El Camino Pines is a year round retreat and conference facility, hosting weekend retreats, an amazing Outdoor School Program, a full summer camp schedule and two months of winter retreats.  El Camino Pines is proudly affiliated with the Lutheran church, and welcomes rental groups from all faiths and traditions.



El Camino Pines is situated in a pristine, dense forest of pine and oak trees, part of the beautiful Los Padres National Forest. Sitting at an elevation of 6200 feet, El Camino Pines enjoys forest fresh air, ample shade in the summer and snow in the winter.



El Camino Pines has a sleeping capacity of 130. Guests sleep in ten heated bunkhouse/cabins equipped with a bathroom, toilet and sink. There is a chapel and dining hall, each with their own fireplace. There is a centrally located shower house. A community dynamics course, a rock wall climb, horseshoes, basketball, volleyball, and a swimming pool provide recreational opportunities. Plenty of hiking and outdoor relaxation awaits you amid the aromatic tall pines. El Camino Pines boast excellent food, pure mountain drinking water, incredible wildlife and a trained and caring staff.



We invite you to join us for a day, a weekend, or even an entire week. Come share in the peace and serenity of our mountain retreat.



El Camino Pines was founded and built by several Lutheran congregations in Southern California in the late fifties and early sixties. El Camino Pines celebrated 50 years of ministry in 2009. We look forward to hosting your group for the next fifty years.



El Camino Pines is authorized and operated under a Special Use Permit by the Los Padres National Forest.  We are close enough to Southern California for a day trip, but far enough away to feel like a different world.