Camp Montecito Sequoia Lodge

Rating: Role Player

Our family had a good time at Camp Montecito Sequoia Lodge. It’s a unique blend of “luxury camping” and traditional family camp fun. We stayed in a room with a large bed and a bunk bed, perfect for our family of four, and even had our own private bath and shower—a big step up from roughing it.

The counselors were warm and welcoming, with lots of energy. We noticed that many of them seem to come from a tight-knit community of families who return year after year, which gives the camp a bit of a “cultish” vibe. They even have high school–age “counselors in training” (called KILTs) who carry on the tradition.

One of the best features for parents is how the camp organizes kids: they’re broken into age groups with four sessions a day, so adults actually get a real vacation—time to relax, try activities, or connect with other parents while the kids are busy. As one counselor admitted with a smile, “Yeah, we learned that people come here to get time away from their kids.” The KILTs even offer babysitting between sessions, which some families take full advantage of (we met one with a wild toddler who always seemed to end up with a KILT).

Activities are the highlight: archery, air rifles, paintball, arts and crafts, lake swimming, kayaks, SUP, hiking, climbing, water aerobics, music, and more. There was always something to do for every age and interest.

Food was very good—plentiful, flavorful, though often on the decadent and salty side. Meals are always available, and snacks and sweets seemed endless, which was a hit with the kids (maybe a little too much sugar at times!).

The lodge itself is beautiful and cozy, with a great family-camp atmosphere. Morning pow-wows and camp songs reinforced the sense of community, though at times it did feel a bit too programmed or insular. One skit that poked fun at Catholicism came across as a little too edgy in our opinion, and might not land well with all families.

Overall, we’d rate it solid for families—especially those looking for an active, all-inclusive, high-energy getaway. Expect a mix of rustic adventure and comfort, a friendly counselor team, and a community that leans toward the affluent side.