Take in all the nuances of a NorCal autumn—from a geodesic dome, no less.
Longing for a change in scenery, perhaps one painted by the hues from autumn's warm color palette? Just a few hours north or south of the Golden Gate Bridge, those canvassed landscapes lie in breathtaking detail. Here are the most charming Bay Area spots to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Camp Cruz Large Group Retreat Glamping
Vibe-out and unwind.(Courtesy of Hipcamp via Jay Kijai)
Situated atop four acres of pristine redwood forests, Camp Cruze's geodesic yurt is, perhaps, one of the most beguiling outdoor structures found anywhere that side of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Offering a large covered outdoor kitchen on a spacious deck with a 3-burner stove, pots and pans, a grill; and a sink with potable well water, tables, chairs, and electricity, the term "roughing it" might not be the all too appropriate here. But, by all means—glamp-out to your heart's content, backdropped by the foliage in free-fall and choruses of migratory song birds. Fun fact: Camp Cruz offers on-site Swedish massage by a certified massage therapist. // From $420/night for upwards of 6 adults (pets can tag along too), details at Hipcamp.com
Cozy Up To The Redwoods Campsites
Nestled in the heart of Fall Creek State Park's 2,500 acre forest, these tent-only sites offer an immersive, no-frills experience to take in all of Autumn's many natural splendors. Pitch a tent, put your iPhone on Airplane Mode and get lost in the wonder of the old-growth redwoods populating the whisper-quiet acreage. Shouldering the adjacent spring-fed creeks, the water is so crystal clean-and-clear, campers are welcomed to refill their water canteens straight from source. A greenhouse shower (with hot water) is a short hike up the hill, should you opt for a shower as opposed to a chilly dip in the nearby creek. // From $60/night per reserved campsite (leashed pets and even contained campfires are allowed), details at Hipcamp.com
Muirs Muse Retreat Loft
The perfect deck to sunbathe and take in the leaves, or stargaze.(Courtesy of Hipcamp via Madison Kotack)
Just a hair over 5,000 feet in elevation above the Tahoe National Forest, latticed with climbing dirty roads, Muir's Muse Retreat is a welcomed breath of fresh air. A playground of sorts for hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all of the like, bathe in the rich silence afforded by zero-bars of cellphone reception—and not a wall outlet in sight. This, truly, is an off-the-grid experience, one where you can explore all the seasonal treasures of a Northern California fall season, either propped-up by the loft window or hiking three-mile Pioneer Trail. Leave the linens at home, but you might want to pack a few fireside cooking utensils, such as a cast iron pot and pan. // From $70/night for upwards of three people (BYOW: bring your own water), details at Hipcamp.com
The epitome of "a cabin in the woods," Creekside Cabin is a bastion for all things flora and fauna; steeped in the rich red hues of seasonal foliage, echoed by the footings of white-tailed deer and red foxes. The cabin itself has a rather small footprint: a single room fitted with electricity (sans WiFi), a queen sized bed with clean cozy bedding, table, rugs, and ample floor space accompanied by supportive pads, should you wish to bring more than yourself and a friend. And, after a long day of trail hiking along the property's acres of sublime, secluded land, guests are more than welcome to use the warm showers found at the main house; there, too, you can keep any perishable goods in the fridge for later consumption. // From $98/night (WiFi can be found at the main house), details at Hipcamp.com
