I'm happy to present our Sleepaway Camp Guide for Bay Area families as a companion to our East Bay Day Camp Guide (updated before Feb. 2020). 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
iD Tech (UC Berkeley, St. Mary's, many others)
Learn to code, design video games, mod Minecraft, create with Roblox, engineer robots, and work with AI at iD Tech. Overnight camp held at UC Berkeley and more Bay Area locations.
Camp Duration: One- and two-week programs
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Avid4 Adventure Overnight Expedition Camps (El Dorado County)
Avid4 expedition campers sleep in tents every night and adventure every day, choosing to focus on a water sport or a multi-sport experience for the week. Campers explore their spectacular surroundings and log lots of practice in outdoor sports learning skills in gear management, cooking outdoors, problem solving, and teamwork. Available for rising 5th - 9th graders.
Camp Duration: 6 days, Sunday through Friday
Price: Full price is $1,365. Early bird and sibling discounts available.
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Trackers Earth Camps (Oregon)
Trackers Bay overnight adventures use epic storytelling to teach real skills. Older kids can join 11-day treks across Oregon. Also offering teen leadership training for grades 8-12.
Camp Duration: 5-11 Days
Price: $1045-$1850
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Jam Camp West (Loma Mar, CA)
Jam Camp West is an exciting, creative and fun 7-day (6-night) music, dance and vocal program held in Loma Mar, CA for 10-15 year olds of all skill levels, providing extremely high quality music and dance curriculum taught by leading educators.
Camp Duration: 7-day (6-night)
Price: $995
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Online Fees Waived use code "510jam2020" at checkout
Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR)
OBCR offers unforgettable summer courses for adventurers, aged 14-18. All courses include the opportunity for students to volunteer in remote communities; gain valuable leadership and Spanish language skills; and discover the rainforests, rivers and reefs of Costa Rica & Panama.
Camp Duration: 2-8 weeks, July-August.
Price: 2-week course: $2,930-$3,185. 3-week course: $3,950. 4-week course: $5,050. 5-week course: $6,098. 6-week course: $6,870. 7-week course: $8,160. 8-week course: $9,300. Scholarships & discounts available.
Grade entering: 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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- & Four- Week Sessions Offered
Price: $3600 for 13 days, $6500 for 27 weeks
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
JCC Maccabi Sports Camp (Atherton, CA)
JCC Maccabi Sports Camp is a Jewish overnight sports camp in the San Francisco Bay Area offering programs in soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball and tennis for boys and girls entering grades 3-11. Community, culture and character are at the heart of a unique experience that combines high-level specialized sports instruction with the fun, friendship, and community of a Jewish overnight camp.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: 3595
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Use code 510FAMILIES to save $100 before 2/1/20
Camp Woolman (Sierra Nevada foothills)
Woolman's small community will help your camper shine. Overnight programming for children aged 9-17, days are full of backpacking, swimming, soccer, art, singing, and more. Woolman is a place for life-long friendships and just being yourself.
Camp Duration: 1 to 6 weeks
Price: $900/1 week, $1700/2 weeks, $2400/3 weeks. Scholarships available!
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
YMCA Camp Loma Mar Summer Camp
YMCA Camp Loma Mar is a traditional overnight summer camp focused on creating a magical experience full of exciting activities and deep connections. Camp offers rock climbing, zipline, archery, and so much more. Bus service from Oakland and Richmond.
Camp Duration: 1 week sessions from Sunday-Saturday
Price: $630
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Artemis Wilderness Village Camp for Girls and Moms (Santa Cruz Mountains)
Supporting families and children during the teenage years transition, Artemis Village offers community, nature connection, campfires, theater, singing, crafting, survival skills, herbalism, swimming, organic meals, and outdoor adventure. Each age group has a beautiful campground. Female caregivers join for the weekend.
Camp Duration: 7 days
Price: Tuition is $1,235. Scholarships available. Early bird pricing available.
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th
Save $50 with code 510FAMILY
Camp BizSmart (Santa Clara, CA)
Camp BizSmart is an exciting, hands-on entrepreneur experience for aspiring innovators and problem solvers. For ages 11 to 15, two-week immersion into product innovation is team-based with guidance from top CEOs with a final competition at Microsoft. Campers learn, have fun, and make lifelong friends. Additional creative workshops are available for 13-16 yr olds and for 16-19 yr olds.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: Tuition for 2 weeks is $2,283.75 housing is in addition to this
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Gaia Girls Passages Teen Backpacking Trips
These teen backpacking trips are for female-identified and gender expansive teens who are ready to get out of the city, grow their comfort zone, seek new experiences, and discover the magic of the natural world that is always waiting for them. Trips to Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and Point Reyes, CA.
Camp Duration: 5 days or 6 days (depending on the trip selected)
Price: Tuition is $1,140 or $1,392 depending on the trip selected. Scholarships available. Early bird discounts available.
Grade entering: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Save $50 with code 510FAMILY
Camp Tawonga (Yosemite National Park)
Camp Tawonga is a 160-acre residential Jewish summer camp located on the middle fork of the Tuolumne River, a few miles west of Yosemite National Park, in the Stanislaus National Forest.
Camp Duration: 1-3 weeks
Price: $1,415/week
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Cazadero Music Camp
‘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
Amplify Sleep Away Camp (Ojai)
Amplify Sleepaway Camp is an overnight summer camp for girls ages 10 - 16 by GIRLS ROCK, located in Ojai, California, less than 2 hours northeast of Los Angeles in the Topatopa Mountains.
Camp Duration: One week: Weeks of camp run Sunday through Saturday.
Price: $1695 / week with discounts for longer terms
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Bar 717 Ranch/Camp Trinity (Shasta-Trinity National Forest)
Founded in 1930, the Bar 717 Ranch offers children, ages 8-16, the opportunity to spend the summer on a beautiful mountain ranch. Campers choose freely from activities including horsemanship, backpacking, gardening, animal care, river swimming, arts/crafts, photography, music, archery, blacksmithing and ceramics.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: $3510
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
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: 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. Family camp and mini camp also available.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: $3375 for 2-weeks or $1875 for 1-week program
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Be'chol Lashon (West Marin)
Camp Be’chol Lashon is a multicultural Jewish leadership camp for campers age 8-18 that teaches about global Jewish diversity, builds community leaders, and inspires a love of Judaism. The camp is held at beautiful Walker Creek Ranch in West Marin. Special leadership opportunities for ages 15-18.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: $3000
Grade entering: 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 nights
Price: $50-$2,800 (sliding scale tuition based on need)
Grade entering: 7th, 8th, 9th
Camp Gilboa (Big Bear)
Progressive Jewish sleepaway summer camp for children ages 7-18. Located in Southern California in Big Bear. Committed to making camp affordable
Camp Duration: Varies from 5 days to the whole summer
Price: Varies, ask for discount based on need
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Camp Saint Andrew’s (Pinecrest)
Camp Saint Andrew’s is a traditional, week-long, non-denominational sleepaway camp for children aged 8-15 near Pinecrest Lake. Activities include archery, arts & crafts, swimming, fishing, hiking, sports, and a nightly campfire.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: For 2019 camper tuition was $650
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
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: 2 weeks
Price: $2150 per session (or $1650 for 10-day intro program)
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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 (near Lake Tahoe).
Camp Duration: 1- and 2-week programs
Price: $1845 for one week session; $3495 for two weeks
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Digital Media Academy Tech Camps at Stanford University
Digital Media Academy offers campers ages 9-18 a unique opportunity to live the life of a university student as they dorm in Stanford's overnight housing, develop STEAM skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Camp Duration: Multi-week options are available. One course is typically one week (5 days). Academies (two courses) are two weeks long (10 days). Students have the ability to select multiple courses from June through August and stay for as long as they would like!
Price: Prices start at $1395 for one-week courses and $2790 for academies (two-weeks). Overnight Housing is $995/week.
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Eden Village West (Russian River)
Eden Village West is a farm-to-table residential Jewish summer camp in Sonoma County for ages 8-16 that integrates culinary arts, organic farming, homestead crafts, wilderness skills, sports, music, and more. CIT program for rising 11th graders.
Camp Duration: 2 weeks
Price: $3,350 with earlybird pricing before 1/15/20
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th
Education Unlimited (UC Berkeley and Stanford)
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.
Camp Duration: 1 - 3 weeks depending on the program
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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: Not yet published
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th
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. Grades 1 to 12.
Camp Duration: 1 week (shorter intro also available)
Price: $2350/week
Grade entering: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Mountain Camp (Eldorado National Forest)
Mountain Camp is a traditional co-ed summer overnight camp for campers entering 2nd – 12th grades near Lake Tahoe.
Camp Duration: Sessions are 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week blocks
Price: $2075/ 1-week; $3900/ 2-weeks with earlybird discounts
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
NatureBridge Summer Backpacking (Yosemite and Olympic National Parks)
NatureBridge Summer Backpacking programs are designed to develop future environmental leaders as they take students on a challenging physical and academic journey into spectacular wilderness in Yosemite and Olympic National Parks. No backpacking experience is necessary. Financial assistance is available.
Camp Duration: 1 week
Price: $1,430 / $1,670
Grade entering: 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Point Reyes
Overnight camp programs at the Point Reyes National Seashore combine outdoor adventuring with environmental education, marine field excursions, and traditional camp activities. Ages 7-12 do nature science camp and ages 12-17 take on adventure camp. Family camp also available.
Camp Duration: Varies
Price: Varies
Grade entering: 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Project Ember (Sebastopol)
Project Ember is an artistic engineering camp where kids work together to tackle imaginative design challenges and create their own larger-than-life solutions. Learn to use power tools, design thinking, prototyping, and above all, collaboration. Every session is unique and every project is one-of-a-kind.
Camp Duration: One week
Price: $1850/week
Grade entering: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
Skylake Camp (near Yosemite National Park)
American Camp Association accredited co-ed summer camp in the east coast tradition, Skylake is located on Bass Lake 20 miles from Yosemite. Full range of activities from horseback riding, mountain bikes and boating. Celebrating 75 years.
Camp Duration: Two weeks
Price: $3875
Grade entering: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th
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
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
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: $1850/week or $3940 for "Soccer Plus"
Grade entering: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th
URJ Camp Newman (Novato, CA)
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
Big thanks again to our overnight camp sponsors:
- Avid4 Adventure – Kids entering grades 1st to 11th in Eldorado County
- Camp BizSmart – Kids age 11 to 15 in Silicon Valley
- Gaia Girls Artemis Village – Girls entering grades 4th to 12th, locations vary
- iD Tech – Kids age 10 to 17, UC Berkeley, Stanford, and many other locations
- JCC Maccabi Sports Camp – Kids entering grades 3rd to 11th in Atherton, CA
- Jam Camp West – Kids age 10 to 15 in Loma Mar, CA
- Mountain Meadow Ranch – Kids age 7 to 16 in the Northern Sierras near Reno
- Outward Bound Costa Rica – Kids age 14 to 18 in Costa Rica and Panama
- Trackers Earth – Kids entering grades 5th to 12th, locations vary
- Camp Woolman – Kids entering grades 4th to 10th near Nevada City, CA
- YMCA Camp Loma Mar – Kids age 7 to 15 in the Pescadero Valley
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]
Amalia says
Sleepaway camp can be the BEST experience for kids!! My son went to his first one last year at the age of 10/almost 11, and it was perfect; he loved it. (I’m not naming it because I don’t want it to fill up before we know what week we need to register for!) It seemed like an amazing camp, plus he was more than ready for the taste of independence the experience offers. Also, he went with one friend. It probably would have been fine without a built-in buddy, but maybe both his parents and the other family needed that extra reassurance the boys wouldn’t be lonely.
I was a camper at various camps in Northern CA as a child, and also a counselor as a teen and young adult. From working at camps, I can say pretty confidently that *most* 8 year olds are ready for a week or so of sleepaway camp. There will be some mild homesickness, but that is part of the process. 9 and 10 year olds should be totally fine. Some 7 year olds will be okay, but it’s a little young in my experience, and 6 year olds are generally NOT ready. (Yes, back in the 90s when I was working at camps, there were cabins for 6 year olds! Maybe that’s just not done anymore.)