Tiny Tales Expedition

Tag: southern california

  • 8 Best Family-Friendly Glamping Resorts Near Los Angeles (2025 Guide)

    8 Best Family-Friendly Glamping Resorts Near Los Angeles (2025 Guide)

    Searching for a glamping getaway near LA that’s actually family-friendly? Same here! After weeks of comparing every dreamy spot, I just booked Huttopia Paradise Springs. I’ll share my honest review after we go, but for now, here’s my research shortlist—plus what made each place stand out. Got your own glamping tips? Drop them in the comments or tag me on Instagram!


    Huttopia Paradise Springs glamping tent in the San Gabriel Mountains

    🌟 Editor’s Picks

    • Best Overall: Huttopia Paradise Springs → Nature + luxury + kid perks.
    • Best for Toddlers: El Capitan Canyon
    • Most Instagrammable: AutoCamp Joshua Tree
    • Best Off-the-Grid Escape: 28 Palms Ranch

    🏕️ Top Luxury Glamping Resorts Near LA

    Resort Location Style Family Features Luxury Perks Pros & Cons Notes
    El Capitan Canyon Santa Barbara (2 hrs) Yurts, Cabins, Tents Sleeps 7, pool, playground, bikes Organic gardens, concerts, beach access Pros: Spacious cabins/yurts, on-site pool & playground, organic gardens, beach nearby, concerts
    Cons: No pets, some cabins lack AC, beach requires a drive    		 No pets allowed due to wildlife corridor policy
    → Check Dates
    Huttopia Paradise Springs San Gabriel Mountains (90 min) Safari tents, cabins Sleeps 5, nature programming Spring-fed pool, bistro, forest trails Pros: Private bathrooms in some tents, spring-fed pool, nature programs, bistro, ADA accessible
    Cons: No pets at pool, solar-powered (may affect device charging), summer heat    		 —
    → Check Dates
    Postcard Cabins (Getaway) San Bernardino (2 hrs) Modern cabins Sleeps 4, kid-friendly space Minimalist chic, phone lockbox Pros: Private, peaceful, comfy beds, fire pit, easy check-in, digital detox vibe
    Cons: Not walkable to town, some cabins have better views than others, limited communal spaces    		 —
    → Check Dates
    28 Palms Ranch Twentynine Palms (2.5 hrs) Mongolian yurts Private baths, sleeps 4–6 Stargazing, fire pits Pros: Authentic yurts, private bath, stargazing, fire pits, pet-friendly, secluded
    Cons: No electricity (solar lights/USB only), can be windy, rustic amenities    		 No electricity; solar lights/USB only
    → Check Dates
    AutoCamp Joshua Tree Joshua Tree (2.5 hrs) Airstreams, tents Kid-friendly, ADA Airstreams Spa bathrooms, yoga, live music Pros: Airstream/cabin options, spa bathrooms, pool, ADA units, yoga, family-friendly
    Cons: Pricey, some cabin amenities inconsistent, desert views sparse    		 —
    → Check Dates
    Moonrise Ranch Near Indio (2.5 hrs) Luxury tents, trailers Family-focused, animal rescue Horse sanctuary, outdoor movies Pros: Animal rescue, outdoor movies, family-focused, hiking, communal spaces
    Cons: Limited nearby attractions, rustic, may be remote for some    		 —
    → Check Dates
    Cachuma Lake Yurts Santa Ynez (2 hrs) Lakefront yurts Sleeps 5, playground Deck views, hot showers Pros: Lakefront views, playground, hot showers, deck options
    Cons: No lake swimming, communal bathrooms, pools seasonal    		 Lake swimming not allowed; pools open May–Sept
    → Check Dates
    The Holidays San Clemente (1.5 hrs) Vintage trailers Games, surf gear Retro vibe, surf access Pros: Vintage trailers, surf gear, games, retro vibe, near beach
    Cons: Communal bathrooms/showers, limited privacy    		 Communal bathrooms/showers
    → Check Dates

    El Capitan Canyon

    Location: Santa Barbara (2 hrs)
    Style: Yurts, Cabins, Tents
    Family Features: Sleeps 7, pool, playground, bikes
    Luxury Perks: Organic gardens, concerts, beach access
    Pros: Spacious cabins/yurts, on-site pool & playground, organic gardens, beach nearby, concerts
    Cons: No pets, some cabins lack AC, beach requires a drive
    Notes: No pets allowed due to wildlife corridor policy

    → Check Dates

    Huttopia Paradise Springs

    Location: San Gabriel Mountains (90 min)
    Style: Safari tents, cabins
    Family Features: Sleeps 5, nature programming
    Luxury Perks: Spring-fed pool, bistro, forest trails
    Pros: Private bathrooms in some tents, spring-fed pool, nature programs, bistro, ADA accessible
    Cons: No pets at pool, solar-powered (may affect device charging), summer heat
    Notes: —

    → Check Dates

    Postcard Cabins (Getaway)

    Location: San Bernardino (2 hrs)
    Style: Modern cabins
    Family Features: Sleeps 4, kid-friendly space
    Luxury Perks: Minimalist chic, phone lockbox
    Pros: Private, peaceful, comfy beds, fire pit, easy check-in, digital detox vibe
    Cons: Not walkable to town, some cabins have better views than others, limited communal spaces
    Notes: —

    → Check Dates

    28 Palms Ranch

    Location: Twentynine Palms (2.5 hrs)
    Style: Mongolian yurts
    Family Features: Private baths, sleeps 4–6
    Luxury Perks: Stargazing, fire pits
    Pros: Authentic yurts, private bath, stargazing, fire pits, pet-friendly, secluded
    Cons: No electricity (solar lights/USB only), can be windy, rustic amenities
    Notes: No electricity; solar lights/USB only

    → Check Dates

    AutoCamp Joshua Tree

    Location: Joshua Tree (2.5 hrs)
    Style: Airstreams, tents
    Family Features: Kid-friendly, ADA Airstreams
    Luxury Perks: Spa bathrooms, yoga, live music
    Pros: Airstream/cabin options, spa bathrooms, pool, ADA units, yoga, family-friendly
    Cons: Pricey, some cabin amenities inconsistent, desert views sparse
    Notes: —

    → Check Dates

    Moonrise Ranch

    Location: Near Indio (2.5 hrs)
    Style: Luxury tents, trailers
    Family Features: Family-focused, animal rescue
    Luxury Perks: Horse sanctuary, outdoor movies
    Pros: Animal rescue, outdoor movies, family-focused, hiking, communal spaces
    Cons: Limited nearby attractions, rustic, may be remote for some
    Notes: —

    → Check Dates

    Cachuma Lake Yurts

    Location: Santa Ynez (2 hrs)
    Style: Lakefront yurts
    Family Features: Sleeps 5, playground
    Luxury Perks: Deck views, hot showers
    Pros: Lakefront views, playground, hot showers, deck options
    Cons: No lake swimming, communal bathrooms, pools seasonal
    Notes: Lake swimming not allowed; pools open May–Sept

    → Check Dates

    The Holidays

    Location: San Clemente (1.5 hrs)
    Style: Vintage trailers
    Family Features: Games, surf gear
    Luxury Perks: Retro vibe, surf access
    Pros: Vintage trailers, surf gear, games, retro vibe, near beach
    Cons: Communal bathrooms/showers, limited privacy
    Notes: Communal bathrooms/showers

    → Check Dates

    🧭 Not Sure Where to Book?

    Here’s a quick cheat sheet to help narrow it down:

    • 🌊 Want a pool and full bath? → El Capitan or Huttopia
    • 🔭 Craving privacy + stargazing? → 28 Palms Ranch
    • 📵 Looking for a digital detox (with comfy beds)? → Postcard Cabins
    • 🎶 Want vibes and Insta moments? → AutoCamp Joshua Tree

    🌟 Family Must-Do & Pro Tips for Each Resort

    El Capitan Canyon
    Family Must-Do: Visit the playground and petting zoo—perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
    Pro Tip: Book a Saturday to catch live music and the farmer’s market!
    Huttopia Paradise Springs
    Family Must-Do: Join a guided nature walk or splash in the historic spring-fed pool.
    Pro Tip: Reserve a tent near the creek for the most peaceful sleep.
    Postcard Cabins (Getaway)
    Family Must-Do: Try the s’mores kit and unplug with classic board games.
    Pro Tip: Use the phone lockbox for a true digital detox!
    28 Palms Ranch
    Family Must-Do: Stargaze in the desert—bring a telescope if you have one.
    Pro Tip: Pack extra layers for chilly desert nights.
    AutoCamp Joshua Tree
    Family Must-Do: Join a sunrise yoga class and explore the on-site clubhouse.
    Pro Tip: Book an ADA Airstream for extra space and accessibility.
    Moonrise Ranch
    Family Must-Do: Visit the horse sanctuary and watch an outdoor movie.
    Pro Tip: Ask about animal feeding times for an interactive experience.
    Cachuma Lake Yurts
    Family Must-Do: Rent a kayak or pedal boat for a day on the lake.
    Pro Tip: Request a yurt with a deck for the best sunset views.
    The Holidays
    Family Must-Do: Take the kids boogie boarding or play retro lawn games.
    Pro Tip: Book early for summer weekends—they fill up fast!

    🌿 Family Glamping Packing List 🌿

    Our family-tested essentials for a magical, stress-free glamping adventure!

    • 🧥 Layers for all weather: Warm jacket, hoodie, and soft T-shirts for cool nights and sunny days.
    • 😴 Pajamas & comfy clothes: Snuggle up in soft PJs after a day of adventure.
    • 👟 Hiking shoes or sandals: Sturdy footwear for exploring trails and campground paths.
    • 🩱 Swimsuit & towel: Don’t forget a quick-dry towel for pool or creek time.
    • 🧴 Toiletries: Toothbrush, soap, shampoo—plus a
      compact first aid kit for peace of mind.
    • 🦟 Bug spray & sunscreen: We love
      Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ for gentle, effective sun protection.
    • 💧 Reusable water bottles: Hydration is key in the great outdoors!
    • 🔦 Flashlight or headlamp: Essential for nighttime bathroom runs and bedtime stories under the stars.
    • 🔋 Portable phone charger/power bank: Stay powered up for photos and emergencies.
    • 🍫 Favorite snacks & s’mores kit: For classic campfire fun, these
      extendable s’mores sticks make roasting marshmallows a breeze.
    • 🎲 Board games, cards, or books: Our go-to is the
      3-in-1 Vintage Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe set—perfect for family bonding.
    • 🔭 Camera or binoculars: For budding explorers,
      GeoSafari Jr. Kidnoculars are a huge hit—lightweight, durable, and made for little hands.
    • 🩹 Small first aid kit: (See above for our favorite travel-size option.)
    • 🛍️ Reusable shopping bag: Handy for groceries, laundry, or impromptu picnics.
    • 🧸 Child’s favorite toy or blanket: Comfort from home = smoother bedtimes.
    • 🐾 Pet supplies (if allowed): Don’t forget food, leash, and cozy bedding for your furry friend.
    • 🧊 Cooler (if not provided): For keeping drinks and snacks fresh.
    • ☕ Coffee or tea gear (if not provided): Mornings are better with your favorite brew.
    • 🌬️ Travel fan (for warm nights): The
      JISULIFE Portable Mini Fan is a lifesaver for stuffy tents or cabins.
    • 🌧️ Rain jacket or umbrella (seasonal): Be ready for a surprise sprinkle or two.
    • 🧺 Outdoor family picnic blanket: We adore the
      Little Unicorn 5’x7′ Outdoor Family Picnic Blanket—it’s waterproof, easy to pack, and perfect for snack breaks or stargazing.
    • 🐞 For little explorers: Pack a
      Nature Bound Bug Catcher—it turns every campsite into a science adventure!

    Happy glamping! With these essentials, you’ll be ready for adventure, comfort, and all the magical moments in between.
    Have questions or want more family travel tips? Subscribe to our newsletter

    ❓ Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the best time of year to go glamping in Southern California?

    Spring (March–May) and fall (Sept–Nov) offer the best weather—mild temps, fewer crowds, and gorgeous skies. Avoid desert areas mid-summer unless the site is well-shaded or pool-equipped.

    Are these resorts accessible and kid-friendly?

    Yes! Many have ADA-compliant cabins or tents, pools, on-site activities, and flexible sleeping arrangements for families. Always call the property to confirm your specific needs.

    Can I bring my dog?

    Many featured resorts are pet-friendly! Check the table above for notes, and confirm directly with the resort before booking. Note: El Capitan Canyon does not allow pets.

    How do I book the best spots?

    You can book directly on each resort’s website, or through trusted platforms like Glamping Hub or Hipcamp. Book early for weekends and holidays!

    What should I pack?

    Layers, reusable water bottles, a small fan, power bank, games, and bug spray. Want a free printable checklist? Join our newsletter and I’ll send it straight to your inbox!

    ✨ Final Take

    Whether you’re planning a digital detox, outdoor birthday, or multigenerational getaway—glamping near Los Angeles has never felt more doable (or more luxurious). From forest trails to spring-fed pools, there’s a site for every type of family. I’ll report back after our stay at Huttopia Paradise Springs, but I hope this guide helps you plan your next adventure in the meantime!

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    Last updated: June 4, 2025