Planning a road trip along the dramatic California coastal region and looking for a Big Sur Glamping experience? You’ve come to the right place, as I’ve put together this list of the best options for Glamping in Big Sur that deserve a place on your bucket list, as it’s an experience and destination you’ll never forget!
Stretching for 70 glorious miles along California’s central coast, Big Sur is one of the most rugged, dramatic and magnificent natural landscapes in the United States.
With mountain peaks overlooking crashing Pacific Ocean coastline, Big Sur is a road trip any visitor to California needs to prioritize. Laze on sandy beaches with turquoise water, drink leading local wine sources on rolling green hills or hike into the wild. Big Sur truly is a natural masterpiece.
Big Sur Glamping Breakdown
Like any accommodation offering, glamping in Big Sur is available in a range of budgets, sizes, and styles. And if time is of the essence and you’re keen to book an expert-recommended Big Sur glamping site, look no further than my top 5 below.
The Overall Best Big Sur Glamping – Ventana Big Sur
The Best Remote Glamping in Big Sur – Rejuvenating Off-the-Grid Tiny House
The Best Luxury Big Sur Glamping – Whalers Cottage – Point Lobos Beachfront
The Best Cheap Big Sur Glamping – Beautiful Glamping Tent in Marina Ca #4
The Best Resort Style Big Sur Glamping – Fernwood Resort Big Sur
I’ve included a range of photos and videos of Big Sur throughout this list, and I’d definitely recommend watching a few as they will give you not only a look at some of these standout glamping sites, but also provide some great insider tips on what to see and do in Big Sur. Stay tuned for the end of the blog for a list of links to more of my California content. Definitely check out 37 California Music Festivals That’ll Keep You Dancing All Year Long.
The Best Places for Glamping in Big Sur
Glamping and Big Sur go hand in hand, after all, who doesn’t want to camp in luxury under the starry skies of one of America’s most stunning locations?
I’ve looked far and wide, and have found the 10 best Big Sur glamping experiences you just have to have. From secluded luxury homes, tents to yurts to tiny cabins – these glampsites will have you far from roughing it. Send me a postcard?
1) Ventana Big Sur Glamping
Credit: Ventana Big Sur Glamping, an Alila Resort
Location: Near Monterey
Price: $300+ USD per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/ventana-inn-spa.en-gb.html
https://www.facebook.com/AlilaVentanaBigSur/
GLAMPING | OUTDOOR SPLENDOR, WITH A LUXURY TWIST
Ventana Big Sur is the absolute peak of glamping in Big Sur, and the five-star resort has now added luxury glamping to its impressive list of visitor accommodation offerings.
Their range of safari tent styles are plush, stylish and so comfortable, and a stay in one includes access to all the resort amenities, including the swimming pool and on-site restaurants. Stay in a “Redwood Glampsite”, with easy car access, or venture deeper into the wilds of Big Sur and stay in a “Canyon Glampsite” – remote luxury tents accessible only by foot. And their central location just off the main Big Sur highway makes exploring the region so easy and breezy.
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Credit: Alila Ventana Big Sur Glamping
2) Treebones Resort
Credit: Treebones Resort – Glamping Big Sur
Location: South Big Sur
Price: $300+ USD per night
https://www.treebonesresort.com
https://www.facebook.com/TreebonesResort
“Treebones offers a unique lodging and dining experience on California’s breathtaking Big Sur coast. We overlook the Pacific Ocean with spectacular panoramic views in all directions. You can touch the earth here.”
Treebones Resort isn’t just the best luxury glamping destination in Big Sur, but it also has the best range of glamping options on offer. The gorgeous resort, where guests can enjoy a pool, massage services, breakfast and even yoga, has glamping options to suit any budget.
From basic campsites with incredible views to plush ocean view yurts to sprawling luxury tents with a private fire pit and deck, Treebones is the place to completely unwind in style in one of California’s most rugged and beautiful locations.
3) Beautiful Glamping Tent in Marina
Location: Marina
Price: $100+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34340920
Glamping in Big Sur is still quite a niche offering and therefore not super cheap on average, but this tent offers an affordable glamping experience for Airbnb users.
The stylish and comfortable tent is located in Marina Dunes RV Resort, just minutes walk to the beach. You’ll enjoy a private yard with fireplace and BBQ, an on-site clubhouse and many local outdoor activities. Marina is a great California town and a beautiful gateway to Big Sur. Monterey is in close proximity, as is Salinas.
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Big Sur Glamping Tent | Credit: Airbnb
4) Whalers Cottage – Point Lobos Beachfront
Location: Carmel
Price: $655+ per night
Sleeps: 6 people (5 beds/3 BR/2 bath)
This luxury cottage at Point Lobos could not be any closer to the water without being submerged! Just a few steps from Monastery Beach, this two-level location provides pristine views of the Pacific Ocean and comes with all the bells and whistles.
Enjoy the sounds of the ocean swells, dare to go diving, or simply enjoy the comforts of your rental property during your stay. Point Lobos is home to several similar rentals (see video below), so if this one is booked you’re sure to find other equivalent options!
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Credit: VRBO
5) Rejuvenating Off-The-Grid Tiny House
Location: Monterrey County
Price: $170+ per night
Sleeps: 4 people (3 beds/2 BR/1 bath)
The appeal of this tiny house location, location, location! Sitting on 20 private acres of land, your only neighbor is the property owner (over an eighth of a mile away and totally our of eyesight and earshot).
Enjoy the natural surroundings such as a bubbling creek, lavender fields, and serene oak woodlands, or drive roughly an hour to any number of locations from Japanese-style hot springs to the beaches of Big Sur. This is the place for anyone needing to relax, reflect, and enjoy true peace and quiet.
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Credit: Vrbo
6) Cozy Rustic Cabin Retreat
Location: Carmel Valley
Price: $225 avg. per night
Sleeps: 4 people (1 bed/1 BR/1 bath)
This rustic retreat is ideal for a romantic getaway, family vacation, or a solo traveler’s paradise just a short distance from wine tasting in Carmel Valley Village, sweeping views and hiking trails, and mountain views.
If you’re lucky, you may even see some local wildlife from the front porch! You’ll feel at home with the comfortable and spacious interior, fully stocked kitchen, appliances, and amenities. This quaint location will have you feeling like you’re in the middle of nowhere while still having easy access to surrounding activities and eateries.
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Credit: Vrbo
7) Peaceful Mountain Hideaway in Carmel Valley
Location: Carmel Valley
Price: $200+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3654807
Escape with your other half and spend some quality time in California’s majestic Big Sur region at this gorgeous one bedroom tiny house. A step up from tent glamping, the popular Airbnb is on a sprawling woodsy property with incredible views.
The rustic yet stylish interiors include all you could possibly need, and outside there’s a deck and a private bathhouse. This is a romantic retreat deep in the stunning Carmel Valley, just a short drive to the beach, leading vineyards and wineries, hiking trails and Big Sur towns like Carmel and Monterey.
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8) Fernwood Resort Glamping Big Sur
Credit: Fernwood Resort
Location: Big Sur
Price: $175+ USD per night
https://www.fernwoodbigsur.com/adventure-tents.html
https://www.facebook.com/FernwoodResort
If you’re looking for a Big Sur glamping experience with a few quality inclusions thrown in, consider a stay at Fernwood Big Sur. The resort boasts a range of accommodation options, including luxury canvas tents with heating and their own private picnic table and fire pit.
Fernwood Resort is the perfect all-rounder if you don’t want to veer too far on your relaxing stay. There’s bathhouses on site, a tavern to dine at, a general store with cafe and a range of local hikes to head out on. The location is also super central to the entire Big Sur region, and just off the main highway.
9) Luxury Glamping Tent
Credit: Airbnb
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34204815
Big Sur glamping Airbnbs are popping up left, right and centre, and this particular tent in eco-friendly Saddle Mountain Ranch is a top notch choice. The bright and friendly canvas tent has cozy bedding and a private outdoor area with a fire pit and BBQ.
The campground has all the amenities you could need, including a heated pool, hiking trails and a kids playground. The ranch is located just off Carmel Valley Road in the artsy beachfront town of Carmel-by-the-Sea.
Credit: Airbnb
10) Yurt on the farm
Location: Salinas
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16788711
Located just outside the Big Sur town of Salinas, this charming yurt is one of the most popular Airbnb glamping stays. The brand new yurt features a luxury bed, full kitchen, huge deck, an outdoor fire pit and unbeatable views of the surrounding vineyards.
There’s a croquet course and hiking trails just a stone’s throw away. Stock up on s’mores and glamping essentials in the towns of Monterey and Carmel, just 40 minutes away.
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Yurt Glamping Big Sur | Credit: Airbnb
11) Saddle Mountain Ranch Luxury Tents
Location: Carmel-By-The-Sea
Price: $125+ USD per night
https://carmelcamping.com/camping-sites/luxury-tents
“Nestled within oaks, Monterey pines, and redwoods, Saddle Mountain offers a great peaceful getaway for those seeking a break from the bustle of life.”
Saddle Mountain Ranch is a local icon in Big Sur, and they’ve now added luxury tents to their existing accommodation options, which includes RV sites, basic campsites and cabins.
Just a few minutes off Highway 1 on a rambling forested property with hiking trails, the woodsy destination’s glampsites have luxe bedding, a BBQ, outdoor seating and a fire pit. Carmel-By-The-Sea is just five minutes away and Monterey 10 minutes. An affordable Big Sur glamping experience you just have to have.
12) Ripplewood Resort
Location: Big Sur
Price: $200+ USD per night
Ripplewood Resort in Big Sur takes the everyday camping experience to the next level. The rustic property – located just off Highway 1 – features a large number of cabins with their own patio and fire pit. Regardless of which cabin you book, you’re promised an exceptional view.
There’s a pool and the Big Sur river winding past, as well as an on-site cafe, grocery store and gas station. There’s really no reason to leave at all, but if you do there’s a range of waterfalls, hikes and coastal lookouts to enjoy in close proximity.
13) Gazebo Tent
Location: Carmel-by-the-Sea
Price: $150+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34225826
Carmel-by-the-Sea is one of the Big Sur region’s most captivating towns, with a profoundly artistic reputation and jawdropping coastal views. Soak up the vibe of Carmel from this glamping tent, another top offering from Saddle Mountain Ranch.
The luxury tent has a cozy bed with an electric blanket and a fine pit with BBQ. It also has valley views to die for. The ranch has a pool and other great features.
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Big Sur Tours & Experiences To Check Out
Big Sur is an outdoor activity hotspot with an awe-inspiring backdrop. Whether you’re eager to taste local vineyard offerings or dying to dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, these Big Sur tours and experiences are lead by expert locals with a passion for showing off their beautiful corner of the world to the masses. Book via my links!
Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur Full-Day Private Tour
“Discover the natural beauty of California at your own pace on a private 10-hour scenic tour of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur from San Francisco. Journey along the 17-Mile Drive, see the Big Sur Bixby Creek Bridge, go to Point Lobos State Reserve and more.”
https://www.getyourguide.com/san-francisco-l61/carmel-monterey-big-sur-private-tour-t43104/
Price: From $700 USD (10 hours)
Coastal Monterey guided eBike Tour
“On our electric fat-bikes, we wind our way along the rugged coastline and through thick cypress groves, stopping at all the amazing viewpoints. We’ll share about our area’s unique ocean wildlife and iconic landmarks…the Lone Cypress, Point Pinos Lighthouse, Lover’s Point, Asilomar Beach, 17-Mile Drive.”
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/145115
Price: From $70 per person (3 hours)
Sunset Catamaran Sailing Cruise
“The sunset cruise is an epic tie to be on the water in Monterey. Watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean and the Monterey Peninsula as you enjoy complimentary wine and appetizers that include pita bread, hummus, salami, cheese, and grapes.”
https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/223438
Price: From $100 (1.5 hours)
Did I leave out any epic Big Sur glamping spots?
New and exciting glamping sites are popping up across the Big Sur region all the time, so if you have stayed at – or host – a top quality Big Sur glampsite and think it deserves a place on my list – reach out! You can find me on Facebook, Instagram and at my email!
Planning a trip to California?
You’re in luck! I’m a born and bred Californian, so the Golden State is my jam and my blog reflects that! I have a ton of California content on my site, that spans the sunny locales of SoCal to the snowy peaks of NorCal. And if you need any insider tips on what to see and do on your vacation to California – feel free to reach out to me!
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Final thoughts on Glamping in Big Sur
All I have to say is… I think I need to book a trip to glamp in Big Sur! I was so impressed by these top quality glampsites and I know you will be too. If you happen to stay at any of the 10 that made my list, let me know how it was and what the highlight of your coastal getaway was!
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