My family has been camping at Lake Camanche every year for the past 12 years. What started with…read morebabies, including one who was only 3 months old, has become a cherished family tradition. We typically camp with 40-55 family members, reserving multiple campsites and group sites to accommodate everyone. Many of our children have literally grown up camping here, and this annual trip has always been something our entire family looks forward to.
This year, our group included nearly 60 people of all ages. We reserved multiple campsites and a group site, stayed within the occupancy limits, and paid for additional vehicle parking. We expected another fun weekend together, but instead it became one of the worst camping experiences we've ever had.
On the first morning, we made a mistake. We woke up too early while preparing breakfast, and our music was too loud. A ranger responded to a complaint, and we immediately apologized, accepted responsibility, and made sure it would not happen again.
Unfortunately, after that interaction, it felt like we were under constant scrutiny. Rangers repeatedly drove past our campsites, slowed down to watch us, and frequently stopped to tell us we were too loud even during daytime hours when quiet hours were not in effect. We were not throwing a wild party, we were simply spending time together as a large family. We lowered the music whenever asked, did our best to keep conversations down, and complied with every request. At no point were we told what specific daytime noise standard we were supposedly violating.
The second night, we observed quiet hours after 10:00 p.m. and the next morning we remained quiet until after 8:00 a.m. Despite following the rules, the repeated drive-bys and warnings continued. Had the ranger simply asked us one final time to lower the noise, we would have gladly complied as we had throughout the weekend.
Around 7:00 p.m. on our final evening, one family member was setting up a camera for our annual family photo. We had not yet gathered as a group. As a ranger drove by, the camera happened to be pointed in his direction while the angle was being adjusted. He stopped, accused us of recording him, claimed we were still too loud, and informed us that we were being evicted because we had already received two warnings. The sheriff was called, and we were given only 1 1/2 hours to gather nearly 60 people, pack multiple campsites, and leave or face arrest.
The way this was handled was heartbreaking. We hadn't even eaten dinner. Our children overheard repeated statements about being arrested, became frightened, and several were crying. Instead of remembering our final night together, they now remember being rushed out under the threat of arrest.
What hurts most is what they interrupted. The children and young adults had planned a surprise dinner for all the parents, aunts, and uncles. After years of watching the adults cook, they were finally old enough to take over the kitchen themselves. It was supposed to be a milestone after 12 years of family camping. Instead, it became a memory of fear and heartbreak.
Beyond our experience with the rangers, we also noticed that the campground itself has declined. The restrooms were dirty even after staff had supposedly cleaned them. Two sinks remained clogged, toilet paper was left on the floor, and the restroom floors were still filthy. While cleaning the restroom, a staff member loudly yelled at several of the women in our group instead of speaking respectfully, making an already unpleasant experience even worse.
We understand that campground rules exist for everyone, and we accept responsibility for our mistake on the first morning. However, there is a difference between enforcing the rules and making guests feel targeted throughout their stay. If large groups are expected to remain nearly silent during the day, then perhaps the group campsites should be located farther away from individual campsites.
After 12 wonderful years of making memories here, it is heartbreaking that our family's tradition ended this way. We will not be returning.
Thank you, Lake Camanche and EBMUD, for turning what should have been another joyful family reunion into an experience our children will never forget... for all the wrong reasons.
