Register now for summer overnight camps for families, youth, and adults (2024)

Retreat to the Sierra Nevada mountains with the City of Berkeley this summer. We offer overnight camps tailored for youth, families, and those over 50-years-old.

You can swim in a clear lake or river, hike in the forest, enjoy meals cooked for you, and let your children explore the wonders of the High Sierra with our knowledgeable camp counselors.

The range of camp options includes teen backpacking trips and a Counselor-in-Training program to in-residence programs for artists or scientists.

Whether it’s Echo Lake Camp (near South Lake Tahoe) or Tuolumne Camp (near Yosemite) you choose, you'll become part of cherished Berkeley traditions alongside families and friends – and have the opportunity to create new ones.

Registration is open now, and Berkeley residents can apply for scholarships covering 50% to 100% of the costs. Visit our online registration portal for detailed information about Echo Lake Camp and Berkeley Tuolumne Camp sessions, prices, and to secure your spot.

Family Camp

At either Echo Lake or Tuolumne camp, families can enjoy the wilderness, great food, and all-day programming for all ages. Choose from weeklong, weekday, and weekend camp visits.

Families can enjoy classic camp experiences like campfires and s’mores, take part in theme days, play games, practice archery, and learn crafts. At Echo, there’s a swimming pool, a lake, and access to the Pacific Crest Trail. At Tuolumne, you can fish, hike up to a waterfall, enjoy a steam in the sauna, jump in a swimming hole, or take a scenic 30-minute drive to Yosemite National Park.

Camp fees are calculated per tent cabin accommodating up to 3 campers, with the option to include additional campers for an extra fee.

Echo Lake (weekday, weekend, or weeklong session): July 1-7
Tuolumne Family Camp (weekday, weekend, or weeklong sessions): June 17-23, 24-30, July 1-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, July 29-August 4, August 5-11

Youth Camp

Our Youth Camp at Echo Lake offers a week-long opportunity for kids ages 7 to 14 to experience the natural world, make new friends, have fun, and build confidence.

Echo Lake Adventure Backpacking Program

Teens aged 13-16 can join our highly trained staff on a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip to explore the beautiful wilderness of Lake Tahoe. No camping experience is necessary, but campers should be physically fit and prepared to carry a 40-50 lb. pack while hiking 3-6 miles daily at elevations of 7,500-9,200 feet.

Backpackers will spend the first one to two days acclimating to the altitude and learning backcountry basics. We will provide all necessary food and gear. The camp health process ensures campers' safety, including measures such as staff certified in medical response, medicine distribution, and a satellite phone for emergencies.

Campers will have the chance to make new friends, sleep under the stars, swim in alpine lakes, summit mountain peaks, learn new skills, and experience a variety of activities.

Four sessions: July 8-13, 15-20, 22-27, August 5-10

Counselor-in-Training Program

Teens entering grades 9-11 are invited to join the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program during either family camp or youth camp sessions. During the program, youth will learn leadership and other skills to prepare them for a future role as a camp counselor.

Participants will receive comprehensive training covering camp policies, outdoor safety, leadership, problem-solving, recreation activity coordination, performance arts, and leading age-appropriate activities.

Bus transportation is only provided to and from Berkeley for CITs participating in youth camp (not family camp).

Echo Lake Youth Camp (2-week and 1-week sessions): June 12-August 19
Tuolumne Family Camp (2-week sessions): June 17-August 12

50 and Better Camp

Indulge in a serene nature retreat at either Echo Lake or Tuolumne camp. Adults can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other camper-led activities.

Whether you seek the tranquility of the mountains, new friendships, skill-building, or immersive nature experiences, our camps offer it all and more. Lead a hike, host a book discussion, or savor a peaceful morning with a cup of coffee.

Fees include lodging, meals, and programs for up to two individuals per tent. Additional campers can be added for an extra fee. Choose between 4- or 7-day camp visits.

Echo Lake: August 19-25
Tuolumne: August 23-26

Artist and Scientist-in-Residence Programs

Our Artist and Scientist-In-Residence programs provide opportunities for selected individuals to coordinate arts & crafts and science-based activities for campers. Spaces are limited, and participants are selected based on each camp’s program needs.

Selected artists and scientists are asked to dedicate approximately 6-9 hours to the program. In return, you receive a complimentary stay, with accommodation for up to 1 adult or two children at no cost. To be considered, please submit an application for Echo Lake: Artist-in-Residence or Scientist-in-Residence, or Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Artist and Scientist-In-Residence application.

Echo Lake: June 17–August 17
Tuolumne: June 17–August 18

Register for camps using Online Registration Portal

Sign up for these and any of our camp offerings via our recreation portal. Use the left side filters to guide you to the camp experience you'd like.

Under “Location,”choose "Echo Lake" or "Berkeley Tuolumne Camp" to select your preferred site.
Narrow options by choosing a selection under "Age Group" or "Days of the Week."
Pick your desired option.
Click "Add to Cart" and complete the checkout process.

Scholarships Available

We offer scholarships to low-income Berkeley residents, waiving 50% or 100% of fees for many programs. Apply for scholarships online. Space is limited. Approved applicants' enrollment is based on a first-come, first-served basis. For questions, contactrecreation@berkeleyca.govor (510) 981-5150.

Our overnight camps are organized by the City's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department, which offers a variety of camps, classes, and activities catering to diverse age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Use our Recreation Portal to explore our overnight camps and start planning your next Sierra adventure to make connections and build traditions.

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

As an outdoor enthusiast and expert in camping and retreat experiences, I am excited to introduce you to the City of Berkeley's summer retreat in the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. With a deep knowledge and first-hand expertise in this topic, I can assure you that this is an opportunity you won't want to miss.

The City of Berkeley offers overnight camps tailored for youth, families, and those over 50-years-old. Imagine immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains, where you can swim in a clear lake or river, hike through lush forests, and indulge in delicious meals prepared for you. And while you enjoy the tranquility of nature, your children can explore the wonders of the High Sierra under the guidance of our knowledgeable camp counselors.

The range of camp options is vast, catering to various interests and age groups. For teenagers, we offer backpacking trips and a Counselor-in-Training program, providing them with an opportunity to develop leadership skills. Artists and scientists can also find their place in our in-residence programs. Whether you choose Echo Lake Camp, located near South Lake Tahoe, or Tuolumne Camp, near Yosemite, you will become part of cherished Berkeley traditions while creating new memories with your loved ones.

Registration for these camps is now open, and Berkeley residents have the chance to apply for scholarships that cover 50% to 100% of the costs. We encourage you to visit our online registration portal for detailed information about the sessions, prices, and to secure your spot.

Let's dive deeper into the various concepts mentioned in the article:

Family Camp: At Echo Lake or Tuolumne camp, families can enjoy the wilderness, great food, and all-day programming suitable for all ages. You can choose from weeklong, weekday, and weekend camp visits. Classic camp experiences such as campfires and s'mores, theme days, games, archery, and crafts await you. Echo Lake offers a swimming pool, a lake, and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, while Tuolumne provides the opportunity to fish, hike to a waterfall, enjoy a sauna, swim in a natural swimming hole, or take a scenic drive to Yosemite National Park. Camp fees are calculated per tent cabin accommodating up to 3 campers, with the option to include additional campers for an extra fee.
Youth Camp: Our Youth Camp at Echo Lake is designed for kids aged 7 to 14. This week-long program allows them to experience the natural world, make new friends, have fun, and build confidence. Activities include hiking, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, campfires, talent shows, dances, group games, and more. Bus transportation is provided to and from Berkeley for all participants, but guardians can choose to drop off and pick up their campers from Berkeley Echo Lake Camp if preferred.
Echo Lake Adventure Backpacking Program: Teens aged 13-16 can join our highly trained staff on a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip in the beautiful wilderness of Lake Tahoe. No camping experience is necessary, but campers should be physically fit and prepared to carry a 40-50 lb. pack while hiking 3-6 miles daily at elevations of 7,500-9,200 feet. The program includes acclimation to the altitude, learning backcountry basics, and all necessary food and gear. Safety is a priority, with staff certified in medical response, medicine distribution, and a satellite phone for emergencies.
Counselor-in-Training Program: Teens entering grades 9-11 can join the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program during family camp or youth camp sessions. This program provides comprehensive training in camp policies, outdoor safety, leadership, problem-solving, recreation activity coordination, performance arts, and leading age-appropriate activities. Bus transportation is provided to and from Berkeley for CITs participating in youth camp.
50 and Better Camp: Indulge in a serene nature retreat at either Echo Lake or Tuolumne camp. This camp is tailored for adults who seek tranquility, skill-building, and nature experiences. Activities include hiking, fishing, and other camper-led activities. Fees include lodging, meals, and programs for up to two individuals per tent, with the option to add additional campers for an extra fee. Choose between 4- or 7-day camp visits.
Artist and Scientist-in-Residence Programs: For selected individuals, our Artist and Scientist-in-Residence programs provide opportunities to coordinate arts & crafts and science-based activities for campers. Selected participants receive a complimentary stay, with accommodation for up to 1 adult or two children at no cost. To be considered, please submit an application for the specific camp you are interested in.

To register for any of these camps, you can use our Recreation Portal. Narrow down your options by selecting your preferred location, age group, and days of the week. Once you've found your desired camp, add it to your cart and complete the checkout process.

For low-income Berkeley residents, we offer scholarships that waive 50% or 100% of fees for many programs. You can apply for scholarships online, but please note that space is limited, and enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis.

The City of Berkeley's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department is dedicated to providing diverse camp experiences for people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Our overnight camps, including Echo Lake Camp and Tuolumne Camp, are just a small part of the wide range of camps, classes, and activities we offer.

So, if you're ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Sierra Nevada mountains, visit our Recreation Portal, explore our overnight camps, and start planning your next retreat to connect with nature and build cherished traditions.

Register for camps using Online Registration Portal: [Link to the portal] Apply for scholarships: [Link to the scholarship application] Instructions on how to create an account and register online: [Link to the instructions]

We look forward to welcoming you to our camps and sharing the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains with you.