Santa Barbara Resort Lodging
Nature Lodging on the Southern California coast: Not a contradiction in terms, but a unique reality at El Capitan Canyon.
El Capitan Canyon resort is a mere 20 miles north of Santa Barbara. Located in a seaside pocket on 300 plus acres on the picturesque Pacific coast, the nature lodging experience at El Capitan Canyon was created for those who have the desire to totally unwind, relax and commune with nature.
Enjoy services and amenities typically found in a traditional resort, yet it’s minimalism without deprivation… comfort without over-indulgence. The glories of nature without the overbearing manufactured hand of man.
Experience the natural beauty of the environment in a camp-like surrounding with all the creature comforts we have come to enjoy and expect.
A return to the simple things in life that truly make us happy.
Green Traveler Guides reviews the Canyon as a natural escape filled with wildlife sightings, comfortable camping, and adventurous activities. “If you’re looking for a gateway to experience Santa Barbara’s glorious nature, want to expose your children to it, or are already a devout lover of the outdoors, you’ll be right at home at naturally green and eco-friendly El Capitan Canyon.”
Lonely Planet travel experts have reviewed and recommended El Capitan Canyon as a Top Choice in the 2013 Lonely Planet travel guide, “Safari tents are rustic, while creekside cedar cabins come with heavenly mattresses, kitchenettes and outdoor fire pits.”
El Capitan Canyon, You Stole My Heart. The Ordinary Travelers says out loud what we are all thinking. During their stay here, these two travelers found that, “El Capitan Canyon turned out to be the perfect combination of experiencing nature and the relaxing getaway that we desperately needed.” Agreed. View the photos and story.
Men’s Journal Approved: Travel, Cushy California Camping. This MJ story tells readers looking for a “stress free retreat from society” about the comforts of staying in an El Cap Adventure Yurt or to step it up a notch to one of our cedar cabins. “Whatever housing you choose, you’re basically sleeping in a modestly secluded creekside forest, which is the point after all.” Read the rest.
The Wall Street Journal introduces readers to yurt camping in their Travel story, Go Not-Quite Camping: Outdoorsy options for those who are a little more Brooke Astor than Bear Grylls. “Clustered near a swimming pool, creek and market, but surrounded by 300 acres of canyon land, the yurts have wooden floors, skylights, small refrigerators and queen-size beds covered with down comforters.” Read the story.
El Capitan Canyon receives Best of Goleta Award for 2012! Each year the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies in several categories for exceptional quality and “that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.” We are proud and grateful to the USCA for this award! Read the full release.
Sunset Magazine featured El Capitan Canyon as the cover story on luxurious campgrounds, “Tough choices. It’s tempting to sip coffee and be serenaded by birds hidden in the creekside forest. But it’s also hard to pass up an early hike into the hills or a swim down at the beach.” Read the story.
Fox 11 News and Good Day LA spent some time learning what El Capitan Canyon has to offer in the Glamping (Glamourous Camping) category of travel destinations. Watch the video clip!
We are proud to announce our grandest addition: The Safari Cabin! Located on a private hilltop, this two-bedroom cabin suite is our most spacious accommodation and features sweeping views among other unique amenities. Read the full description.
Local magazine 805 Living lists the Canyon as a “Travel Find” for the month of August. “Camping at El Capitan Canyon resort, 20 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara, isn’t exactly roughing it. Choose from well-appointed cabins or heavy canvas tents with wooden floors for unique back-to-nature getaways…” Read the section excerpt in PDF format.
Springtime is here! The wildlflowers are in bloom and the sycamore canopy is beginning to fill with the brilliant green of new leaves. The mild weather of the beautiful Santa Barbara Coast is perfect for meandering walks along nearby El Capitan State Beach, hiking our 15 miles of trails or just relaxing in front of your own, warm campfire. The Canyon’s beautiful natural setting is the perfect backdrop to nature reborn and the activities that go along with it. Our Special Packages are created for you to explore s’more of what we have to offer.
Share the gift of the great outdoors with an El Capitan Canyon Gift Certificate. Call now to make a gift purchase (866)352-2729.
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Group Sales and Weddings
We love hosting groups, events, and weddings here at the Canyon. Find out how we can accomodate your group! Visit our Group Sales section.
Ocean Mesa Campground
Our campground and RV Park, Ocean Mesa at El Capitan is right next door.
Please visit oceanmesa.com for more information.
Pet Policy
El Capitan Canyon has been designated as a wildlife corridor, therefore, in an effort to protect local wildlife, we have adopted a no pets policy throughout the entire Canyon.