Overnight Camps
The City of Berkeley offers overnight camps for families, youth, and adults, and seniors at two locations in the Sierra Nevada: Echo Lake Camp near South Lake Tahoe, or Tuolumne Camp near Yosemite.
Escape to the Sierra Nevada with the City of Berkeley: we have summer sleepaway camps for youth, families, adults, and seniors. You can swim in a lake, hike in the forest, enjoy meals cooked for you, or let your children explore the wonders of the high sierras with counselors. We have been running our camps for more than 100 years!
Whether you are a first-time camper or you have been camping with us for years, we look forward to having you join us at camp. Households and individuals of all backgrounds are welcome to share in Berkeley’s rich diversity at camp.
You can find more information about dates and fees on our Online Registration Portal.
Low-income families may qualify for a camp scholarship to cover 50% or 100% of camp fees, apply for a scholarship online today.
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp has served both Berkeley residents and non-residents since 1923. Today, the camp offers youth camp, Counselor-In-Training (CIT), Family Camp, and 50 and Better camp programs. Straddling the Pacific Crest Trail and just minutes from Echo Lake and Desolation Wilderness, campers enjoy an amazing camping experience and an incredible view of the Tahoe basin.
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp reopened in summer 2022 after being completely rebuilt following the Rim Fire of 2013. This brand-new facility is one of the most accessible camps in California, with paved pathways, ramps, and other features making it easier for people with disabilities to navigate.
Located just outside the gates of Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne Camp has served thousands of Berkeley residents annually since 1922.
Camp Programs
Echo Lake and Tuolumne Camp each offer a variety of programs for families, youth, and adults. Learn more about the available programs below. All meals are provided during camp programs.
Family Camp
Echo Lake: Monday, July 1–Sunday, July 7 | Friday, August 30–Monday, September 2
Tuolumne: Monday to Sunday, June 17 – August 18
Ages: Families of all ages
At either Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp, families can enjoy the wilderness, great food, and all-day programming for kids. Choose from week-long, weekday, and weekend camp visits.
Enjoy campfires and s'mores, take part in theme days, play games, practice archery, swim, and learn crafts.
Register for a tent cabin of up to 3 campers and add additional campers for a fee.
Youth Camp
Echo Lake: June 17–August 17
Ages: Youth 7-14
Our Youth Camp at Echo Lake offers a week-long opportunity for kids ages 7 to 14 to experience the natural world, make new friends, have fun, and grow confidence.
These 5-day or 6-day sessions include activities such as hiking, swimming, archery, arts & crafts, campfires, talent shows, group games, and more.
All meals are provided, as well as transportation to and from the City of Berkeley.
Counselor-in-Training (CIT)
Echo Lake: June 17–August 17
Tuolumne: June 17–August 11
Ages: Entering grades 9-12th
Teens are invited to participate in the counselor-in-training (CIT) program during family or youth camps. During the program, youth will learn leadership and other skills to prepare them to become a camp staff member.
CITs receive training on camp policies, outdoor recreation safety, teamwork and collaboration, effective communication, and leading recreation activities.
Adventure Backpacking Program
Echo Lake: July 8 - August 20
Ages: Youth 13-16
The Adventure Backpacking Program offers an amazing opportunity for a group of 10 campers to explore the beautiful wilderness of Lake Tahoe. Our highly trained staff will lead campers through a 3-day, 2-night trip in Desolation Wilderness, where campers will make new friends, learn how to cook and camp in the backcountry, sleep under the stars, and walk away with an incredible sense of accomplishment as they overcome challenges as a team!
Each program is 6 days (3 days are spent at camp, and the other 3 are spent on the trail). No prior camping or backpacking experience is necessary. Our trip is designed to teach first-timers and experienced backpackers everything they need to know to feel comfortable and safe while on the trip. Please note, while no experience is necessary, campers should be in good mental and physical condition and be able to carry between a 40-50 lb. pack while hiking. Hiking will vary between 3-6 miles a day, and elevation will be between 7,500-9,200 feet.
50 and Better Camp
Echo Lake: Monday, August 19–Sunday, August 25
Tuolumne: Friday, August 23–Monday, August 26
Ages: 50 and older are suggested, but all adults are welcome
Treat yourself to a restful stay in nature at either Echo Lake or Tuolumne Camp. Adults can enjoy hiking, fishing, and other camper-led activities. Camp fees cover up to two people per tent, including lodging, meals, and programs.
Artist and Scientist-in-Residence Programs
Echo Lake: June 17–August 17
Tuolumne: June 17–August 18
Our Artist and Scientist-In-Residence programs provide unique opportunities for our campers to enjoy arts & crafts and science-based activities while at camp. Spaces are limited--artists and scientists are selected based on each camp’s needs. Artists and scientists commit to teaching about 6-9 hours of total program time. This commitment guarantees a complimentary stay for the artist/scientist and up to 1 adult or 2 children at no charge.
- Echo Lake Artist in Residence Application
- Echo Lake Scientist in Residence Application
- Berkeley Tuolumne Camp Artist in Residence Application
Work Weekend
Echo Lake: Friday, May 31-Sunday June 2
Tuolumne: Friday, May 24–Monday, May 27
Ages: 13 and up
Overnight camps need the help of skilled and general laborers to complete several work projects before our season begins. This is an excellent opportunity to support Echo Lake and Tuolumne Camp and the thousands of participants who enjoy these beautiful City of Berkeley locations annually.
In return, campers will enjoy a fun weekend of hard work, fellowship with supporters of City of Berkeley Camps, and a weekend in the Sierra or near Yosemite, with meals and a cabin tent provided.
Activities
Both Berkeley Echo Lake and Berkeley Tuolumne Camp offer excellent outdoor recreation opportunities, including:
- Archery
- Arts & Crafts
- Campfires
- Canoeing (Echo only)
- Dances
- Fishing
- Group Games
- Local Hiking
- Music & Singing
- Night Hikes
- Sports
- Star Gazing
- Swimming (in the river at Tuolumne; in the pool and Echo Lake at Echo)
- Talent Shows
- Nature Activities
For more information about our activities and our program please download our information packets below.
Camp Contact Information
For reservations and general information, call (510) 981-5140 or email camps@berkeleyca.gov.
Berkeley Echo Lake Camp
Lot #7 Echo Lakes Rd.
Echo Lake, CA 95721
Summer Phone: (530) 659-7506
Winter Phone: (510) 981-6642
View a map of Echo Lake camp.
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp
31585 Hardin Flat Road
Groveland, CA 95321
Summer Phone: (209) 962-1939
Winter Phone: (510) 981-5147
View a map of Tuolumne Camp.
Related Documents
- Echo Lake Camp Map (57.55 KB) (57.55 KB)
- Tuolumne Camp Map (2.49 MB) (2.49 MB)