Lair FAQs
Get answers to your questions about the Lair of the Bear. Don’t see your question here? Email us at lair@alumni.berkeley.edu or give us a call at 510.900.8255, and we’ll respond promptly.
Photo by Suz McFadden
Lair FAQs
Get answers to your questions about the Lair of the Bear. Don’t see your question here? Email us at lair@alumni.berkeley.edu or give us a call at 510.900.8255, and we’ll respond promptly.
General Questions
What is the Lair?
The Lair of the Golden Bear is the Cal Alumni Association’s magical summer family camp in the central Sierra Nevada. You don’t need to be a Cal alum to camp at the Lair! Located just three hours from the Bay Area in beautiful Pinecrest, CA, three camps comprise the Lair—Camp Blue, Camp Gold, and Camp Oski. Collectively, the Lair hosts nearly 10,000 campers of all ages. We provide all lodging and meals, and an endless array of fun activities for every camper! With activities such as hiking, softball, swimming, tennis, yoga, pottery, tie-dye, paddle boating, and campfire shows (to mention but a few), there is a very special vacation experience behind every tree!
What are the differences between Camp Blue, Camp Gold, and Camp Oski?
All three camps are similar to each other, with many of the same facilities and programming. Each camp has staff shows, camper talent shows, age group activities, guest speakers, swimming pools, Cub Corrals, art, hiking, and music programs.
The primary difference between the camps is the size and the layout: Camp Blue and Camp Gold are very similar to each other, as each accommodates about 325 campers in tent cabins located throughout the camp. Both Blue and Gold have tennis and pickleball courts, while Oski doesn’t, but Oski campers can use the courts at Blue or Gold and are welcome to join in on activities and tournaments taking place at the other camps. During the week, hosted at Blue and Gold, campers of all ages enjoy athletic tournaments and games, such as tennis, basketball, horseshoes, bridge, backgammon, trivial pursuit, etc., and strive to win the wonderful little Lair trophies which are presented at the Friday evening campfire shows. Blue and Gold also compete against each other each week in softball and in volleyball—no trophies, just glory.
Camp Oski’s tent cabins are arranged in circles, and each tent circle has a fire pit in the center, providing an ideal camping atmosphere (great for making night time s’mores!). Camp Oski is smaller, holding about 165 campers, and has a large beautiful pool, but no tennis courts and no tournaments. Oski has the same great children’s programs and campfire traditions as Blue and Gold, plus a higher staff to camper ratio.
Camp Oski also features 15 year-round Cabins that are available for booking throughout the summer, just like our tents. Our cabins offer an elevated camping experience! You can see photos and read about our year-round cabins.
The primary difference between the camps is the size and the layout: Camp Blue and Camp Gold are very similar to each other, as each accommodates about 325 campers in tent cabins located throughout the camp. Both Blue and Gold have tennis and pickleball courts, while Oski doesn’t, but Oski campers can use the courts at Blue or Gold and are welcome to join in on activities and tournaments taking place at the other camps. During the week, hosted at Blue and Gold, campers of all ages enjoy athletic tournaments and games, such as tennis, basketball, horseshoes, bridge, backgammon, trivial pursuit, etc., and strive to win the wonderful little Lair trophies which are presented at the Friday evening campfire shows. Blue and Gold also compete against each other each week in softball and in volleyball—no trophies, just glory.
Camp Oski’s tent cabins are arranged in circles, and each tent circle has a fire pit in the center, providing an ideal camping atmosphere (great for making night time s’mores!). Camp Oski is smaller, holding about 165 campers, and has a large beautiful pool, but no tennis courts and no tournaments. Oski has the same great children’s programs and campfire traditions as Blue and Gold, plus a higher staff to camper ratio.
Camp Oski also features 15 year-round Cabins that are available for booking throughout the summer, just like our tents. Our cabins offer an elevated camping experience! You can see photos and read about our year-round cabins.
Are pets allowed?
Sorry, no pets are allowed at the Lair.
Will my cell phone have reception? What about WiFi?
There is limited cell phone coverage at the Lair. Some cell services such as Verizon work in certain areas of camp, but others get very little to no reception.
We do have free Wi-Fi, so you can be in touch when you need in certain areas of camp such as the camp lodges. Please keep in mind, however, we are in the mountains so Wi-Fi is not 100% reliable. Another local option for WiFi is just down the road at the Pinecrest Lake Resort, where you can purchase access to their WiFi password. If you have scheduled work and need more reliable access, Sonora, which is about 30 minutes west on Highway 108, has coffee shops such as Starbucks with more dependable connection.
We do have free Wi-Fi, so you can be in touch when you need in certain areas of camp such as the camp lodges. Please keep in mind, however, we are in the mountains so Wi-Fi is not 100% reliable. Another local option for WiFi is just down the road at the Pinecrest Lake Resort, where you can purchase access to their WiFi password. If you have scheduled work and need more reliable access, Sonora, which is about 30 minutes west on Highway 108, has coffee shops such as Starbucks with more dependable connection.
I’m not a Cal grad—can I still camp at the Lair?
Yes! We welcome all! We do require at least one attending adult in each tent for week-long sessions to be a member of the Cal Alumni Association (CAA). CAA membership is not required for any of our adult sessions or Family Weekends. You do not need to be a Cal graduate to join CAA. To become a CAA member, please call 888.CAL.ALUM.
What are the tent cabins, Oski cabins, and amenities like?
Your Lair home is a simple yet cozy tent cabin, consisting of wooden sides and floors, with a canvas top. “Rustic” describes our cabin amenities, which include twin-size metal frame beds with mattresses (you bring your own bedding or rent a set from us), a shelving unit, an electric light, and an outlet. Modern toilet and shower buildings are conveniently located just steps from your tent.
We also have 15 year-round cabins at Camp Oski! These cozy cabins are heated and have their own bathrooms, microwaves, fridges, and coffee maker. Each cabin sleeps up to 6 people with a queen bed, bunk bed, and two single beds in the loft.
In addition, Bosch Hall (at Camp Oski) has a limited number of indoor motel-like rooms for those who prefer alternative lodging. Bosch Hall rooms share a common bathroom just a few steps away.
You can read more about our accommodations.
We also have 15 year-round cabins at Camp Oski! These cozy cabins are heated and have their own bathrooms, microwaves, fridges, and coffee maker. Each cabin sleeps up to 6 people with a queen bed, bunk bed, and two single beds in the loft.
In addition, Bosch Hall (at Camp Oski) has a limited number of indoor motel-like rooms for those who prefer alternative lodging. Bosch Hall rooms share a common bathroom just a few steps away.
You can read more about our accommodations.
Does the Lair have an Emergency Action Plan?
Yes. A printed Emergency Action Plan is posted outside of every tent cabin at the Lair.
How to Book a Tent
I'm a returning camper - how do I rebook my tent from last summer?
1. To book your tent, go to the Lair’s booking site at lair.alumni.berkeley.edu.
2. Login with your UserName and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the link below the Password box that reads ‘Forgot your Password?’ and enter your email address as shown above. You will then be emailed a temporary password, which you can use to login.
3. Click the Book A Tent link at left, and select your session.
4. If you want to keep your same renewable tent from last summer for this summer ahead, select Option 1. This allows you to rebook last summer’s tent and not be included in the lottery.
5. If you wish to change your tent and/or session, select either Option 2 or 3. This allows you to request a change, but you’ll get your current tent back if we can’t accommodate your new change requests. You’ll be high on the waitlist if one of your preferences opens up later.
6. Follow the prompted steps to submit your booking request, including a deposit. You will get an automated confirmation email within 30 seconds of paying your deposit.
7. All campers who camped in renewable tents last summer, and who rebook by February 28, will have TOP priority to get their requested changes based on open tents.
8. Tent confirmations will be emailed out in mid-March.
2. Login with your UserName and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the link below the Password box that reads ‘Forgot your Password?’ and enter your email address as shown above. You will then be emailed a temporary password, which you can use to login.
3. Click the Book A Tent link at left, and select your session.
4. If you want to keep your same renewable tent from last summer for this summer ahead, select Option 1. This allows you to rebook last summer’s tent and not be included in the lottery.
5. If you wish to change your tent and/or session, select either Option 2 or 3. This allows you to request a change, but you’ll get your current tent back if we can’t accommodate your new change requests. You’ll be high on the waitlist if one of your preferences opens up later.
6. Follow the prompted steps to submit your booking request, including a deposit. You will get an automated confirmation email within 30 seconds of paying your deposit.
7. All campers who camped in renewable tents last summer, and who rebook by February 28, will have TOP priority to get their requested changes based on open tents.
8. Tent confirmations will be emailed out in mid-March.
I'm a new or past camper - how can I book a tent for this summer?
1. To book your tent, go to the Lair’s booking site at lair.alumni.berkeley.edu.
2. Login with your UserName and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the link below the Password box that reads ‘Forgot your Password?’ and enter your email address as shown above. You will then be emailed a temporary password, which you can use to login. If you don’t yet have an online Lair account, you can create an account here.
3. Review all your contact information and make appropriate updates under My Profile. Please provide your best email address, as no snail mail confirmations will be sent.
4. Follow the prompted steps to submit your booking request, including paying a deposit. You will receive an email confirmation once your deposit is submitted.
5. For helpful tips on how best to submit your requests and increase your chance of getting your preferences (such as how to request to camp with other families as a group), please check out the information provided under the Making a Booking Request section of this Lair FAQs page or contact us by emailing lair@alumni.berkeley.edu or calling 510.900.8255 for assistance.
6. Requests submitted on or before February 28, 2025 will have priority and be included in our lottery, which will be run in early March.
7. In mid-March, you’ll be notified via email of your tent assignment!
2. Login with your UserName and password. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the link below the Password box that reads ‘Forgot your Password?’ and enter your email address as shown above. You will then be emailed a temporary password, which you can use to login. If you don’t yet have an online Lair account, you can create an account here.
3. Review all your contact information and make appropriate updates under My Profile. Please provide your best email address, as no snail mail confirmations will be sent.
4. Follow the prompted steps to submit your booking request, including paying a deposit. You will receive an email confirmation once your deposit is submitted.
5. For helpful tips on how best to submit your requests and increase your chance of getting your preferences (such as how to request to camp with other families as a group), please check out the information provided under the Making a Booking Request section of this Lair FAQs page or contact us by emailing lair@alumni.berkeley.edu or calling 510.900.8255 for assistance.
6. Requests submitted on or before February 28, 2025 will have priority and be included in our lottery, which will be run in early March.
7. In mid-March, you’ll be notified via email of your tent assignment!
I camped last summer and want my same tent, in the same week for this summer—will I get it?
If you had a renewable tent last summer, you may camp again in the same tent, same session the next summer, if you submit your booking by February 28.
What's a renewable tent?
A renewable (or "rebookable") tent is one that a family has the right to camp in again the following summer, provided the family signs up by the February 28 deadline. Most tents at the Lair are renewable to families.
What is a non-renewable tent?
Non-renewable tents are those a family does not have the right to return to the next summer. Families who camp in non-renewable tents are told and accept this information prior to booking. The following summer, if they book prior to February 28, a returning family will have higher priority than new campers to get a renewable tent.
I camped last summer, and this summer I want to move to a different tent or switch to another week. How does that work?
All tent or session change requests will be included in our new Lair reservation lottery. Returning campers who request a change and who had a renewable tent can be assured they’ll get their last summer’s tent back if they don’t get a requested change, provided they re-book by February 28.
What is the Lair reservations lottery?
The lottery is our booking system used to assign tents based on availability and priority (described further below).
How does the lottery work?
We run the lottery in early March. All campers interested in getting a tent for this summer should book by February 28 for best chances. Tents are assigned based on availability after returning campers have signed up by February 28. For booking requests placed on or before the February 28 deadline, the priority is as follows:
1. Camped in a renewable tent last summer and is requesting a tent or week change (these campers will get last summer’s tent back if they don’t get their requested change(s)).
2. Submitted a reservation last summer but did not get a renewable tent (such as wait listed campers and those in non-renewable tents)—these campers will have the second highest priority in the lottery.
3. Didn’t send in a reservation last summer and want to camp this year!
1. Camped in a renewable tent last summer and is requesting a tent or week change (these campers will get last summer’s tent back if they don’t get their requested change(s)).
2. Submitted a reservation last summer but did not get a renewable tent (such as wait listed campers and those in non-renewable tents)—these campers will have the second highest priority in the lottery.
3. Didn’t send in a reservation last summer and want to camp this year!
Who will be included in the lottery?
The lottery is for the following campers:
First Priority—Requests for tent or week changes by last summer’s campers in renewable tents will have top priority for the tents that are open after the February 28 deadline. These campers may also request to keep their tent from last summer in case they don’t get their tent change request(s).
Second Priority—Campers who were on the wait list last summer and did not get to camp, as well as families in non-renewable tents.
Third Priority—Campers who didn’t camp last summer.
Campers who had a renewable tent last summer and wish to camp again in the same tent, same session for this summer (with no new requests) can do so provided their booking request is submitted by February 28. These campers will bypass the lottery and be re-booked into the same tent and session.
First Priority—Requests for tent or week changes by last summer’s campers in renewable tents will have top priority for the tents that are open after the February 28 deadline. These campers may also request to keep their tent from last summer in case they don’t get their tent change request(s).
Second Priority—Campers who were on the wait list last summer and did not get to camp, as well as families in non-renewable tents.
Third Priority—Campers who didn’t camp last summer.
Campers who had a renewable tent last summer and wish to camp again in the same tent, same session for this summer (with no new requests) can do so provided their booking request is submitted by February 28. These campers will bypass the lottery and be re-booked into the same tent and session.
Making a Booking Request
How can I increase my chances to get a tent this summer?
Pick a session that typically has openings—our early and late summer sessions have the most openings (i.e., Family Camp Weeks 2 and 10). Week 5 also tends to be less impacted.
If you are a new camper, be open on tent location by selecting “Any Area, Any Tent” from the drop down options after you select your week and camp preference; this way, you’ll be considered for any tent that opens during your week preference.
The less specific your request, the higher the likelihood that you will get a tent.
If you are a new camper, be open on tent location by selecting “Any Area, Any Tent” from the drop down options after you select your week and camp preference; this way, you’ll be considered for any tent that opens during your week preference.
The less specific your request, the higher the likelihood that you will get a tent.
What if I'm unsure what session I want?
You have until February 28 to decide! On March 1, we close our system to run the lottery, and any changes made from March 1 on are subject to our cancellation policy. We manually review all booking requests, and we presume you are indeed interested in any preferences you list. If we are unable to fulfill your requests, you will receive a refund, or you can opt to be placed on our wait list. If we are able to accommodate any of your requests, then you are subject to our cancellation policy.
What if I'm unsure who will be camping in my tent?
Because of our updated cancellation policy, when making your booking request, please only enter the names of campers who you are 100% confident will be camping. If you are unsure of someone’s availability (we know it’s sometimes hard to plan months ahead) please do not enter them in your booking until you are sure they will be attending. You can add the total number of campers, but only add in the names of those campers who you are certain will be attending. Please see our full Cancellation Policy, as well as information about our Trip Insurance offerings.
We have several families who all want to camp together—how do we do book that?
Decide upon a name for your group (e.g., Mikey Day Group) to identify yourselves. When you book, you will enter your group name in the "Group" box. You can also add more details about what you’re seeking under Special Requests.
Each family in the group should submit their own online reservation and make the exact same booking requests, with everyone indicating the same group name.
Weeks 2 and 10 are your best bets for getting several tents in the same camp. Be sure to submit your online booking request by February 28.
Also, be sure your last request is Any Area, Any Tent for a specific session—the less specific you are in your requests, the higher the likelihood you’ll get tents.
If the lottery does not initially book everyone in the group into the same camp and session, you can request to be on the waiting list. We will use your group name to match you with others in your group as we receive cancellations and changes.
Each family in the group should submit their own online reservation and make the exact same booking requests, with everyone indicating the same group name.
Weeks 2 and 10 are your best bets for getting several tents in the same camp. Be sure to submit your online booking request by February 28.
Also, be sure your last request is Any Area, Any Tent for a specific session—the less specific you are in your requests, the higher the likelihood you’ll get tents.
If the lottery does not initially book everyone in the group into the same camp and session, you can request to be on the waiting list. We will use your group name to match you with others in your group as we receive cancellations and changes.
What if our family needs more than one tent?
This reservation system is programmed for one tent per booking request. If you have a large family and need more than one tent, you must submit a separate booking request for each tent using a different primary camper account for each booking. You can follow the same guidelines as above if camping as a group for best results to get tents in the same session.
When will the lottery run?
The lottery runs in early March, so it’s very important to submit your booking request by February 28. Booking requests made after February 28 are subject to availability, and after this date there is no priority for returning campers.
What if I’m late in signing up for the lottery?
Unfortunately, our system is automated, and we will not be able to include you in the lottery or re-book your same tent after February 28. You will still have an opportunity after the lottery to either book an open tent or get on the wait list for an opening.
I hear it’s hard to get into the Lair as a new camper—any suggestions?
It’s not hard! We have new campers every week at the Lair. If you are a new camper and submit your online booking request by February 28, you will have a good chance of getting a tent especially if you have some flexibility on when and where you can camp. And you’re sure to get a tent if you can camp in the early or late summer weeks (i.e., Family Camp Week 2 or Week 10). The sessions in the middle of the summer are typically tougher to get into as a new camper, but we do get openings and cancellations during popular weeks; therefore, we encourage you to request a mid-summer session if you can’t join us for another session. If you don’t get your request once the lottery has run, you can request to be on the wait list. We book many families from the wait list due to cancellations.
My family camped at the Lair a few years ago, but we didn’t attend last summer—will we have a good chance of getting a tent this summer?
Yes—while not guaranteed, if you book by February 28, you’ll have a good chance of getting a tent again. Your best bet for getting a tent this summer is to select Week 2 or Week 10. If you only wish to camp in a specific camp and week, it’s worth submitting a booking for that request, as we do get openings and those will be filled using a lottery. Additionally, we get cancellations throughout the spring and summer; so if you don’t get your request through the lottery, you can request to be added to the wait list. We book many families from the wait list due to cancellations.
Confirmations and Payments
When will I know if I got a tent or new tent assignment?
Confirmations will be emailed out in mid-March and remind you to check your online account for your tent assignment. If you did not receive a tent through the lottery, you will be notified of this as well, with an option to be put on the wait list or to cancel your reservation and receive a full refund. If you requested a tent change, but were re-booked into your current tent, you can request to be put on the wait list and will be notified should your desired tent open up. Details on this process will be included in your confirmation email.
What if I don't like my tent assignment?
The Lair Reservations Team proofs every tent assigned through the lottery to be sure it aligns with your online booking request. We can’t always accommodate your first or second choice — though we try! If you provide other tent or session options in your booking request, we assume you would accept those options. If you are assigned a tent that matches any of the five options you select in your online booking request, you will be subject to our Cancellation Policy. We don’t assign campers tents that aren't included in their booking requests.
There are occasions where there may be an option you didn’t select, but that we think you might prefer over being on the Wait List. In these cases, we will always contact you in advance so you can decide if you’d like our offer or not. If you accept our new option, you will be subject to our Cancellation Policy. If you pass on the option, the Cancellation Policy is not in effect and you can remain on the Wait List. If you don’t have a tent and wish to stay on the Wait List, we hold your deposit. If you have not been assigned a tent, at any point you may request to come off the Wait List and we will refund your deposit in full.
If you get assigned a tent that wasn’t one of your top choices but still one of your choices, we expect that you’ll accept this tent and our Cancellation Policy will apply. Even when you accept this tent, you can also request to be on the Wait List for your top choice. If one of your top choices opens up, we will notify you first to confirm that you’d still like to switch tents.
If you can’t camp a specific session, please DO NOT include that session in your booking request. To help us better understand what you are seeking, please share as much additional information as you like in the Special Request box. We unfortunately can’t contact campers in advance of tent assignments or all the various options, so the more information you provide us in your booking request as to what you’ll accept, the better we can understand what you want and hopefully get that for you!
There are occasions where there may be an option you didn’t select, but that we think you might prefer over being on the Wait List. In these cases, we will always contact you in advance so you can decide if you’d like our offer or not. If you accept our new option, you will be subject to our Cancellation Policy. If you pass on the option, the Cancellation Policy is not in effect and you can remain on the Wait List. If you don’t have a tent and wish to stay on the Wait List, we hold your deposit. If you have not been assigned a tent, at any point you may request to come off the Wait List and we will refund your deposit in full.
If you get assigned a tent that wasn’t one of your top choices but still one of your choices, we expect that you’ll accept this tent and our Cancellation Policy will apply. Even when you accept this tent, you can also request to be on the Wait List for your top choice. If one of your top choices opens up, we will notify you first to confirm that you’d still like to switch tents.
If you can’t camp a specific session, please DO NOT include that session in your booking request. To help us better understand what you are seeking, please share as much additional information as you like in the Special Request box. We unfortunately can’t contact campers in advance of tent assignments or all the various options, so the more information you provide us in your booking request as to what you’ll accept, the better we can understand what you want and hopefully get that for you!
Is my payment secure?
Yes, we use a secure website to accept online payments. We accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express. Please note that debit cards may not work due to transaction limits.
When is my final payment due?
Final payments for all Lair sessions are due May 1. Unpaid reservations are subject to cancellation.
Wait List
How does the wait list work?
If you do not get a tent through our lottery system, you will be placed on our wait list. As we get cancellations throughout the spring and summer, this list is used extensively to book families into those newly open tents, so we encourage you to stay on the list as long as possible. Our office will contact you by phone as soon as a tent becomes available. The entire deposit will be refunded to families we are unable to accommodate, and you may remove yourself from the wait list and receive a full refund.
If you do not get a tent for the time you are available to join us, there are options offsite for stays in the Pinecrest area and then you may enjoy the Lair after the purchase of Day Passes. You can purchase these passes through your profile on the Lair’s booking site and select “Other Reservations” on the left menu. These passes will open up closer to summer and welcome you to come into the Lair for meals, use of the facilities, participate in the activities, watch the shows, and more.
If you do not get a tent for the time you are available to join us, there are options offsite for stays in the Pinecrest area and then you may enjoy the Lair after the purchase of Day Passes. You can purchase these passes through your profile on the Lair’s booking site and select “Other Reservations” on the left menu. These passes will open up closer to summer and welcome you to come into the Lair for meals, use of the facilities, participate in the activities, watch the shows, and more.
It’s after February 28 and I’d like to camp at the Lair this summer—is that possible?
Yes! After February 28, you can book an open tent by selecting any session you’d like and directly booking any open tent. If there is not a tent available for the session you'd prefer, you can get on the wait list for specific camp sessions by calling the Lair office at 510.900.8255, and putting down a deposit. We will notify you by phone if we get a cancellation and can book you into a tent.
Cancellations
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellations can be done online, or please send us an email confirming you wish to cancel. Log in to our online reservations system and select “My Bookings” and delete your reservation. Cancellations are subject to cancellation fees. Read our full Cancellation Policy for more details. We strongly recommend trip insurance as a way to be reimbursed if you need to cancel your stay with us. Details are included on our policy page.
I’m on the wait list, and want to cancel—what do I do?
Email us at lair@alumni.berkeley.edu. This will serve as your written cancellation, and we’ll issue a full refund anytime you wish to remove yourself from the wait list.
What if the Lair cancels my session?
If the Lair must cancel your session, we will refund you. You can view our Policy Page for more details our cancellation policy.
How can I learn more about trip insurance?
Please see our Policy Page for more details about trip insurance. It's affordable, and we strongly recommend it as a way to be reimbursed should you unexpectedly need to cancel.
