A new glamping resort on the banks of the Russian River in Northern California dives into summer-camp nostalgia.
On paper, River Electric in Guerneville, about two hours north of San Francisco, cleaves closely to the American tradition of sleepaway camp. Such as: overnighting in tents, a shared bathhouse, hot dogs for dinner, afternoons at the pool and goodies from the camp store.
But look closely. Scattered among a dense thatch of redwoods, those tents are outfitted with king-size beds and 500-thread-count sheets. Dreamily lit paved paths loop through River Electric’s forested 12 acres, not a toe-stubbing tree root in sight. The bathhouse may be communal, but it also boasts dedicated get-glam vanity spaces. The hot dogs are topped with caviar, and the pool – a glittering azure orb ringed by luxury cabanas – leans more European beach club than the chlorine-injected swimming pools of childhood. For Arizonans seeking an easy, breezy, check-it-and-forget-it camp stay, it’s River Electric all the way.
Having debuted in 2025, River Electric kicked off its second season this May, inviting guests to stay, play and swim through October 31, when it shutters for the winter. Dreamed up by co-founder Kelsey Sheofsky and creative director Maggie Wilson, River Electric marries 1960s-era East Coast retreats – à la the fictional Kellerman’s Resort from the movie Dirty Dancing – with a dash of California boho chic.
Notice thoughtful design touches throughout like salvaged redwood and locally sourced craftsmanship in unexpected spots like the showers (by Sonoma Forge) or countertops (by Sonoma Cast). A block north, the Russian River meanders by, lending inspiration for both the camp’s name and for how the entire place was built – completely eco-resilient, with bio-retention landscaping and flood-resistant structures meant to withstand the river’s propensity to swell.
Guests can opt to spend the night in one of 46 canvas tents, each custom-furnished and equipped with electricity. Or, if one prefers traditional solid-walled accommodations elsewhere, they can purchase a day pass ($42) to loll at River Electric’s swim club, where poolside service includes boozy libations and noshes like sandwiches, salads, crudité and the aforementioned caviar-crowned hot dog. Everywhere, Wi-Fi is abundant, as is the lively mood of the place – dare we say, an electric energy that emanates from the friendly mingle of tourists and locals that populate the resort.
When not reading under the shade of a redwood or attending chef pop-ups at River Electric’s restaurant, guests can partake in Sonoma wine-country outings like wandering the shops, art galleries and tasting rooms in downtown Guerneville, a 10-minute stroll from camp.
And though River Electric bills itself as a family-friendly glamp camp, it also schedules monthly adults-only weekends: June 26-28, July 17-19, August 21-23 and September 11-12. Kind of like a fun twist on Parents’ Weekend at summer camps of yore, no?
3 More California Glamp Getaways
AutoCamp Yosemite
Tucked outside Yosemite’s park gates, AutoCamp is both communal (midcentury-inspired clubhouse, campfire wine tastings) and exclusive (Airstream trailers with plush beds, spa-like bathrooms and a French press). From $392/night, 6323 CA-140, Midpines, 844-993-9888, autocamp.com/location/yosemite
Huttopia Paradise Springs
Hollywood’s 1930s elite retreated to this San Gabriel Mountains hideaway; today, in-the-know Angelenos do the same, enjoying laps in the Olympic-size pool, croissants and cappuccinos for breakfast, and tastefully furnished tents. From $303/night, 18101 Paradise Dr., Valyermo, 661-544-8006, americas.huttopia.com/en/site/paradise-springs
Mendocino Grove
Coastal views, redwoods and the metronome of the pounding surf set the scene here. Highlights include safari tents, an on-site spa and hammock-hung nooks throughout the property’s 37 acres. From $259/night, 9601 CA Hwy. 1, 707-880-7710, mendocinogrove.com
