Like traditional summer camps, family camps are places where you stay for a period of time, participate in different activities and sleep in cabins and tents. There are all kinds of family camps, ranging from those that focus on the arts, like Cazadero Family Performing Arts Camp (pictured above) to those that get everyone outdoors hiking or into a canoe. Unlike traditional summer camps, you do the activities together as a family
There are a variety of family camps popular with Bay Area families. Some are run by municipalities, while others are private or affiliated with universities and religious groups. Most fill up fast so don’t wait until last minute.
Here are some favorites:
Camp Concord – City of Concord’s family camp at South Lake Tahoe offers all-inclusive specialty weeks and weekends for families with rustic cabin accommodations, meals, beach trips, canoeing, hiking and activities for all ages.
cityofconcord.org/365/Family-Camp
Camp Mather – Highlights of San Francisco’s family camp near Yosemite include cabins, tent camping, meals and activities.
Stanford Sierra Camp – Stanford Alumni Association’s family camp on the shores of Fallen Leaf Lake near Lake Tahoe is primarily for Stanford alumni families.
alumni.stanford.edu/sierra-programs/family-camp/
Camp Tawonga – This Jewish family camp near Yosemite offers family weekends throughout the year.
Camp Tuolumne and Echo Family Lake Camp – The City of Berkeley offers camps for families at two locations in the Sierra Nevada: Echo Lake Camp near South Lake Tahoe and Tuolumne Camp near Yosemite. Classic traditions include campfires and swimming.
berkeleyca.gov/community–recreation/parks-recreation/camps/overnight-camps
Cazadero Family Performing Arts Camp – The diverse program accommodates kids, teens and adults with a wide range of classes in music and expressive arts for all levels.
Lair of the Golden Bear – UC Berkeley Alumni Association’s family camp in the Sierra Nevada has three separate camps that offer staff and camper talent shows, age group activities, guest speakers, swimming pools, art, hiking,and music programs.
alumni.berkeley.edu/camp-at-the-lair/family-camp
Oakland Feather River Camp – Oakland’s family camp in Quincy offers themed weeks, including astronomy, music, sports and more.
San Jose Family Camp – City of San Jose’s family camp program Family Camp at Yosemite includes tent cabin accommodations, recreation program, meals, natural attractions and more.
sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/parks-recreation-neighborhood-services/family-camp-at-yosemite
