Bay Area Glamping Guide: 8 Best Escapes Within Reach | Field Mag

2022-05-28 02:42:20 By : Ms. Lulu Ye

Choose from modern yurts, sky-high treehouses, or upscale canvas tents for an ideal retreat in California’s scenic Bay Area.

Glamping combines the best of outdoor adventure travel with modern-day comfort in resort-like accommodations that come ready-made with cozy king-size beds, modern furnishings, and complimentary organic bath products, just to name a few. An abbreviated term for “glamorous camping”, this boutique style of camping in sought-out, scenic destinations has spiked in popularity over the years for its ability to provide an immersive outdoor experience without the need for expensive camping gear, making the outdoors more accessible, and way more comfy.

The glamping experience can be traced back to a time when monarchs traveled the globe in lavish, palatial tents and wealthy Brits and Americans stayed in the classic canvas tent while on safaris in Africa. Today, the safari-style canvas tent is still just as popular along with bell tents, yurts, treehouses, and even converted Airstreams or tiny homes. Some glampsites have established “glampgrounds” that offer on-site dining, activities, and all the creature comforts you could need for a relaxing vacation in some of the most beautiful places.

Although California’s San Francisco Bay Area is home to over seven million people, it’s not hard to find plenty of pristine outdoor places to explore and find adventure. It’s most famous for the giant redwood trees, dramatic coastline and stunning beaches, and of course, the world-famous vineyards of Sonoma and Napa Valley (not to mention the Eastern Sierra). There’s hiking and biking, surfing and sunbathing, climbing, paddling, and so much more when it comes to outdoor activities, however, the natural beauty alone makes for the perfect spot to recharge for a long weekend. Surrounded by National Forests and a 3 three-hour drive from the world-famous Yosemite National Park, there's plenty to do just outside the area, too.

Skip the crowds and the heat by visiting the California Bay Area from September through October when it’s pleasantly warm and sunny—most importantly, this is also harvest season at its many vineyards, wink, wink. Scroll through our list of the best glamping rentals within reach of the Bay Area to find your perfect place for a weekend getaway.

[Prefer more guaranteed sunshine? Check out our top picks for the Best SoCal Glamping Spots.]

Glamp out in an (almost) brand new 2020 Airstream trailer that’s fully-stocked with modern-day conveniences so nothing takes away from that view. Enjoy having 9 scenic acres all to yourself with 180 degree views of the glimmering waters of Half Moon Bay. There’s a kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor living area with a hammock and fire pit for cooking s'mores so you have everything you need to settle in and stay while. And if you're feeling adventurous, San Jose, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey Bay, and the coastal town of Pescadero are all within an hour road-trip.

A quick drive from the scenic Big River Beach, Russian Gulf State Park, and downtown Mendocino, Mendocino Grove’s canvas tents offer a cozy shelter after a day of exploring complete with crisp cotton linens, heated beds, fire-pits, and a lovely bathhouse with hot showers. This spot also earns bonus points for offering wheelchair accessible canvas tents so the outdoors are open to all.

Hidden away in a peaceful spot surrounded by sky-high redwood trees, AutoCamp’s Russian River location (they have six properties from coast to coast, including newly opened Joshua Tree & Cape Cod), provides a boutique hotel experience in mid-century style lodging a 5-minute drive from Guerneville. Stay in one of their glamping tents, Airstream campers, or roomy accessible suites outfitted with queen-sized beds, private bathrooms, and in some-a private outdoor area including a fire-pit and picnic table.

Perched on a cliff with wide-open views of the Pacific Ocean, at Treebones guests can rent a yurt, off-grid autonomous tent, or a human-sized twig nest crafted by a local artist. The posh campground uses solar power to keep the 600+ square-foot interior cozy when a chilly sea breeze blows in. Don’t forget to take advantage of the spacious redwood decks and outdoor space to catch an epic West Coast sunset.

Although you’ll be tempted to stay in one of their beautiful luxury hotel rooms, Ventana Big Sur also has 15 canvas safari tents on 20 acres of picturesque Redwood forest not far from the rugged Northern California coastline. Indulge in the resort-style amenities at the glampsite or get out and experience the area’s hiking trails, biking, climbing, and surfing for some adventure.

Pictured atop this article, this site is not for the faint of heart (or anyone with a fear of heights). At its highest point, this sky-high treehouse sits 60 feet above the ground in a grove of redwood trees. Outside, the architecture resembles a giant pinecone, while the interior is made up of a single room with views of the treetop canopy in nearly every direction. Surrounded by the Santa Cruz mountains, outdoor exploring is easily accessible or explore the artsy, lavender-farm filled town of Bonny Doon.

Yes, Wildhaven’s safari-inspired luxury tents are a clean, well-designed place to rest your head at night, however, the real draw is its close proximity to over 425 local wineries in Sonoma County. If wine tasting isn’t your thing, there’s also plenty of outdoor activities: horseback riding, paddling and swimming on Lake Sonoma and the Russian River, cycling, and hiking through the redwood groves or venture to nearby Santa Rosa and Guerneville.

A unique combination of glamping and an animal sanctuary, Sindisa is set on 125 acres of rolling green hills and meadows with mountain views. When you’re not hanging out with the alpacas, pigs, and herd of Choctaw ponies, enjoy some R+R in the outdoor kitchen and bathrooms, and relax in the canvas tents, complete with Persian rugs and mahogany beds. There's plenty to do in the surrounding area too-you'll be a 15 min from Headldsburg Square and within two hours to Point Reyes National Seashore, Santa Rosa, and San Fransisco.

From utopian architecture and biodynamic systems to camping equipment, how designer Bucky Fuller's greatest creation changed the modern world

Inspired by its mountaintop setting, this contemporary cabin by Seattle's Heliotrope Architects matches the beauty of the surrounding San Juan Islands

Slopeside chalets, lakefront A-Frames, modest cottages, and more in this idyllic mountain town just two hours east of Los Angeles

From Hill Country to Big Bend, Austin to Marfa, there's no shortage of awesome areas to visit and places to stay in Texas

From South Lake to Tahoe City and Incline Village, here's our top cabin picks for outdoorsy R&R among North America’s largest alpine lake

Hang out in an A-Frame, sleep among the trees, and get cozy around a fire pit in the secluded woodlands of NE Pennsylvania

Field Mag® is a registered trademark with U.S. Pat. & Tm Off