach — Best Budget Pick with Riverfront Access

Best for families who want the full Guerneville experience on a budget, with everything walkable.

Johnson’s Beach has been a (family-owned) Guerneville institution for decades. Judging by the size of the Labor Day crowds, it has got to be one of the most popular beaches in the area. The historic bungalows and canvas cabanas sit right on the river, steps from kayak and canoe rentals and the beach food truck. The main strip is across the road, so ice cream and dinner are always close.

• 💰 – Bungalows and tiny cabins cost more
• Stay type: 1920s bungalows, tiny cabins with kitchenettes, canvas cabanas with shared bathrooms, campground, or a lodge for larger families
• Right on the Russian River with priority beach access
• Kayak and canoe rentals on site; beach food truck for easy meals
• Vibe is rustic and social – if your kids are light sleepers, bring earplugs

“Location is great! Access to the Russian River and walking distance to restaurants and grocery stores. Food and beverage service right on the shores of the river.” – See more reviews

AutoCamp has nailed the aesthetic – everything is clean, minimal, and thoughtfully designed – and it’s a five-minute walk to downtown Guerneville and Johnson’s Beach.

• 💰💰💰 – More of a premium and unique glamping experience
• Stay type: Airstream suites or canvas adventure tents in the redwoods
• Complimentary bikes, coffee, tea, and lawn games included
• Kids’ outdoor play area on site; no cribs available

“There were lots of families with kids, which made it feel welcoming and lively. One of the highlights was making s’mores by the fire under the stars.” – See more reviews

Safari West

The most unique stay on this entire list – a 400-acre wildlife preserve in Santa Rosa that USA Today named the #1 glamping spot in the US.

• 💰💰💰💰 – Seems like a splurge, but you get to go on a safari!
• Stay type: Luxury safari tents (imported from Botswana) with private bathrooms, hardwood floors, and viewing decks
• Guided safari tour (kids need to be 4+), continental breakfast, and on-site restaurant included
• Luggage transported to tents by ATV; no cars in tent areas

“These tents are nicer than most hotel rooms – king bed, African-themed furniture, full bathroom, and waking up to the sounds of animals.”

The River Electric

One of the newer and buzzier additions to the Guerneville scene – it opened Memorial Day 2025 and made Travel + Leisure’s top glamping sites in California almost immediately.

That said: the property itself advises against overnight stays for children who don’t sleep through the night. A friend of mine almost booked this for a group trip before we caught that detail.

It does look terrible hip, making it popular with the SF crowd, but it’s definitely not targeted at families with young kids. In addition to the “no noisy kids” warning, it even has an adults only weekend, adults only pool, and its creative director has issues with the term “glamping”.

• Stay type: King or double canvas tents with luxury bedding; shared bathhouse
• Two pools (one adults-only), full-service restaurant and pool bar
• Seasonal only – open May 1 through October 31

Sonoma Zipline Adventures Treehouses

If your kids are 10 and older, this one belongs on your radar – though at $1,200+/night it’s firmly in special-occasion territory.

Sonoma Zipline Adventures in Occidental offers treehouse glamping that includes breakfast, dinner, and a guided zipline tour through the redwoods. For families with older kids who are into adventure, it’s pretty hard to beat sleeping in a treehouse in the Sonoma redwoods.

• Stay type: Treehouse glamping in the redwoods
• Includes breakfast, dinner, and guided zipline tour
• Age minimum 10 years and 70lbs+ for ziplining, and you have to rappel down from treehouses

“A unique experience to stay in a treehouse in the redwoods – the zipline tour through the canopy was unforgettable.”

South of San Francisco (~1.5 Hours from SF)

Costanoa Lodge – Best Coastal

Best for families heading south of SF who want a full-service outdoor resort right on the coast.

Going south of San Francisco now, Costanoa lodge is one of my favorite bay area glamping sites (and a favorite of several SF moms I know!)

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 your own bottle of wine! There’s also a playground right next to the beer garden.

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.

When you pay a little extra to bring your pet, you get a free travel dog bowl and a dog bag holder keychain, which is a nice little touch.

• 💰💰 – Cabins with AC run higher. Tends to get booked up months in advance for the summer! We booked in March/April for August and just about made it.
• Stay type: Lodge rooms, coastal cabins, or tent bungalows, all with fire pits
• Two restaurants, beer garden, playground, spa, and bike rentals on site
• Dog-friendly in select cabins and campground units

“I love everything about Costanoa. Even staying in the lodge, I feel like I’m camping. The restaurant was wonderful.” – See more reviews

A Little Further Afield (~2-2.5 Hours from SF)

Huttopia Wine Country

A French-inspired glamping concept set on a 4,300-acre ranch and winery in Lake County – marketed as wine country, and it delivers on that.

Six Sigma Ranch and Winery is right on the property, and Hawk and Horse Vineyards is minutes away. The solar-powered tents have kitchenettes and private bathrooms, and the on-site bistro does fresh pizzas and pastries. Families have flagged it as genuinely kid-friendly, with a pool, lawn games, hiking, and bikes for rent.

• 💰💰
• Stay type: Solar-powered tents with kitchenettes and private bathrooms
• On-site pool, bistro, bocce, cornhole, and bikes for rent; winery on property
• Pets welcome at no extra charge

“My kids loved the pool and the various games we could play during pizza dinner. The beauty of the night sky and the peace and quiet were reminiscent of our camping days, but with a touch of glamour.” – See more reviews

Jellystone Park Tower Park – Lodi

Not technically Bay Area, but closer to SF than Huttopia – and a completely different experience aimed squarely at kids.

Located on the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta near Lodi, this is the waterpark-and-activities option on the list. Themed cabins, a lazy river, mini golf, laser tag, gem mining, and visits from Yogi Bear characters. It’s loud, it’s busy in peak season, and kids absolutely love it. Rated #3 campground in the US by Campspot in 2026.

• 💰💰
• Stay type: Themed family cabins and glamping options
• Waterpark with lazy river, mini golf, laser tag, gem mining, and themed activities
• Peak season runs May through August – book well ahead
• Book direct at towerparkresort.com

Inn Town Campground – Nevada City

The most affordable glamping option in the further afield section – a 15-acre forested property right next to downtown Nevada City, one of the prettiest Gold Rush-era towns in NorCal.

I actually LOVE Nevada City. I visited after I read that it was voted one of the best small towns in California, and it lived up to the hype despite going in pouring rain and experiencing a power outage.

Glamping tents have electricity, heated beds, fresh linens, and private porches. There’s a communal kitchen, camp store, seasonal pool, movie nights, and giant lawn chess. It’s walkable to Nevada City’s restaurants and shops, which is a rare perk for a campground.

• 💰 You can camp in a tent, RV or glamp in a cabin
• Seasonal pool, movie nights, communal kitchen, and camp store on site; walkable to downtown Nevada City
• Dogs welcome in select glamping tents
• Book direct at inntowncampground.com

“Glamping tents are amazing – heated beds, clean, spacious. The whole campground was relaxing and full of amenities. We had a wonderful stay with 3 kids.”

Even Further (~3-4 hours from SF)

Mendocino Grove (~3 hours from SF)

This glamping destination is extremely popular, and it’s not hard to see why. With their picture perfect tents, this makes for a very instagrammable stay.

• 💰💰 Comparable to Huttopia, but larger tents might cost a bit more
• They have a family tent and regular live music and dinner events

Big Sur Glamping (~3-4 hours)

This post would not be complete without a mention of Big Sur? Even though technically Big Sur is part of the Central Coast and not part of the Bay Area, it is one of the most popular destinations for aspiring glampers from SF.

See the full post about 👉 where to go glamping in Big Sur with kids.

Still unsure about glamping?

I got you.

👉 Find a nice hotel and relax in Monterey

👉 Mill around quaint streets and marvel at fairytale cottages in Carmel

👉 Hit the boardwalk and unwind with an ocean view in Santa Cruz

👉 Get inspired by other day trips from San Francisco

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 🙂

What are your favorite glamping sites in the Bay Area? I’ve love to try some new ones. Please let me know in the comments!