Hello mike_engenie-ga,
There are several family camps within easy reach of San Francisco in
addition to the ones you’ve identified. Several cities offer municipal
family camps in the Sierras (Berkeley, San Jose, Concord, Stockton)
that are open to non-residents as well. Some of the camps are operated
by university alumni associations. In addition, there are private
companies that offer family as well as other programs. In researching
these offering I found that many of them are very popular and have
preferential registrations for residents or members. Many of these
programs fill up as soon as registration is opened in the spring. I
hope that you’ll be able to find a program that meets your needs in
the list I’ve been able to compile.
Wishing you a wonderful family holiday.
czh
http://www.familytravelguides.com/articles/camping/camps.html
FAMILY CAMPS
Family camps have always been popular and are becoming more so. Like a
resort minus some of the amenities, family camps offer a wide range of
activities and usually a dining hall where meals are eaten.
The camps are usually found in areas rich in beauty and are
well-equipped for family fun. As most family camps provide meals and
activities, planning and packing may be kept to a minimum, maximizing
your vacation time. Family camps can be one of the most economical
vacations and one of the most relaxing for everybody as there are many
activities typically offered. Some families coordinate their vacation
times to go to family camps with other family friends or relatives
doubling the fun.
Many traditional children's summer camps are offering camping on
designated weeks or weekends. Be sure to check. This type of vacation
offers a great opportunity to spend time together as a family with
very few hassles to deal with all in a beautiful setting. The
following is a partial list of family camps around the country. There
are many, many others. If you would like to visit an area with no camp
mentioned here, contact the state tourist board, they'll be able to
help you.
http://www.berkeleycamps.com/btcperfect.html
Berkeley Tuolumne Family Camp is a 14.5 acre camp located on the South
Fork of the Tuolumne River near the West entrance of Yosemite National
Park.
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp has grown from 13 to 73 tent cabins since 1922
and provides families with a comfortable getaway to the woods family
camp that features a relaxed and congenial atmosphere.
Supervised activities help keep children happy while parents get a
well-deserved rest or time to participate in an activity more to their
liking. Parents and kids can choose to balance togetherness with
individual adventures in whatever way works for them.
"There's always something to do, and I approve of all the activities
heartily." "There isn't anything there I don't want any of the kids to
be doing - unlike at home," declares a Tuolumne Camper mom.
http://www.ci.san-jose.ca.us/prns/familycamp.htm
SAN JOSE FAMILY CAMP
The camp is located in the heart of the Sierras just off Highway 120
near the west gate of Yosemite National Park. The address is 11401
Cherry Lake Road, which is off Highway 120 approximately ten miles
east of Groveland, CA.
The 2003 Summer Season for Family Camp opens on June 13th- August
24th. The camp is open to everyone and anyone, the cost is per night
based upon residency or non-residency within the City of San José. The
price includes three meals per day, lodging and activities within
camp.
Please call (408) 277-4666 with any additional questions. Thank you,
Katherine Lockwood, SJFC Reservations Manager.
http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/recreation/camp/campprograms.htm
Camp Concord
Just a few hours from the San Francisco Bay Area, you will find Camp
Concord high in the Sierras between Lake Tahoe and Fallen Leaf Lake.
Camp's spectacular scenery is situated on 29 acres of the El Dorado
National Forest, and we take advantage of this pristine environment to
provide family and youth campers with exciting adventures and laid
back activities. For pricing, please see our Registration page.
Family Programs
June 22 to August 9, 2003
(All Ages)
Family Camp is an experience that allows parents and children to play
together in a fun and supportive environment while mingling with other
families in the heart of the Sierra Mountains. This program offers an
affordable Lake Tahoe getaway for the entire family and is the perfect
setting for a relaxing and/or adventurous vacation.
With something of interest for every age group, your family can
experience the outdoors from Camp Concord's daily calendar of events
or explore the Tahoe Basin on your own. Highlights of the Family Camp
schedule include campfires, hiking, crawdad fishing, canoeing, sports,
rafting, and many more. If you elect to take a break from the Family
Camp schedule, off-site activities such as golf, horseback riding,
water sports, and bicycle trails are easily accessible.
http://www.oaklandnet.com/parks/programs/featherriver.asp
Oakland Feather River Camp
For over 75 years, more than 250,000 campers ~ families, children,
youth, friends, groups and individuals, have made Feather River Camp
their vacation destination.
Come to Feather River to relax, to rejuvenate your spirit and to
experience the stillness of nature, the joy of singing campfire songs,
reuniting with old friends, or just experiencing traditional
recreation and leisure activities ~ what these campers know is that
they can have it all.
Enjoy a moment in the sun, surrounded by nature, great folks and great
food! Come to Feather River Camp. Bring your family, bring your
friends.
The camp is located at:
Feather River Camp
Director: Michael Lange
1520 Lakeside Drive
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 238-3791
(510) 238-2346 fax
frc@oaklandnet.com
http://www.cityofsacramento.org/parksandrecreation/recreation/campsac.htm
Camp Sacramento
Spend your family vacation in the peaceful Northern California
mountain site located in the El Dorado National Forest. Camp
Sacramento is the perfect affordable family vacation.
Facilities
Camp Sacramento is situated in the Sayles Flat area of the El Dorado
National Forest. It sits on a 19-acre property owned by the U.S.
Forest Service and leased by the City of Sacramento. There are 60
cabins of various sizes scattered throughout the property. These
cabins have electricity, but most don't have any outlets other than
the light bulb on the ceiling and the porch light. They are rustic yet
charming -- most of them were built in the 1930's. Some of the cabins
are wheelchair-accessible. The cabins don't have running water, but
there are centrally located restrooms available complete with
electrical outlets and private shower stalls. Camp facilites also
include a dining hall, a lodge, a camp store, a camp nurse's office, a
softball diamond, a half basketball court, a volleyball court, a
campfire pit, arts & crafts areas, ping pong tables, horeshoe pits,
and the scenic American River.
How to Reach Us
To make Family Camp reservations, use the online form or call (916)
277-6098.
For Conference Center information, reservations, and other
miscellaneous info, contact staff at (916) 277-6169 or e-mail Camp
Sacramento.
Camp Sacramento Services (main office in Sacramento -- open
year-round)
4623 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 277-6098
(916) 454-3956 FAX
http://www.stocktongov.com/parks/silverlake/silverlake.htm
Silver Lake High Sierra Family Camp
Stockton's Silver Lake High Sierra Camp invites adults and families
with children of all ages to spend their vacation this summer in the
beautiful Sierras. The camp is located approximately 100 miles from
Stockton on scenic Highway 88, and only 40 miles from Lake Tahoe.
Affordable rates, good food, swimming, arts and crafts, fishing,
boating, hiking, nearby horseback riding, evening campfires and more
await you.
Stockton Silver Lake High Sierra Camp
at End of Plasse's Road
Silver Lake, CA 95666.
Phone (209) 258-8810.
Brian Fitzgerald, Recreation Supervisor
Phone 209-937-8293
Brian.Fitzgerald@ci.stockton.ca.us
http://www.parks.sfgov.org/site/recpark_page.asp?id=16322
Camp Mather
Camp Mather is a camp owned and operated by the City and County of San
Francisco. It is located 15 miles front the entrance to Yosemite
National Park, in the High Sierras at an elevation of 4,520 feet.
Each year beginning in late March or early April, applications are
submitted for attendance to camp. It's a very competitive process,
because there are more applicants than there is space available during
the camp season. The first week of camp usually begins mid June and
ends 10 weeks later in August.
During each session of camp, there are many activities for all age
groups. We have swimming, arts & crafts, softball, basketball, bike
riding (bring your own), sack races, and many others sports and
activities. run filled days are capped with entertaining nights of
camp films, videos, bingo and dancing. Most families that attend the
camp usually plan to go again, so please make your reservations early
because vacancies fill fast.
The cost to attend for a family of four people, 2 adults and 2
children, is about $1,150.00 for City residents and $100 more for
nonresidents. This cost includes cabin fees and three meals each
served cafeteria style.
Interested individuals may call our office at (415) 831-2715 or come
by and to pick up an application at 501 Stanyan St., San Francisco,
CA, 94117. We are located in Golden Gate Park on the corner of Fell
and Stanyan Streets in the McLaren Lodge.
http://www.alumni.berkeley.edu/Alumni/Lair_of_the_Golden_Bear/About_the_Lair.asp
The Lair of the Golden Bear is the California Alumni Association’s
summer family camp. Every summer the three camps that make-up the
Lair, Camps Blue, Gold, and Oski, collectively host nearly 10,000
campers of all ages. The camp provides lodging, meals and loads of fun
activities for campers to enjoy as well as a responsible and energetic
staff to provide them. From hiking to softball, swimming pools to
tennis, pottery wheels and tie-dye to paddle boating on our
neighboring lake, the Lair staff provides multiple vehicles for family
fun. The staff even provides nightly entertainment around the
campfire.
The Lair is the Cal summer family alumni camp. We are comprised of Cal
fans! The overwhelming majority of adult campers graduated from the
University of California system, the greater part from UC Berkeley.
This is a unique opportunity for both campers and staff to get
involved in the extended Cal “family.”
The Lair is located in Pinecrest, California at an elevation of 5600
ft., about 150 miles east of Berkeley. We are in the Stanislaus
National Forest off of Highway 108, thirty minutes east of Sonora.
This is about two and a half hours south of Tahoe and an hour and a
half north of Yosemite in the Central Sierra Mountains.
http://www.skylakeyosemite.com/pages/family.html
Skylake offers an opportunity to families to camp together without the
hassles of camping. Skylake provides the meals, private dock on
gorgeous Bass Lake, and rustic but comfortable screen house cabins for
each family. The large lodge with dining hall and recreation room
provide the social center for camp.
The family camp program offers a combination of long weekends and full
week camps. There is no Family Camp available between June 19th and
August 19th when Skylake's Children Camp is in session.
Located on beautiful Bass Lake just a few miles away from the Sierras
and Yosemite National Park, Skylake is a camper’s delight – a place
where "summer magic" happens and lifelong memories are made.
Skylake Yosemite Camp, Wishon, CA
Phone: 559-642-3720
Jeffrey Portnoy:
jpskylake@aol.com
Camper Registrations:
skylakereg@aol.com
http://www.wondervalleyfamilycamp.com/
Wonder Valley Family Camp
With over 50 different activities being offered during your stay at
Wonder Valley Family Camp, it is literally impossible for campers in
any age group to become bored. From sunrise until late into the night,
something is going on just about everywhere you look on Wonder
Valley’s 75-acre grounds.
This full-service resort offers more than you would expect in a summer
resident camp, with 50 guest rooms that range from quaint country
cottages to modern hotel-style rooms. All accommodations feature air
conditioning and private baths, with 33 of these rooms having the
ability to be adjusted for sleeping up to eight people each.
Residents dine in the sparkling new Lakeshore Lodge, a 6000
square-foot facility that offers premium buffet dining, indoor and
outdoor cocktail lounges, and patio dining alongside Dalton Pond. This
new structure is the crown jewel at Wonder Valley Ranch, and is the
centerpoint for many Family Camp activities.
Wonder Valley Family Camp
6450 Elwood Road
Sanger, CA. 93657
559-787-2551
1-800-821-2801.
rwrcamp@aol.com
http://www.emandal.com/camp/family.html
Family Country Vacations
Each summer during August and parts of September, Emandal is open for
families to come and enjoy the outdoors and the farm... without the
bother of packing sleeping bags or preparing food.
There are 17 redwood cabins on the oak and fir clad hills, built by Al
Byrnes between 1915 and 1925. Each cabin is furnished with beds (along
with bed linen and blankets), cold spring water and electricity. A
hammock is generally found adjacent or nearby.
Bathrooms and shower facilities are located in the camp area. Capacity
is about 55 people. We serve three meals a day (two on Sunday), family
style. There is no bar. Price for a one week stay, Sunday to Sunday,
includes room and the 3 meals.
http://www.emandal.com/camp/familyPricelist.html
2003 Price List and Schedule
Emandal is located 16 miles off Highway 101, northeast of Willits,
Mendocino County, California, approximately 140 miles north of San
Francisco. We are 60 miles from the coast and 2 miles from the base of
San Hedrin Mountain, one of the highest points in the Coast Range. Our
elevation is 1350 feet and the temperature normally registers 85º-95º
at noon during the summers.
16500 Hearst Post Office Road
Willits, California 95490
707-459-5439 • FAX 707-459-1808
SEARCH STRATEGY
family camp(s) california |
Clarification of Answer by
czh-ga
on
16 Jun 2003 16:20 PDT
Hello again mike_engenie-ga,
Family camp vacation spots usually mean fairly rustic facilities. The
Wonder Valley Family Camp on my original list will probably meet your
need for a more resort/hotel-like facility. In addition, I’ve located
several other resorts for your consideration. Most of them are in
Northern California but I’ve included several in the San Diego area
that may offer a “Club Med” atmosphere if they’re not outside your 5-6
hour driving limit. I hope these will meet your needs for finding a
likely family vacation spot.
Enjoy!
czh
http://www.wondervalleyfamilycamp.com/facilities.html
Wonder Valley Family Camp
This full-service resort offers more than you would expect in a summer
resident camp, with 50 guest rooms that range from quaint country
cottages to modern hotel-style rooms. All accommodations feature air
conditioning and private baths, with 33 of these rooms having the
ability to be adjusted for sleeping up to eight people each.
Residents dine in the sparkling new Lakeshore Lodge, a 6000
square-foot facility that offers premium buffet dining, indoor and
outdoor cocktail lounges, and patio dining alongside Dalton Pond. This
new structure is the crown jewel at Wonder Valley Ranch, and is the
centerpoint for many Family Camp activities.
Recreational facilities are everywhere you look at Wonder Valley
Ranch. The Equestrian Center offers many types of horseback riding
adventures, and the Aquatics Center features two pools and a Jacuzzi
whirlpool spa. Scenic Dalton Pond sits at the center of the grounds,
and offers swimming, fishing and sailing.
For the sports enthusiast, there are tennis and basketball courts,
athletic fields for football, softball and soccer, hiking and biking
trails, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a Ropes Challenge
Course to test agility and build confidence and endurance. The go-kart
track, barnyard petting farm, outdoor stage, archery and riflery range
and gymnastics area also provide endless opportunities for Family Camp
fun all day and night.
When not being used as a resident summer Family Camp, Wonder Valley
Ranch becomes a busy Conference Center, where smart businesses and
families can find every possible accommodation to hold productive
meetings, seminars, conferences, training retreats, parties, company
picnics, family or class reunions, and weddings and receptions.
http://www.tullochresort.com/default.htm
Lake Tulloch Resort
Located in the foothills of California and gateway to the world famous
Yosemite/Gold Country, Lake Tulloch Resort offers deluxe
accommodations in a natural setting with breathtaking views of the
lake and sculpted geological formations carved by nature. Lake Tulloch
is a paradise for year round vacation fun. Enjoy every water activity
imaginable including: boating, skiing, wind surfing, swimming,
sailing, wave runners or just great fishing. Guests here enjoy golf at
world class 18 hole Saddle Creek and Greenhorn Creek golf clubs.
http://www.skinorthstar.com/summer/resortactivities.html?x=4&y=0&se=sum
Northstar at Tahoe
Resort Activities
Rec Center - Minors' Camp - Adventure Park - Tennis - Horseback Riding
- Fly Fishing - Hiking - ATV Tours - Action Zone -
Northstar Lodging
Northstar-at-Tahoe offers a wide variety of on-site lodging options
for a great summer getaway. We have hotel-style rooms in our village
to 4 bedroom condominiums throughout our resort. With prices starting
at $118, we have something for every budget.
We also offer houses for that perfect family retreat. One free 1/2 day
of child care included per unit per stay (two night minimum). All of
our guests have access to the Northstar Recreation Center.
http://www.squaw.com/summer/html/lodging.html
Squaw Valley Central Reservations can handle all your planning, from
rental cars and airline tickets, to lodging and activities at over 50
properties, from private homes to Casinos and Resorts, in Squaw
Valley, Truckee, North Lake Tahoe, and Reno, NV.
Summer Mountain Getaways
CALL NOW - 1-800-403-0206
Bring the family, or grab your mate for a fun summer getaway in North
Lake Tahoe and Squaw Valley USA. Enjoy all the fun summer recreation
and activities in and around Squaw Valley, including golf, a health
and fitness spa, hiking, horseback riding, plus free Cable Car rides,
summer ice skating and swimming. Remember Squaw Valley also has a long
list of fun summer events, including free mountain-top concerts!
Plan your vacation around one of our many festivals!
Click here for the event calendar!
http://www.squawcreek.com/
The Resort At Squaw Creek Squaw Valley, California
Situated in the heart of Squaw Valley, California, The Resort at Squaw
Creek is a 4-diamond luxury resort ranked among the top 50 best
resorts in North America by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. The 403-room
luxury resort is situated at the base of Squaw Valley USA, site of the
1960 Winter Olympics. Located just minutes from Lake Tahoe, the
full-service resort features a wide range of spring and summer
activities, including a championship golf course, five restaurants and
lounges, 33,000 feet of function space, a fitness center/spa, and
Mountain Buddies, a comprehensive children's program.
http://www.camprichardson.com
Camp Richardson Resort
Nestled amongst the pines and located along Lake Tahoe's longest
stretch of sandy beaches, Historic Camp Richardson Resort is Lake
Tahoe's #1 Year Round Recreation Resort.
With a wide array of recreational activities, an abundance of lodging
options, and several dining choices, Camp Richardson Resort is one of
Lake Tahoe's premier year round destination resorts.
• Our full service marina is the closest marina to Emerald Bay and
offers an abundance of great ways to explore the waters of Lake Tahoe.
• Our Mountain Sports Center features the lake's largest and best
selection of bikes to rent, as well as snowshoes and cross country
skis for winter fun.
• The Beacon Bar & Grill is located right on the water's edge and is
great spot to reflect on your day over dinner.
With more than 300 campsites, a historic hotel, and lakefront cabins
to choose from, we can meet all of your lodging needs.
http://www.lacosta.com/activities/camp.asp
Camp La Costa
La Costa is a great hideaway for couples, but it's also a wonderful
vacation getaway for families. Camp La Costa offers youngsters
fun-packed days of supervised activities 365 days a year.
Kids get a chance to experience all the wonderful facilities at the
resort in imaginative and entertaining ways. During special holidays,
Camp La Costa has programs that enhance children's enjoyment of
festivities and teaches them something too. Camp La Costa makes your
family's time at La Costa "quality time" with, and without, the
children.
Activities can include seasonal crafts, tennis and croquet, bike
riding, ping-pong, swimming and water activities, and nature walks.
The program is designed to keep kids from ages five to twelve active
and happy during their spare hours. Babysitting services for children
under age 5 can be arranged through the concierge.
http://www.hoteldel.com/vacation/families.html
Hotel Del Coronado
The Del has forged lasting family memories for more than a century.
Surf, sail, swim, bike, bury dad in the sand. The comfortable, relaxed
beach setting is an unequaled playground for your family.
Close to the pool and Tent City activity center for kids, the
contemporary Ocean Towers and California Cabanas are ideal for
families. Or introduce your kids to the past with the Victorian
Building's charming, nostalgic accommodations.
With activities for all ages, The Del will keep the whole family
entertained. Tennis, biking, sailing, kayaking, swimming, and surfing.
Plus, special teen programs and the Tent City activity center just for
kids. The Del is the perfect family adventure.
http://www.paradisepoint.com/act_recreation.cfm
Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Spread across the island, amid swaying palms and tropical blossoms are
462 lanai guestrooms and suites. Colorfully designed, spacious and
full of California comfort, each offers elegant bathrooms featuring
cascading showers.
MARRIED WITH CHILDREN -- FUN FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
The Married with Children Package offers *One night room
accommodations *Welcome Amenity which includes 4 frosty Corona beers
with chips & salsa for the "big kids" and ice-cold milk and cookies
for the "little ones" *Round of putting golf *Pepperoni Pizza for the
whole family delivered hot & fresh to your guestroom and
*Complimentary parking.
Kid’s Kamp (during summer months)
Family Activities (seasonal)
Tennis
Jogging
Sailing
Water Skiing
http://www.familytravel.com/reviews/CA_TopTen.asp
Great Family Resorts in California
California truly is the golden state when it comes to family travel.
No other state has so much to offer. Magnificent natural attractions
like Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Death Valley, and the giant sequoias exist
alongside man-made attractions like Disneyland, Universal Studios, and
the Golden Gate Bridge. The state is also a rich educational
experience for families who want to re-live the California gold rush
and the San Francisco earthquake.
California has so much to offer, it's just a matter of where to start
and what to explore first. Family Travel sent their editorial team out
to the California deserts, wine country, mountains, and cities,
looking for the best places to stay for families. After reviewing some
of the top hotels, resorts, and ranches in the state, we have narrowed
our list down to ten special places that we feel represent the finest
family-friendly accommodations in California.
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