Get Ready to Camp!
Adventure awaits at the Lair of the Bear! Whether you’re a first-time camper or grew up camping at the Lair, this page has everything you need to help you get ready for an unforgettable summer vacation. From packing essentials to camp schedules, and from directions to guest speaker introductions, we’ve got you covered. So grab your gear and get ready for an incredible Lair experience!
Getting to the Lair and Checking In - Summer
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Lair! Upon arrival you will be greeted by our staff. They will shower you with enthusiasm, provide you with your Welcome Packet, and offer you some treats. A Camp Schedule and a wristband for each of your campers will be in your Welcome Packet (Prior to leaving home, be sure you have updated your booking with your campers’ names and birthdates, if under 21.). Once you’re checked in, you will continue on to your tent to unload your vehicle before parking in your designated spot. Please do not park in another tent’s spot or on any part of a road. Camp Maps.
If you will arrive late, it’s helpful to let us know in advance. Then, plan to check in at your camp Store. If the Store is closed when you arrive, please find your Camp Manager in the Dining Hall during the next meal to let them know you’ve arrived!
Check-In Times
Week-Long Family Camp Sessions: 3:00-6:00 p.m. (late check-in at the Store, 7:00-8:00 p.m.)
Weekend Family Getaways: 2:00-6:00 p.m. (late check-in at the Stage after the show!)
Labor Day Weekend Family Getaway: 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Women’s Wellness Weekend: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Club Lair: Sports, Wine, and Recreation Retreat: 2:00-5:00 p.m.
College Prep Camp: 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Bear Music Fest: 2:00 p.m.
Our Location: The Lair is about 3 hours from the SF Bay Area, just off Hwy. 108 in beautiful Pinecrest, CA. Directions to Camp.
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Packing for Camp
Packing for the Lair depends somewhat on what experience you’re attending and who you are packing for, but in general, the essentials and what not to bring are the same for all campers. Also, if you envision your car bursting at the seams full of people and gear (no, drums are not essential!), keep in mind that the Lair rents an assortment of large items such as strollers, coolers, tables and chairs, sun shades, and more.
- Read more about what to bring, what not to bring, and suggested items.
- More information about rental items and added items including Vista Lodge dinners is here.
- Get a feel for your home away from home, and take a look inside our tents and cabins.
Camp Schedules
Camp Schedules & Things to Do
You will receive a current schedule upon your arrival to camp. In preparation for camp, many campers like to know what sorts of activities they can expect and get a sense of the rhythm of the week. For reference, though subject to change, our family camp sessions include the activities and follow the times listed on our Camp Schedules page. Weekend Family Getaways offer an abbreviated schedule which includes staff-led kids’ programming, Family Disco Bingo, and more!
For more on things to do while you’re at camp, be sure to also check out our Things to Do Around Camp page!
Photo by D. Hayes
Dining at Camp
Meals are served in the Camp Blue Dining Hall (DH), the Camp Gold DH, and the Oski Dining Tent. You’ll know it’s mealtime because you’ll hear the DH bell! Campers are welcome to dine at any of our camps during their stay, which can be a nice way to get a feel for the Lair’s other camps. There are booster seats and some high chairs in the DH. Will you be celebrating a birthday at the Lair!? We’re happy to bake a cake for the occasion! Please order 24 hours ahead at the Store (for a Saturday night cake, email us at [email protected] to order).
Breakfast buffet: 8:00-9:00 a.m.
Lunch buffet: 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Dinner (family style): 6:00 p.m.
Burger Shack (Blue and Gold): 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Sample Menus (view here) If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please add this information to your booking in the Special Requests box and meet with us Sunday morning at 9:15 a.m. in the Dining Hall.
Vista Lounge Prime Rib Dinners and Taqueria Night! Unwind with Lair friends and savor a delicious, leisurely meal with beverages surrounded by Vista Lodge views, far from the busy buzz of the DH. These special occasions are for adults only and offerd during our week-long summer family camp sessions. To reserve: login to your online account, select My Bookings, click Edit and select the items you wish to “rent,” then make a payment.
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Guest Speakers
Each summer at the Lair, campers are invited to engaging talks hosted at the Blue and Gold stages on Sunday and Tuesday evenings during week-long family camp sessions. We also host guest speakers during Women’s Wellness and Club Lair adult specialty sessions. This summer we have an amazing selection of speakers covering topics including biology, astrophysics, storytelling, wildfires, vision, Cal’s very own Oski, food systems and the growing influence of ultra-processed foods, Cal men’s soccer, and more!
If you still have unanswered questions, you will likely find the information you are seeking on either our Camp Policies page or our FAQs page. Our reservations team is also more than happy to help. To reach us, please call 510.900.8255 and leave a voicemail, or email [email protected]. We will reply promptly.
We are looking forward to seeing you in the mountains!
News from the Lair
Top 5 Reasons to Visit the Lair in the Non-Summer Months
Fall, winter, or spring, Cal alums and friends can stay at the Lair of the Golden Bear at any time of the year to explore nearby nature and enjoy the Lair’s different offerings.
Golden Bears in Love: Mikey Day ’10 and Stephen Saribalis ’10
Did you meet your special someone on Sproul during spring semester? In an intro biology course? Or even during move-in?
What Last Summer’s Camp Blue Program Director Wants New Campers to Know
Last summer, Leon Tasch, the Camp Blue program director, got a front-row seat to all the magic and mayhem. Now, he’s here to give you the inside scoop—because there’s a lot more to the Lair than you might think.
