I'm happy to present our fifth Sleepaway Camp Guide for Bay Area families as a companion to our East Bay Day Camp Guide (to be updated soon!). Be sure to tell us in the comments your favorites that we missed. Now, pack up your giant duffle and let's go!
Please note that all camps with logos are paid sponsors.
Sleepaway Camps in California
Trackers Earth Camps (Northern California and Oregon)
Trackers Earth offers the most adventurous sleepaway camps around! Choose from backpacking camps visiting Point Reyes, the Sierras, and more. Older kids and teens can join even more epic 11-day trips across Northern California and Oregon. Also offering teen leadership training for grades 8-12.
Camp Duration: 5 - 11 days
Price: $1,045 - $1,850. 10% Early Bird Discount. 15% Super Early Bird Discount.
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
YMCA Camp Loma Mar
At Camp Loma Mar, campers to make new friends, try new things, and learn new skills. Alongside traditional camp activities like hiking, crafts and sing-alongs, YMCA counselors teach values and skills that make a positive difference in campers’ lives.
Camp Duration: 7 days
Price: Tiered pricing: Tier 1 is $720, Tier 2 is $640, Tier 3 is $600
Grade entering: K, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Gaia Girls Passages Teen Backpacking Trips
The Gaia Girls Passages Backcountry Trips are an opportunity for teens to take a step outside of their everyday life and enter the majestic realms of wilderness. 6-day and 8-day overnight camp options for teen girls grades 7-12.
Camp Duration: 6 days or 8 days
Price: $1020 (6 day) and $1360 (8 day), scholarships available
Grade entering: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Save $100 with code 510FAMILY
Mountain Meadow Ranch Summer Camp (Sierra Mountains)
A co-ed, traditional sleepaway camp for kids age 7 to 16, uniquely located on a 900 acre ranch in the Sierras north of Lake Tahoe. Limited enrollment allows for a more personal camp experience and family-like feel that bring all of the camp family together. Easy chaperoned flights to / from Oakland via Reno. 63 summers family-owned and operated.
Camp Duration: Two- and four-week sessions
Price: 2-week session: $3600 4-week session: $6500 (save 5% for siblings)
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
NatureBridge Summer Backpacking
Immerse yourself in the science, wonder, and fun of nature on a weeklong backpacking trip in Yosemite or Olympic National Park. With NatureBridge Summer Backpacking, participants hike through stunning wilderness, learn to backpack, become field scientists, and develop long-lasting friendships.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $1,550
Grade entering: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Save 15%, using code 510Fam. Expires 3/15/2019.
Camp Woolman
Camp Woolman is a small backpacking camp for kids aged 9-16. Campers play games, swim, garden, do crafts, sing, and more! The small size (60 campers max) creates a uniquely close community where kids are able to shine.
Camp Duration: 1 and 2 week sessions. Campers may sign up for multiple sessions.
Price: Ages 9-14: $810/one week session or $1495/two week session. Ages 15-16: $1550/two week session. Discounts: $50 off per session if registered before February 14, $50 off per sibling, $50 off for you and a friend you refer.
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Artemis Wilderness Village Camp for Girls (and moms!)
Give your daughter the gift of being supported by a healthy and inspiring all-female, nature-based village. Animal tracking, herbal medicine making, fire building, hiking, lake swimming canoeing, and star gazing. For girls grades 4-10, mothers join for Friday through Sunday.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $1225 with Built-In Scholarships and Early Bird Discounts starting at $825
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Save $100 with code 510FAMILY
Education Unlimited
Academic and creative arts overnight camps for students entering grades 4 through 12 with a variety of educational summer camps and programs at university campuses in California and on the East Coast. In the Bay Area, there are programs at UC Berkeley and Stanford.
Camp Duration: 1 - 3 weeks depending on the program
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Augusta (Nevada City)
Camp Augusta is a sleepaway camp where children learn to live together in a supportive atmosphere that promotes personal and social growth. Ages 8 to 16. Mini camp also available.
Camp Duration: 1- and 2-week programs
Price: $1795/week
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Jam Camp West (Loma Mar)
ONE WEEK ONLY. Jam Camp West is a creative 7-day music, dance and vocal overnight camp program held in the redwoods of Northern California for 10-15 year olds. All skill levels welcome, financial aid is available.
Camp Duration: 7 days
Price: Unpublished
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Camp Gilboa (Big Bear)
Progressive Jewish sleepaway summer camp for children ages 7-18. Located in Southern California in Big Bear.
Camp Duration: Varies from 5 days to the whole summer
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Amplify Sleep Away Camp (Ojai)
Amplify Sleepaway Camp is an overnight summer camp for girls ages 10 - 16, located in Ojai, California, less than 2 hours northeast of Los Angeles in the Topatopa Mountains.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $1,550
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Deer Crossing (High Sierra Overnight Camp)
Deer Crossing Camp is a co-ed overnight summer camp for youth ages 8-17, located in a wilderness location on Loon Lake.
Camp Duration: 1- and 2-week programs
Price: $1800 for one week; $3450 for two weeks; $6000 for four weeks
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Bothin Girl Scout Camp (Fairfax, Marin County)
Traditional sleepaway camp adventures and specialty programs just for girls including ropes course, performing arts, field trips, animals, STEM, and art. You need not be a Girl Scout to register.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: From $450 to $1150
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Cazadero Music Camp (Sonoma County)
‘Caz’ brings the love of music and learning to young musicians at this popular sleepaway camp. Campers work closely with skilled conductors, talented music faculty, and a devoted staff.
Camp Duration: 1- and 2-week programs
Price: Varies with earlybird savings
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Point Reyes
Overnight camp programs combine outdoor adventuring with environmental education techniques, marine and coastal field excursions, and traditional summer camp activities. Ages 7-12 do nature science camp and ages 12-17 take on adventure camp.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Woodward Tahoe Skateboard Camp
Led by the best skateboarding staff focused on helping campers improve their riding and also have fun. This Northern California sleepaway camp is located in Soda Springs. Co-ed for ages 7 to 17.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $1099 to $1249
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
Hidden Villa (Los Altos Hills)
Rez camp program offers a wide array of activities and a focus on social justice. Registration begins in January.
Camp Duration: 12 Days
Price: $1385
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th
Two Rivers Soccer Camp (Graeagle, CA)
Soccer enthusiasts will focus on soccer skills at this sporty sleepaway camp and experience activities like golf, tennis, horseback riding, high sierra hiking, and stand up paddle boarding. For boys and girls age 7 to 17.
Camp Duration: 6 days Sunday through Saturday
Price: $1795
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
Kennolyn Camps (Soquel, CA)
Offering specialty overnight camps in equestrian, surfing, adventure, or good old-fashioned resident camp, Kennolyn is located on 300 acres of redwood forest with close proximity to the beach.
Camp Duration: 1- and 2-week programs
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Skylark Ranch Girl Scout Camp (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Traditional sleepaway camp adventures and specialty programs just for girls. Activities include horseback riding, ocean aquatic adventures, ropes courses, field trips, and wilderness skills. You need not be a Girl Scout to register.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: Varies from $467 to $940
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
URJ Camp Newman
Jewish sleepaway camp at the Cal Maritime campus. Campers choose activities while experiencing Judaism and Shabbat.
Camp Duration: Sessions from 9 days to 8 weeks
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Mountain Camp (Eldorado National Forest)
Mountain Camp is a traditional co-ed summer resident camp for campers entering 2nd-12th grades.
Camp Duration: 1-wk, 2-wk, 3-wk, and 4-wk sessions
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Unalayee (Trinity Alps Wilderness)
Activities include archery, crafts, swimming, boating, arts, rock-climbing, and music at this California overnight camp. Each base-camp session also includes multi-day backpacking trips compatible with campers’ age, interests and abilities. For campers age 10 to 17.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
JCC Maccabi Sports Camp (Atherton, CA)
Jewish sports sleepaway camp. Campers develop skills in their chosen sport: baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball, dance, or lacrosse. Daily routine of camp activities mixed with a Jewish summer camp experience.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: $3495/ 2 weeks
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
Camp Saint Andrew's
Camp Saint Andrew’s is a traditional, week-long, non-denominational sleepaway camp for children aged 8-14 near Pinecrest Lake. Activities include archery, arts & crafts, swimming, fishing, hiking, sports, and a nightly campfire.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $650
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
uCamps
uCamps has provided dynamic programs for youth and teens since 2003. uCamps is committed to promoting acceptance and creating a safe environment for all participants to express themselves and celebrate individuality!
Camp Duration: 1-3 weeks
Price: $825-$2,195
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Save with code 510families_50off
Eden Village West
Eden Village West is a farm-to-table residential Jewish summer camp in Northern California for ages 8-15 that integrates culinary arts, organic farming, homestead crafts, wilderness skills, sports, music, and more!
Camp Duration: 2 Weeks
Price: $3250 | Save $200 with early bird/siblings, Save $100 when you refer a friend
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Camp Tawonga
For over 90 years, Camp Tawonga (located outside of Yosemite National Park) has served as a leader in Jewish camping, fostering in children and families a deep connection to nature, community and Judaism within a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Camp Duration: 1-3 weeks
Price: $1,415/week
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Common Ground
Camp Common Ground brings racially and economically diverse middle-schoolers together to develop deep friendships, empathy, and leadership skills. Overnight in the redwoods, campers bond over swimming, hiking, archery, GaGa-ball, and campfire traditions. Tuition covers four reunions during the school year.
Camp Duration: 12 night summer camp, and 4 reunions during the school year
Price: Sliding Scale tuition dependent on income; tuition ranges from $50 (full scholarship) to $2,600 (full paying). Most families get partial scholarships.
Grade entering: 7th, 8th, 9th
Bar 717 Ranch / Camp Trinity
The Bar 717 Ranch offers children an opportunity to spend the summer on a beautiful mountain ranch. The pioneer traditions of cooperation, resourcefulness, and respect for the land are the foundation for wholesome summers filled with fun & friendship and a deep connection with nature.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: $3410
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
Big thanks again to our overnight camp sponsors:
- Trackers – Kids entering grades 5th to 12th, locations vary
- Gaia Girls – Girls entering grades 4th to 12th, locations vary
- Mountain Meadow Ranch – Kids age 7 to 16 in the Northern Sierras near Reno
- YMCA Camp Loma Mar – Kids age 7 to 15 in the Pescadero Valley.
- NatureBridge Summer Backpacking – Grades 8th through 12th in Yosemite or Olympic Park.
We work really hard to make sure that prices and descriptions are accurate but they can change; please check with vendor for current rates and availability; and tell ‘em 510families sent ya!
All decisions for this guide were made by Heather and Whitney, founders of 510families.com, we apologize for any errors or glaring omissions. Promotional consideration was paid by sponsored listings as indicated. If you’d like to be considered for future Camp Guides, please contact us at ads@510families.com for information.
[Photo of Felton area redwoods by Casey Horner via Unsplash]
Looking for an overnight Business Camp for your young Entrepreneur?
The Camp BizSmart Product Design & Business Plan Entrepreneurship Academy is a fun, intensive, two-week summer experience for ages 11 – 15. For teens 16-19, we offer a 6 day, design thinking product invention and crowdfunding video workshop. We develop skills that help prepare students from 11-15 and 16-19 to become the creators of the world’s next great products and companies.
Check us out at http://www.campbizsmart.org
http://campbizsmart.org/about-camp-bizsmart/