The best safari tents near Idyllwild

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The soaring peaks of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains (as high as 10,834 feet) serve as the backdrop for Idyllwild, a mountain town nearly a mile higher than nearby Palm Springs (set on the other side of the mountains). Camping adventures are abundant here, including rock climbing at premier multi-pitch traditional crags: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If belaying is not in your plans, miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Trail, pass through the region, and commanding views of the valley are at every turn for mountain bikers, too. The family-run supermarket and well-stocked general store serves as conveniences for campers staying in Idyllwild for a few days.

91% (84)

Top-rated campgrounds

Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

1. Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

99%
(78)
42mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Lodging · Vista, CA
After relocating from South Africa to Southern California we searched to find the perfect property to enjoy endless mountain, ocean and sunset views and a property that was fertile enough to be able to grow our own organic food. Now that we've found and enjoy our dream property we wanted to share it in a unique and exciting way by incorporating our African background and created this Safari Eco Tent so that passionate eco minded campers can also experience this stunning property. Unplug, Relax and Unwind in this Luxury African Safari Eco tent complete with solar hot water shower, rain water catchment, state of the art compost toilet, solar electric, full bathroom kitchen & Eco Heater. Experience a bit of Africa on this 2½ acre organic property surrounded by South African Protea flowers, native sages and fruit trees. Fall asleep in your luxury queen size bed with beautiful linens and awaken to the sounds of nature, enjoy nearby beaches, Temecula wineries, Safari Park & outstanding local Vista micro breweries.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$175
 / night
Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
45mi from Idyllwild · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Interior of tent- Super comfortable King bed with cooling mattress for summer and electric blanket for winter.

4. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%
(7)
47mi from Idyllwild · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA
THE AREA: Tucked away under a grove of oak trees, and circled by manzanita trees, sits "Manzanita Cove". A secluded glamping site that contains everything you need, including a private (seasonal pond). This private site is provided with about 1/2 acre of seclusion and equipped with everything needed for an amazing outdoor experience. The total property is about 5 acres, but is shared with our AirBnB: "Julians Red Fox Retreat", which can be booked separately or together with our "Manzanita Cove" glamping site. Because of the shared space, we do limit the number of guests to two, and ask that you be respectful of the space and noise level when booking independently. There are several hammocks around the grounds to relax as well as a few short trails to walk. The property is about a 7 minute drive from downtown Julian. WINTER/ SPRING GUESTS: Access to the site is down a bit of a steep dirt road, so we suggest that winter and Spring campers (wet weather) have AWD/4WD or park at the top and walk down. Otherwise is it accessible by most vehicles other parts of the year. Please do not stop on the hill when leaving. You will spin your tires and damage the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night

The soaring peaks of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains (as high as 10,834 feet) serve as the backdrop for Idyllwild, a mountain town nearly a mile higher than nearby Palm Springs (set on the other side of the mountains). Camping adventures are abundant here, including rock climbing at premier multi-pitch traditional crags: Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If belaying is not in your plans, miles of hiking trails, including a segment of the Pacific Coast Trail, pass through the region, and commanding views of the valley are at every turn for mountain bikers, too. The family-run supermarket and well-stocked general store serves as conveniences for campers staying in Idyllwild for a few days.

91% (84)

Top-rated campgrounds

Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

1. Eco Glamping Private Safari Tent

99%
(78)
42mi from Idyllwild · 3 sites · Lodging · Vista, CA
After relocating from South Africa to Southern California we searched to find the perfect property to enjoy endless mountain, ocean and sunset views and a property that was fertile enough to be able to grow our own organic food. Now that we've found and enjoy our dream property we wanted to share it in a unique and exciting way by incorporating our African background and created this Safari Eco Tent so that passionate eco minded campers can also experience this stunning property. Unplug, Relax and Unwind in this Luxury African Safari Eco tent complete with solar hot water shower, rain water catchment, state of the art compost toilet, solar electric, full bathroom kitchen & Eco Heater. Experience a bit of Africa on this 2½ acre organic property surrounded by South African Protea flowers, native sages and fruit trees. Fall asleep in your luxury queen size bed with beautiful linens and awaken to the sounds of nature, enjoy nearby beaches, Temecula wineries, Safari Park & outstanding local Vista micro breweries.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$175
 / night
Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

2. Manzanita Hill Woodland Camping

100%
(13)
45mi from Idyllwild · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA
The perfect blend of a relaxing San Diego local mountain getaway with access to nearby local attractions and restaurants! Manzanita Hill offers private camping with proximity to historic Julian, shopping, dining, and recreational opportunities. Located on over 8 acres of mountain woodlands, Manzanita Hill boasts of spectacular views of the Spencer Valley and the hills of nearby Santa Ysabel Preserve East. Bring your own tent, pull in your camper van, or book into our Safari tent, nestled in oak woodlands on a deck, with private compost toilet. Manzanita Hill is just: - a five minute drive to antique shops, Patchwork Market, cideries, farm stands, bakeries, and restaurants at Wynola Junction. - 10 minutes from historic Julian township, an old gold mining town. - A scenic 10 minute drive up Wynola Road to the Volcan Mountain Preserve trailhead, Menghini Winery, and apple orchards. - 15-20 minutes to Santa Ysabel for Julian Pie Company, Dudley's Bakery, Santa Ysabel Art Gallery, access to Santa Ysabel Preserve and Interpretive Center, Cuyamaca Lake, and more! Manzanita Hill Homestead, an early 20th century structure is under going a revival to modern homestead and community space. The surrounding woodlands are receiving some TLC focusing on forest health and wildfire prevention. There is one adventure trail onsite and a community propane fire pit (allowed when extreme heat or high winds are not forecast), because, well... s'mores.
Toilets
Showers
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
Interior of tent- Super comfortable King bed with cooling mattress for summer and electric blanket for winter.

4. Luxury Glamping - Manzanita Cove

100%
(7)
47mi from Idyllwild · 1 site · Lodging · Julian, CA
THE AREA: Tucked away under a grove of oak trees, and circled by manzanita trees, sits "Manzanita Cove". A secluded glamping site that contains everything you need, including a private (seasonal pond). This private site is provided with about 1/2 acre of seclusion and equipped with everything needed for an amazing outdoor experience. The total property is about 5 acres, but is shared with our AirBnB: "Julians Red Fox Retreat", which can be booked separately or together with our "Manzanita Cove" glamping site. Because of the shared space, we do limit the number of guests to two, and ask that you be respectful of the space and noise level when booking independently. There are several hammocks around the grounds to relax as well as a few short trails to walk. The property is about a 7 minute drive from downtown Julian. WINTER/ SPRING GUESTS: Access to the site is down a bit of a steep dirt road, so we suggest that winter and Spring campers (wet weather) have AWD/4WD or park at the top and walk down. Otherwise is it accessible by most vehicles other parts of the year. Please do not stop on the hill when leaving. You will spin your tires and damage the road.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$128
 / night

Stories from the community

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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best safari tents near Idyllwild guide

Where to go

Mount Jacinto State Park

Most visitors to the area head for Mount Jacinto State Park, which stretches from Idyllwild to Palm Springs. At the base of Mount San Jacinto, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lifts up and over the sheer eastern face, traveling 2.5 miles while rotating for a one-of-a-kind experience. At the top, 8,516 feet up from the valley floor, visitors arrive at a temperature difference that averages 40°F. The park houses a number of campgrounds for tent and RV campers, and more than 50 miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails are set just outside.

Idyllwild Nature Center

One mile west of Idyllwild, the Idyllwild Nature Center offers guided tours that focus on mountain ecology, local flora and fauna, Cahuilla Native culture, and the history of the San Jacinto Mountains. Nearby, Hidden Valley Nature Center opens onto 25 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock

Idyllwild is the hub for explorers seeking to climb Tahquitz Rock and Suicide Rock. If you do not have climbing gear at hand, bouldering is a mellower way to explore the crags. Both rocks are accessible via hiking trails from Idyllwild.

When to go

Winter conditions can be variable—passes can close without warning—and weather can change suddenly even in summer.