Here’s the thing about Labor Day weekend in Southern California: everyone assumes the good spots are booked solid, leaving you with overpriced hotels or that sketchy campground where the bathrooms make you question your life choices. Not this year.
Turns out, some of the most spectacular glamping experiences in SoCal are still taking reservations — and we’re talking about the kind of places that make your Instagram followers go, “Wait, that’s camping?” From falling asleep to the sound of actual lions at Safari Park Camp to soaking in mineral-rich hot springs under a blanket of desert stars, these seven hidden gems deliver luxury without the Labor Day madness.
You don’t have to choose between comfort and adventure anymore. These spots get it — they know you want s’mores by the fire AND a real bed to sleep in afterward. Whether you’re craving ocean views from a clifftop yurt in Big Sur or dreaming of waking up in a vintage Airstream surrounded by Joshua trees, these destinations prove that roughing it doesn’t have to mean, well, actually roughing it.
Pack your sense of adventure but leave the air mattress at home — these places have got the comfort thing covered.
Let’s talk about El Capitan Canyon — the spot that figured out how to do luxury camping before everyone else jumped on the bandwagon. Twenty miles north of Santa Barbara, this 300-acre slice of coastal paradise has been perfecting the art of “roughing it” in style since 2000.
Picture this: the Santa Ynez Mountains rolling down to meet the Pacific, with towering sycamores and coastal oaks creating a natural cathedral around El Capitán Creek. You’re just 10 minutes from Santa Barbara Airport, but you’d never know it from the peace and quiet.
The land has stories to tell — originally a sacred Chumash celebration site called Ajuilashmu, it’s evolved through centuries while keeping its wild heart intact. Now you get 2,500 acres of backcountry to explore via the Bill Wallace Trail, because sometimes you need to earn those sunset views.
Getting here from LA? It’s a straight shot up Highway 101 for 115 miles, then exit at El Capitan State Beach and follow the signs. Easy enough that you won’t need a GPS argument with your travel companion.
Here’s where El Capitan gets serious about comfort. Your accommodation options range from “cozy” to “wait, this is camping?”
Cedar Cabins come loaded with vaulted ceilings, French doors, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes stocked with everything you need for morning coffee. Adventure Yurts feature those domed skylights that turn bedtime into a stargazing session. Safari Tents sit on wooden platforms with real beds and down duvets — because sleeping on the ground is optional.
Every spot includes daily housekeeping (yes, really), your own picnic table, and a fire pit with a removable grill. The Canyon Market & Deli handles everything from local Santa Barbara wines to those organic snacks you forgot to pack — it’s like having a tiny Whole Foods in the wilderness.
The place buzzes with things to do. Grab one of their complimentary beach cruisers and explore the grounds, or let the kids loose on the playground while you claim a spot by the heated pool. Hikers get 15 miles of private trails, including the Selma Rubin Trail that leads to the llama and goat farm — yes, there are llamas.
Come summer, they roll out the red carpet with Saturday concerts from Memorial Day to Labor Day, wine tastings, yoga classes, and guided meditation sessions. Beach lovers can walk across Highway 101 to El Capitan State Beach for swimming, fishing, or just finding the perfect tidepools. Refugio State Beach and The Cultured Abalone Farm are both within a quick drive.
Santa Barbara’s downtown scene sits just 20 minutes away, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the Danish village of Solvang makes for a charming day trip.
Rates run from $145 to $795 per night depending on what you choose and when you visit. Labor Day weekend? You’re looking at $323 to $423 for standard accommodations.
Here’s what you need to know:
Call (866) 352-2729 or book online, and don’t sleep on those BBQ kits from Canyon Market — they include everything down to the s’mores ingredients. Want to go full luxury? Their “cabin service” delivers Deli menu meals right to your site, because sometimes you want gourmet without the effort.
Look, not everyone gets the desert thing at first. All that open space, those twisted Joshua trees standing around like they’re auditioning for a Tim Burton movie, and the kind of silence that makes city folks twitchy. But here’s what AutoCamp Joshua Tree understands: sometimes you need to get lost in all that vastness — you just don’t need to sleep on rocks while you’re doing it.
Planted right at 62209 Verbena Road in Joshua Tree, this place sits pretty at 2,736 feet above sea level, which means those desert views stretch on for days [42]. You’re one mile from downtown Joshua Tree (yes, it has a downtown) and six miles from the national park’s west entrance — close enough to explore Skull Rock without breaking a sweat, far enough to avoid the tourist circus.
The 25-acre spread gives you room to breathe in that high desert ecosystem that makes Joshua Tree famous. Unlike those coastal spots where you’re practically camping in someone’s backyard, AutoCamp Joshua Tree embraces the wide-open desert vibe. They positioned everything north of Highway 62 for maximum views and minimum road noise — smart move.
Want to venture beyond the Joshua trees? Palm Springs is close enough for a spa day, and the local crystal shops will either fascinate you or make you roll your eyes. Either way, you’re positioned right where cosmic wellness meets otherworldly adventure.
Here’s where AutoCamp gets clever with their accommodations — they’ve taken the classic Airstream and turned it into something that would make your Instagram followers jealous:
Every single unit comes with flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth audio systems, climate control, kitchenettes, and luxury bath products — because roughing it doesn’t mean going without your creature comforts. The social hub is this distinctive Quonset-style clubhouse with a ’60s fireplace that looks like it belongs in a vintage sci-fi movie, plus heated concrete furniture that’s surprisingly comfortable.
Each spot includes your own private outdoor space with a picnic table, Adirondack chairs, and a personal fire pit. Perfect for those warm desert evenings when the stars start putting on their show [43].
AutoCamp doesn’t just plop you in the desert and wish you luck. Morning yoga kicks off at 8:00 AM for those who want to greet the sun properly. Mountain bikes are free to borrow for exploring the area — and trust me, the desert looks different when you’re pedaling through it.
The heated pool transforms into a hot tub when temperatures drop, because desert nights can surprise you. Weekly campfire music performances bring that authentic desert vibe, while moonlight guided hikes in Joshua Tree National Park let you experience the otherworldly landscape after dark. Family movie nights and campfire storytelling round out the entertainment — old-school fun that actually works.
The monthly Joshua Tree Art Walk happens every second Saturday, local crystal shops offer their own brand of desert magic, and hiking trails spider out in every direction. The Transmission Sculpture by Daniel Popper, World Famous Crochet Museum, and Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum are all short drives away — quirky attractions that perfectly capture the area’s artistic spirit.
Non-peak summer rates start at $284 per night, with peak season averaging around $332. Labor Day weekend? Expect to pay $300 to $400 for Airstreams, with similar pricing for the rectangular cabin units.
Pro tip: book midweek for serious savings. Monday and Tuesday are your wallet’s best friends, while Saturday will make you wince at checkout. July and September typically offer the sweetest deals if you can swing those dates.
Booking details that matter:
Budget for extras like s’mores kits ($15), firewood ($20), and BBQ packages ($79-85) — because the on-site restaurant knows what you need.
Look, there’s wellness tourism, and then there’s The Spring — where you can soak your troubles away in actual healing mineral water while sleeping in a lovingly restored vintage camper that’s more stylish than most people’s apartments.
Tucked away on five acres at 60-001 Park Lane in Desert Hot Springs, The Spring sits above some seriously sacred ground — ancient hot springs and cold water aquifers that have been doing their thing long before Instagram made soaking trendy. What started as a forgotten RV park got the glow-up it deserved when visionary owners recognized the magic bubbling beneath their feet.
Twenty minutes from Palm Springs but worlds away from the crowd, this spot harnesses what Desert Hot Springs does best: mineral-rich waters that gave the town its name and its reputation. Those gleaming silver Airstreams scattered across the desert landscape? They’re not just pretty — they’re your ticket to a wellness experience that doesn’t require chanting or pretending kale tastes good.
These aren’t your grandfather’s travel trailers (though he’d probably be jealous). The Spring’s “Capsules of Calm” showcase vintage glamour from the golden age of auto camping — we’re talking Airstream, Streamline, Boles, Spartan, and Avion beauties that have been meticulously restored without losing their soul.
Each trailer delivers the goods:
But here’s where it gets good: every camper comes with its own private cabana and robust soaking tub. Fill it with hot mineral water for therapeutic bliss, or go cold for that wake-up-your-soul plunge. Privacy curtains mean you can soak however you want — birthday suit included.
The shared mineral pool gives you another way to experience these famous waters that have been drawing wellness seekers since way before it was cool.
Sure, you could spend your entire stay moving between your private tub and the pool (no judgment), but Desert Hot Springs has more to offer than just superior soaking:
This area bills itself as an energy vortex, which sounds like marketing speak until you spend a day here [55]. Between the mineral waters and whatever cosmic forces are at play, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve been reset — or bought — we don’t judge [54].
Expect to pay $260 to $450 per night, depending on which vintage beauty catches your eye and when you’re visiting. Labor Day falls smack in peak season, so book early or risk missing out on your mineral water therapy session.
The Spring operates under the Aqua Soleil Hotel & Spa umbrella, giving you access to additional amenities while keeping that intimate glamping vibe. Key details:
As one of the few glamping options in the Coachella Valley, The Spring offers something genuinely different from your typical desert escape. Sometimes the best adventures happen when you slow down enough to let the healing happen.
Let’s talk about waking up to the Pacific Ocean spread out below you like nature’s own infinity pool. Treebones Resort clings to Big Sur’s cliffs with the kind of confidence that makes you forget you’re technically still camping — until you remember you’re sleeping in a yurt and loving every minute of it.
Perched on Big Sur’s southern edge at Mile Marker 11 off Highway 1, Treebones commands ocean views that’ll make you question why you ever thought a hotel room with a parking lot view was acceptable. Fair warning: Highway 1 has a habit of closing for repairs, sometimes sending you on the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road detour. Don’t panic — that winding mountain route delivers its own jaw-dropping moment when the Pacific first comes into view.
The resort sits where dramatic coastline meets careful conservation, letting you experience Big Sur’s wild beauty without trampling it. Getting there requires a bit of planning (check road conditions first), but that’s just Big Sur keeping the crowds honest.
Here’s where Treebones gets interesting — they’ve mastered the art of outdoor luxury without going overboard:
Yurts: These circular canvas homes come with actual beds, not sleeping bags, and redwood decks where you can drink your morning coffee while watching whales migrate. The ocean-view yurts get king beds because, honestly, if you’re going to splurge on Big Sur, do it right.
Human Nest and Twig Hut: Artist Jayson Fann wove these structures from eucalyptus branches, creating something between sculpture and shelter. They’re Instagram gold, but pack layers — you might wake up to curious wildlife or ocean breezes that remind you you’re definitely not in Kansas anymore.
Autonomous Tents: The resort’s top-tier option comes with private bathrooms (hallelujah) and 300-square-foot decks with fire pits positioned perfectly for sunset viewing. Sometimes the upgrade is worth it.
Every stay includes breakfast, pool access, and 24-hour showers — because even in paradise, you want to feel human.
Beyond soaking in that heated pool while staring at the endless Pacific, Treebones keeps things surprisingly active. They grow their own produce on-site (farm-to-table vibes without the pretension) and offer yoga classes in an outdoor amphitheater where your downward dog comes with ocean soundtrack.
Day trips worth the drive:
Want something more adventurous? They’ll arrange guided hikes, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park visits, or sea kayaking in San Simeon Cove. Just saying.
Campsites start around $100, but the Autonomous Tents can hit $600+ — that’s Big Sur for you. Weekend stays require two nights minimum, and Labor Day weekend? Good luck getting anything without booking months ahead.
Here’s the reality check:
Pro tip: follow them on Twitter for last-minute openings — sometimes cancellations happen. The on-site restaurant, sushi bar, and outdoor bar mean you can stay put and still eat well after a day of exploring.
This isn’t budget camping, but it’s Big Sur. Sometimes you pay for the view — and honey, this view delivers.
Let’s talk about the kind of camping experience that makes every other glamping story sound boring: falling asleep to the actual sound of lions roaring just outside your tent. No, we’re not talking about some nature soundtrack app — we’re talking about real, live African wildlife doing their thing while you’re trying to get cozy in your sleeping bag.
Welcome to Safari Park Camp at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido, where 260 acres of pristine wilderness become your backyard for the night. This isn’t your typical “pitch a tent anywhere” situation — your campsite sits right above the African Plains exhibit, giving you front-row seats to giraffes, rhinos, and antelope going about their evening routines.
What started as an educational program has turned into something way cooler: the chance to experience wildlife after everyone else goes home. When the day visitors pack up and leave, that’s when the real show begins.
Here’s where things get interesting — you’ve got options that range from “I can handle some adventure” to “I want to feel wild but still sleep like a human being”:
Every single package includes your meals and guided activities. The Premium tents? They’re for folks who want to hear lions roar but don’t want to sacrifice a good night’s sleep for the privilege.
This is where the magic happens: guided walks after dark to see what the animals are really up to when the crowds disappear. Trust me, hearing a lion’s roar echo through the canyon at midnight hits different than any nature documentary you’ve ever watched. Come morning, you’ll get up-close time with wildlife ambassadors — think snakes, kangaroos, and porcupines that’ll make you forget all about your morning coffee.
Want to take it up a notch? The Supreme Roar & Snore package throws in a Night Vision Safari with special binoculars for stalking — er, observing — African and Asian wildlife in the dark.
Prices run from $165 to $245 per person depending on how fancy you want to get. Solo adventurers, heads up — you’ll pay for two people minimum, but honestly, this experience is better shared anyway.
Worth knowing:
You can change your booking up to 30 days out for a $25 fee, but cancel within 30 days and you’re out of luck. Fair warning: once you book this, you’re going to have a hard time explaining to people why regular camping just doesn’t cut it anymore.
Look, sometimes you need to get high — elevation-wise, obviously — to get your head straight. Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa perches at 5,174 feet in the San Bernardino Mountains, where the air is thin and your cell reception is thinner, which is exactly the point.
Less than two hours from LA’s chaos, this mountain retreat sits nestled among towering pines like it’s been there forever. Here’s the kicker: you get exclusive access to Lake Arrowhead’s private shores — something most people don’t even know exists since the lake stays locked away from the general public. It’s like having a secret swimming hole, except with room service.
The resort houses 173 rooms including 11 luxury suites, each one decorated with that cozy mountain cabin vibe — think warm wood accents and linens that actually make you want to stay in bed. The resort fee covers the good stuff:
Basically, they’ve taken hotel comfort and dropped it into a mountain postcard.
Daily fishing from the resort dock, family movie nights, and evening s’mores by the fire — it’s like summer camp for grown-ups who can afford wine with dinner. The stargazing here is ridiculous in the best way, with three prime viewing spots: the pool, beach, or wedding lawn. Lake Arrowhead Village sits just a short walk away, offering shopping and dining when you need a break from all that serenity.
Here’s where it gets interesting: midweek rates start at $159 per night, which is practically stealing for this level of mountain luxury. SoCal residents get exclusive discounts, plus savings for AAA/AARP members (up to 15% off), government employees, teachers, and military personnel. Because sometimes being responsible pays off — literally.
Sometimes the best secrets hide in plain sight. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area sits quietly in the Santa Ynez Valley, doing its thing without the fanfare of Big Sur or the Instagram buzz of Joshua Tree — and that’s exactly what makes it special.
This 9,000-acre sanctuary landed on the map when they built Bradbury Dam back in 1953, creating a 3,100-acre lake that holds 188,000 acre-feet of water. What really matters? Those December 2022 and January 2023 storms filled this beauty to 100% capacity for the first time in 12 years. Translation: 2025 is your year to see Cachuma at its absolute best.
The lake sits perfectly positioned off Highway 154, close enough to Santa Barbara and Solvang that you can grab Danish pastries for breakfast if the mood strikes, but far enough away that you’ll actually unplug from the world.
Here’s where Cachuma gets interesting — it’s not trying to be the fanciest spot on the list, and honestly, that’s its superpower:
Every option gets you access to hiking trails and wildlife watching. Fair warning though — no swimming allowed since this lake doubles as drinking water for the area. But trust us, there’s plenty else to keep you busy.
The fishing here? Year-round rainbow trout action with fresh stock all winter long. Nature lovers can hop aboard the 30-passenger Osprey pontoon for guided wildlife cruises — and if you visit during winter months, you might spot bald eagles doing their thing.
Families hit the jackpot with Junior Ranger programs and live animal presentations that actually hold kids’ attention. Movie nights under the stars run June through August, landing perfectly for your Labor Day weekend plans.
Book up to six months ahead, with a two-night minimum for cabins and yurts. Check-in starts at 3:00 PM, checkout at 11:00 AM, and if you need to cancel, do it by noon the day before. Want to extend your stay? You can camp up to 14 consecutive nights before they make you take a two-week break.
Bottom line: Cachuma delivers solid outdoor experiences without the premium price tag — sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
Look, we get it — seven glamping spots is a lot to keep straight when you’re trying to make a decision. So here’s the breakdown without the fluff, because your Labor Day weekend deserves better than analysis paralysis.
Property Name | Location/Setting | Accommodation Types | Price Range (per night) | Unique Features | Notable Activities | Pet Policy |
El Capitan Canyon | 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, 300-acre coastal property | Cedar Cabins, Adventure Yurts, Safari Tents | $145-$795 | Daily housekeeping, private fire pits, Canyon Market & Deli | Beach cruiser bikes, heated pool, summer concerts, wine tastings | Not allowed |
AutoCamp Joshua Tree | 1 mile from Joshua Tree downtown, 25-acre desert property | Airstream Suites, Premium Suites, Vista Suites, Accessible Suites | $284-$400 | 24-hour front desk, private outdoor spaces, Quonset-style clubhouse | Morning yoga, mountain biking, heated pool, moonlight hikes | Allowed (extra charge) |
The Spring | Desert Hot Springs, 5-acre property | Vintage Travel Trailers | $260-$450 | Private mineral water soaking tubs, private cabanas | Mineral pool access, wellness workshops, sound baths | Not mentioned |
Treebones Resort | Big Sur Coast, oceanfront property | Yurts, Human Nest, Twig Hut, Autonomous Tents, Campsites | $100-$600+ | Ocean views, complimentary breakfast, organic garden | Yoga classes, massage services, guided hikes | Not allowed |
Safari Park Camp | San Diego Zoo Safari Park, Escondido | Classic Tents, Vista Tents, Premium Tents | $165-$245 per person | Overlooks African Plains exhibit, includes meals | Night wildlife viewing, guided walks, animal presentations | Not mentioned |
Lake Arrowhead Resort | San Bernardino Mountains, lakefront property | Hotel Rooms, Luxury Suites | From $159 | Private beach access, heated outdoor pool | Fishing, stargazing, s’mores by the fire | Not mentioned |
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area | Santa Ynez Valley, lakefront property | Yurts, Cabins, Campsites | $75-$100 (yurts) | No swimming allowed (drinking reservoir), lakeside locations | Guided lake cruises, fishing, Junior Ranger programs | Not mentioned |
The sweet spot for most people? AutoCamp Joshua Tree if you want that Instagram-worthy desert vibe, or Cachuma Lake if you’re watching your budget but still want those lakeside sunset views. Safari Park Camp wins for pure uniqueness — because honestly, where else are you going to fall asleep to actual lion roars?
Look, you’ve got seven solid options here, and each one delivers something different. Want to wake up to lions roaring? Safari Park Camp has you covered. Craving those healing mineral waters? The Spring knows what’s up. Ocean views that’ll make you forget your Instagram exists? Treebones Resort doesn’t mess around.
Here’s what you need to know: Labor Day weekend books fast, and the good spots disappear first. El Capitan Canyon? Those cedar cabins with the French doors are gone months ahead of time. The clifftop yurts at Treebones? Same story. Don’t be the person scrolling through sold-out listings the week before your trip.
Prices run the gamut from $75 a night for lakeside yurts at Cachuma Lake to $600+ for the premium ocean view experience at Treebones. Desert spots like Joshua Tree and Desert Hot Springs can swing hot during the day and cool at night, so pack accordingly — but you already knew that, right?
The real win here is that you don’t have to choose between comfort and adventure anymore. These spots figured out how to give you both without the usual camping drama. No fighting with tent stakes in the dark, no wondering if that sound outside is a raccoon or something bigger.
Your Labor Day weekend doesn’t have to be another generic hotel experience or another weekend scrolling on the couch. These seven spots are still taking reservations, and they’re ready to remind you why getting outside beats staying in every single time.
Book now, pack light, and get ready to sleep under stars that actually matter.
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