Glamping in Southern California
Have you heard of this new thing called glamping?
We’re just kidding, of course you have. The term is everywhere. We’re going to take a look at what glamping really is, who does it, and when they do it. Then we’re going to give you some ideas for great glamping spots in Southern California.
Buckle in and let’s go glamping!
What is Glamping?
Glamping is short for “glamorous camping”, a phrase that seems contradictory to a lot of long-time campers. If you’re going glamping, it isn’t going to be in a basic tent with your scouting equipment.
A glamping trip has the comforts and amenities of home or an upscale hotel with the immersion in nature of traditional camping. Does this sound familiar? A lot of RV owners have been glamping for years!
Honestly, glamping has been around for centuries. When renaissance nobility and heads of state traveled, they did so with a vast entourage and extravagant accommodations.
In the early 20th century, wealthy travelers began to seek adventure on African safaris. These were often luxurious affairs with amenities to make them as comfortable as possible.
But glamping has now become big business and includes many forms of lodging in both traditional and exotic locations. Those historical glampers were generally lacking one focus of today’s travelers: respect for the environment.
Glamping resorts and retreats often have an eco-focus and use local resources to make their facilities sustainable and beneficial to the surrounding area. You’ll find many types of lodging including campers, tents, yurts, lodges, and even tree houses.
Many of the amenities of glamping are long-term staples of the RV community. Beds with linens, plumbing, and electricity are standard features of RV camping. One feature of glamping not included in standard RV camping is service. Some glamping excursions include the same type of pampering you find at high-end hotels.
These glampers are not emptying their own black water tanks.
RV Glamping
As we mentioned, even basic RV camping is really glamping, especially for those who usually tent camp. Any campground where you can hook up and have running water and a bed is a major luxury.
Other RV campers are looking for something a little more extravagant.
RV parks and campgrounds are kicking things up a notch to offer a more luxurious experience. Though you still have to maintain your vehicle, many of you are starting to see more activities and amenities on your RV camping outings.
Swimming pools, kids’ activities, movie nights, and hot tubs are just a few of the things you might find at a high-end RV glamping resort. Some of these facilities rent vintage campers and RVs, cabins, and luxury tents as well as having traditional RV parking spots.
Are you in the mood for a spa treatment or two? Maybe some horse trails of guided nature hikes? You’ll find many ways to glamp up your RV vacation at private campgrounds all over the country.
Who Goes Glamping?
Depending on how fancy you want your accommodations to be, just about anybody can go glamping. Be prepared to pay a premium to rent luxury tents or lodges, or even quirky vintage campers. You’re paying for the location, the lodging, and the service.
People who own Class A motorhomes or 5th Wheels may be more likely than others to seek out a high-end campground or RV resort. These big RVs can feel crowded by regular campgrounds and RV parks. Luxury facilities often have more space for larger vehicles to spread out. Slide outs, awnings, and outdoor furniture are all more likely to be usable at a high end resort.
Glamping is really just a fancy word for adding some extra comfort to your camping. That may mean renting a Class C RV for the weekend or staying in a yurt in Finland. You can find the level of glamping that works for your budget and your vacation.
When do Glampers Glamp?
Since glamping involves comfort, you’re not likely to find many people doing basic glamping when it’s very hot or very cold. Glampers will seek out the best weather and the most beautiful seasons. Glamping is often a spring or fall activity.
Unless you’re going super high-end glamping, that is. These resorts allow their visitors to experience the beauty of any season in comfort and luxury. Do you want to rent a geo-dome in Alaska to watch the Northern Lights? You can do that. How about a comfortable air conditioned lodge in the desert? You can do that, too.
RV glamping is most popular during the usual RV season—spring, summer, and fall.
Great Glamping in Southern California
San Diego Metro KOA Resort
We’re going to stick with resorts that offer RV parking. There are plenty of others with unique lodging opportunities of all kinds.
We love the comfort and security offered by KOA. The San Diego Metro location has loads of activities for kids and a full-time activities director. A recent renovation brought a new pool and beautiful grounds.
This is a terrific spot for family glamping. It has amenities for kids and adults as well as a great family vibe with lots of returning visitors.
San Diego KOA has tent camping, cabin rentals, and RV spaces big enough for the largest motorhomes. You’ll also find craft beer at their Sand Castle Café.
Newport Dunes RV Park
This beautiful, beautiful beachfront resort in Newport Beach has RV parking and beach cottage rentals. It’s got an inflatable waterpark and private cabanas, outdoor movies and four pools with poolside dining.
Newport Dunes is a good choice for the whole family. There are plenty of luxe amenities for the adults and a lot of fun activities for kids. There are three levels of RV parking available, from large Select sites with a concrete pad to Small RV sites that offer privacy and tent camping availability.
If you want to get out onto the water, you can rent a kayak or a paddleboard. Or you can just hang out all day on the gorgeous beach with your family before heading back to the comfort of your RV at night.
No RV? No problem. You can rent everything from a vintage camper van to a Class A Coach from several local companies.
The Springs at Borrego
Obviously we had to get a golf course in here. This luxury RV park also offers proximity to fantastic hiking. It’s situated right in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert, in a dark sky area. This is a perfect spot for mountain views and star-gazing.
Unlike some of our other choices, The Springs at Borrego is very nature-focused, as is fitting for its location in a state park.
Swimming, fishing, mineral baths, and more amenities make this a glamper’s paradise. You don’t need an RV to enjoy The Springs at Borrego. They have three tiny houses for rent on the property.
Motorcoach Country Club
Keep an eye on that 10-Year Rule if you want to visit the Motorcoach Country Club. They inspect every vehicle to make sure it meets their aesthetics standards before it enters the park.
This Indio, CA, destination has been voted the number one luxury RV resort in the country by USA Today. It boasts, among other amenities, a private restaurant, golf course, and sunset cruises.
This resort is not a great choice for families. The activities for residents of its landscaped lots and private docks are tailored exclusively for adults. But those adults have access to three pools, spas, tennis, and a well-equipped fitness center.
No matter what kind of glamping you choose, you’re in for a memorable experience. You’re essentially stepping up your usual camping style a level to enjoy more comfort and more things to do.
You might even decide to glamp up your RV itself. Upgrades, renovations, or a whole new coach can give you the creature comforts that are missing in your current vehicle.
Give us a call at Leisure Coachworks or stop on by our shop in Fontana, CA, to find out how we can help you take the glamping RV trip you’ve always wanted.
