Welcome, New Campers!

The Lair of the Golden Bear offers families a one-of-a-kind vacation where they can spend quality time together, make new friends, and enjoy activities and relaxation in a beautiful mountain setting. Read on to learn more about camping at the Lair.

We will open for summer reservations in mid-January, 2026.

Why choose the Lair?

At the Lair, you leave the cooking, cleaning, and planning to us. Our lively and welcoming student staffers will engage your kids (diaper-graduates to 17 year-olds) in age-appropriate activities each day, giving you the opportunity to take a yoga class, go on a hike, play some pickleball, or read a book at the pool.

We focus on allowing campers of every age to experience a memorable, happy, warm, stress-free mountain vacation where they can make each day their own. Generations of Lair families have returned year after year and welcome new families to each week of the summer. Start your own tradition and join us; you’ll be counting the days till you return!

New camper discount: Camp with us Week 2 or Week 10 and receive 15% discount!

Reasons to join us for a summer session!

A young family of four smiling for the photographer

Courtesy of Kevin Kitsuda

Learn more about the Lair!

Our website is packed with information about the Lair! Find out where you’ll sleep, explore the schedule, and see all the activities available for your family. Get answers to your questions and more on our Family Camp page, and don’t forget to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more on camp, booking, and additional details.

And… here is What Last Summer’s Camp Blue Program Director Wants New Campers to Know. From letting your kids roam to bringing string lights for your tent; get the inside scoop!

Additionally, we recorded our December 2024 Virtual Information Session, and you can click the link to watch the recording, view the slide show, meet members of the Lair team, and learn more about camping at the Lair.

If you’re still wondering what the Lair is like, we invite you to take a short video tour of camp (linked button below)! See for yourself what makes the Lair so special — sunshine, laughter, activities, amazing staff, and all.

Take a Short Video Tour!

Woman and two young girls, all wearing colorful tie-dye clothing, holding hands while walking in the woods.

We are happy to answer your questions, help you plan, and chat over the phone or email. No question is too small, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly! You can email us at [email protected] or call 510.900.8255. We will respond promptly.

What campers are saying about the Lair

“Such a great week in the mountains with families who are connected to the outdoors and so friendly and welcoming. Amazing vacation to experience with family - close, extended, new and old. Something for everyone!”
“We recruited one new family last year that came back this year as well as two more families that came this year (9 campers total) - our main selling point to our friends with kids is that the kids get a sense of autonomy and freedom hard to find elsewhere and the kids programming also allows parents to have their own free time which can be hard to get on vacation. There is something for everyone!”
“Great vacation for kids and parents. Your kids have a lot of freedom which is so good for their development. Being in nature (little to no technology) is the best. You can be really active or just chill. Each camper can create their own ideal experience. Great way to connect with young adults (staffers) which benefits our kids as well as keeps us connected to the next generation. The lair feels like a family vacation with 250 family members!”
“Your kids will never be happier. Camp challenges them to grow up in age appropriate ways. You will also make memories and friendships that last a lifetime.”
“Sense of belonging (LGBTQ flags around the camp was awesome), great food and staffers, and being out in nature with food available was fantastic.”

Lair Life in Photos

A large group of staffers dressed in disco attire taking a fun shot at Lair Disco Bingo.

Two Lair girls crouched on a log over the creek 2023

a child pulling back the string on an archery bow

servers dropping off a birthday cake in a crowded dining hall

5 boys lined up getting ready to play baseball

A family holding up their finished tie dye shirts

Parents and child sitting at a table in the Dining Hall during Disco Bingo

A group of campers in the pool following the instructor during aqua aerobics

A multigenerational family takes a photo outside of their tent cabin

Women's softball players posing for a photo by home plate

Ready to camp?

We will begin accepting booking requests for summer 2026 in mid-January!

In the meantime, please join our mailing list (see below) and review our FAQs, which include lots of helpful information about our booking process. Our summer 2026 Calendar is posted. Keep in mind that we are offering a 15% New Camper Discount to families who book to camp during Week 2 or Week 10.

Send our reservation team an email or give us a call if you have any questions ([email protected] or (510) 900-8255). We love talking about the Lair and will respond promptly.

We hope to see you in the mountains next summer!