Register now for summer overnight camps for families, youth, adults

Escape to the Sierra Nevada mountains this summer with the City of Berkeley's overnight camps for youth, families, and adults aged 50 and older.

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 camp counselors.

Choose from a variety of programs, including backpacking trips, counselor-in-training, and work weekend opportunities.

Whether you choose Echo Lake Camp near South Lake Tahoe or Tuolumne Camp near Yosemite, you’ll join long-standing Berkeley traditions while creating new ones with family and friends.

Registration is open now for Berkeley residents. Non-residents can start registering on January 23, 2026.

Use our Recreation portal to secure your spot at Echo Lake Camp or Berkeley Tuolumne Camp. Berkeleyans can also apply for scholarships to cover up to the full cost for kids, individuals, or your entire family.

Family Camp

Bring the whole family up to enjoy the wilderness, great food, and all-day programming for all ages at Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp. Choose from weeklong, weekday, or weekend visits to fit your family’s schedule.

Camp fees are based on tent cabins for up to three campers, with additional campers for an extra fee. Reconnect with nature and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Echo Lake Family Camp

At Echo Lake Camp, take part in classic camp activities like campfires, s’mores, archery, games, and crafts. Explore the Pacific Crest Trail, swim in the lake, or relax by the pool.

• Echo Lake Labor Day Weekend: September 4-7

Tuolumne Family Camp

At Tuolumne Camp, enjoy signature events such as staff vs. camper volleyball, camp dance night, and the staff show. Spend your days doing camp-hosted activities, exploring waterfalls, relaxing in the sauna, or taking a scenic trip to Yosemite.

Themed Specialty Weeks and Weekends offer focused programs across a range of interests, from tots to fishing, music, health, and beyond. Explore the full schedule in our Tuolumne Summer Preview Guide. Participants choose weekday, weekend, or weeklong sessions, and new daily cabin registration supports flexible scheduling.

• Tuolumne Family Camp: June 15–August 9

Submit a design for the next Berkeley Tuolumne Camp T-shirt Contest by April 10. Design must include: the year, the words "Berkeley Tuolumne Camp," be a family friendly design, and should relate to camp.

Youth Camp

Kids aged 7–14 can enjoy a six-day adventure at Echo Lake Youth Camp, building confidence and friendships while exploring the natural world.

Activities include hiking, swimming, archery, crafts, campfires, talent shows, and group games.

Bus service is provided between Berkeley and Echo Lake, with the option for guardians to drop off and pick up campers directly at the camp.

• Echo Lake Youth Camp: June 15-20, 22-27; June 29-July 4; July 6-11, 13-18, 20-25; July 27-August 1; August 3-8, 10-15

Echo Lake Adventure Backpacking Programs

Teens and adults can explore the Lake Tahoe wilderness on guided backpacking trips led by trained staff.

Teen backpacking trips

Teens aged 13–17 can join either a 3-day, 2-night or 4-day, 3-night backpacking trip led by trained staff to explore Lake Tahoe’s wilderness.

Participants will learn backcountry basics, summit mountain peaks, and swim in alpine lakes. Food and gear are provided. No camping experience is necessary. Review the teen backpacking trip guide for more program information.

Teens should be physically fit and able to carry a 40–50 lbs pack while hiking 3–6 miles daily at high elevations of 7,500–9,200 feet.

Backpackers will spend the first one to two days acclimating to the altitude and learning backcountry basics. Measures to ensure safety include staff certified in medical response and medicine distribution, and a satellite phone for emergencies.

• Teen backpacking trip: July 6–11, 13–18, 20–25; July 27– August 1; August 3–8

Adult backpacking trip

Adults can join a four-day backpacking trip in the Desolation Wilderness near Lake Tahoe. The trip is suited for both beginning and experienced backpackers.

All food is provided. Backpacking gear is available to rent for a daily fee. The trip is led by a Wilderness First Response–certified Camp Manager with over 13 years of backpacking experience.

Participants must be able to carry a 40–to-55-liter pack weighing 25–40 lbs while hiking 3–9 miles per day at elevations of 7,500 to 9,750 feet. Review the Echo Lake Adult Backpacking Guide.

• Adult backpacking trip: August 26–30

Counselor-in-Training Program

Teens entering grades 9–11 can gain leadership skills through our Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program at either family or youth camp sessions.

Participants will receive training in outdoor safety, activity coordination, problem-solving, and leading age-appropriate activities.

Bus transportation is available to and from Berkeley for CITs participating in Echo Lake youth camp, not Tuolumne family camp.

• Echo Lake Counselor-in-Training (2-week and 1-week sessions): June 15–August 15
• Tuolumne Counselor-in-Training (2-week sessions): June 15–August 8

50 and Better Camp

Adults aged 50+ can relax in a serene mountain setting at Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp. Enjoy hiking, fishing, camper-led activities, and peaceful mornings.

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 50 and Better Camp: August 17–22
• Tuolumne 50 and Better Camp: August 21–24

Work Weekend

We need skilled and general laborers, ages 13 and up, to help prepare Echo Lake and Tuolumne Camp for the season. In return, enjoy a weekend of rewarding work, camaraderie, and time in the Sierra or near Yosemite, with meals and cabin tents provided.

• Echo Lake Work Weekend: May 29–31
• Tuolumne Work Weekend: May 22–25

Register for camps

Use our Recreation Registration Portal to explore camp offerings and sign up.

1. For overnight camps, select "Echo Lake" or "Berkeley Tuolumne Camp" under “Location.”
2. Narrow options by "Age Group" or "Days of the Week."
3. Choose your desired session, click "Add to Cart," and complete checkout.

Scholarships Available

Berkeley residents can apply for scholarships covering either 50% or 100% of camp fees. The program accepts new applicants and prior scholarship recipients. Enrollment is first-come, first-served. For questions, contact recreation@berkeleyca.gov or (510) 981-5150.

City of Berkeley camps are organized by our Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department, which offers a variety of camps, classes, and activities catering to diverse age groups and backgrounds.

Use our Recreation Registration Portal to explore our camps and start planning your summer.   

Links

• Overnight Camps
  • Register for camp using Recreation Registration Portal
  • Account creation instructions
  • Echo Lake Camp (near South Lake Tahoe)
  • Tuolumne Camp (near Yosemite); Preview Guide
• Apply for scholarships
• Camps
  • Berkeley Summer Camps
  • Berkeley Day Camp