Berkeley Echo Lake Camp
To register for Summer 2021 Echo Lake Camp Programs, visit our online registration page which has
session information, registration dates and fees, and instructions on how to setup a user account.
- We are making changes to our Summer 2021 programs to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines. For additional information about these changes, click here: COVID-19 program changes FAQ
To register for Echo Lake Camp Programs, visit our online registration page for session information, registration dates and fees, and instructions on how to setup a user account. Program information will be released as it becomes available.
- New this season, ALL Echo Lake Camp programs are available for online registration, including Family Camp, Youth Camp, 50 & better Camp, and other programs.
- Registration for Berkeley Echo Lake Camp began on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Below you will find detailed information to help you plan for a fabulous summer. As always you can count on Echo Lake Camp continuing to provide the fun and memorable traditions that it always has. Echo Lake Family Campers and 50 & Better Campers are sure to notice one change to our registration process - you can use our online registration system to register and pay for camp. Family Camp will be offered in session lengths instead of a quarter day system (two 7-day sessions and one 5-day session will be offered). This year, Family Camp fees are per tent, not per individual.
Echo Lake Youth Camp will offer one 6-day youth camp session, and five 7-day long camp sessions. One notable change to our Recreation Division programs this year is that bus transportation will not be provided for our Echo Lake Youth Camp or Counselor-In-Training (CIT) programs, 50 & Better Camp, or Berkeley Day Camp Programs.
Registration for Summer programs is just a few clicks away using our online registration system. Since space is limited and we have experienced high demand for these programs in the past, we recommend reviewing the registration schedule below carefully and setting up a user account in our online registration system. Here are some instructions to create an account, and on how to use our online registration system.
CITY OF BERKELEY ECHO LAKE CAMP SUMMER 2021 REGISTRATION INFORMATION, POLICY & PROCEDURES
How To Register
Registration for all summer 2021 programs is now open! Please review the information below regarding how to register and how fees are calculated. This season, campers can register for all Echo Lake Camp programs using the following means:
Online Registration
All Summer 2021 Echo Lake Camp program registration will utilize online registration this year. We encourage all of our campers to utilize our online registration system to find information about all of the City of Berkeley Recreation Division programs, and to complete Echo Lake Camp registrations.
Since space is limited and we have experienced high demand for Echo Lake Camp programs in the past, we recommend reviewing the registration schedule carefully and setting up a user account in our online registration system in advance of registration opening. That process may take several minutes, and you will not be able to register for programs until you have created an account. We strongly encourage all customers who do not yet have a user account to complete this step well in advance of registration opening dates. Here are some instructions to create an account, and on how to use our online registration system.
Program
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Berkeley Resident Priority Registration
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Non-resident registration
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Time (PST)
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How to register
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Echo Lake Family Camp Waitlist Only
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2/16/2021
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2/22/2021
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9:00am
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Online Registration
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Echo Lake Youth Camp Limited Availability
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2/18/2021
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2/25/2021
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9:00am
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Echo Lake 50 & Better Camp Waitlist Only
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2/19/2021
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2/26/2021
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9:00am
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Phone Registration
Campers may contact the Recreation Administration office at (510) 981-5140 to complete registrations over the phone. Due to high call volumes on registration opening days, phone registrations will only be accepted 30 minutes after the start of online registration, and as Recreation Administration staff are available to process phone transactions.
Our office will require additional information following registration, including completion of participant waivers, reviewing parent packets, and completing any required supplemental health history forms.
To place a phone registration, call our Recreation Administration Office at (510) 981-5140.
What if I don’t have access to or can’t utilize the Online Registration System?
Campers unable to utilize online registration may complete a phone registration (see above), or, complete an application for a limited number of spaces reserved for each of our Camp sessions for individuals who have limited access or an inability to utilize our online registration system. To apply for one of these spaces, please contact our Recreation Administration office at (510) 981-5140 no later than March 26, 2021.
After March 26, 2021 City staff will review applications to verify eligibility, then complete a lottery draw to place eligible campers into available sessions. If you are selected during the lottery, City staff will contact you to complete registration and session payment.
Since demand for these limited number of spaces may be high, and since there is no guarantee of placement since this is a lottery draw, we encourage ALL campers to attempt to utilize the online registration system to complete their transaction.
Scholarship registration
We want Echo Lake Camp programs to be accessible to all Berkeley residents, regardless of financial means. For that reason, 50% and 100% fee waivers (camp scholarships) are available to Berkeley Residents for Echo Lake Family Camp, Youth Camp, and Counselor-In-Training Programs. To apply for a scholarship, please complete a Scholarship Application, or contact our Recreation Administration Office for additional information.
Scholarship eligibility is based upon household income, and scholarships are available on a first-come first-served basis.
For Echo Lake Camp Programs, the City reserves a limited number of scholarship spaces for each eligible program to ensure scholarship applicants have time to complete application materials, and to ensure access to these programs regardless of financial means. Upon receipt of a completed scholarship application, City Staff will contact you to inform you whether space is available for your selected program(s), and to complete any additional registration steps.
Scholarship Application
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp Programs
This year we are planning to offer 3-sessions of Family Camp, 6-sessions of Youth Camp, 1-session of 50 & Better Camp, and we may be able to accommodate some private group rentals in late August. We are planning all of these programs to comply with anticipated COVID-19 regulations, and this means that you will notice several changes to our programs this season.
Echo Lake Family Camp: All Ages
Family Camp will continue to offer guests a full-service High Sierra Camp experience, with great meals, creative activities, friendly staff, and a community of incredible campers. We are planning to continue to offer as many of the traditional Camp activities as possible. Additional information including specific program activities, schedules of events, and other information will be released at a later date. Scholarships are available! Scholarship Application
Echo Lake Family Camp 2021 –
Sessions & Fees
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Low-Occupancy Tent Cabin
Suitable only for 1 adult and 2 child campers under age 14
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Standard Occupancy Tent Cabin
Suitable for groups of all ages with up to 8 campers
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Description / Notes
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Session Dates
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Fee (res/non)*
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Fee (res/non)*
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Family Camp Payments: A $500 deposit payment will be due at registration. Final balance will be due no later than May 3, 2021.
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Session #1: June 14-20
Waitlist Only
(7-day session)
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$1,450 / $1,600
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$1,675 / $1,850
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-Fees are all-inclusive for each session, for up to 3 total guests, and include meals, lodging, and all programs. We cannot prorate session fees.
-Additional Campers may be added to Standard Occupancy tent cabin registrations for a fee of $375 per person, per session. This fee does not apply to infants (under age 3). Maximum of 8 guests per tent, please.
-A limited number of low-occupancy tents are available to groups comprised of one adult and two children under the age of 14 only. These tents are available on a first come first served basis. Guests with different group sizes or age ranges must register for one of our Standard Occupancy Tent Cabins.
*Fees are contingent upon City Council Approval. Public Health Guidelines may require the City to alter program plans, including the addition of COVID-19 related surcharges.
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Session #2:
June 21-27
Waitlist Only
(7-Day Session)
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$1,450 / $1,600
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$1,675 / $1,850
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Session #3:
June 28-July 2
Waitlist Only
(5-Day Session)
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$1,000 / $1,100
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$1,100 / $1,200
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Additional Camper Fee
(7-Day Session)
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N/A
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$375 / $415 per additional camper
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Additional Camper Fee
(5-Day Session)
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N/A
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$250 / $275 per additional camper
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Summer 2021 Changes to the Family Camp Program:
- This season we will use an online registration system for our Family Camp registrations: Online registration for Family Camp.
- This season we will utilize session based fees instead of quarter day fees.
- We are offering two 7-day sessions and one 5-day session.
- Participation fees are per tent, not per individual camper.
- Generally, all families will arrive on the first day of each Family Camp session and depart on the last day of each session.
- Families may be able to arrive or depart on alternate dates, however, we are unable to prorate fees for these sessions.
- At check-in a lottery draw will determine order of tent selection.
Echo Lake Youth Camp: Ages 7-14
This year we are offering six sessions of youth camp. This popular program will continue to provide youth ages 7-14 the opportunity to experience a wide variety of traditional camp experiences in the High Sierra. Additional information, including program schedules, activities, camper check-in and check-out instructions, and parent packets will be released at a later date. Scholarships are available! Scholarship Application
Echo Lake Youth Camp 2021 – Sessions & Fees
Limited Availability - check online registration page for current availability
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50% deposit due upon registration.
Final balance due May 3, 2021.
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Session Dates
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Fee (res/non)*
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Session #1: July 5-10 (5-day session)
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$600/$660
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Session #2: July 11-17 (7-Day Session)
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$720 / $800
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Session #3: July 18-24 (7-Day Session)
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$720 / $800
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Session #4: July 25-31 (7-Day Session)
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$720 / $800
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Session #5: August 1-7 (7-Day Session)
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$720 / $800
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Session #6: August 8-14 (7-Day Session)
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$720 / $800
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Changes to the Youth Camp Program:
This season we are not providing bus transportation to or from Echo Lake Camp for Youth or Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program sessions. Parents will be required to drop off and pick up their campers from Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, located at Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd, Echo Lake, CA 95721.
Echo Lake Camp Counselor-In-Training Program (CIT): Ages 15-16
This year we will offer nine (9) weeks of our Counselor-In-Training Program for campers ages 15-16. Scholarships are available! Scholarship Application
CIT Program Session Dates
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Program Focus
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Fees (res/non)
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Session #1: June 14-20 (7-day Family Camp session)
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Family Camp
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$275 / $300
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Session #2: June 21-27 (7-day Family Camp session)
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$275 / $300
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Session #3: June 28-July 2 (5-Day Session)
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$275 / $300
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Session #4: July 5-10 (5-day session)
Waitlist Only
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Youth Camp
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$275 / $300
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Session #5: July 11-17 (7-Day Session)
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$275 / $300
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Session #6: July 18-24 (7-Day Session)
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$275 / $300
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Session #7: July 25-31 (7-Day Session)
Waitlist Only
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$275 / $300
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Session #8: August 1-7 (7-Day Session)
Waitlist Only
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$275 / $300
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Session #9: August 8-14 (7-Day Session)
Waitlist Only
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$275 / $300
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Changes to the CIT Program:
- This season we are not providing bus transportation to or from Echo Lake Camp for the Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program sessions. Parents will be required to drop off and pick up their campers from Berkeley Echo Lake Camp, located at Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd, Echo Lake, CA 95721.
- Online registration for CIT Program.
Echo Lake 50 & Better Camp
Just think of it – no cooking, cleaning or shopping - just time to enjoy the peaceful, beautiful mountains, lakes, waterfalls, and pine scented air. We are looking forward to another great session of 50 & better camp! our upcoming week of fun! Our 50 & Better Camp programs take place at the tail end of our summer program season, and many of our staff will have departed back to their academic studies. For that reason, most of the activities during 50 & Better Camp are camper led and based on the interests of campers. Lead a hike, host a book discussion, or kick back with a cup of coffee and enjoy the Tahoe sunsets.
Changes to the 50 & Better Program: This season, we are only able to offer one session of 50 & Better Camp, and we are unable to provide Bus Transportation as part of this program. Campers will be responsible for their own transportation to and from Camp.
50 & Better Camp
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Fees (res/non)
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Session #1: Aug 16 (D) – Aug 20 (B)
Waitlist Only |
$290 / $320
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Fees for 50 & better Camp are per-person, per-session. No bus transportation provided. Minimum 2 campers per tent, please.
Online registration for 50 & Better Camp begins 2/19/21 for Berkeley residents.
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About Echo Lake Camp
The City of Berkeley Echo Lake Camp has been operated under a Special Use Permit with the U.S. Forest Service since 1922. Echo Lake Camp is steeped in tradition and has a unique history. Legendary environmentalist, David Brower, was introduced to the Sierra Club at Echo Lake Camp as a young clerk, and Edmund Hillary dined at Echo Lake Camp the summer after the first ascent of Mt. Everest. Generations have marveled at the 40-mile vistas, the dark night sky dome and the sunrise above the mountains to the east.
Echo Lake is only a fifteen minute walk from camp. Offering a several mile expanse of cool mountain water, swimming, fishing, and canoeing, Echo Lake is a favorite destination for campers. It is also the gateway to the immense Desolation Wilderness Area offering miles of hiking among the numerous alpine lakes, streams, peaks and meadows. The famous Pacific Crest Trail runs through the camp on its 2700 mile route from Mexico to Canada. The site is actually located directly on the Pacific Crest of the High Sierra meaning that a cup of water spilled on the eastern side of Cabin 26 runs to the deserts of the Great Basin while a cup spilled on the west side runs past Berkeley to the Pacific! The camp itself offers, a heated pool, basketball, volleyball, bocce ball, disc-golf, archery, an observation deck, campfires and music programs. Arts and crafts are available in the recreation lodge, which has fantastic views. At 7,400’ elevation, mild days and cool nights are punctuated by the occasional afternoon thundershower that clears in time to provide spectacular sunsets and alpenglow over the peaks to the west. Hot showers and bathrooms are located throughout the site as are picnic tables and seating.
Although the camp is distinctly wilderness in nature and tradition, all modern conveniences are available just 15 minutes away in world-famous South Lake Tahoe.
Location and Contact Information
Echo Lake Camp is located in Echo Lake, CA near South Lake Tahoe. The address is:
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp
Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd.
Echo Lake, CA 95721
Echo Lake Camp Office #: (530) 659-7539 (Summer Months Only)
Berkeley Camps Main Office Line: (510) 981-5140
Echo Lake Camp Manager - Berkeley Office #: (510) 981-6642
Scholarships: The City of Berkeley provides a limited number of Camp Scholarships to Berkeley Residents. Eligibility is based upon income, and scholarships are available for all City sponsored Echo Lake Camp programs, including Family Camp, Youth Camp, and C.I.T. programs. To apply for a scholarship, please submit the scholarship application (below) along with the Echo Lake Camp program registration form(s) you are requesting. Please allow at least five business days for eligibility determination.
Echo Lake Camp Scholarship Information:
- Youth Camp fees will be reduced by 50% from the standard fee for a limited number of youth, as determined by the Director of Parks Recreation & Waterfront or his/her designee.
- Participant is allowed a discount for one session of Echo Lake Youth Camp. Full Fee Waivers may be available.
- Family Camp fees will be reduced by 50% from the standard fee for a limited number of participants, as determined by the Director of Parks, Recreation & Waterfront or his/her designee.
- Families are allowed a discount for one (weekend or up to a 5-day) session of Echo Lake Camp. Full Fee Waivers may be available.
Echo Lake Camp General Registration Information:
Refund Policy:
All refund, change, and cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to the City Of Berkeley Recreation Office, 2701 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705.
All requests for refund must be directed to the Recreation & Youth Services Manager. The original receipt must be submitted with a written request for refund. The request must state the reason for refund, date, time, and location of program.
Refunds: All refund requests are subject to a 25% administrative fee, not to exceed $150.00. Requests made less than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival are not eligible for a refund.
Changing Reservations: Changes resulting in a reduction of the reservation are subject to a $100 administrative service fee. No charges will be incurred for registration additions or extensions to your stay. Requests to reduce your stay or change your camp dates must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival date. Change requests made less than 30 days prior to arrival date are not eligible for a refund. Additions may be made less than 30 days in advance as space allows. Only the Head of Household may request a reservation change.
Cancellations: Cancellations are subject to a 25% administrative fee, not to exceed $150.00. Cancellation requests made less than 30 days prior to scheduled arrival are not eligible for refund. Cancellation requests due to medical emergency or illness, including COVID-19 related illness, must be submitted in writing, accompanied by a doctor’s note, and received no later than 30 days following the scheduled date of attendance.
Late Fee: Reservations with unpaid balances at close of business day on May 3, 2021 are subject to a $75.00 late fee.
City of Berkeley Recreation Division
Camps Unit
2701 Telegraph Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705
TEL: (510) 981-5140, TDD: (510) 981-6903, FAX: (510) 981-5160
Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm
Email: camps@cityofberkeley.info
See Holiday and Reduced Service Day Schedule