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Glamping at Big Sur: 14 Fantastic Ideas [2024]

Thinking of glamping at Big Sur? Check out these phenomenal accommodations where you can enjoy nature to the fullest, in a luxurious and comfy environment!

Glamping (aka glamorous camping) is the ultimate way to enjoy a weekend in nature in complete style, sleeping in comfortable beds and with luxurious amenities at hand.

There are few places as naturally gorgeous as Big Sur to experience waking up in the forest or right by the beach, and falling asleep with the sounds of nature; it’s probably one of the best places in Northern California for glamping and enjoying all the benefits of camping with an elegant twist

Big Sur is a great stop on the LA to San Francisco drive, so why not spend the night glamping amidst nature?

Image of a tent with a wooden deck, and two chairs in it, inserted in a post about Glamping in Big Sur.

In this post, you’ll find a comprehensive list of the most amazing accommodations, including treehouses and cozy cabins, for the very best glamping at Big Sur, CA. Check them out! 

Treebones Resort – South Big Sur 

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Treebones Resort Big Sur features a Yurt Village facing the sea, each with its own private terrace and comfortable amenities, from plush king-sized beds to a couch, a table with chairs, and a sink with both hot and cold running water. 

You could otherwise go for one of their two Autonomous Tents, completely powered by solar energy and boasting private ocean views, a lounging area, and an ensuite bathroom, as well as a fridge and a fire pit for roasting marshmallows under starry skies. 

We like it because its location right by the sea is unbeatable, and these camping yurts in Big Sur remain minimalistic to match the natural surroundings but with extreme comfort. 

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Ventana Big Sur – Big Sur

Image of a tent in a wooden deck, surrounded by forest. Inside the tent a bed, chairs, and a bedside nighttable can be seen. It's one of the best spots for glamping in Big Sur
Image by Ventana Big Sur

This adult-only luxury campground offers safari-style tent cabins among the redwoods, with all the splendor you could ask for, from custom-designed mattresses to astounding views of a canyon, a fire pit, power outlets, and a sink with both hot and cold running water. 

At Ventana Glamping Big Sur, you’ll also find a bath house for taking hot showers, and amenities for your furry friend if you decide to take it, such as dog beds, water bowls, and treats. Firewood, s’mores, and beverages can be bought on-site, so you have no need whatsoever of leaving your nature retreat. 

We like it because it’s not only one of the most luxurious Big Sur glamping sites, but offers a memorable experience with its magnificent decks for star-gazing, and waking up to the birds’ sounds.  

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Oceanfront Romantic Cottage – Big Sur

Oceanfront Romantic Cottage

This oceanfront cottage is the perfect choice for a glamorous Big Sur glamping experience, without ditching any of the facilities you’d have at home, including a kitchen to brew your coffee, and a cozy living room with a fireplace. 

You’ll also benefit from the spacious terrace with views of the sea and its comfy sun loungers, ideal for whale watching, falling asleep to the sound of the waves, and gazing at the stars from your window.    

The cottage accommodates two adults, so it’s a great option for a romantic staycation. 

We like it because it’s located in a quiet area where you’ll enjoy complete privacy, and it provides every facility you could need to prevent going out unless you want to.   

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Ripplewood Resort – Big Sur

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If your idea of glamping includes cabins surrounded by trees, then Ripplewood Resort is where you shall find them. They offer River Cabins located right on the banks of Big Sur river, and also hillside ones, all of them featuring electricity, heating, and indoor plumbing, as well as fireplace units and amenities which include coffee makers and a fridge. 

Selected cabins also offer kitchen facilities, but what you’ll be lacking in all of them are telephone service and Wifi, so you can truly disconnect from the outside world. The property is home to a store and a café, though, where you’ll find service should you need it.  

We like it because it offers a real retreat in nature, without any of the distractions of technology. You can also have your meals at the café, which is a very nice bonus. 

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Big Sur Dream Home – Carmel 

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The ultimate blend between rusticity and comfort is found in Big Sur Dream Home, a cozy cabin completely surrounded by nature, with large windows everywhere that allow the natural light to come in, and a large patio with sun loungers, outdoor furniture, and a BBQ grill

Among the highlights of the accommodation is a hot tub with phenomenal views, as well as an outdoor bathroom, kitchen facilities, and wifi. You’ll enjoy the wilderness all around you, so it’s the ideal retreat if you want to escape the city’s hustle but continue to be communicated. 

We like it because there’s no light pollution anywhere near it, so you can enjoy an unforgettable session of stargazing. 

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Little Retreat in the Trees – Carmel Valley 

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This modern studio nestled in the trees is pet friendly, and it features a large main area with a kitchenette, a small table with chairs, and a queen-sized bed, exactly what you need to be comfortable and crash after a day outdoors

It’s one of the Airbnbs in Big Sur that has a fully-equipped en-suite bathroom with a bathtub, and besides the private balcony with views of the trees, there’s a wonderful outdoor jacuzzi. The TV and free Wifi will keep you in touch with the outside world as you spend a few days in nature.  

We like it because the studio is spacious and practical, a great accommodation for those looking for comfort and modern amenities as they start venturing into nature. 

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Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur

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Glamping in California’s Big Sur for the first time? Go all in and stay at Post Ranch Inn, the epitome of luxurious glamping. Built into the cliffs, it boasts an amazing view of the sea and is surrounded by nature. While there are many different accommodation options you can choose from, the Tree House is probably the best one

You’ll wake up in the midst of trees on a beautifully designed structure with a large, modern bathroom and a spectacular bedroom with windows all around it (and above!), a fireplace, armchairs, and access to a private balcony.

The resort also features three pools, an excellent restaurant, and a spa to ensure your retreat is truly a relaxing one. 

We like it because it’s Big Sur’s luxury camping at its finest, being the equivalent of a 5-star hotel with the wonderful plus of nature and the astounding surroundings that characterize the area. 

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Serene Redwood Retreat – Carmel-By-The-Sea

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This cabin in Carmel-by-the-Sea is completely surrounded by redwood trees and features a spacious balcony to enjoy it, as well as modern amenities to ensure comfort. 

The floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light, there’s a gas fireplace for chilly nights, a kitchen, a workspace with high-speed Wifi in case you need to put in some work, and a fully equipped bathroom with toiletries

Since most of your time will be spent outdoors, you’ll enjoy the BBQ grill and fire pit for dining outdoors, overlooking the seasonal creek from your private deck. Glamping in Big Sur doesn’t get much better than this!

We like it because it’s the perfect combination of comfort and wilderness, and you can get to meet some of the forest’s residents like bobcats or bears. There’s also a beach close by.  

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Cabin in the Forest – Carmel 

Image by Cabin in the Forest

This cozy cabin is indeed in the middle of the forest, and to get there you’ll need to venture on a quite steep hike. The peace and quiet once you get there, though, are worth the effort. 

There’s no Wifi nor TV, and instead you’ll find tons of art supplies to unleash your creativity and connect with your surroundings. The cabin features a semi-outdoor bathroom, so you don’t lose sight of the trees even while you take a shower, and a kitchenette with basic appliances. 

This Big Sur Airbnb tree house also features a common area courtyard on the main property, where you can make use of the fire pit and BBQ grill.

We like it because it is truly a nature retreat with no distractions or temptations, fully designed to help you connect with yourself, meditate, and appreciate the world around you. 

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Fernwood Resort – Big Sur

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Fernwood Resort features the most fabulous Big Sur tent cabins, the closest you’ll be to camping but in complete comfort and style. Think queen-sized bed, fresh linen and towels, night tables with lamps, and an electric heater, but with the surroundings you’d hope for on a camping trip. 

 All tents come with a picnic table and fire pit right outside them, so you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds. If some members of your party aren’t ready for this revolutionary accommodation, there are cabins and motel rooms as well, so you don’t need to compromise and still share the destination.

We like it because it’s one of the best examples of glamping, with the comfy facilities and camping thrills of shared bath houses or eating outside. There’s also an RV campsite and regular campground for the more adventurous ones.  

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Saddle Mountain Ranch – Carmel-By-The-Sea

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Saddle Mountain Ranch features luxury tents with comfy queen-sized beds, and all the campground amenities you could expect. From a fire pit and BBQ grill to restrooms and hot showers nearby, a deck with chairs, and wonderful nature all around it, you’ll be in for a treat! 

They’re ideal for couples, although their Deluxe and Premium tents accommodate 4 to 6 people, perfect if you’re planning a group glamping experience. Electricity and Wifi are available at the campground

We like it because the tents are simple yet beautiful, and you’ll have access to over 5 miles of hiking trails leading up to the mountain; you’ll get your exercise and be rewarded with beautiful views. You’ll be at one of the coolest places for glamping near Big Sur!

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Tassajara Tiny House – Carmel Valley 

Image by Tassajara Tiny House

This tiny house accommodates four guests, and it’s surrounded by 10 acres of land with a seasonal creek, oak woodland, and lavender fields

You’ll enjoy all the comforts of home, including a full kitchen with an oven in case you feel like baking, a fully-equipped bathroom, a seating area, and two bedrooms. The outdoors boasts a deck with furniture, a picnic table, and a hammock for relaxing or taking a nap. 

There’s electricity powered by solar energy, although there is no wifi and limited phone service, and while you’ll enjoy running water, it actually comes from a well. 

We like it because this Big Sur glamping is dog-friendly, and a great place to find complete solitude (and awestriking stargazing) with some comfort. 

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Glen Oaks Big Sur – Big Sur 

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At Glen Oaks your glamping options are several. There’s the spacious and exclusive Bridge House which has a rustic-modern design as well as heated floors, a full kitchen, and a deck with a fire pit, besides fully-equipped bathrooms and two master bedrooms. 

The Oak Tree Cottages are in the midst of the woods, also featuring a kitchen as well as a seating area with a fireplace, and a large deck overlooking the forest. 

You can otherwise seek comfort in some of their cabins, or their spacious and well-lit fireside lodges, which feature a private patio with a fire pit as well as modern and luxurious amenities.  

 We like it because there are plenty of options to choose from, so you can tailor your glamping experience to best suit your plans and expectations. It’s also nice that the Big Sur River runs through the property. 

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Dreamy Van – Salinas 

Image by Dreamy Van

For a different glamping experience book a night (or a few of them) in the Dreamy Van, which has been converted into a living space with a bed, sink, stovetop, and mini-fridge. While it doesn’t have a bathroom, you can use the restroom in the house

The van even has a projector for watching movies from bed, and while you have to contact them beforehand for this, it might be possible to drive it off, so you wake up in different locations every morning without having to change hotels.  

 We like it because it’s minimalistic and adventurous, ideal for intrepid couples or those looking for unique experiences. 

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  • Virginia Bello

    Virginia is a writer originally from Montevideo, Uruguay. She left her career as a TV Producer to gain more freedom and never looked back. She's been traveling the world full-time ever since! Virginia has traveled extensively through Latin America, Europe and Asia. You can currently find her gallivanting through Southeast Asia.