I know its not a popular opinion, but I don’t enjoy camping. It’s not that I have’t done plenty of it, in fact I grew up tent camping every summer, but somewhere along the line I decided that hauling a car full of gear into the forest, slathering myself in bug repellent, sleeping on the ground and peeing in a hole just wasn’t for me. However, I do love the company of good friends gathered around a warm campfire, and being surrounded by beautiful scenery, I just don’t want to sleep there.
Bill Wallace Trail El Capitan Canyon
I was beginning to feel guilty about having only taken my older son camping twice, and my younger son, never. Not guilty enough to plan something on my own, but thankfully I didn’t have to. Elliot’s school’s annual 5th grade family glamping/camping trip came to my rescue, and I was able to remedy the situation.
Cabins at El Capitan Canyon
Our glamping destination was El Capitan Canyon just outside of Santa Barbara, California. A very family friendly destination, El Capitan Canyon’s cabins, tents and yurts are situated alongside a creek nestled within the trees and just next to the ocean. The car park is just outside the main glamping area making it safe for children to run and play and there are wide pathways for bikes and scooters. Weather permitting there are heated outdoor pools and playgrounds on site as well.
El Capitan Canyon Market
The onsite store and full service restaurant will ensure that you have everything you need during your stay. For example, if you’re staying in a cabin with three men and no one remembered deodorant.
Llama Hike & Fun Run Meeting Spot
Animal lovers will enjoy visiting and feeding the onsite llamas and other animals located a short “hike” from the main site. The meet up is just in front of the Market. For those of you who want to keep up your exercise routine, there are guided fun runs as well.
If you’re looking for something more challenging there are longer moderate to difficult hikes in the surrounding hills. We had a wonderful time on the Bill Wallace trail, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding hillsides and ocean. We stopped often to take photos and enjoyed looking down on the camp from above.
Photo Credit: Simon
Recent rains made for some lovely flower shots, and for very wet feet. Thankfully we’d packed extra shoes.
Bill Wallace Trail
Much to my delight, our cabin was fully heated, with a bathroom, mini kitchen, and an upstairs loft for the boys. We were with a large group and met up in the main area for evening campfires, however each cabin has its own campfire/grill.
Cabins at El Capitan Canyon
El Capitan Canyon
Conveniently the onsite Market sells dinner kits complete with sides, s’mores fixings and cooking utensils, which can be delivered to your accommodation or picked up. There are options for chicken, beef, salmon, and hamburgers and hot dogs. Make sure to order six hours ahead.
El Capitan Canyon
While my mind hasn’t been completely changed about camping I have now seen the light where glamping is concerned and would definitely consider another fun filled family weekend at El Capitan Canyon.
Photo Credit: Simon
Pin for later:
Are We Adults Yet
Looks like a great trip! I love the water droplets that you captured on the flowers and leaves.
Hilary
Thank you! It was surprisingly fun!