Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Santa Barbara: luxe winter camping at El Capitan Canyon

Next time you’re in need of a quick breather out of town — with a gulp of fresh air and a glimpse of the natural world, to boot — check out El Capitan Canyon, about 20 miles north of Santa Barbara.

This coastal “hideaway,” on 300-plus acres next to Los Padres National Forest, offers cedar cabins, and — for the luxe-camping contingent — heated safari tents.

Deal: This place always has a few good-looking packages going. A fall season mainstay, the “Canyon to Wine Country” package has been extended into winter. It features a two-night stay in a king cabin (which has a gas fireplace and soaking tub), a bottle of wine, two wine glasses and a s’mores kit. The price is $525 (pre-tax) for the package, based on double occupancy.

Joy of Camping