Use our online portal to register starting February 2, 2023. Apply for scholarships up to 100%.
Escape to the Sierra Nevada mountains with the City of Berkeley this summer: we have overnight camps for youth, families, and seniors.
You can swim in a lake, hike in the forest, enjoy meals cooked for you, or let your children explore the wonders of the High Sierra with camp counselors. The cost is low. The reward is high.
When you join us with family and friends at either Echo Lake (near South Lake Tahoe) or Tuolumne Camp (near Yosemite), you can participate in traditions shared by generations of Berkeleyans or create new ones of your own.
Registration will begin on February 2 and opens in phases. Scholarships are available to Berkeley residents for 50% to 100% of the cost. Use the online registration portal to view detailed information about sessions and prices.
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 enjoy campfires and s’mores, take part in theme days, play games, practice archery, swim, 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, enjoy the sauna, or even take a short trip to Yosemite National Park.
Fees are charged per tent cabin of up to 3 campers. Add additional campers for a fee.
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 grow confidence.
These 5- or 6-day sessions include activities such as 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. Guardians who want to provide their own camper transportation may drop off and pick up their campers from Berkeley Echo Lake Camp.
- Five-day session: July 31-Aug 4
- Six-day sessions: June 19-24, June 26-July 1, July 3-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-29, August 7-12, 14-19
Leader-in-Training
Teens will develop valuable leadership skills during this brand new 6-day Leader-in-Training program.
Teens can put away their phones and devices, step outside their comfort zone, and engage with each other in new ways. Incoming 8th and 9th graders will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills that will help prepare them for work, college, and adulthood.
This program offers a unique opportunity for teens to not only build social capital with a diverse group of peers but also connect with a variety of community partners from Berkeley and the Bay Area who will provide resources for college and career readiness, mental and social wellbeing, and outdoor education to help teens connect with nature.
- Tuolumne: June 12-June 17
Counselor-in-Training
Teens entering grades 9-11 are invited to participate in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program during either family camp or youth camp. During the program, youth will learn leadership and other skills to prepare them to become a camp counselor.
Youth will receive training and learn about topics such as camp policies, outdoor recreation safety, leadership and workplace problem solving, recreation activity leadership, 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). Guardians who want to provide their own camper transportation may drop off and pick up their campers at Berkeley Echo Lake Camp.
- Echo Lake Youth Camp (1-week sessions): June 12-August 19
- Tuolumne Family Camp (2-week sessions): June 17-August 12
50 and Better Camp
Treat yourself to a restful stay in nature at either Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp. Adults can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other camper-led activities.
Are you at camp for the peaceful mountains, making new friends, learning new skills, or enjoying nature activities? You can do all of that and more. Lead a hike, host a book discussion, or enjoy an early morning with a cup of coffee.
Fees cover up to two people per tent and include lodging, meals, and programs. Add additional campers for a fee.
- Echo Lake: August 21-25
- Tuolumne: August 25-28
Register for camps on Online Registration Portal
Sign up for these and any of our camp offerings via our recreation portal. Use the filters on the left to guide you to the camp experience you'd like. Registration opens February 2.
- Choose "Echo Lake Camps" or "Berkeley Tuolumne" to pick the site.
- Narrow options by choosing "Age Groups" or "Days of the week."
- Choose your desired option.
- Select "Add to Cart" and complete the checkout process.
- Find the camp for "21+" under the "Tuolumne Adult Camp" category.
Artists who want to teach crafts can apply to stay for free. Teens entering grades 9-12 can apply to be counselors in training.
Scholarships Available
We also offer scholarships to Berkeley residents, waiving 50% or 100% of fees. They are filled on a first come, first-serve basis. Send a completed Scholarship Application form to recreation@cityofberkeley.info.
Escape to the Sierras for adventure, to make connections, and build traditions.
