Top 7 Glamping Spots Near Big Sur, California - Updated 2024

Jahzeel
Jahzeel 
Updated
| 4 min read

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.

Stayed at this property?
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, United States
45.17 km (28.1 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
768 reviews   Wifi Available
Tent 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
comfortable and great amenities
fun and cozy we stayed warm with the electric blankets provided
loved our stay here beds were super comfy and electric blanket was so warm will definitely be coming back
we also loved that we could “camp” with all the amenities of staying in a comfortable hotel
the electric heater blanket works wonderfully and keeps you super warm
Cleanliness:
so clean and comfortable
the space was very clean and as listed
clean comfortable and reasonably priced
love that it was also very clean
also a very nice pool and clean sanitaries
Host:
the staff was friendly and exceptionally helpful
the staff tent and facilities were amazing
very peaceful and the staff was very welcoming
we loved the fire pits and warm blankets friendly staff and neighbors
great place to stay super chilled and lovely staff
Location:
good location and nice tent
charming remote location yet not far from the main roads
super great location and a wonderful price
no complaints this place is amazing great location bathrooms a walk away
we did a day trip to big sur and it was the perfect location
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
San Juan Bautista, California, United States
3.49 km (2.2 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
201 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Tent 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
showering in the open air with the wind striking the flowers was a truly magical experience
perfect glamping experience and showering with the view was so surreal
the bed was luxuriously comfortable the open air shower was lovely and included robes towels and toiletries
even the shower was adorable - you can enjoy a beautiful view at the same time
it is comfortable the views are breathtaking and we can’t wait to return
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and orderly
extremely clean and wonderful touches to the space
the place was clean and cozy
the outdoor bathroom was easy to use and very clean
it was beautiful secluded and very clean
Host:
joe and julie were excellent host
special call out and thanks to the wonderful hosts who made this trip special for us
they were very communicative and the check in process was super easy
julie and joe were wonderful hosts and the tent had some very thoughtful touches
the hosts go above and beyond to make this a comfortable beautiful stay
Location:
rancho tranquillo was such a cute and romantic place everything was well thought out there were cute surprises everywhere
the location was very easy to find and we immediately felt at home
absolutely stunning place to stay for an outdoor adventure
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Santa Cruz, California, United States
45.07 km (28.1 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
473 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Campsite 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
thoughtful amenities such as bbq lines patio furniture air conditioning cozy shower
roku connectivity (bring your own login) and wifi worked great
hot water for showers air conditioning extra comfortable bed and bedding two tvs coffee for the mornings
cozy fun and unique spot glancing at its finest
i appreciated the full kitchen and the surround sound
Cleanliness:
clean modern yet cousy
it was very clean and cozy
exactly as advertised very clean with a lot of really thoughtful personal touches
it was clean comfortable and a totally cool experience
it was well equipped and clean
Host:
they were very responsive and friendly
hosts were amazing and provided the perfect check in guide as well as things to do guidebook
what a wonderful place with wonderful hosts
kris and shane were excellent hosts
great place and great hosts would reccomend to anyone looking for a private and peaceful getaway
Location:
so close to everything yet very peaceful
there's great hiking trails within walking distance and downtown is such a close drive away
the location is perfect and beautiful
ideal if you want to unwind and be close to hiking or the water
good stay with proximal location: hiking city beach
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Watsonville, California, United States
28.86 km (18.0 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
711 reviews   Wifi Available
Yurt 1 Bed 2 Guests 2 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this little place was perfect very cozy and gives you a great view of mt
the space was immaculate and huge - completely ample and comfortable for the two of us
the yurt is just as pictured very comfortable with the sounds of nature everywhere
amazing place quiet and rustic yet modern and comfortable
had such a lovely night in this private and cozy stay
Cleanliness:
james and mary added all the thoughtful touches you could wish for and the space was so clean
the yurt is fairly remote quiet extremely clean and quite comfortable
clean place that is behind the owner's house
the yurt is cozy and clean and furnished very aesthetically
Host:
james is a wonderful host
lovely gracious host and wonderful hospitality
the hosts are very lovely and helpful
owner was very nice and has yurt stocked with games
james and sarojini were so kind and loving hosts
Location:
beautiful location in the redwoods
beautiful location near mount madonna park and center
this a unique location and well worth it
nice cozy place ideal for a weekend getaway
the location is great if you want to get away from civilization for a bit
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Salinas, California, United States
34.75 km (21.6 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
319 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Yurt 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
cozy modern and awesome views
the yurt has wifi and great cellular service
it is equipped with full kitchen and a nice comfy bed
great place to stay beautiful setting and a comfortable little gem
Cleanliness:
so clean and beautiful
space was clean and beautifully decorated
it is super clean
the bathroom is right outside and it is super clean too
Host:
wonderful and friendly hosts
amy is a wonderful host and so understanding
amy was a great host
amy was a great host and super hospitable
) she was a great host and welcomed us on arrival
Location:
this property and location is absolutely amazing
fantastic people unique location
this was a great location
perfect location to get away and explore the vineyards and farms on our way to pinnacles national park
what an amazing location and tranquil yurt to stay in
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?
Watsonville, California, United States
29.44 km (18.3 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
27 reviews  
Tent 1 Bed 6 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 6

Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
everything was clean and the instructions for check in were simple
Host:
hosts were wonderful and responsive
Location:
this place is perfect to get away and be safe
Read more reviews

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.

Stayed at this property?

44.98 km (28.0 mi) from Mission San Juan Bautista (1797)
90 reviews   Superhost Wifi Available
Tent 1 Bed 2 Guests 1 Bedroom 1 Bathroom

Accommodates: 2

Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
despite that the heated blanket campfire stove and good wifi made for an enjoyable night
the bed had a heater so we were warm and comfortable all night
there are great amenities hot water comes on in a few seconds bathrooms are very clean
it’s a campsite but inside the cabin it’s like a hotel room
Cleanliness:
the rooms are very clean and smell good
the restrooms were also very clean and the shower water was warm
sparkling clean everything highly recommend saddle mountain ranch
the bathroom and shower area are clean
the gazebo tent was private and very clean
Host:
the staff is very helpful and kind
the hosts were also very friendly
everyone i met at the site was also very friendly
and the staff was kind and i really want to visit again
the property in itself is really nice and staff are friendly and easy to communicate with
Location:
the location was great it’s near shops and restaurants which was nice
super cute location in the woods for a perfect night away
we loved it- great location for carmel and big sur and very comfortable
this is such a cool place
it was nice to come back to a comfortable nice place
Read more reviews

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.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Jahz is a Philippine-based writer who enjoys solo travels as much as group adventures. She believes that life is too short to be spent living in one place, so she makes it a point to experience a...Read more

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