Our second year and we can't wait to come back every summer! This is a basic but massively enjoyable family camp. Swimming holes, mess halls, camping tents... kids can be free range in a safe environment and parents can relax and play. And no screen time (or screen time arguments). A wonderful way for families and friends to connect. read more

Camping isn't for me but my son LOVED IT! The staff here is amazing a bit of a drive but the ride up was breathtaking. If I was a camper I'd for sure go every year. read more

This was our first time to Feather River Camp. As a parent of an elementary age child, the camp provided most everything that I could have desired. The three meals each day are cooked with care and were always delicious. The activities for kids were a good combination of physical games and artistic pursuits. And each afternoon, there was spacious time for playing at the camp supervised swimming hole or venturing out to the numerous other spots along the Spanish Creek outside of the camp. My son absolutely loved the rope swings. I also really valued the positive and welcoming energy of the other families who welcomed us as first timers. The week that I attended the racial and ethnic diversity among the campers reflected the bay area though I think that they could do a better job of hiring a more diverse program staff. Going into the trip, we were concerned about the risk of a COVID outbreak. It was our first time being in such a large group during the pandemic. I felt that the leadership and staff prioritized our safety including requiring that we wear masks indoors and having staff help with hand sanitizing at each meal (which I know that the kids would have skipped over if the staff weren't there to assist). On the other hand, while they asked campers to wear masks in crowded outdoor settings, there could have been more frequent reminders and better modeling by staff. I also think daily antigen testing would have been another layer of protection that could have helped keep everyone safe. read more

Oakland Feather River Camp - Summer Camps Near Me - Quincy, California

This is a nice facility about 4.5 hours drive from Oakland. Here are the notes from my trip: Some tents/cabins have electricity; some do not. We didn't know until we arrived which tent we would be assigned and whether it would have electricity. This made it hard to know what to bring. Hoping for electricity (forecasted weather: 95 degrees) I brought an electric fan, three extension cords and a heating pad.  As it happened we did have one electric outlet and a light in the tent. I was very glad I brought these things, as it was very hot during the day, and cold at night. It would be better if you could know more about your accommodations before leaving home. Avoid tent #1 if it's hot. Very little shade. Restrooms: Initially almost no hot water. It got better by the third day. Women's restroom: two electrical outlets for 10 sinks. Blowdrying may be a problem. Men's: 8 outlets per 10 sinks, but none of them seem to work. $8/day innertube rental $8 for a bag of ice. Train goes by periodically, night & day. Consider bringing earplugs. Mosquitos and possibly ticks. Recommend repellant and netting over bed. We were advised that mountain lions sometimes come into camp. Consider bringing an airhorn and/or bearspray. Directions said "bring a lantern," so we bought one.  Upon arrival we were advised no flames of any kind, including lanterns. This should have been emailed in advance.  Kitchen is open all night. There is a microwave. Some snacks , beverages, ice machine in kitchen. There a fridge/freezer in the "dietetic kitchen". Food is pretty good. Nice swimming hole. Beautiful river. Beautiful scenery on the drive up, & around camp read more

Oakland Feather River Camp - Inside of tent - Summer Camps Near Me - Quincy, California

We just got back from our 2nd year at OFRC. It's such a gem of a place! It's like camping but you don't have to cook or do the dishes, and there's fun activities and they'll watch your kids in the mornings so adults can have a whole conversation without getting interrupted. Highly recommend it! read more

If you don't know about Oakland Feather River Camp, I'm here to let you know you are missing out on an amazing vacation opportunity! (Full disclosure, I'm on the board - but started attending long before stepping into that position) Pack your car - head to the mountains and just enjoy your family (and make new friends) while enjoying three meals a day, rustic cabins/tents, and activities for both kids and adults. The staff this year for the youth programs are especially amazing! We come home every year with an expansion to our camp family - got to see some of our new friends in the Alameda 4th of July parade yesterday! Feather River Camp is located near Quincy, CA - about 4 - 4.5 hours of driving time, but we have our favorite stops going and coming to break up the ride. read more

Our family has been coming to OFRC for the past 17 summers. Our daughter, now 18, learned how to dance at the camp's folk dance week. We love all there is to do or just kick back at the tent, pick up a good book to read & wait for the meal bell to ring outside the Chow Palace, which has a famous Friday BBQ night. This wonderful place in nature has something for everyone, young & old. Come and enjoy this Oakland jewel in the Plumas National Forest, just outside Quincy. read more

We love Feather River Camp! We just finished our 11th straight year there. Always go during Garage Band Week (now called Family Music Week). First year we went our daughter was 5 and our son was 13 months and took his first steps at camp. My husband had been hesitant to do what he didn't consider "real camping", but after experiencing Feather River Camp with our two young children and not having to cook or clean for an entire week, we were sold! There are even supervised activities for kids starting at age 2 every morning after breakfast, so moms and dads can go on a more challenging hike, do arts and crafts, or just go chill with a good book. And its' all included in one very reasonable price!!! The swimming hole is safe, with plenty of shallows, with a little damn keeping kids from going downstream. There is also plenty of deep enough area to actually swim and many other super-cool swimming holes nearby, with waterfalls, rocks to jump off at heights from tame to terrifying and everything else you'd expect from a Sierra river trip. Our daughter is now 15 and we've managed to convince her friend's family to come the past two years, which is nice for the teenagers. Our son is 11 which I think is probably the ultimate age to be a boy at camp running around like a wild-man with other kids.Most of our close family meet us there each year, now, too, and we have made new friends every year, who we always look forward to seeing again at camp. This camp seems to attract the nicest, friendliest people. I know we've convinced a lot of first-timers to make it a new tradition. Come and make it yours, too-- we'll see you at camp! read more

See all

This camp is AWESOME. Great land, food and facilities. My daughter and I have been attending International Folk Dance Week since 2009. We love it! Come up and see us sometime, you'll be glad you did! read more

We spent a lovely week at Oakland Feather River Camp this summer. This was our 4th or 5th year, and each year I like it a little bit more. We generally stay in the cabins without electricity, so I don't have any experience with the tent cabins. The cabins are rustic, the food is good, the staff is relaxed but not lazy, and the vibe overall is very friendly. The kids like to wander and get really dirty. We rode horses for the first time this year - that was quite fun! I love the camp songs and the talent show and the tye-dying and the dance on Saturday night. Everyone needs this kind of hokey in their lives, whether they are kids or grown ups. Next year I think we're going to make a bunch of our friends go with us. We'll get a bunch of cabins and take over! read more

I have been coming here since I was four years old and it's one of my favorite places in the world. The hiking and mountain biking is awesome, the scenery and the weather is perfect, the people are great and the food is good too! I'm already looking forward to my five-day visit this July with my family and intend to go every year for the rest of my life. read more

Family Camp at Oakland Feather River Camp is the best family time ever!! Swimming and floating in the river, evening activities like campfires, talent shows and line dancing. Comfy tents and good food. The people are so friendly, counselors and staff are amazing, place is beautiful. It's magical! read more

Oakland Feather River Camp - Warm welcome at camp! - Summer Camps Near Me - Quincy, California

See all

The creek runs right through the camp, beaconing you in by day and lulling you to sleep at night. The camp is a little rustic but with some fabulous conveniences. Chef is making the food--3squares plus desserts--and camp staff washing the dishes. Bathrooms and showers are close enough. There's hiking, biking, and running. There's tubing down the creek, sun bathing and even a polar bear swim in the morning. Kids are in kid groups for hours each day. At 5, adults may congregate and toast to a stress free environment. Heaven for me! read more

See all

We just got back from our first week at OFRC and I'm so excited to make it an annual tradition for our family and friends. I'd never been to family camp before, and at first we were hesitant to pay this much for a week in the woods (compared to camping its expensive), but it's like sending a whole family to sleep away camp for a week for way less than 1 child would cost at most traditional programs! All food and activities are included, and everything is really well run and beautiful. The food was actually really good, and definitely kid friendly (plus there's always PBandJ, and cereal available, plus coffee for the adults starts at 6:30 am). We had never been to this part of the Sierras before and I can tell you that it was GORGEOUS up there! My husband, 2.5 year old and I had a blast, and it was totally worth it. Plus there's a discount for families like ours, from Oakland! There are morning activities for all ages, including a tot program for 2-5 year olds (but beware your kid has to be potty trained to participate, so we ultimately ended up not being able to use the tot lot for our almost preschooler, and are really excited next year to have some child-free time), and after lunch pretty much the whole camp hits the swimming hole, or hangs out and relaxes with an ice cream. There's a camp store with all the toiletries you might have forgotten, and ice cream and millk shakes for cooling off in the hot weather. The camp had shade tents set up all over to help keep us cool. My son attended his first campfire and made his first smores this week too. My husband and I took early morning yoga, and also got massages from Rivka, who runs a great 'wellness' program at camp, which was a special perk. We showered with views of the river, there's a clawfoot tub in the women's shower area for bathing the little kids, and at night once our son went to sleep we hung out with friends outside our tent and played dominos into the night. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that I found the counselors a little lacking. I think for school age kids they are great, and engage the kids in programming, but for families like ours who had a younger child, they didn't make much effort to get to know us or really organize community building amongst attendees. I'd like to see families introduced to each other on the first day of camp, counselors all formally introducing themselves and letting us know a little about them, etc. Mostly the counselors seemed to keep to themselves, and I wish they'd been more welcoming and outgoing. Honestly, it wasn't a big deal though, since we are a pretty self-sufficient family and that way no one was too in our face about having us participate in programming when we wanted to just relax. Bring a mosquito net for your tent, some sunscreen, clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, and definitely sign yourself up for camp next year! read more

This summer marked our fourth year bringing our family to OFRC. We've been going since our twins were six. My kids talk about our week at family camp ALL year. In fact my daughter just said this morning, "I close my eyes and picture Feather River Camp any time I'm feeling sad." Who can ask for more than that from a camp! As parents, we love the fact that the kids are kept busy all morning with fun activities lead by great counselors so we get free time to hike, bike, nap, or read. We also love that all the food is included so we're not spending tons of money on uneaten restaurant meals like we usually do on a vacation with kids. The kids love the freedom to run (and bike) around camp independently, buy treats at the camp store, make friends with the cool counselors, swim in the swimming hole, and do arts and crafts. We all love the silly evening activities such as campfire, disco bingo, and line dancing. This camp is a treasure. It's that magical combination of Oakland's unique attitude and diversity combined with the feeling that you're a million miles away from the city. We cannot recommend this camp enough! read more

See all

We, six women, celebrated our girlfriend's 60th Birthday at Oakland Feather River Camp. It was a wonderful surprise as she is a camping gal. Not only were there delicious meals for even vegetarians and vegans but lots of activities like silk painting, swimming, hikes and folk dancing. Lots of cold, icy water as well as coffee and tea throughout the day. Fruit snacks and peanut butter/jelly sandwiches as well. We would definitely come back as it is a retreat from chores, cooking and planning. A very diverse camp and we felt very welcomed as newcomers to this camp. read more

Feather River is a family camp operated by the City of Oakland for, something like, 80 years now. It is a step back to a simpler, safer time, with a wonderful community, family feel in a dramatic, natural setting. You can sleep in basic cabins or tents (the cabins seem too dark for me, but some people like 'em) and a main dining hall with surprisingly decent food (try the vegetarian options). There are activities for all different age groups, including toddlers, in the morning, and then everyone heads down to the swimming hole after lunch. Each week is a different theme, and it's usually the same crowd for a particular week each summer. The most popular is probably Folk Dance Week, which I've been going to with my son for the past 4 years. He is 8 now, and absolutely adores it and did right from the start--mostly the freedom of running around with other kids without anyone having to worry about what he's up to. A diverse group, lots of single parents, and a welcoming vibe. This is not luxury camping by any stretch, but it is comfortable, relaxing, and really a nice bonding experience with your kids and new friends. read more

Some of the best times in my life were spent at Arts Camp (1977, '79, '80 and '82). I remember: 1) learning to make a stove from a coffee container, a tuna can, a strip of cardboard and some candle wax; we cooked bacon and potatoes! 2) having a HUGE crush on this girl named Kichecko Morton. I was completely head-over-heels for that girl. 3) playing Darth Vader (1979) and Superman (1980) in two of the Arts Camp plays; my aunt Debbie was the director of the drama dept.:o))) 4) all the fun sing-alongs during the LONG bus ride to the camp grounds. "Sardines and Pork & Beans" was my favorite bus ride diddy:o) 5) The "Night Hike"; during which, after a scary story at a feaux grave site, one of the camp counselors--in full bloody make up--rose from beneath the ground sending us campers running for our lives, scattering in every direction --LOL! We were literally running into one another trying to get the hell outta there--lol!!! That was an unforgettable night, to say the least. This is without a doubt one of THE best places for any *creative* kid. I'm 37 now and these memories are still so fresh. Gosh...those were such good times. Such very good times... read more

My wife and I went here with our daughter who was 4 at the time. It was super fun and super well organized. We had a great time during the dancing week - learning different kinds of dances. Great family event and location. Great way to get away from it all. read more

We've been enjoying a week of Family Camp at Oakland Feather River camp for almost a decade and it's always the highlight of our year. It's such a beautiful, peaceful, friendly, relaxed place; you can always find activities or people to socialize with when you want them, or just have peace and quiet if you want that. Activities include crafts, tie-dying, swimming, dancing, a talent show, hikes, and just hanging out and reading or playing games. There are lots of beautiful places for day trips nearby if you get tired of camp, although we rarely do. It's a great place to let your kids be independent and enjoy themselves outdoors without having to worry about them. read more

This review is only in reference to the adult art camp held one week each year. A few years ago, I signed up and registered for an encaustic class. Though my travel companion had to back out due to health issues, I was excited to attend and looked forward to learning a new craft as well as making new friends. A few days before camp, the camp director informed me that the encaustic class was cancelled due to a personal emergency. I was further informed that only two classes still had openings - a woodworking class and a poetry class. As I am allergic to wood dust and uninterested in poetry, I wanted to withdraw from the camp but the Director said there were no refunds. I asked it was possible to audit one of the classes that interested me but the Director said no. "Can I apply the money to next year?" I asked. "No," she replied. "We don't carry over funds from one year to the next." At first,I considered driving the five hours up to Feather River Camp and finding things to do on my own but the more I considered the injustice of the situation, the angrier I got. Finally, in tears, I decided to bag the whole thing. The Director gave me a pittance back but essentially, I spent $600 for the privilege of NOT attending. My only compensation was that I didn't waste time driving up from the Bay Area; I didn't spread my toxic anger to a camp full of artists; and I can tell everyone I know what a horrible experience I had and how much I detest this person I never met. Caveat emptor. read more

I cannot express enough how incredible this camp is! I was looking online for a camp I could afford. Myself never experiencing camp, I wanted my sons to have those great memories! This is the place for good old fashion summer camp fun! Call me crazy but I sent my 7 and 10 year old boys 4 hours away for a week! We ended up driving their to take them because they missed the bus, due to my error in the meeting spot. This ended up being a good thing, I was able to see the camp and meet the counselors. I felt they were very safe, in good hands, and going to have a blast! The week flew by fast, next thing I knew it was time to pick them up! I remember arriving at the bus meeting spot for pick up...after seeing a glimpse of their sad faces, I was feeling nervous to ask how was camp. They said they didn't want to come home! My sons have gone back for the last 7 years and come home with great stories and adventures to tell me about! They always rave about the activities, the friends they have made and the great food! We love Oakland Feather River Camp! read more

Our family loved Feather River Camp last summer so much that we've have already signed up for next summer! This is an ideal vacation for families of school age kids. All morning long, there are activities planned for the kids so the adults can just chill, take a hike or bike ride, or find a swimming hole. Afternoon is swimming in the cold river, which is great on a hot day. The chow palace serves 3 meals daily, plus cereal and PB&J is always on hand for in between meals or if you have picky eaters in your group. Going during storytelling week was great because my kids got to hear expertly told stories before bed. The other families we met and staff are awesome. There are lots of activities everyday for adults and kids to do like crafts, horseback rides, and archery. Both my husband and I treated ourselves to a massage! This is like the sleep-away camp I went to in New Hampshire when I was a kid, except that the whole family gets to enjoy! My introverted daughter was going up to counselors and the camp nurse to give them hugs by the end of our week. This camp is truly a special place. read more

I have been going to this camp since I was 5. We were folk dance week campers every year. I worked one year, 81. Thats where and when I met my husband. He had been going all his life, different weeks. He worked there in 79. I have pics of him in the lifeguard chair, but did not meet him. We met in 81, dated, broke up and 5 yrs later I met him again at camp. Together ever since. His sister and husband worked there one year. 28 yrs married. Our daughter was 6 months her 1st yr. Our son was 1 yr. We now go garage band every year. Our group has 25 people. Most of them have been going to camp all their lifes also. It is only summer if we go to camp. 11 of our kids grew up together there. Now 16-24. Oakland Family camp is the best place for a vacation!!! We went to Hawaii one year. My kids said camp was more fun. My mom said it was the best vacation for everyone. No cooking, cleaning, maybe some laundry. Its safe, so kids can go off on their own. Its beautiful, hot and cool off at night. Food is good. Staff is friendly. WE LOVE OAKLAND CAMP read more