Family camp with private bathrooms?

I am drawn to the idea of family camp for our family with kids 8,5 and 2. Call me a wimp, but I guess i am a bit reticent of the idea of hauling to communal bathrooms. I would love to hear of family camps with lodging that is a bit less camping and/or experience of those who are not so hardy who have adapted to the more rustic lodging..... I have heard of the Santa Barbara family camp but I would love something in a more quiet and natural setting. I guess I want it all! Dreaming of Summer

I have a list of family camps someone sent me about 5 years ago. It is from Frommer's Budget Travel for the top 50 family camps for 2004. I can send it directly to you if you are interested (it's not a link, but an email w/all the info on all the camps in CA). Stephanie

There's the Resort at Paws Up in Montana. It's in the same locale as Robert Redford's movie ''A River Runs Through It.'' It's a rugged setting, but guests stay in luxury tents with feather beds and fine linens. Each tent has its own private bathroom in the bathhouse with heated granite floors, etc. There are all sorts of organized activities for all ages.

An even more remote camping option is called Clayoquot Wilderness Resort near Tofino, BC (on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island). Very secluded, everything gets to the camp by barge (and guests are brought in from Vancouver by seaplane). *Very* expensive, but very nice. I was there last May on a FAM trip and can tell you about it. David

Family camp next year for 6 and 7 year olds?

Summer is almost over but we are already thinking about next summer, and are looking for advice about Family Camps! Our kids are 6 and 7 and we'd love to hear about experiences and recommendations for the following camps, including when to signup:

- Berkeley Tuolumne Camp
- Lair of the Golden Bear
- Feather River Camp
- San Francisco Camp Mather
- Any other great family camp I missed??

We went knowing nobody but both my kids had ''best friends'' in a day or two. There is enough activity to keep any parent happy. It's just a bit higher class than many other camps, but the price is very reasonable. We enjoyed wine tasting and tours, yoga, kayaking, horseback riding, surf lessons, BBQ on the beach, movies, etc. but you can also do nothing but read by the pool if that suits you.

I also can't say enough about the counselors for the kids. I don't know how they do it, but they are unfailingly enthusiastic and fun, and the kids just LOVE them. They participate in so many activities as well. As parents we seem to have just the right amount of alone time and also the right amount of family time. No matter what I think, both kids voted to attend three more years and still want me to book next year. I really can't say enough about the location, the staff, and the fun times we have there. We have met really neat friends there and even learned to surf (fairly badly - but it's not for lack of quality instruction!) Check it out before you decide. For us, the drive is well worth it. Kirsten

Weekend Family Camp?

Hi, I am looking for a recommendation for a nearby family camp that does weekends. I was interested in the Bear's Lair camp, but cannot do the dates offered (the weekends are limited). We are a family of three (one child age 10) and want a camp that provides stuff for kids to do. If it included dogs, that would be ideal--but not necessary. Thanks. camping bound

Here's a list I've kept on hand for several years now; since I have not updated it, some of these links may be out of date (I know some accept dogs, but you'd have to ask each site for specific info.,):

Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, Yosemite National Park
www.berkeleycamps.com.

Camp Concord,South Lake Tahoe
www.cityofconcord.org.

Camp Sacramento, Twin Bridges
www.cityofsacramento.org.

Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, Cazadero
www.cazpac.org.

Emandal Farm, Willits
707/459-5439, www.emandal.com.

Feather River Camp, Quincy
www.oaklandnet.com/parks/programs/featherriver.asp.

Forest Home, Forest Falls
www.foresthome.org.

Lair of the Golden Bear, Pinecrest
$1,900, 510/642-0221, www.alumni.berkeley.edu.

Lark camp, Mendocino
www.larkcamp.com.

Montecito-Sequoia lodge, Kings Canyon National
Park
800/227-9900, www.mslodge.com.

Silver Lake Camp, Silver Lake
www.stocktongov.com.

Skylake Yosemite Camp, Wishon
559/642-3720, www.skylakeyosemite.com.

Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger
www.wondervalleyfamilycamp.com.

Good luck finding an ideal location!
Stephanie

Family Camp as a single parent?

Our family enjoys the outdoors and I love the idea of going to one of the local family camps. My partner doesn't get much time off and I'm wondering if attending alone with two kids would be fun or a lot of work? Has anyone been in that situation before and what was it like? Is it easy to meet others? Which camp did you go to? Advice appreciated! East Bay Mom

Grandparent-Friendly Family Camp

Greetings - We're looking for a multi-generational family camp that would provide a reasonable amount of comfort for my parents while still being lots of fun for our 9 and 7 year-old kids. Have checked the archives but would really appreciate more current and complete recommendations. They live in South Pasadena and are willing to do some traveling (as are we). I'd say comfort is the big issue for them (not fancy but certainly not too rustic - like their own private room with bath, and the like). Many thanks, Deborah Deborah

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