Camping at El Capitan State Beach just north of Santa Barbara. (note: remember you can click on any photo to see a larger version).
Not to be confused with El Capitan Canyon (“minimalism without deprivation”) an interesting little spot offering a version of the outdoors for people who don’t necessarily like camping (or dirty hands), we spent the past three days at El Capitan State Beach, where you have traditional camping sites, several of which overlook the ocean. Specifically, sites 84-86 and site H in the Upper Loop have the best views and are literally steps from the beach. 
As a plus, you get the Amtrak Surfliner coming by a couple times a day right behind the state park, and a freight train every now and then that I imagined to be the same line Jack Kerouac jumped coming out of Santa Barbara. The boys loved the train coming through, of course, and it reminded me, especially at night, of when I first met Mick at Florida State – she lived in an apartment where the train would come by just off the back of the property several times a day, causing her to exclaim “The train!” and flop down on the bed with eyes closed listening as it went by….a cute little trait that offset the Kenny G in her DVD player and kept her in the game for my attentions.
Beautiful coast line, great weather. Got to test out our new 6 man man tent….my goodness we’ve grown. 
Our Sierra Designs two man tent was one of the first purchases Mick and I made together, 12 years ago. A purchase made on my first visit to an REI store. I knew then and there I could easily spend all my money in that place. That tent still kicks much ass, but of the two person variety. After trying to use it for four people, one pregnant, we now sport a camping castle. And she’s sturdy.
The days were relaxed, the nights perfectly chilly…boys did great….good stuff. Been a bit tired lately, so the pace was slower than usual. Fit the bill nicely….
Have some new gear reviews coming up, as we used the occasion to test a couple things. Also, up next, camping at Point Reyes April 8,9, and 10. Hoping to spot some grey whales migrating…
Deprivation has it’s benefits.
Check out the other photos posted on Photo Fridays.
this looks amazing… surf trip this summer?
Oh my, the first thing I see is your “note” about enloarging the view of the pictures. Of course, I follow your instructions,only to get a better view of my Sebi, wind blowing, by himself, maneurvering along the rocks, 100′ above a raging river! Every now and then Grandma has to take a deep breath and say – I DO appreciate the KickassAdventuringWithKids! I love you guys – please be careful. It does look like an amazing place.
Awesome pics.
Camping castle. I’ll have to tell my husband about that phrase, he’ll enjoy it.
Great pics. Was the camping by reservation or did you just show up? Also, how much per night? Did you get one of those choice oceanfront spots?
It’s first come first serve, which wasn’t a problem this time of year – $35 per night. The spot we got (H) was probably the third or fourth best – view of the ocean, but there are a couple of sites that are closer to the drop off on the bluff. All the sites are up above the beach, and these choice spots are steps from the trail heading down.
Yep!
Nice, thanks for the details!
Great shots!
I hear you about places like REI. I just got my dividend back from there…like I needed another excuse to go to that store!
what cool photos!!! i want to go!
Thats a beautiful place.
I love the pictures, specially the one with CHARLITA
Have a good time
Please BE CAREFUL
I Love You All
Great photos. Especially of Seb climbing. Hahahahahaha! Kenny G?!!!
I just found your site – I love it. I’ve bookmarked it and “Liked” you on Facebook. I live in LA and I also adventure with my kids, which we love. I found your site through a search because I am taking my girls camping in a few weeks for my 6 year old’s birthday. Originally we booked at Carpinteria, and that would have been great except I finally looked up the spot and it is one of the worst ones there. Luckily and by some miracle of camping reservations I was able to snag site 80 at El Capitan instead.
I have two questions for you – you said it is first come first serve? Does that mean I am not guaranteed the site they gave me and I may end up somewhere awful? Secondly, there will be two 6 year old girls, a 3 year old girl and a 4 year old boy with us – I’ve never been to this campground, anything in particular we should definitely do or check out for this age or any tips about the campsite / park in general? Thanks!
Hi Coralyn.
Glad you found us. Nice snag with El Capitan. No worries about the f-c-f-s situation. Things have changed since this original post. This state park is now fully reservable year-round. I believe, you can reserve up to six-months in advance. This is highly recommended for the best spots and during the peak season. There are some nice trails down from the bluffs onto the beach. I think the tidepools there are pretty cool too. One thing to beware about El Capitan is that it can get pretty windy. Depending on the type of gear you’re packing, this may or may not be a problem. Use guy lines on your tent, just in case. If you need anything for your trip, check out our sister website http://www.goodtogocamping.com. We rent everything from tents to roasting sticks. Hope you have a great trip and Happy Birthday to your 6-yr old!