As a native Californian, I grew up camping. It’s what we did as a family. We packed up the car with a tent, lots of snacks and hit the road to one of California’s amazing state parks.

My friend Sara Libby and I decided to take a California coast road trip up the Pacific Coast Highway and spend a couple nights camping… well, glamping. (Our own version of glamorous camping- complete with donuts and candles.)

Basically, how all camping should be.

I recently discovered Hipcamp where I was able to search for the best campsites in California. They provide tons of information on the type of campsites at each park, activities and lots of helpful tips.

We picked out Pfeiffer Big Sur as our first night’s stop because of its beautiful campsites and ideal location along the Pacific Coast Highway. As we entered the campsite, we waited patiently while deer navigated across the road. Trees towered over tents and a bridge crossed a small creek.

It was beautiful!

In true “glamping” spirit, we pitched our tent in dresses and set up our campsite like something out of a Free People catalog. Even we were impressed with how everything turned out.