Overview
El Capitán State Beach offers van and RV nomads a great place to spend the day or a few days camping on the coast. It offers its visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks trees along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking, and camping.
Adventure
El Capitán State Beach is a great place for any van or RV nomad to spend some time on the beach. It a great place to surf, cycle, hike, or lounge on the beach. The state beach is just far enough away from Santa Barbara to make it a great wilderness escape.
Brochure: El Capitan State Beach Brochure
Campgound
The campground has more than 100 single-family and multiple group campsites. Campsites include a table, fire ring, and grill and can accept tents, trailers, or motorhomes (up to 42 feet). Campsites can be reserved from April 1 through November 30 and are first-come, first-served the rest of the year.
Hiking
The Bill Wallace El Capitán Trail and Canyon/Ridgetop Trails start across the 101 FWY. It’s a 4.5 miles out and back trail that traverses the ridgeline and provides rewarding views and scenery from the hills. It’s a moderate-level hike that adds a little more adventure to your time on the beach.
Hikers and cyclists can follow the 5-mile Ansio Trail to Refugio State Beach up the road.
El Capital Canyon Resort
The El Capitan Canyon Resort sits across the 101Fwy from El Capitan State Beach. It’s a bunch of cabins, yurts and is a luxury-style resort. There’s also a nice restaurant and country store to visit. It is a good place to grab a cup of coffee in the morning or a nice lunch in the shade.
El Capitan is well worth a visit in your van or RV so you can enjoy the beach and all it has to offer.
Directions:
El Capitán State Beach is less than 30 minutes from Santa Barbara by car. Take Highway 101 north for 20 miles, and then take exit 117 toward El Capitán State Beach and turn left onto El Capitán State Beach Road.
References and Other Adventure:
- Website: El Capitan State Beach
- Website: El Capitan Canyon Resort
- Brochure: El Capitan State Beach Brochure
- Hours: 8 am to Sunset
- Trailer: Up to 42 Feet Camper/Motorhome: Up to 42 Feet
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