Camp at El Capitan Canyon

El Capitan Canyon is a gorgeous collection of permanent tents, yurts and cabins located across the highway from El Capitan State Beach and its campground. It's also the perfect place to ease your friends or loved ones into the world of camping. We all have that special person in our life who we're dying to take camping but who isn't quite ready to sleep on the ground. Spending a weekend in one of the Safari tents here is the perfect first step.

El Capitan is located about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara, but feels worlds away from civilization. Prepare to disconnect as there's spotty cell service and wifi only at the pool and market. That being said, you definitely won't be roughing it. Each of the 26 Safari tents comes with a comfy bed and linens, space heater, fan, and a few electrical sockets. Outside you'll have a fire pit, picnic table and access to clean bathrooms with hot showers.

One of the nice things about El Capitan Canyon is their car free policy in the canyon. You can drive up to your tent and drop off belongings, but then your car will have to remain parked in one of the designated lots.

You can make reservations here but plan early as it's booked up several months in advance. Also one other piece of advice, don't expect complete solitude. El Capitan Canyon is still like most car camping locations in California - lots of kids and families.

If you're there on a Saturday, there's a guided walk up the llama farm to feed the livestock. Otherwise wander down the the beach to take a dip in the ocean or head down to Santa Barbara to hike and catch a sunset at Knapp's Castle.