Great upscale camping with kids

Posted by kristi  from dana point, CA  on February 20, 2009

The community at ciao bambino thinks this is a great upscale camping option with kids. this upscale "camping" resort is great for families who want to experience the natural beauty of the california coast without the effort of really roughing it. el capitan has something for everyone -- easy or challenging hikes into the foothills, a walk to one of the most striking beaches in california, a pool and playground, llamas, horses, bike riding -- it really can't be beat. you can stay in a safari tent equipped with comfortable beds with luxurious bed linens, down comforters, and daily maid service. or, you can opt for a cabin with small kitchen and plenty of sleeping options. we loved the fact that resort staff will drop off firewood and fire starters to make it easy to build a campfire for s'mores. there's also a great snack bar and gift shop with delicious breakfasts. we stayed during thanksgiving when they offered to cater our holiday meal and deliver it to our cabin. not only was the food delicious but they included lovely table decorations to make our thanksgiving very elegant in an outdoor setting. el capitan is a delightful family alternative to the fancier resorts of santa barbara and a great outdoor experience. read the full review at http://www.ciaobambino.com/profile_commreview.asp?id=87 or visit www.ciaobambino.com.

Comfort camping in a super location, but by no means wild or secluded

Posted by andrew.nystrom  from LA, CA  on January 20, 2008

fancy as the 'cabins' may appear on the website and in the brochures, they are actually gussied up trailers, albeit the nicests ones with jacuzzi tubs and romantic, faux-log gas stoked fireplaces.

the main attractions here are the opportunity for friends and family to convene in a tranquil car-free canyon, a short hike or bike ride away from endless stretches of blissful state park sands. and convene they do -- on holiday weekends you'll find the meadows very crowded, with little privacy from the noises of neighbors, who do continue to rock out after the 10pm noise curfew, no matter what the written rules may say.

the farther up the canyon you go, the nicer it gets, and the more spaced out the cabins are -- around the upper meadow, there are no safari tents interspersed between cabins.

you can't heat bath water and stoke the propane gas fire at the same time, and the mattresses we tried were not up to $250+/night hotel standards, but hey, it's 'comfort camping' not a boutique hotel or b&b.

arrive with the right expectations and el capitan can be a lovely (wifi-enabled!) getaway.