Southern California’s Most Romantic Camping Retreats

Valentine’s Day or not, there are plenty of reasons to check out the most romantic camping spots you could possibly imagine. Some of these are definitely off the beaten path, but totally worth an excursion to be shared between two lovebirds who love the outdoors. If you add any of these destinations to your camping list, your loved one may just ditch their normal pair of sunglasses for rose colored ones the whole year through.

The Pioneer’s Penthouse

The Intrepid Wild, Temecula, California

With a name like The Pioneer’s Penthouse, this magical semi-glampsite takes rustic, bohemian romance to a whole new level. For nature-seeking couples, there are incredible vistas of nearby mountains to enjoy with your boo. We recommend taking advantage of the plethora of biking, horse, and hiking trails on and around the penthouse during your stay.

Pianetta Ranch and Winery Camp

Paso Robles, California

Camping in the middle of a vineyard next to an old oak tree? Yes, please! This campsite gets two thumbs up for location and for the bounty of great vino at the camp!

Private Beach Farm

Goleta, California

You had us at greenhouse campsite with private beach access. Oh yeah, and the pizza oven out back? It’s fully functional and ready for use. We’ll have a slice of pepperoni, please!

Great Spirits Ranch

Malibu, California

Calling all animal lovers! This yurt’s location in Great Spirits Ranch makes it a perfect location to spend time with horses or rescue animals on the property. Plus, your stay in this traditional, Mongolian-style yurt will make you feel like you got away without the hassle of airport layovers.

Beach Canyon

Topanga, California

Camp like you are VIP guests at a 5-star resort without breaking the bank. This romantic retreat pulls out all the stops, including a hot tub and complimentary bottle of wine.

Historic Sturtevant Camp

Sierra Madre, California

We guarantee your significant other will say, “Hubba, hubba” to this hike-in only campsite. A perfect fit for two or a double-date, this cottage dates back to the 1920s and is the third oldest building at the historic Sturtevant Camp.

Wine Country Camp

Temecula, California

Camping with your honey in the heart of wine country has never been so easy at Wine Country Camp. Centrally located near 40 wineries and with over two acres of creatively landscaped land to roam, this location is perfect for the whimsical at heart.

Miracle Valley

Escondido, California

Living off the grid has never been so romantic. This treehouse is a total love nest of rustic charm. Don’t forget to pack your selfie stick. The 360-degree panoramic views here are to die for.

Northern California

Jug Handle Creek Farm

Casper, California

Picture this: a couple’s therapeutic massage following by your own private yoga session in a coastal forest. And that’s only the beginning of your romantic getaway to Jug Handle Creek Farm, a spacious, private campground surrounded by enchanting meadows bluffs, and forest landscapes; not to mention an easy 5-minute walk to Jug Handle Beach, where you can cuddle the day away along the secluded dunes. Photos by Madison Kotack, Ezekiel Gonzalez.

Mendocino Magic

Laytonville, California

Once a bait shop, Mendocino Magic’s Pond House has since been converted into a private, boho-sheek studio. We are so digging its serene, pond location. Did we mention The Pond House comes with your own private dock? Located on what used to be a trout farm, this couple’s retreat is surrounded by serene pond views and private trails to explore with that special someone. Photos by Beth Saravo.

WildTender Ranch & Rescue

Pescadero, California

Located in the heart of the “Slow Coast,” Wild Tender Ranch Light House View is a sanctuary getaway and minimalist’s paradise. A teepee set among a Native American prayer site and horse sanctuary, Wilder Tender Ranch Light House View provides a tranquil experience of the coast unlike any other. Unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and Pigeon Point Lighthouse will surely fill your heart with love. Photos by Juliana Linder. 

Solusan Urban Farm

Oakland, California

Perfect for first-time glamping couples, you can experience that “home away from home” feeling as you enjoy some incredible bay views, walk the property’s sustainable gardens, or put your feet up on the yurt’s organic mattress. A few steps away from your private yurt is a cabin fully stocked with food and creature comfort amenities, including a claw-foot tub to take a soak in. We seriously recommend ditching the road trip to stay at this local, Bay Area gem.

Columbia Flat

Garden Valley, California

Take a step back in time with your stay in this uniquely converted wagon nestled on a walnut orchard in the foothills of gold country. The Vintage Shepard’s Wagon embraces shabby-chic living with rustic, functional accommodations that transport you to the Gold Rush Era. Weather you watch wildlife from the wagon or enjoy a moonlit rinse in the outdoor shower, this romantic retreat will help you get in touch with your inner cowboy.

Mare Island Preserve

Vallejo, California

A cozy 2 feet of romantic bliss, the Vista History Garden Yurt overlooks the expansive Napa River and Carquinez Bridges, with Mt. Diablo, the Napa Valley, and Mt. St. Helen all as your backdrop. Plus, the Annual San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival takes place in February, a perfect add-on to your weekend!

Coast Campground

Point Reyes National Seashore, California

Coast Camp is a Point Reyes staple and the penultimate location to whisk your significant other off to a picturesque, beachy campsite. Although it is a moderately strenuous 2-mile hike from your car to the campsites, this hike offers stunning views of wildlife, meadows, and coastal woods along the way. Campfires are permitted on the beach, so pack in some wood to enjoy a beach campfire.

FlipJack Ranch

Santa Cruz, California

Replace camping with serious cabin living at FlipJack, a farm to table bed and breakfast that provides sustainably sourced meals. Other amenities include a campfire ring to read by, swimming pool, hot tub, and the rustic charm only the Santa Cruz redwoods provide.

Whiskey Ranch

Livermore, California

Burning Man meets glamping set among wheat fields. In fact, the wheat on the property is harvested to distill Whiskey. Sometimes a book really does reveal a lot from its cover.

Salmon Creek Ranch

Bodega, California

A treehouse turned architectural phenomenon, the Eagles Nest Treehouse Farmstay is suspended among Douglas Firs, complete with a spiral staircase down to your redwood deck. If that wasn’t cool enough, there’s a suspension bridge too! We give you permission to let your inner child run free among the tree canopies during your stay.