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The Lair is where families and friends unplug, reconnect, and dive into pure mountain joy. From classic week-long summer camp traditions to adult-only specialty sessions, Oski Science Camp, and cozy winter and spring getaways, there’s a Lair experience for everyone. Enjoy delicious meals, comfortable accommodations under the pines, and opportunities to relax, explore, and connect in every season.
Whether you’re planning a summer adventure, a private event, or a mountain escape any time of year, we can’t wait to welcome you to the Lair!
Enjoy a cozy 3-night mountain getaway!
Our 15 heated cabins sleep up to six and offer a comfortable home base for families and friends, with private baths and modern comforts. Hearty meals are included, so you can spend your time exploring, hitting the slopes, relaxing at the Lair Lodge, making s’mores around the fire, and creating memories together.
Photo by CJ Poloka
Discover what Lair campers have cherished for generations: a magical place to recharge, reconnect, have fun, and make memories under towering pines and endless blue skies. From staff-led kids’ activities and tie-dye to volleyball, sing-alongs, and guest speakers, there’s something for everyone. And best of all, all are welcome—you don’t need to be a Cal alum to experience the magic of the Lair.
Join our mailing list for Lair news, events, and booking updates.
New campers: Book Week 2 or Week 10 and receive 15% off!
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
From weddings and celebrations to retreats and reunions, the Lair offers a beautiful, private setting in the Sierra Nevada for gatherings of all kinds. Enjoy our welcoming event spaces, cozy accommodations, delicious meals, and unparalleled hospitality while surrounded by towering pines and fresh mountain air. Whether you’re bringing people together to celebrate, reconnect, or simply step away from the everyday, we’re here to help make your gathering unforgettable.
Click here to take a video tour of the new Lair Lodge, filmed during summer 2026.
Courtesy of Cal Alumni Association
There’s more than one way to experience the Lair! From adults-only getaways to music-filled weekends and enriching experiences for students, our specialty programs offer something a little different. Unwind and recharge at Women’s Wellness Weekend or Club Lair: Sports, Wine, and Recreation Retreat, get your groove on at Bear Music Fest, or inspire the next generation at College Prep Camp. Each offers its own way to connect, explore, and experience the magic of the Lair.
The Lair’s immersive two- or three-night science camp is designed for middle school classes. Aligned with California Science Standards, the program gives students hands-on opportunities to explore, experiment, and learn in the Sierra Nevada—all while discovering the magic of the Lair.
Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Work Weekends at the Lair—where helping hands meet mountain air! Volunteers come together to prep camp for the season, tackle fun projects, and enjoy great company, hearty meals, and some fun mixed in with hard work! It’s a rewarding way to give back to the place you love and be part of the Lair magic behind the scenes.
Want a summer job that prepares you for your future? At the Lair, you’ll gain leadership experience, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence that comes from working on a tight-knit, high-energy team. You’ll also form lifelong friendships and make a meaningful impact on kids and families, all while spending the summer in the Sierra. Click below to see how to apply.
Lair staffers getting ready for the Hootenanny! / Photo by Kevin Kitsuda
Missing the Lair? Looking for a holiday gift? Excited for summer 2027? We have a fabulous selection of Lair items ready to ship. Click the link below to take a look!
Lair veteran staffer Jessie Fisher's Daily Cal article spotlights the highly desirable soft skills staffers hone through their hard work at the Lair. Working at the Lair opens doors and helps prepare college students for a range of careers both in and out of the corporate world.
Read Jesse Fisher's article about Creekside. It's not just another Sunday ritual—it’s the still, sharp moment where stories unravel and songs take root and, for just an hour, the world makes sense.
Jim Rogers brought together his Boy Scout experience, the discipline he honed as a rower, and the entrepreneurial approach he developed as a Lair staffer and MBA graduate, to create a successful career in the hospitality industry.
When family camp comes to a close, there’s still plenty happening behind the scenes to keep the Lair running strong. In late August and September, the Lair hosts Bear Music Fest, an International House retreat, and late summer weddings. Then, once all the guests begin their drive down Hwy 108, a hard-working Closing Crew takes over. […]
The Lair hosted hundreds of middle schoolers at Oski Science Camp over the course of several months, resulting in learning, spreading Cal love, and creating long-lasting memories.
Chancellor Lyons, who’s known for carrying his guitar around camp, shared his personal stories, reflected on how the Lair fuels Cal spirit, and offered some words of wisdom for the staffers and campers to come.
