Most people associate Northern California with the Bay Area and Silicon Valley – but there’s so much to discover beyond San Francisco’s foggy shores! Our favorite Northern California glamping and camping experiences offer guests a taste of farm life – and a relaxing place to lay their heads while exploring the diverse landscape that defines the northern third of the state.
Running Springs Ranch Lavender, Ukiah, Mendocino County
Ever dreamed of being a flower farmer? Glamping at Running Springs Ranch Lavender just might be the next best thing. Guests are invited (and encouraged) to jump right in and take part in farm life – from weeding to harvest. After an honest day’s work, collapse onto the comfy mattress in your swanky platform tent, and let the sweet floral aroma lull you to sleep.
The details: Glamping (platform tents), with toilets, showers and potable water. Pets allowed.
Alpen Vineyard Cellars, Trinity Center, Trinity County
Wilderness awaits at Alpen Vineyard Cellars, a high-elevation, off-the-grid winery nestled into the craggy peaks of the Trinity Lakes region. Grab a few bottles of their award-winning wines to enjoy while you explore the area’s lakes and streams. Hitting the trails? Decant a bottle into your hydration bladder for a celebratory sip once you reach your destination.
The details: Glamping (platform tents), toilets, showers, no potable water. Pets allowed.
Bidwell Canyon Farm, Surprise Valley, Modoc County
Bidwell Canyon Farms, a small farm located in rural Modoc County, offers a unique glamping experience with a taste of life on a working farm. Guests will enjoy fresh, seasonal produce straight from the fields and participate in guided tours to learn more about how food is grown in this remote region. It’s a unique way to experience both the land and the lifestyle of Modoc County.
The details: Seasonal stays only. Glamping (vintage trailer or tiny house) with potable water and toilets.
Little Haven Gardens, Bayside, Humboldt County
Little Haven Gardens is the sweetest country retreat. Start your day with a cup of coffee creekside (you just might catch a glimpse of a river otter, if you’re lucky), and then spend the morning exploring the small farm and adjacent nature preserve. From June through November, guests are invited to stroll through the gardens and harvest fresh, organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs. If you’re eager to explore the surrounding area, Little Haven Gardens is just 15 minutes from Moonstone Beach and 45 minutes from Redwood National Park.
The details: RV only, no toilets or potable water. Pets allowed.
Studdert Family Farm, Temelec, Sonoma County
Wine tasting is wonderful, but why not elevate your next wine country getaway? At Studdert Family Farm, you can camp right in the middle of their Sonoma Valley Chardonnay vineyard. Surrounded by rolling hills, valley views, and countless nearby wineries, it’s the perfect spot to sip, stay, and explore.
The details: RV or tent sites with toilets and potable water. No pets allowed.
Sol Spirit Farm, Salyer, Trinity County
Experience life on a Northern California cannabis farm. Spend the night under the stars in comfortable glamping tents, surrounded by lush gardens, fresh vegetables, and grazing livestock. Depending on the season, guests will get an up-close and personal look at planting, pruning, harvesting, and more, all rooted in regenerative practices. Mouthwatering farm-to-table meals are included with your stay, made with ingredients from Sol Spirit Farm’s kitchen garden and other nearby producers.
The details: Glamping (bell tents), with toilets, showers and potable water. No pets allowed.
The Ripe Choice Farm Stay, Lakeport, Lake County
The Ripe Choice Farm Stay offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of wine country, surrounded by organic vineyards, orchards, and lush field crops. Spend the day bass fishing or kayaking at nearby Clear Lake, then join a hands-on cooking class – or relax and let Chef Tammy prepare a fresh, seasonal meal showcasing produce grown on the farm!
The details: RV only, no toilets or potable water. Pets allowed.
Blackberry Farm, Bolinas, Marin County
This charming 7-acre farm checks all the right boxes. With friendly farm animals, honeybees, orchards, eggs, and a kitchen garden, guests experience the wonder of life on a farm.
At Blackberry Farm, there are countless ways to relax and unwind. Sample the goods at the on-site self-serve farmstand, enjoy a soak in the communal hot hub or soar on the tree swings in the redwood grove. If you’re in the mood to explore, both the beach and downtown are just 15 minutes away.
The details: Glamping (rustic barn shed) or walk-in tent sites with toilets, showers and potable water. Pets allowed in tent sites only.
Ossia Village Farm, Crescent City, Del Norte County
At Ossia Village Farm, even the littlest guests are encouraged to pitch in and help out. Children will enjoy feeding the farm animals, and eager guests are invited to take part in simple farm chores. Once you’ve indulged your inner green thumb, enjoy the u-pick flower and vegetable gardens, take a bike ride to the beach or Smith River. Feeling extra adventurous? Sign up for surf lessons with Ossia Village Farm’s resident instructor. Farming and surfing all in one day—now that’s California living at its finest.
The details: Glamping (dome tent), RV and tent sites with potable water and toilets. Pets allowed.
Sierra Valley Farms, Beckwourth, Plumas County
Why settle for a simple farm tour when you can spend the night on one? Sierra Valley Farms offers four high-elevation meadow-view campsites and plenty of opportunities to dive into farm life. From Friday Night Farmers Markets to Saturday Farm-to-Table Barn Dinners and laid-back Sunday brunches, there’s always something happening. In the fall, guests are even invited to participate in harvest!
The details: Seasonal stays only. RV/tent site. Pets allowed, potable water, no toilets.
Learn more about camping, glamping and farm stays throughout the state!
Article by Hilary Rance. Photography by James Collier and Hilary Rance.