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Photograph: Courtesy Hicksville Trailer Palace

Go Airstream camping in California for a cool, retro getaway

For a true West Coast vacation, Airstream camping in California can't be beat

Written by
Sarah Medina
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When it comes to the outdoors, the Golden State really has it all. For your next adventure, why not try Airstream camping in California? Spending a night in a vintage Airstream trailer might just be the quintessential California getaway. If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, seek out once of these super-cool vintage accomodations set in the middle of the desert, among the redwoods or the beach. And no worries, they all have modern luxuries for a relaxing and entirely unique vacation.

These trailers are permanently parked and packed with the kind of amenities—like modern kitchens and full soaking bathtubs—that make a night inside feel more like glamping than camping. Stay in a hot pink trailer on 130-acres of prime vineyards in Paso Robles, or in a love shack from Kate Pierson of the B-52's in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree.

You’ll have a full range of choices when you head out for your Airstream adventure. Choose vintage shag carpets or trendy, modern design; national park solitude or communal spaces for finding new friends. Airstreams across the Golden State offer all this and more. If you’d rather rough it, check out the best camping in California and reconnect with nature.

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Airstream camping in California

Book your next wine-fueled getaway at one of these colorful vintage trailers located on 130-acres of prime vineyards in Paso Robles. The trailers come in bright yellow, turquoise, hot pink, and lime green and you can book them individually or the whole site for an outing with friends. Throw in a yoga sesh, wine tasting tour, massages, or private tasting classes for an additional fee. 

Located in the Mojave Desert near Joshua Tree, Kate's Lazy Desert (that's Kate Pierson of the B-52's) offers six trailers, each with a unique theme: You'll find band posters lining the walls in the Hairstream trailer and a unique red paint-scheme in Hot Lava. Spend your morning hiking and when the desert temps rise, take a dip in the pool. Once night arrives you'll be greeted with unpolluted views of the starry sky. 

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Highway West's two California locations in Santa Barbara and Palm Desert offer the best of both worlds; Choose between coastal, wine country vibes in Buellton or gorgeous desert wilderness in Borrego Springs. The Airstream trailers boast luxury perks like wine refrigerators, desks with mounted iPads, flat screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and WiFi. Wine, bocce and campfires complete your getaway in Santa Barbara while an on-sitepool and easy access to nearby Anza-Borrego Desert State Park beckon from Borrego Springs. 

Discover the best things to do in Santa Barbara

Autocamp is the perfect mashup of camping and a luxury hotel. With two locations in California (one near Yosemite and one on the Russian River), Autocamp offers design-forward Airstream accomodations with modern amenities such as flat screen TVs, WiFi, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Best of all, you're only a porch-length away from some of the most beautiful landscapes in California. Crack open a beer and enjoy the view. 

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If you're booking an Airstream for the nostalgia, you've come to the right place. Inspired by California's famous Madonna Inn, Hicksville includes two Airstreams as part of its nine on-site trailers: The Sweet comes complete with orange walls, sage-and-yellow furniture and turquoise shag carpeting while the Integratrailor might seem normal until you discover the alien communication system. Communal amenities include a saltwater pool, a rooftop hot tub, firepits, an archery range, a library, a vape room and more. 

Discover the best things to do in Joshua Tree

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