Happy Glamping

            Turn the lantern light low and tuck the children in for the night. Snuggle under layers of soft, warm bed linens and let the gentle sighing of the big trees or a murmuring, flowing creek lull you to sleep. After a day of hiking, exploring or just relaxing by the fire pit, a private wall tent provides a cozy camping retreat without lugging all the gear. Beds? Camping? Yes, glamping (glamor + camping) provides an elevated camping option, sleeping in a real bed protected from the elements in a comfortable, rustic accommodation. Glampsites have blossomed in upper Northern California, attracting families, couples and individuals who wish to spend the night nestled in the arms of nature without staking out a tent and burrowing into sleeping bags.

Unplug and enjoy nature in comfort

Head toward Lassen National Park for rustic glamping in a beautiful setting at Mill Creek. Self-proclaimed former “city mice” Jillian and Joe Hower purchased Tehama County’s Mill Creek Resort in 2017 after moving north from San Diego. They fell in love with the 12-acre property and its magical conifer forest and are excited to welcome families to Mill Creek’s newest addition, a Glamping Village with six glampsites ranging from $130 to $180 per night. The resort was established in the 1930s and still offers quaint, updated cabins for rent as well as spacious traditional camp sites, RV sites, a bijou vintage trailer for two and a lodge ready to host weddings, church functions and family reunions. Just an hour’s drive from Red Bluff and 20 minutes from the southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mill Creek offers visitors easy entree to a remote environment where they can unplug, recharge and reconnect with one another.

            “We’ve put a lot of heart and soul into the resort,” says Jillian Hower. “It’s our passion to share our land and encourage everyone to get outside, get dirty and find their wild. It’s a very unique experience being deep in the forest – unique family bonding experience.”

Glamping can mean packing light

Jillian encourages visitors to pack light and take advantage of all the basics included with glampsites. “So many people want the camping experience but don’t have the gear and just want to try it out. We tested the glamping sites by staying in them with our children, then adding amenities that we thought families and individuals would value.”

            Mill Creek Resort is open from mid-May through October and visitors can enjoy nearby Lassen Park, a wander in Mill Creek’s meadow, wading or swimming in the creek or simply relaxing by the fire. Heavy, insulated and enclosed canvas tents, some with king size beds and others with twin beds, sleep from two to five people. A luxury sleeping pad can be added to squeeze in an extra person. Propane space heaters are supplied for extra chilly nights. Warm showers and flush toilets are a short walk away at the shower house. Glampers can rent a camping kit with a cookstove, plates and cutlery – just bring your own food. Each site has its own fire pit, perfect for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows. For those that prefer to shop or eat out, restaurants and stores are just 5 miles away.

            After a recent visit to Mill Creek, happy glamper Lisa said, “We absolutely loved this glamping site! It worked out great for us leaving really early on our last day to just roll out of bed and go. Also, we probably had the best sleep we’ve ever had camping. We even asked the owners about the mattress they purchased for it! We would definitely recommend this camping site to friends and family for a wonderful stay.”

Glamping throughout the North State

Beyond Mill Creek, glamping adventure hubs are sprinkled throughout the mountains and forests of scenic Northern California. They are available near rivers, lakes, waterfalls and state and national parks. They provide a comfy place to spend the night after enjoying activities like hiking, kayaking, swimming, bird watching, fishing and rock hunting. In addition to the glamping tent experience, options on offer include yurts, tree houses, tiny homes, cottages, cabins and micro cabins. Some intriguing destinations include Lake Siskiyou, Trinity Lake, Burney Falls State Park, Castella near Castle Crags State Park and the magnificent Mount Shasta area.

            Online directories can help you find the glamping option that speaks to you and best meets your needs and budget. Start your search with discoversiskiyou.com/lodgings/outlivin, thedyrt.com, glampinghub.com or millcreekresort.net. Get ready to pack up the kids, the food and a few luxury items or run away for a quiet adults-only weekend. The amazing sights, sounds and smells of the outdoors are calling. Happy glamping!

Deborah Peel is a writer, active hiker, lover of big trees and isolated mountain tops. She’s a proud mom to three grown children and a decided dog person. Backpacking is her heart’s desire but glamping has just made her “to do” list.