Oakland Feather River Camp
Community SubscriberOakland Feather River Camp, located in the Plumas National Forest, has been a vacation destination for families, children and adults seeking relaxation, recreation, fun and friendship since 1924.
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Have only done one -- Oakland's, last summer -- but would 10/10 endorse as a way of being in nature and meeting people. Also don't have to worry about cooking or cleaning for a week, which was actually the #1 reason we went.
We have gone to Lair of the Bear (through UC Berkeley) and Feather River Camp (city of Oakland) and both were great and pretty different, though some differences are due to COVID - we went to Lair pre-covid and OFRC last year. Lair is bigger and has more activities, including more kid's camp time (where they supervise your kids so you can have time off, a HUGE selling point of family camp for us!) - their kid activities are 2-3 hours in the morning and in the afternoon, whereas OFRC only has it in the morning. I think OFRC feels a little more laid-back because it's smaller and has less going on. Lair has a pool on site but the lake is a couple of miles away, which was a downside. OFRC has a swimming hole in the river on site, and there are even nicer swimming holes a quick drive away - like some of the nicest swimming spots I've ever been to. Because we have young kids (3 and 6) who are a handful and need to be supervised, I would choose Lair because it has more supervised kids' activities, if I had slightly older kids who could run around on their own I think it would be a draw.
Hi,
My son is also starting preschool in August and will be 3 at the time. I'm a LMFT in private practice so have been able to be with him during the day and work in the evening. Room to Bloom is the most amazing program (2.5 hours) in Oakland and Feather River Camp was also wonderful as an overnight camp. We go camping a few times a year with extended family and friends but Feather River is a family camp so they do cooking and have lots of activities preplanned...great to meet other families there too. Hope you share what you find as well.
Peace,
You may want to check out Oakland's Feather River Family Camp. It's near Quincy, and seems to fit your description pretty well. We just got back from an incredibly relaxing vacation there, filled with inner tubing, bike rides, swimming, arts & crafts, hiking, and meeting other nature loving Bay Area folks. I'm pretty sure they have some space still available for later in the summer. Google OFRC; Oakland Feather River Camp.
Archived Q&A and Reviews
June 2015
I see that Oakland's Feather River Family Camp hasn't had any reviews in a little while and I wanted to post an updated review.
The camp got a new manager a few years ago and has made lots of improvements. New this year is a bunch of mountain biking single track that I'm looking forward to checking out.
The camp is clean and has lots of fun activities for kids of all ages. I love that I can drop my kids off in the morning at their own mini day camps and have a few hours to myself. They start at 2 years old doing arts and crafts and playing on a small playground. I also really enjoy that most weeks are themed and the same families seem to go at the same time each year so the kids make friends they'll see again and again. My now four year old talked about last year's visit for more than six months!
If you're used to Berkeley Family Camp or SF's Camp Mather where I grew up going, Feather River is smaller and more low key but they also let you do things like only come up for 2-3 days or stay for the end of one week and the beginning of the next. It wasn't impossible for me to get a spot even though I don't live in Oakland either.
Hope we'll see some of you there this summer. Ashley
March 2010
Our family is considering a four or five day stay at the City of Oakland's Feather River Camp this summer. We have two kids 10 and 13. I'd love to hear from some folks who have attended recently. Specifically, which of the accommodation types did you prefer - with or without electricity? Are the theme weeks better than the non-theme weeks? How did your kids like it? I see there are programs for 9-11 year olds, but what would a 13 year old do all day?
We are not Oakland residents (we bought this as a package at a silent auction), so we have never met anyone who has gone. We have heard such great things about Berkeley's Tuolumne Camp, and are hoping it will be something like it. Becky
It's not quite the same as Berkeley's camp, in that it doesn't have the major river running through it (and in fact the swimming hole is not impressive). We went last year and stayed in 2 cabins w/ little decks out in front-- one for us and one for the grandparents--and had a great time. My daughter wasn't interested in all the crafts they do, but the kids who did want to, had a great time, and they do good things. We did go on a 1/2 day horseback ride, and we looked for lizards, played in the pool, read books, hung out after meals and talked to people. Unfortunately, our stay coincided with the worst of the smoke from last year's fires, so we cut the visit short, but it's pretty charming. Other people enjoyed the tent cabins because you can open them up completely if it's hot. The cabins are a little dark, and you don't really hang out inside them, but it's nice to have electricity at night. Some people take trips into Quincy or do hikes outside of the camp. One other thing that isn't like Berkeley Camp is that you don't have to eat in one place with the same people, and meeting new people is fun--plus I like the flexibility of eating when/where/with whom I want. There are also pingpong tables, pool tables, books to read. I can't speak about the theme weeks, but we went when nothing was going on and it was quiet and peaceful. I'd guess that going when nothing is going on means you wait less for a shower (fewer people), and going for a theme week means there's more activities and more folks to meet, but more crowded too. It's not a big camp.
We attended Oakland Feather River Camp 2 years ago when my son was 10. Previously, I had been to Berkeley Family Camp. I enjoyed both. OFRC is very laid back and very friendly. We stayed in a tent with no electricity, and this was fine. We were there during a non-theme week, but there was a folk dance teacher at night and many kids danced. There was also a storyteller. During the daytime, kids went swimming or inner tubing in the river, and several miles away there was a great swimming hole where kids could dive off the rocks. There's also horseback riding, arts and crafts, ping pong, a pool table, and games, but the day is not as structured as it is at Berkeley Family Camp. My son could roam around freely with other kids as the camp is small enough so you don't worry about kids getting lost. All in all, we had a lot of fun and met very nice people. Have fun! Yvonne
June 2009
Re: Camp suggestions, 1 to 3 weeks, age 12/13, both genders
Feather River Camp...www.featherrivercamp.com. It's not local but I've signed up my sons for the program. You can apply for scholarships. Good luck! anon
June 2008
My family of four (two adults, a six year old, and a four year old) is heading to Feather River family camp for six days in July. I'd appreciate any tips about what to bring along (I received a checklist from the camp but wondered what else people have found useful to have brought with them), what to leave at home, which route to take to Quincy, where to stop along the way...really, any tips or advice that you think would be helpful. Many thanks! Janice
We have gone to Feather River camp during the Camp It Up week. I highly recommend taking 80 to 89. It's an easy and usually fast drive up 80 and then a not bad road on 89 into Quincy. I have gone up highway 5 but that involves taking several other roads and while scenic seemed to take more time (and we got lost once). On 80 we stopped in Auburn on the way up.
I would also suggest taking a fan to help with the afternoon heat and mosquitos (if you have a tent or cabin with an electrical outlet) and some kind of battery operated lamp. An extension cord is a good idea, too.
I'm sure people will suggest other things but those are essentials for me. One more thing, the town of Quincy is worth a trip. The natural food store is very good and the dollar store in town is GREAT!
Have fun!! valerie
Feb 2007
Is there anyone who has been to both the Lair and Feather River who can help me decide which camp to go to with my husband and 2 year old? Please compare location, facilities, the crowd, and most importantly, the kiddie corral. And if we go to the Lair, which camp to choose? As a kid I went with my friend's family to Camp Blue so I have a loyalty there, but is there really a difference? What about the new Camp Oski? Happy Camper
This single mom attended both The Lair and Feather River Camp last summer with my then 3-year-old. It was our first time at each. We enjoyed both, but found that FRC was perfect for toddlers. Everyone on staff was gentle and fun and truly enjoyed the little ones. We were there over 4th of July, and the kids made their own costumes as a project, then got to wear them in a parade around camp which included horses. Then, an old fashioned barbeque (delicious, AND with excellent vegetarian food options) followed by traditional games - water balloon toss, 3-legged race, etc. There was family dancing on the terrace outdoors, viewing the moon and space shuttle and the sun (with a special telescope) with the knowledgeable and always entertaining AstroWizard (he's especially great with kids). One night there was a movie outdoors under the stars and popcorn. We loved feeding the horses, putting pennies on the train tracks (frequent trains), and swimming in the river, collecting pine cones. The kiddie corral staffers were great - really connected with the kids, even outside of the official corral times.
We enjoyed The LAIR, too - especially the kiddie pool - but the camp seems more appropriate for older kids and adults, not toddlers. I found one of the campfire skits really inappropriate for kids (Saturday Night Live style portrayal of a retarded girl in restraints ?!) and misogynistic commentary during a staff/campers inner tube water polo game with mostly male participants (woman camper misses a shot - loudspeaker commentary: ''That's why we don't let them play!'') The staffers at the kiddie corral didn't seem particularly good with kids - it was more like an assignment for them. My son wasn't ready to be left there alone. These things were relative small in the bigger picture - we did have a good time at the Lair and plan to return - but since you asked...
In summary, we found that FRC has family energy/orientation whereas The Lair has college student energy/orientation.
Also, FRC has a BATHTUB!
Happy Camper
May 2006
Re: Looking at Tuoulmne or Feather River
We go to the Feather River Camp about every summer for a few years. It is my children's idea of heaven. Living in the middle of nature, in Sierra Nevada, in the forest, next to the river. You can chose to leave in a tent or a cabin, with electricity or without. The river has many branchings, so there are places for kids to swim (with a lifeguard on duty), more challenging places to swim, diving places, waterfalls, river rafting.
They feed you buffet three times a day. Tables are not assigned so you can always shift around as you make new friends. Activities for the kids are on-going three times a day (for hours) - arts & crafts, boat building, storytelling, organized theater play, music. There is a separate supervised tot lot for younger kids, and activities for older kids (where we occasionally come in too b/c it's just so much fun).
There are campfires in the evenings, theater performances (by campers, directed by staff) on some evenings. There is horseback riding, rope course, bike riding. Lots of hiking in the woods, with organized nature hikes. On-staff nurse, storytellers, dance instructors. Organized games, table tennis championships. Very friendly staff - our kids look forward to receiving welcome back hugs every year, on arrival.
The camp has quite a history - it's been an Oakland city camp since 1926 and has photos and stories from that time (when you could only get there via Union Pacific Railroad). The place is completely safe. My kids run around on their own all day (with walkie talkies), and appreciate this freedom. I highly recommend it.
June 2006
Great sleep-away camp for horse lovers and others
I just registered my daughter, age 11, for Oakland Feather River Camp's Wrangler Camp in July and found out they still have a few spaces available. Her friend went last year and loved it so I thought I'd share the news, though I have no direct experience myself. The new non-profit runs their Family Camp and also some camps for kids in July. They are very affordable and I only have heard good things. Their website is WWW.FeatherRiverCamp.com Soon to be happy campers
April 2004
We have three great camp programs for youth ages 11 to 18 at Oakland Feather River Camp!
1) Camp Amandla! 7/11-7/17 Social Justice Camp for those interested in environmental issues, cultural activism and working to make a better world.
2) Teen LEAP 7/11-7/17 Leadership Education and Adventure Program is an Outward Bound styled program which focuses on self-understanding in terms of leadership style and potential
3) Camp Crescendo 7/18-7/24 Performing Arts camp for youth entering grades 6-12 with workshops in music, performance, dance and spoken word.
Join other teens from the Bay Area in a week of fun and learning! Programs for younger children and families too. See our website FeatherRiverCamp.com
Fees are from $400-$470 and include roundtrip transportation from Oakland to the camp located in Quincy, CA.
Terry Cullinane terbomom at hotmail.com
Sept. 2003
I'm looking for feedbacks on Feather River Camp. Is it worth it? mc
We have gone to Oakland's Feather River Camp (near Quincy) as a group of families for two years in a row (folk dance camp) and the kids LOVE it--all ages. It is operated by a great new non- profit called Camps in Common with lots of benefit to the campers/ families. It is very inexpensive, but rather far away-- yes, it is very worth the drive! Next year they hope to associate again with a horse-back riding provider very near by, part of the OFRC experience in years past. There are enough fine swimming holes up there to visit a new one every day. I'm sure our group will be an even larger swell of families than we were this year. Next year we hope to also stay for Camp it Up-- emphasis on alternative families... at Feather River Camp following folk dance week. --Our family is hooked on OFRC
Our family, my husband, 7 yr old son, 2 yr old daughter, and me, have been to Feather River Camp for two years in a row. These have probably been two of the most difficult years, financially for the camp. But we had a great vacation both years. The main reason is the people we've met there. Neither my husband nor I are especially outgoing, but we've hooked up with other people through our children. And the children just love it there. They love being able to be outdoors - the air is clean - and the environment is lovely. We give the kids, especially the 7 yr old, a lot more freedom to roam on his own than we do at home and he really enjoys that.
In the mornings there are usually arts and crafts activities - on setting for older children and adults and a separate setting for young children. You can leave your youngsters (2 to 5 or 6) at the Tot Lot for most of the morning. In the afternoons we've gone swimming in Spanish Creek in the camp or driven to other sites nearby. There are also places you can rent boats. Some people bring bikes for their children.
Each week of camp has a theme. We've gone to the folk dancing week both years. The kids love the music and some of them love the dancing too! There is dancing all morning and in the evenings after dinner. The teachers are very good and very encouraging. You don't need to know a thing - they walk us through the steps and then turn on the music. It's about fun!
Due to the financial difficulties created by the city's inattention and poor management of the camp facility, last year, a group of dedicated campers got together and pressured the city into giving the camp a chance to return to its former glory. This past year, 2003, the city contracted out the camp management and it went very well. Improvements were noticeable from the previous year. The food was better and more varied than it had been in 2002. There was more staff and more activities.
We'll be going back next year!
May 2003
Has anyone been to the City of Oakland Feather River Family Camp? I saw just one post and wanted to hear from other folks who have been there about what they liked, did not like and any recommendations for what to bring, etc. Thanks! AW
Has anyone had any experience with sending their child to the City of Oakland's Feather River Camp Children's Art Camp--overnight camp for children ages 8-12? I'd love to hear your thoughts on whether it's fun, safe, worthwhile, etc. Thanks,
It is a wonderful place for a family (or even extended family) vacation - wonderful theme children's activities (storytimes, games, crafts - you can drop them off for a few hours every day to have some time for yourself), and lots of family fun - swimming, visiting farm animals, forest hiking, nature exploration, campfires & songs. Each week has a theme around art, music, etc. Lots of caring personnel. This camp has been around since 1924 and has lots of history to discover. Did I mention 3 buffet meals per day with fresh fruits all the time, on-staff nurse, scenic way to the campsite? Maria
Jan 2003
Re: Grandparent-Friendly Family Camp
Feather River Camp is your place to go! It is a wonderful 100- year-old (and with that much history!) family camp in Sierra Nevada, owned by the city of Oakland. We discovered it just two years ago, and intend to include it in our summer plan forever. There are lots and lots of multi-generational families gathering there every summer - lots of grandparents and kids. There are always children's activities going on - organized games, crafts, campfires. They feed you warm buffet meal 3 times daily. You can chose to stay in a tent or cabin, with or without electricity, depending on your preferences. There is horseback riding, swimming in the river and lakes, oh so much to do and enjoy. It is about 4 hours drive from Oakland, and the route is quite scenic, too. Maria
May 2002
I'm looking for perspectives on Oakland's Family Camp at Feather River. There aren't any recent postings on the website. If you or someone you know have been there in the last year or two, please let me know what you thought, especially regarding: available camp activities, food, appropriateness for an active, social 3 year old, etc. cathy
Recommendation received:
- Camp It Up! at Feather River
From: Nancy (Feb 1998)Oakland also runs a family camp on a big piece of land on the Feather River in Plumas County (about 5 hours away). We went there for a week two summers ago, and it's a really good deal. Rates are low compared to other family camps, at least they were in 1996. There's a drop-in child care area for little kids, a nice swimming area in the river, hiking, arts and crafts, horse-back riding, dance classes, etc., and good food in the diningroom. Call Oakland Parks and Rec Dept, 238-3791 for info.
I can't recommend OFRC enough! We went to the first Labor Day weekend camp ever 4 years ago, brought some pre-school friends with us the next year, and have missed it the last two with the pandemic and fire, but look forward to going again this year. It's easy to make friends, meals are mess hall style so inevitably you are sitting next to across from others who you'll get to know, and after breakfast the kids are off doing counselor-led activities while the adults relax, read, hike, etc. In the afternoons many families head to the swimming hole to cool off - it gets pretty hot - which is also very social. My now first-grader is also picky, and you can always make a PB & J no matter what is served - not cooking is fantastic! Not sure about the theme weeks - we might try that next summer - but Labor Day camp may be a good, shorter introduction. I'd be happy to talk if you want to find a time to connect on the phone - just DM me. Feather River Camp is a true Oakland treasure! : )
We've been going to Feather River Camp for 7 or 8 years now - my partner and I have two kids ages 10 and 13. We first went with one family we knew. Now there is a group of something like 10 families we are close with because we all go the same week every year. It is super easy for kids to make friends, assuming they choose to participate in the organized, counselor-led activities. During our years of going, there have been some years where the counselors have been off-the-charts amazing and other years where they have been so-so. But our kids have been really happy every year. They love having the freedom to run around, play games, ride bikes, do all the activities, buy treats at the camp store, etc. It is heaven for them.
Among adults, I have found the vibe to be very friendly but not pushy. So if you are outgoing and like to chat, you will make friends. If you project that you are there for some peace and quiet, people will leave you alone. But mealtimes are very friendly; there are often adults sitting around playing cards or just chatting outside of meal times too. And there are some organized activities for adults (e.g., nature walks or arts and crafts or mountain bike rides. Some of those activities vary based on the theme of the week, tho.) One nice thing: almost all the folks we've met at camp over the years are actually from Oakland. So we see them around town; kids go to each other's birthday parties, etc.
Side note: we are white and heterosexual. I like to think OFRC would feel welcoming to anyone, but obviously my personal experience may not reflect everyone's. Fwiw, Feather River Camp is pretty white, relative to Oakland itself. But it is still far and away the most racially diverse place I've ever been in the Sierras. (And I have been spending time in the Sierras my whole life.) And there are always at least a few queer families and/or solo parents around too.
In terms of food... for each meal there is a meat-eater's option and a vegetarian option. (I think there might also be a vegan option at every meal, but I can't remember.) There's also a salad bar and supplies to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, if you don't like what's on offer. But it's not a ton of choice. The camp also has a small kitchen that anyone can use. So if you have an extremely picky eater (I have one), you can bring and store food in that kitchen and also do any of your own food prep that you need to. (But in my opinion, having to cook all my own meals would kind of defeat the purpose of going to family camp. The big draw of camp is not having to cook. Over the years, the food has gotten better, but it is definitely not gourmet. I DON'T CARE. It is just such a relief to not have to think about meal planning. They ring a bell, you line up, there is hot food at the end of the line, then you eat and talk with your friends. Someone else washes the dishes. It is amazing.)
Good luck with whatever you decide! Feel free to contact me if you have other questions - happy to talk more about camp.
Hi Nicole, my husband's family has been going for over 40 years (his mom worked there as a teen) and they love it. I've now gone a few times and last year was my first time there as a parent (with our then almost 2 year old). The not worrying about meals is definitely the best part. Food is decent, lots of options. I think they have a sample menu on their website. Lots of activities that you can participate in or you can do your own thing (hang by the water, read in your hammock, etc.) We typically go with a group of family so can't speak too much to the ease of making friends but it seems like a friendly place overall. Last year they did not have themed weeks because of COVID but my husband's family typically goes during Dance Week. Don't know much other theme weeks. Lastly, there are definitely some areas that require maintenance but it's been an Oakland institution for a long time and always nice to support the folks that run it. Super great crew!