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 5-day) session of Echo Lake Camp.
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
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 Phone #: (530) 659-7539 (Summer Months Only)
Echo Lake Family Camp (All Ages): June 17-July 16, and July 21- 30, 2017
Family Camp! What a great way to get away from the City life, and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. Just think of it--no cooking, no cleaning, and all the fun is here in one place. Come join us as we continue more than 95 years of Family Camping traditions! We are excited to offer a variety of camp programs at Echo Lake Camp this summer. Camp will be filled with great activities and incredible outdoor opportunities. The green chair circle, quiet hours, canoeing, the staff show, table night, theme days, tie-dye Tuesday, campfires, and excellent swimming and hiking are all part of our Family Camp program. Of course, people make up the heart and soul of camp, and some of your favorite BTC staff-- full of Camp Spirit -- will be there to greet you. And you—the campers—will help keep the traditions, customs, and fun alive for generations of Berkeley campers to come.
Youth Camp (AGES 7-14): July 31-August 18, 2017
Youth Camper Letter 2017 (important updates and information!)
2017 Youth Camp & CIT Health History Form (required prior to camp)
Youth Camp is a five-day overnight summer camp available in three sessions. The goal of our staff is to create an exciting and nurturing environment where kids can develop self-confidence, teamwork, and try fun challenges. We want our youth to get a sense of connection with themselves, their friends, and the environment. Each cabin has a leader who emphasizes safety, leads recreational activities, and serves as a mentor. Daily activities include: canoeing, swimming, sports, all-camp games, fishing, archery, arts & crafts and hiking. In the evenings campers participate in events like a night hike, campfire, a dance, stargazing, or a talent show. Campers build fond memories and lasting friendships.
Transportation Provided: Supervised transportation is provided for youth camp participants. A Charter Bus will transport campers to and from downtown Berkeley. Pickup is scheduled for 8:00 AM on Monday at San Pablo Park (near Frances Albrier Community Center), 2889 Park St., Berkeley CA 94703, returning by 5:00 PM Friday, to the same location.
Adult 50+ Camp Sessions (AGES 50+): August 19-22, and August 22-25, 2017
Are you an adult age 50 or better, and want to explore the incredible hiking, cycling, and sightseeing in the Tahoe area? Maybe you wan tot kick back with a book and enjoy the incredible views at camp? Well this is the week for you! 50+ Camp is a great opportunity to connect with other active adults in a beautiful outdoor environment. Campers volunteer to lead activities to engage all interests - everything from yoga, Greek dance, drawing in nature, arts & crafts, synchronized swimming, and more are part of the fun. Campers can enjoy canoeing and archery, beautiful views of the Tahoe Basin, three delicious meals a day, social gatherings, and educational guest speakers during their stay. Echo Lake Camp is perfectly situated along he Pacific Crest Trail and on the doorstep of Desolation Wilderness for those seeking a true outdoor experience. All activities are based on the interests of campers and are camper-led. Please note: Transportation is not provided for Echo Lake 50+ Camp Sessions.
Counselors-in-Training for Family and Youth Camp (AGES 15-16): June 17-August 18, 2017
Echo Lake Camp offers five (5) CIT sessions scheduled in conjunction with Family Camp, and three (3) CIT sessions scheduled in conjunction with Youth Camp programs. Each session is one-week in length. TRANSPORTATION IS PROVIDED FOR CIT SESSIONS 6-8 ONLY. Our C.I.T. program provides a safe and structured environment for young teens to develop job skills, gain valuable experience, work and bond in a close-knit team, experience Echo Lake Camp from behind-the-scenes, and position themselves for possible employment at Echo. CIT Directors provide daily training and supervision, and the CITs spend several hours each day working with each staff member. With this rotation, the C.I.T.s are able to learn a variety of job skills and contribute more broadly to the camp’s success. CITs sleep in camper cabins, helping the counselors supervise the youth program.
Work Weekend (AGES 13+ with Adult Supervision): June 9-11, 2017
Echo Lake Camp needs the help of skilled and genearl laborers to complete several work projects before our season begins. This is a great opportunity to support Echo Lake Camp and the thousands of participants that enjoy this beautiful City of Berkeley location annually.
Family Camp Artists-in-Residence and Guest Chef Programs: June 17-July 30, 2017
Echo Lake Camp will offer an Artist In Residence (AIR) and Guest Chef Program during our Family Camp Sessions. We encourage artists and professional Chefs to apply to be part of the program. Participants stay for free in exchange for art-related or special food service related programming offered to our campers. More information is available upon request.
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, 1947 Center St. 1st Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704.
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 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 May 1 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