August is still prime time for spontaneous escapes and memory-making. And what better way to lean into the long days and warm nights than with a getaway that channels the magic of classic summer camp? Think forest trails, morning paddles, crafts beneath the redwoods, and—yes—s’mores. But this isn’t your childhood bunk-bed situation. Across California, resorts and ranches are reimagining the spirit of camp with elevated touches, farm-to-fork menus, and programming that blends fun with nature-focused learning. Whether you’re chasing stargazing in Mendocino or horseback rides in the Santa Ynez Valley, here are eight can’t-miss destinations that make it easy to unplug, reconnect, and let the kids explore the great outdoors.
And while these escapes shine in late summer, their camp-meets-comfort charm makes them worth bookmarking for any season. So fill the tank, cue up the playlist, and get ready to roam—California camp season is far from being over.
The River Electric: Guerneville’s Swim Club Revival
Bess Friday/The River Electric
Location: Guerneville, California
This newly opened resort and swim club is a summer camp, reimagined—with bold design choices, cheeky nostalgia, and just the right amount of glamour. Tucked beneath the redwoods along the Russian River, The River Electric features 40 designer-furnished canvas tents, two dreamy pools, and a check-in lounge that feels more like a boutique hotel lobby than a campground. The bathhouse? All tile, brass, and natural light—chic enough to make you forget you’re “roughing it.”
While kids explore the creek or join in on lawn games, grown-ups can sip spritzes by the pool, snack on tackle boxes stocked with everything from caviar to Goldfish crackers, or split a bucket of jumbo shrimp served with serious flair. It’s the most glorious way to dip your toe into glamping—and possibly the only camp where you’ll leave wanting to redecorate your house.
The Lodge at Marconi: West Marin, Reimagined
Location: Marshall, California, in West Marin
Once a historic telegraph site, this newly reimagined retreat blends its roots in mid-century architecture with warm, wood-clad design and a slow-living sensibility that feels both retro and refined. Set high above Tomales Bay in a forested state park, The Lodge at Marconi offers a rare kind of peace—sunrise journaling under bay trees, guided native plant walks, and firepits perfect for unplugged evenings and stargazing.
Design lovers will appreciate the stylish 70s-inspired cabins, each updated with thoughtful finishes and curated details. S’mores kits are available at the front desk, and after a hike or botanical walk, you can pick up provisions at the on-site gourmet market—perfect for impromptu picnics or late afternoon sips overlooking the water. There’s also a seasonal restaurant serving a standout menu of local fare, and shared BBQs where you can throw a bag of Hog Island oysters on the grill after a day spent exploring the coast. It’s summer camp meets coastal sanctuary—with a view you won’t soon forget.
Carmel Valley Ranch: Camp Vibes with a Luxe Twist
Courtesy of Carmel Valley Ranch
Location: Carmel, California
Where else can you forage for herbs with a chef, take a beekeeping class, hike among wildflowers, and then soak in a hot tub under the stars? Carmel Valley Ranch’s hands-on, nature-forward offerings are designed to spark curiosity at every age, with daily activities like falconry experiences, lasso lessons, and culinary garden explorations, all designed to nurture a deeper connection with the land. And yes, there are miniature donkeys available for private family picnics (cue the photo op of a lifetime).
When it’s time to cool off, River Ranch has not one, not two, but three pools. The main Family Pool is a playful scene for all ages and includes a newly renovated hot tub, a new children’s wading pool, and a splash pad for the littlest guests. The Flex Pool (also with a hot tub) is for adults looking to alternate between lap swimming and leisurely lounging. With new landscaping, upgraded loungers, and fire pits sprinkled throughout, it’s a dream setup for kicking back after a full day of adventure.
Mendocino Grove: Glamping in the Trees
Courtesy of Mendocino Grove
Location: Mendocino, California
Tucked into the coastal headlands just minutes from town, Mendocino Grove offers that breezy, redwood-scented kind of escape where nature sets the pace—but you never have to sleep on the ground. Families can settle into safari-style tents outfitted with real beds, cozy linens, and private decks, then spend the day exploring tide pools, hiking the nearby loop trail, or kicking back in a hammock strung between trees.
At Campground HQ, the vibe is warm and communal. Mornings start with coffee, cocoa, and a rotating breakfast surprise served from 7:30 to 10 a.m., and Friday nights bring chef-led dinners that showcase fresh, seasonal flavors.
Kids can run free with bocce, badminton, and horseshoes, while parents sneak in a little hammock time. The property’s thoughtful add-ons—like custom dining packages, s’mores kits, and easy access to Big River and local canoe rentals—make it a perfect choose-your-own-adventure kind of place. It’s all the spirit of summer camp, wrapped in fresh sea air and coastal comfort.
Alisal Ranch: Saddle up, Cast Off, and Kick Back in Style
Teal Thompson/Alisal Ranch
Location: Solvang, California
This legendary 10,500-acre property blends Western adventure with laid-back luxury, Alisal Ranch offers the kind of memory-making experiences that feel lifted from a storybook. Daily horseback rides wind through oak-studded hills, kids can help feed the animals during barnyard visits, and the private lake sets the scene for paddle boating, kayaking, and guided fishing adventures.
One not-to-miss tradition? The breakfast horseback ride to historic Adobe Camp, where guests saddle up at sunrise and head out on a scenic ride beneath giant sycamores. Waiting at the campfire: a full western-style breakfast—legendary flapjacks, eggs, bacon, sausage, quesadillas, pastries, and more. Prefer not to ride? No problem—you can join by hay wagon and still soak up the experience.
While kids are happily engaged in The Kids Club—with projects, outdoor play, and animal encounters—parents can hit the trails solo or indulge in garden-to-table cooking classes, a wine tasting, or a well-earned nap beneath the oaks. Evenings bring movie nights, bingo in the barn, and fireside s’mores under the stars. With blooming grounds, wide-open skies, and that perfect mix of rustic and refined, it’s like if summer camp grew up—beautifully.
Ojai Valley Inn: Nature Meets Nurture in the Summer Camp Series
Ojai Valley Inn
Location: Ojai, California
The Ojai Valley Inn’s summer programming includes everything from pollinator education to guided nature art classes, family yoga, and outdoor movie nights beneath the stars. Set against a landscape of golden hills and old-growth sycamores, it’s a soulful, stylish escape where every generation can engage with nature in their own way.
Young guests can dive into the immersive world of Camp Oak, where ages 4–12 enjoy curated, Ojai-inspired programming—think arts and crafts, science experiments, and fresh-air adventures. With full-day, half-day, and even night camp sessions, parents can slip away for a spa afternoon or savor a long, wine-paired dinner.
Don’t miss the resort’s beekeeping experiences, where guests can suit up and step into the buzzing world of the hives, learning about Ojai’s native pollinators and their critical role in the environment. Whether you’re making candles from beeswax or discovering the magic of honey harvest, it’s a hands-on, memory-making moment for all ages. From peaceful mornings in the Artist Cottage to golden-hour strolls under sycamores, the Inn offers a quintessential Ojai experience—thoughtful, joyful, and totally unplugged.
Greenhorn Ranch: A Five-Star Dude Ranch in the Lost Sierra
Courtesy of Greenhorn Ranch
Location: Quincy, California
Saddle up! Set on 600 pine-studded acres in Northern California’s Lost Sierra, Greenhorn Ranch is a working dude ranch that blends classic summer camp vibes with elevated Western hospitality. Since 1962, Greenhorn Ranch has welcomed families with a mix of wide-open adventure and rustic comfort—and the fun shows no signs of slowing down.
The days here are packed with just-for-kids programming like the Kiddie Corral (ages 3–5), where buckaroo fishing, forest discovery, and obstacle courses keep little ones busy while grownups sneak away for skeet shooting or a whiskey tasting. Older kids can roam and ride with Junior Greenhorns (ages 6–11), trying their hand at archery, slingshots, horseback trail rides, and hands-on crafts. Evening brings family karaoke, movie nights, and s’mores around the campfire—cue the nostalgia.
For teens and adults, it’s all about unplugging in style: e-bike trails through open forest, gold panning excursions, fly fishing with expert guides, and peaceful mornings on horseback. Need to cool off? Lounge by the pool, then catch sunset at the Saloon over a well-earned cocktail while the kids chase frogs by the creek. With access to over 500,000 acres of public land and a schedule full of immersive outdoor experiences, Greenhorn Ranch is a choose-your-own-adventure destination with something for every generation.
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa: Sports Camp Meets Coastal Escape
Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Location: Carlsbad, California
For families who want to move, the sunny Omni La Coast Resort & Spa offers tennis, pickleball, and junior golf clinics led by pros—all with an encouraging, kid-first approach. Young athletes can dive into weekly Tennis & Pickleball Camps designed to build skills, teamwork, and a love for the game. From the intensive Summer High-Performance Junior Tennis Academy to morning and afternoon camps for various ages, the pros at Cliff Drysdale Tennis cover every level. Junior Pickleball Programs introduce beginners to basic strokes and hand-eye coordination, progressing to advanced play for teens. Budding golfers can learn alongside PGA-certified pros on the resort’s renowned courses through Junior Golf Clinics, focusing on technique, etiquette, and on-course experience.
For the littlest campers, Little Sprouts is a lively club and childcare program for kids ages six months to 12 years. With day camps seven days a week and evening night camps twice weekly, the club offers soft climb toys, puzzles, laser tag, basketball games, a craft room, and a mesmerizing 600-gallon saltwater aquarium filled with exotic fish. Whether rallying on the courts or teeing off on championship greens, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa delivers a summer camp experience tailored for every member of the family.