Overnight Camps

Escape to the Sierra Nevada with the City of Berkeley: we have summer sleepaway camps for youth, families, adults, 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 sierras with counselors. 

When you join us at either Echo Lake Camp (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 with family and friends. Households and individuals of all backgrounds are welcome to share in Berkeley’s rich diversity at camp. 

Low-income families may qualify for a camp scholarship to cover 50% or 100% of camp fees. Learn more and apply using the Recreation Scholarship Application.

Echo Lake Camp

Whether you’re interested in getting away from the city to hike the beautiful Pacific Crest Trail, in South Lake Tahoe, or just relaxing with friends and family in the “green chair circle” overlooking the Tahoe Basin, Echo Lake Camp offers something for all ages. Camp traditions include talent shows, theme days, tie-dye shirts, campfires, swimming, and excellent hiking trails. 

If you’re looking to enjoy some silly, goofy camp fun, and amazing views in South Lake Tahoe, this is the camp for you and your family. 

Register for Echo Lake Camps

Tuolumne Camp

Tuolumne Camp reopened in summer 2022 after being completely rebuilt following the Rim Fire of 2013. This brand-new facility is one of the most accessible camps in California, with paved pathways, ramps, and other features making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate.

Located just outside the gates of Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Camp has served thousands of Berkeley residents annually since 1922. Learn why generations of campers have made this a family tradition for 100 years and enjoy a new facility that has been designed to honor and celebrate the diversity of the City of Berkeley.  

Register for Tuolumne Camps

Camp Programs

Echo Lake and Tuolumne Camp each offer a variety of programs for families, youth, and adults. Learn more about the available programs below.

Family Camp

Echo Lake: Monday, June 12–Sunday, June 18; Friday, September 1–Monday, September 4
Tuolumne: Monday, June 12–Sunday, August 13
Ages: Families of all ages

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

Enjoy campfires and s'mores, take part in theme days, play games, practice archery, swim, and learn crafts.  

Register for a tent cabin of up to 3 campers and add additional campers for a fee.

Youth Camp

Echo Lake: Monday, June 19–Saturday, August 19
Ages: Youth 7-14

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-day or 6-day sessions include activities such as hiking, swimming, archery, arts & crafts, campfires, talent shows, group games, and more.  
 

Teen Camp

Tuolumne: Monday, June 12–Saturday, June 17
Ages: Entering grades 7-9th

This 7-day program is a comprehensive leadership development week where teens can put away their phones and devices, step outside their comfort zone, and engage with each other in ways they aren’t able to in the Bay Area. Incoming 8th and 9th graders will have the opportunity to break away from the City and develop leadership skills that will help prepare them for work, college, and adulthood. 

Teens will not only build social capital with a diverse group together, but also connect with a variety of community partners in the Berkeley/Bay Area who will provide the following resources: college readiness, job readiness, mental and social wellbeing, and outdoor education to help teens get connected to nature. 

Counselor-in-Training

Echo Lake: Monday, June 12–Saturday, August 19
Tuolumne: Saturday, June 17–Saturday, August 12
Ages: Entering grades 9-12th

Teens 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 on topics such as camp policies, outdoor recreation safety, leadership and workplace problem solving, recreation activity leadership, performance arts, and leading age-appropriate activities.  

50 and Better Camp

Echo Lake: Monday, August 21–Friday, August 25
Tuolumne: Friday, August 25–Monday, August 28
Ages: 50 and older suggested, but all adults welcome

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. Camp fees cover up to two people per tent and include lodging, meals, and programs.

Work Weekend

Echo Lake: Friday, June 2–Sunday, June 4
Tuolumne: Saturday, May 27–Monday, May 29
Ages: 13 and up

Overnight camps need the help of skilled and general laborers to complete several work projects before our season begins. This is a great opportunity to support Echo Lake and Tuolumne Camp and the thousands of participants that enjoy these beautiful City of Berkeley locations annually. 

In return, campers will enjoy a fun weekend of hard work, fellowship with supporters of City of Berkeley Camps, and a weekend in the Sierra or near Yosemite, with meals and cabin tent provided. 

About our camps

Amenities at both camps include restrooms, hot showers, swimming (Echo has a heated pool), basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, disc-golf, archery, an observation deck, campfires, and music programs. Recreation lodges at each facility offer arts and crafts activities and fantastic views. Tuolumne Camp has a sauna to relax and unwind in. 

Both camps have limited wifi and cellular service. Our COVID-19 guidelines adhere to City of Berkeley and California Department of Public Health guidelines.

Camp contact information

Echo Lake Camp is located in Echo Lake, CA near South Lake Tahoe. The address is:

During the summer, you can call the Echo Lake Camp Office at: (530) 659-7539. View a map of Echo Lake camp.

Tuolumne Camp is located in Groveland, CA near Yosemite National Park. The address is:

During the summer, you can call the Tuolumne Camp Office at (209) 962-1939. View a map of Tuolumne Camp.