We spent three nights at El Capitan over Christmas. It's north of Santa Barbara; not so far at all that you can't buzz there if you need civilization. The check-in was pleasant and someone actually had us follow-him up to our cabin and he helped us get situated as it was dark and rainy when we arrived. The cabin had a deck, a small kitchenette with a couple of chairs and a fireplace. There was a bedroom with a king bed and a bath on the lower level and then a loft with mattresses above. There were four adults and one 1-year old. It was definitely cramped for our size group. I stayed in the loft with my 6'4" husband which was interesting. There is no TV but we were aware of that. We had Christmas dinner back in Santa Barbara. We also had a meal at the store on-site. It was fine and, again, the staff was pleasant. One night we ordered the meal you cook yourself on a grill. That was an adventure in the dark. There's not a ton to do in the winter. The office did recommend a place to go horse-back riding and that was a really great time. If you don't mind a low-key, off-season vacation 2-3 nights here was very relaxing. Bring books and magazines to read!

We've stayed here 3 times now (each time with a group). I think whether you like this place will depend on whether you like glamping. You are three basic choices (we've stayed in each): a private cabin (it's basically like a nice hotel room with private bath but no television...the beds are comfy), a safari tent (the beds are better than the shared cabins, and come with cleaning service, but some of the tents are older and have mildew or are stained and they can get cold even with the portable heater they give you) and a shared cabin (beds are hard, bunkbeds, hard to sleep with all those people in a room, even if they are friends and family). With the exception of the private cabins, you'll be walking to the bathroom house which is a pain in the middle of the night in the dark, but then that's the camping part of the experience. You get a wilderness-lite experience (by the beach just a few miles north of Santa Barbara is a remote canyon with some little critters such as owls and skunks) yet still have access to the camp store complete with a prepackaged bbq and fire pit package and restaurant service. There's even a walk to the llamas/goats that little ones will enjoy on the weekend.

However, the big drawback is the price for what you get. The weekend we went, the private cabin was $500+ for 2 nights. That's a trip to disneyland right there for something which clearly isn't a 4 star hotel. Even the tents topped off at $250+ for 2 nights. In my opinion there wasn't much of a value there. And the experience is neither a hotel experience nor real camping. But it was fun going with our groups-- campfires ever night, a nearby beach and everyone in the group got to choose their particular experience. There's a heated swimming pool and a playard for the kids (agree with the tip...if you have kids stay near the yard, otherwise stay away). I don't think I would go back, however, just on our own. Overall, if you like the glamping experience, you might like this place. If you are looking for a hotel experience this will disappoint because of the price and accommodations are not up to hotel standards. If you are looking for true camping, you won't like it because this is clearly camping-lite. I also give it a 2 because of the price value for what you get.

Let me make a disclaimer- this is not hotel-like Ritz Carleton accommadations This is an elevated camp experience. The kind of camping that your parents probably sent you to with the hopes that you would this experience would supersede your spoiled suburban tendencies to watch tv and lay about the house.

It is great for families with young children and those of us with bad backs and not all the will to pack for a camping excursion. Lots of kids running around and biking down the hill to the store/ cafe. El Capitan beach is a 15-20 minute walk from the campgrounds as well. There is wi-fi for those who need to work or check in with the office as well. There is a good general store with hot meals and reasonable groceries including wine. They have Friday night activities for families as well. The cabins run a bit too expensive without a coupon.

"Glam-ping" at El Capitan does not disappoint. We stayed in a Canyon Bunk cabin. Not as plush as the other types of cabins but it did the job. Warm cozy bunk bedding. Loft for the kids to play and sleep in. We loved every minute of our time there. Hikes in morning. Followed by trips to the beach. Bonfires every night. This is the way to camp! Can't wait for next summer.