Lying in the central region of California, Big Sur is known globally for the raw beauty of its rugged, lengthy, and dramatic 100-mi (161-km) coastline that faces the Pacific Ocean. In 2014, this lovely place received about four million visitors, a considerable number given its population of under five thousand. When one thinks about it, the tranquility and beauty of Big Sur make it the perfect destination. You only have to look at the majestic mountain folds and you’ll want to pack up your bags for the weekend. You can explore nearby attractions such as redwood forests in Santa Cruz, hit the pristine beaches in the neighboring city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, or enjoy al fresco meals in areas with picnic tables. Head on to this dreamy location with coastal views anytime you need to take a breather. But of course, when camping, you’ll need to stay somewhere close to the best attractions. Instead of booking luxurious accommodation options with heated floors, heated blankets, and other resort amenities, why not opt for a stay among nature? Scroll down for the top glamping spots near Big Sur, California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) host status, recent guest reviews, prices, availability of dates, decor, and a location that facilitates glamping or is close to glamping spots. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Luxury tent with scenic view from bed (from USD 171)
Do you like waking up to the view of a wooded trail right from your bed? This glamping tent for couples offers you a luxury camping experience with dreamy views as it is within a beautiful eco-friendly resort in Carmel, a city known for its pristine beaches. The tent itself features a queen-size bed with electric blankets, an outdoor seating area, a fire pit, and a barbecue grill. A few steps from your private tent are the communal kitchen and bath houses with hot showers. You can socialize with other vacationers while cooking on resort grounds, hiking through any of the nature trails, or playing foosball in the recreational center.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
45.17 km (28.1 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable and great amenitiesfun and cozy we stayed warm with the electric blankets providedloved our stay here beds were super comfy and electric blanket was so warm will definitely be coming backwe also loved that we could “camp” with all the amenities of staying in a comfortable hotelthe electric heater blanket works wonderfully and keeps you super warmCleanliness:
so clean and comfortablethe space was very clean and as listedclean comfortable and reasonably pricedlove that it was also very cleanalso a very nice pool and clean sanitariesHost:
the staff was friendly and exceptionally helpfulthe staff tent and facilities were amazingvery peaceful and the staff was very welcomingwe loved the fire pits and warm blankets friendly staff and neighborsgreat place to stay super chilled and lovely staffRead more reviewsLocation:
good location and nice tentcharming remote location yet not far from the main roadssuper great location and a wonderful priceno complaints this place is amazing great location bathrooms a walk awaywe did a day trip to big sur and it was the perfect location
2. Rustic chic tent in a ranch (from USD 200)
It’s interesting how backcountry living is now becoming a luxury. You can experience a cowboy-like lifestyle in this rustic glamping tent that features a beautiful location on a cattle ranch. It provides couples a unique glamping experience with its modern amenities such as a comfy queen bed with memory foam, a fully stocked kitchenette, a spacious seating area on the patio, an outdoor fire pit, and a beautiful old-fashioned outhouse (i.e., toilet and bath). Enjoy the expansive views and peaceful ambiance of the valley from your glamping tent. However, no matter how outdoorsy the setting appears, you can still stay connected with your loved ones thanks to WiFi access.
San Juan Bautista, California, United States
3.49 km (2.2 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)SuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
showering in the open air with the wind striking the flowers was a truly magical experienceperfect glamping experience and showering with the view was so surrealthe bed was luxuriously comfortable the open air shower was lovely and included robes towels and toiletrieseven the shower was adorable - you can enjoy a beautiful view at the same timeit is comfortable the views are breathtaking and we can’t wait to returnCleanliness:
everything was clean and orderlyextremely clean and wonderful touches to the spacethe place was clean and cozythe outdoor bathroom was easy to use and very cleanit was beautiful secluded and very cleanHost:
joe and julie were excellent hostspecial call out and thanks to the wonderful hosts who made this trip special for usthey were very communicative and the check in process was super easyjulie and joe were wonderful hosts and the tent had some very thoughtful touchesthe hosts go above and beyond to make this a comfortable beautiful stayRead more reviewsLocation:
rancho tranquillo was such a cute and romantic place everything was well thought out there were cute surprises everywherethe location was very easy to find and we immediately felt at homeabsolutely stunning place to stay for an outdoor adventure
3. Fully equipped motorhome in Santa Cruz with modern comforts
Staying at this fully equipped Airstream RV feels like living in a luxury hotel on wheels. You won’t be driving anywhere, though. This motorhome is securely parked in a fenced-in property in Santa Cruz, surrounded by stunning views and communities. Here, you and your partner-in-adventure are offered a lovely RV camping experience with quiet hours. The rental has a full kitchen with an oven, a lounge-slash-dining-area, a toilet and bath, and a bedroom with ample lighting and smart television. When the weather permits, grill some chicken barbecue outside and enjoy an al fresco dining experience.
Santa Cruz, California, United States
45.07 km (28.1 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)SuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thoughtful amenities such as bbq lines patio furniture air conditioning cozy showerroku connectivity (bring your own login) and wifi worked greathot water for showers air conditioning extra comfortable bed and bedding two tvs coffee for the morningscozy fun and unique spot glancing at its finesti appreciated the full kitchen and the surround soundCleanliness:
clean modern yet cousyit was very clean and cozyexactly as advertised very clean with a lot of really thoughtful personal touchesit was clean comfortable and a totally cool experienceit was well equipped and cleanHost:
they were very responsive and friendlyhosts were amazing and provided the perfect check in guide as well as things to do guidebookwhat a wonderful place with wonderful hostskris and shane were excellent hostsgreat place and great hosts would reccomend to anyone looking for a private and peaceful getawayRead more reviewsLocation:
so close to everything yet very peacefulthere's great hiking trails within walking distance and downtown is such a close drive awaythe location is perfect and beautifulideal if you want to unwind and be close to hiking or the watergood stay with proximal location: hiking city beach
4. Mountaintop yurt with gorgeous interiors (from USD 116)
This 24-ft (7-m) yurt fits 2 people inside an incredibly warm, gorgeous space. You’ll have a kitchenette, a lounge, a dining area (that doubles as a workspace), an outdoor bath house (with toilet and sink), and a patio. Sit on the outdoor chairs and sip your coffee while enjoying the natural surroundings of the property. Complete your outdoor experience by picking some vegetables for a nice breakfast salad and heading out to Santa Cruz redwood forests which feature sightseeing spots, hiking trails, and horseback riding areas. Also, the nearby Mount Madonna Center welcomes anyone seeking meditation and incredible views.
Watsonville, California, United States
28.86 km (18.0 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)Accommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this little place was perfect very cozy and gives you a great view of mtthe space was immaculate and huge - completely ample and comfortable for the two of usthe yurt is just as pictured very comfortable with the sounds of nature everywhereamazing place quiet and rustic yet modern and comfortablehad such a lovely night in this private and cozy stayCleanliness:
james and mary added all the thoughtful touches you could wish for and the space was so cleanthe yurt is fairly remote quiet extremely clean and quite comfortableclean place that is behind the owner's housethe yurt is cozy and clean and furnished very aestheticallyHost:
james is a wonderful hostlovely gracious host and wonderful hospitalitythe hosts are very lovely and helpfulowner was very nice and has yurt stocked with gamesjames and sarojini were so kind and loving hostsRead more reviewsLocation:
beautiful location in the redwoodsbeautiful location near mount madonna park and centerthis a unique location and well worth itnice cozy place ideal for a weekend getawaythe location is great if you want to get away from civilization for a bit
5. Romantic, modern farm house overlooking Salinas Valley
Spending the holiday on a farm is a pleasurable, romantic experience. This private farm yurt for couples has a spacious patio with a dining table that overlooks the broad expanse of Salinas Valley. It provides guests with a comfortable Tempur-Pedic bed, a full kitchen with modern equipment, a private bath with a luxurious tub, and an indoor seating area for nightly conversations over wine. The property lies close to vineyards too. You’ll enjoy easy access to hiking trails and tasting different wine varieties.
Salinas, California, United States
34.75 km (21.6 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)SuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cozy modern and awesome viewsthe yurt has wifi and great cellular serviceit is equipped with full kitchen and a nice comfy bedgreat place to stay beautiful setting and a comfortable little gemCleanliness:
so clean and beautifulspace was clean and beautifully decoratedit is super cleanthe bathroom is right outside and it is super clean tooHost:
wonderful and friendly hostsamy is a wonderful host and so understandingamy was a great hostamy was a great host and super hospitable) she was a great host and welcomed us on arrivalRead more reviewsLocation:
this property and location is absolutely amazingfantastic people unique locationthis was a great locationperfect location to get away and explore the vineyards and farms on our way to pinnacles national parkwhat an amazing location and tranquil yurt to stay in
6. Adventure tent in redwood forest
Are you up for a no-frill glamping campsite experience? Invite your friends over to this six-person tent among the redwood trees in Santa Cruz where cooking is done boy scout-style. At this rental, you will find yourself outdoors most of the time. You will be busy exploring trails, wineries, and the nearby Brown’s Creek. About 1 mi (1.6 km) from the tent, you will witness beautiful views of the famous Carmel’s sweeping coastlines. You can drive up to the beach or Monterey Bay boardwalk in only 20 minutes or so. Surely, you will have an authentic camping adventure in this tent.
Watsonville, California, United States
29.44 km (18.3 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)Accommodates: 6
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and the instructions for check in were simpleHost:
hosts were wonderful and responsiveRead more reviewsLocation:
this place is perfect to get away and be safe
7. Gazebo tent in an idyllic resort
A gazebo-style tent warmly welcomes couples in an idyllic resort in Carmel. Surrounded by glass windows all around, you can wake up to lovely greenery. Feel free to go outside where comfy camp chairs and a fire pit await you under the canopy of trees — a scenery too stunning for words. Consider having a barbecue on the weekend using the provided grill. A short distance from your sleeping quarter is the shared kitchen and clean bathroom available to resort guests.
44.98 km (28.0 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)SuperhostAccommodates: 2
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
despite that the heated blanket campfire stove and good wifi made for an enjoyable nightthe bed had a heater so we were warm and comfortable all nightthere are great amenities hot water comes on in a few seconds bathrooms are very cleanit’s a campsite but inside the cabin it’s like a hotel roomCleanliness:
the rooms are very clean and smell goodthe restrooms were also very clean and the shower water was warmsparkling clean everything highly recommend saddle mountain ranchthe bathroom and shower area are cleanthe gazebo tent was private and very cleanHost:
the staff is very helpful and kindthe hosts were also very friendlyeveryone i met at the site was also very friendlyand the staff was kind and i really want to visit againthe property in itself is really nice and staff are friendly and easy to communicate withRead more reviewsLocation:
the location was great it’s near shops and restaurants which was nicesuper cute location in the woods for a perfect night awaywe loved it- great location for carmel and big sur and very comfortablethis is such a cool placeit was nice to come back to a comfortable nice place
Commune with nature in glamping spots
Whether you travel in twos or sixes, there is a glamping spot right for you. Big Sur, with its rugged coastlines and nearby scenic trails, is an ideal destination for communing with nature. You can stay close to vineyards, redwood forests, beaches, or the cold water of the creeks - take your pick. Plan your stay at the top glamping spots near Big Sur, California.
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