Camp Sacramento Rental Groups

From mid-August through September a limited number of days are available for family reunions, environmental education, weddings, youth groups, senior programs, and church groups.

Reservations

To learn more about reserving Camp Sacramento for a group, give us a call at 916-808-6169.

Dates, rates, and fees

Information on rates, programs, and food service

Group dates: Affordable pricing & programming

For exclusive use of camp the minimum group size is 75. 

*New Fee on Group Rates. Forest Service use fee, 5%: “Revenue derived under this permit for purposes other than to introduce young people or individuals with a disability to activities that they may not otherwise experience and to educate them on natural resource issues is subject to a fee of 5 percent of gross revenue”.

Group rates

Group space is extremely limited due to the nature of our schedule. To inquire about potentially open dates or Group Rates, please contact us at campsacramento@cityofsacramento.org.

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What to expect

General camp information

General information about camp useful for both new and returning guests

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us and ask.

  • Activities
  • Facilities / Cabins
  • Weather
  • Check-in / Check-out
  • Camp Bell
  • Dining Hall
  • Camp Store
  • Mail
  • Restrooms/Showers & Laundry
  • Lodge
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Children
  • Miscellaneous

Facilities - cabins

Camp Sacramento is situated in the Sayles Flat area of the Eldorado National Forest. It sits on a 14-acre property owned by the U.S. Forest Service and leased by the City of Sacramento. There are 61 cabins of various sizes scattered throughout the property. These cabins have electricity, but most don't have any outlets other than the light bulb on the ceiling and the porch light. They are rustic yet charming - most of them were built in the 1930s. Some of the cabins are wheelchair-accessible. The cabins do not have running water, but there are centrally located restrooms available complete with electrical outlets and private shower stalls. Camp facilities also include a dining hall, lodge, camp store, camp nurse's office, softball diamond, half basketball court, volleyball court, campfire pit, arts & crafts areas, ping pong tables, horseshoe pits, and the scenic American River. Check the Camp Map for Camp layout.

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Weather

Being in the Sierra Nevada mountains, the summer weather at Camp Sac is known for changing rapidly. Sometimes it rains, sometimes it snows, but most of the time it's beautiful -- with the deepest blue sky you've ever seen. During the day, the temperature averages 85 degrees or so; and at night it dips into the low 50s. Because the weather can change suddenly, please come to camp prepared for all weather situations. The humidity level is usually very dry, so bring lots of Chapstick and moisturizer. It is also generally a little cooler early in the season, then it cools off again closer to autumn… so plan accordingly based on your session dates.

Check-in/check-out

Checking in and out is taken care of in the lobby inside the Lodge. Camp Sacramento MUST have 1) a signed hold harmless agreement, and 2) a signed health form for ALL attendees in your party before distributing any cabin keys. Keys will not be distributed until all forms are completed and logged in the UltraCamp system. If a key is lost, a $25 per key replacement fee will be collected at checkout.

Camp bell

The camp bell has long been a fixture at Camp Sacramento. It rings Three times a day as follows:

  • 8:30 Breakfast
  • 12:30 Lunch
  • 6:00 Dinner
  • ??? Emergency!

The Camp Bell also serves as our emergency communication system. If there is a fire or any other emergency in Camp, we will ring the bell continuously and give instructions over the P.A. system. Please gather your entire party and meet at the campfire pit for a head count and further instruction. We ask that you DO NOT DRIVE!! There are fire hoses and extinguishers placed all throughout camp, and we ask that you keep your children away from them.

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Dining hall

Meals are served cafeteria-style in the Camp Sacramento Dining Hall. We serve three full meals each day. If you have special dietary needs (e.g. vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, Gluten free, food allergies, etc.), please let us know when you make your reservation, and MAKE SURE you mention it in the appropriate spaces provided on your mandatory UltraCamp Health Forms. We also ask that you speak to our Head Chef upon arrival. The dining hall opens at 7:00 am each morning for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and a continental breakfast. The dining hall is open for you to come in and play cards, games, read, or whatever. Board games are available to check out in the lodge. We serve hot chocolate, coffee, tea, and sometimes a snack in the evenings. The dining hall stays open until midnight.

Camp store

The Camp Sacramento Store is the perfect place to find that early morning latte or mocha, we also have milkshakes, ice cream, candy bars, popcorn, nachos, soda, beer, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and much much more. You'll find a helpful and courteous staff eager to help you satisfy your choco-holic cravings. Cell phone reception is improving every year. If you need a land line, check with the lobby or store staff. Store hours are posted at store.

There's a mailbox in the camp store where you can drop that postcard to Aunt Emma. Mail goes out at approximately 10:00 each morning (except Sundays and holidays). If your Aunt Emma wants to send YOU a letter while you're there, the address is:

Your Name and Session #
Camp Sacramento
P.O. Box 81
Twin Bridges, CA 95735

This address is only good May through September.

Restrooms/showers & laundry

There are restrooms conveniently located throughout Camp. These restrooms have private shower stalls with hot running water. There are electrical outlets available in the restrooms to plug in your blow dryers, shavers, etc. There are also handicapped restroom and shower facilities available. The laundry facilities consist of washers, dryers, and a large sink. Laundry soap is available for purchase in the camp store.

Lodge

You'll find all kinds of fun things to see and do in the Camp Sacramento Lodge. It opens at 8am for morning exercises only, then opens for everyone at 9am and stays open until midnight. There you can browse among the books in our small library, play cards, games, foosball, or pool. The Lobby is located inside the lodge. It is here that you can check out board games and fishing poles. The lobby is also the place where you check-in when you first arrive at camp and check-out when you leave. There are scheduled recreation activities which take place in the Lodge including movies, rock climbing on our mini climbing wall, the dance, and a variety show (the variety show is scheduled during full week sessions only).

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Fishing

The South Fork of the American River runs through camp and usually provides excellent fishing. Fishing poles are available to check out in the Lodge Lobby along with a limited selection of bait (Power Bait and Salmon Eggs). There's a fish cleaning sink available to clean out your fish. Once you've done so, you can take your fish to the kitchen and have them wrap it for you; we will store it for you in our freezer during your stay at Camp or cook them for you for breakfast. Remember, if you are 16 years of age or older, you need a California fishing license. If you forget to get one prior to your arrival, there are places nearby which sell them.

Swimming

Swimming in the South Fork of the American River and swimming at Pope Beach are NOT supervised Camp Sac activities; We offer no program activities at any waterfront. The water can get up to 4 feet deep in Camp, it's swift, and it's very cold. Please watch your children. During Family Camp sessions, we offer a lakeside picnic with food provided at Pope Beach (Lake Tahoe), but any swimming or waterfront activities are not supervised by Camp Staff. We do not provide any water-based programming within our schedule.

Children

Parents or guardians are responsible for their children at all times. While a child is on a camp supervised activity, we will be responsible for them; but when the activity is completed or the child leaves the activity, parents again assume responsibility for their care, welfare, and behavior. We recommend that parents make their children wear shoes at all times (even in the water) to prevent injuries.

Miscellaneous

In order to make your stay more enjoyable, we ask that guests observe quiet hours from 10 pm through 8 am. The outside facilities close at 10 pm each night; these include the horseshoe pits, playground, volleyball court, and basketball court. The Lodge and Dining Hall remain open until midnight. Some scheduled recreation activities last past 10 pm, but we will try our best to keep the noise level down.

What to bring

We've compiled a list of items you should bring to make your stay at Camp Sacramento comfortable and enjoyable. If you've been to camp before and think we've left out anything, please let us know! Visit our Contact page if you'd like to do so. Check out our Final Packet for more information!

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Recommended items

  • Sleeping Bag or bedding, pillows
  • Towels
  • Warm Casual Clothes - It has been known to rain and snow during all times of the camp season so please be prepared!
  • Cool Casual Clothes - It gets up to 80 (sometimes even 90) degrees during the day. 
  • Toilet Articles
  • Personal Items
  • Swimsuit or cut-offs
  • Sunblock
  • Backpack
  • Camera
  • Flashlight
  • Beach Toys (for the Pope Beach trip and sand castle contest)
  • Comfortable hiking shoes
  • Jacket, Coat, Sweater (or purchase this year's camp sweatshirt)
  • Mosquito Spray
  • Fishing Pole/Gear
  • Softball Glove (for weekly campers)
  • Water Bottle/Canteen
  • Batteries for electronics (for purchase in camp store)
  • PJ's for Pajama Breakfast
  • White T-Shirts for the Tie Dye Activity (also for purchase in camp store)

Optional items

  • Beach Chairs
  • Snorkel, Mask, Flippers
  • Sandals, Thongs, Water Shoes
  • Air Mattress, Floats, Inner Tube
  • Life Preservers or Floaties for non-swimmers
  • Musical Instrument
  • Costumes and Music for the Variety Show (full week sessions only)
  • Theme Clothing for BBQ and Dance

Camp rules for groups

The Camp Director possess the authority and reserves the right to eject anyone from the property, without refund, for not observing the following camp safety rules:

Rental group rules

CHECK-IN

  • Please coordinate your arrival time with the Camp Sacramento
  • Upon arrival, the group representative will need to check in at the lodge and will receive an orientation to the camp’s safety and emergency procedures and regulations
  • The Camp Host will direct the group to their accommodations and provide a tour, if necessary.

CHECK-OUT

  • Check-out time is no later than 10:00 am unless other arrangements have been made with the Camp Host/Camp Ranger.
  • Guests will need to allow enough time for cleanup and check-out. All groups are responsible for cleaning the facilities they use.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Removal of all trash in and around the facilities. Trash must be placed appropriate bins
  • Sweep cabins floors.
  • Close shutters or windows, lower canvas flaps, turn off all lights, close doors.
  • Nailing or stapling of any kind is prohibited. Any signs or banners must be removed.
  • The person who signed the agreement will be responsible for any damages/theft to camp property. This includes, but is not limited to: graffiti/carving on buildings, torn screens, broken windows, discharged fire extinguishers, torn life jackets, torn mattresses, painting. An estimate of repair for damages/theft will be determined by the Camp Director.

CAMP REGULATIONS

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcoholic beverages can be consumed by campers aged 21 years and older. Beer is available for sale in the camp store. Alcoholic beverage sales by the group is prohibited unless specific arrangements have been made with the Camp Sacramento office.

CAMPER BEHAVIOR AND SUPERVISION

The designated representative is responsible for the overall supervision and the safe and appropriate behavior of campers in this rental group. The Camp Director possess the authority and reserves the right to eject anyone from the property.

CANDLES/LANTERNS

Candles, kerosene, and oil lanterns are not permitted in any building.

CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES AND FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS

The use of gasoline, kerosene, explosives, flammable liquids, and poisonous substances are prohibited. This includes the use of pesticides and insecticides.

COOKING

Cooking is not permitted in cabins, or Camp Sacramento grounds. All meals are provided and prepared by Camp Sacramento staff.

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

The group representative must immediately notify the Camp Director of any emergency situations.

This includes but is not limited to:

  • Fires
  • Missing persons
  • Medical emergencies or injuries
  • Intruders

FIRES/FIREBUILDING

Fires are permitted only in already established fire ring or fireplaces. Fires must never be left unattended, and will only take place under the supervision of properly trained Camp Sacramento Staff. Creating new fire rings is prohibited and will result in ejection from camp.

FISHING

Campers may fish in the South Fork of the American River. Camp Sacramento has a few poles available to rent. Fishing can be done along the bank or along the bridge. A fishing license is required to fish.

HEALTH INFORMATION

Each person in your group is required to complete and submit the Camp Sacramento Camper Health form at check-in. Keys to cabins will only be given upon collection of completed and signed Camper Health form.

GROUNDS

Please help us preserve our beautiful camp by maintaining and protecting the plants and wildlife. This includes the preservation of annual and perennial plants, trees and shrubs and to practice good conservation. Therefore, the following must be adhered to:

  • No digging, moving, or removal of stones
  • No picking or removal of flora, fauna, animal or mineral substance
  • No littering or dumping of trash
  • No driving on service roads, see exception below
  • No cutting of timber or cutting trees.

ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

The use of illegal substances is prohibited.

INSURANCE

It is the responsibility of the rental group to provide medical and accident insurance for all participants. Coverage may be provided by the individual or family and noted on the camper health form. Written evidence of coverage must be provided.

LODGING AREAS

Beds in lodging areas are set up per building capacity and Health Department regulations. Beds and mattresses shall not be moved to other cabins nor are they to be used outside.

MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS

Any maintenance problems should be immediately reported to the Camp Director or Head Caretaker so repairs may be made promptly. Groups are asked not to attempt their own repairs.

MEALS

All meals are provided by Camp Sacramento staff. Please coordinate with the Camp Director on a menu. All campers are required to submit a health form that details any food allergies, sensitives, restrictions or accommodations required.

PARKING/VEHICLES

Vehicles are to be parked in designated and numbered spots next to cabins. Service roads and fire lanes may be used for unloading and loading of gear only, and must remain clear always. The use of “off road vehicles” and dirt bikes are prohibited.

PERSONAL EQUIPMENT

Camp Sacramento is not responsible for loss or damage to clothing or personal possessions including but not limited to sports equipment, guitars and other musical instruments, items brought for the group’s program.

PETS

Pets are not permitted on camp property when large groups are present, for the safety of our property and visitors. Documented service animals are allowed with prior notification and approval from the Camp Director.

QUIET HOURS

Unless your group has exclusive use of camp, there may be more than one group in camp. Please be considerate of other groups in using common areas. Quiet hours are to be observed from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM.

RECREATION ACTIVITES, EQUIPMENT AND AREAS

Camp recreational activities and use of recreational equipment and areas are included in the reservation fees. Damaged recreation equipment or facilities are the responsibility of the designated representative. Specialized camp activities (e.g. wood burning, rock wall, archery) must be supervised by Camp Sacramento staff. Please coordinate with the Camp Director which activities you would like for your rental group. Recreation Aides needed to run the programs cost $60 a day and appropriate supervision ratios for campers must be met. It is the recommendation of Camp Sacramento that rental group leaders use appropriate screening policies for staff and/or leaders with responsibility for or access to campers.

SMOKING

Smoking is permitted in the designated area only and should not be done in front of campers. The designated smoking area is the back porch of the lodge next to the camp store. Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of and not left lying on the ground. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, fire rings, and on hiking trails.

TELEPHONE

There is a phone available for emergency use only in the camp office.

TENTS

Tent camping is not permitted at Camp Sacramento.

TRANSPORTATION

Camp Sacramento does not provide transportation to/from camp or away from camp for campers at any time. Emergency transportation is the responsibility of the group and must be available always. It takes approximately 20 minutes for an ambulance from South Lake Tahoe area to reach Camp Sacramento. It takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Barton Memorial hospital from Camp Sacramento.

WATER AVAILABILITY

Based on the operation of the water treatment plant, drinking water is available from approximately May 15 thru October 15.

WEAPONS/FIREWORKS

Weapons/fireworks of any kind are prohibited on camp property. This includes guns, hunting items, large knives and any type of fireworks.

ACA REGULATIONS

Camp Sacramento abides by the standards set forth by the ACA (American Camping Association) and

must advise anyone renting the camp of the following regulations. If you choose not to follow these regulations, understand that all persons using the facilities of Camp Sacramento do so at their own risk and that Camp Sacramento assumes no responsibility or liability for injury or death to persons or property arising from the use of our facilities.

EMERGENCY CARE PERSONNEL

In an emergency, Camp Sacramento staff are trained to provide basic first aid and CPR until emergency services can assume care. Once called it takes approximately 20 minutes before emergency services can reach Camp Sacramento. Additionally, it is advised that an adult member of the group with the following qualifications be on duty for emergency care:

  • Age-appropriate CPR/AED certification from a nationally recognized provider
  • A copy of these certificates (front & back) shall be sent to the camp office prior to the group’s arrival at camp.

The user group is required to have the names, addresses, emergency contact names and numbers, a list of any persons with known allergies or health conditions requiring treatment, restriction, or other accommodation while at camp. For the group’s convenience, the First Aid station provides basic first aid supplies and equipment and over the counter medication as well as access to an AED.

CAMP VEHICLES

Renters are advised to have the names, addresses, emergency contact names and numbers, a list of any persons with known allergies or health conditions requiring treatment, restriction, or other accommodation while at camp. The user group is advised to provide its own first aid supplies &/or equipment.

WATERFRONT

Camp Sacramento offers NO SUPERVISED WATERFRONT ACTIVITIES as part of its scheduled programming. Camp Sacramento has one waterfront area - the South Fork of the American River. Children must be accompanied by a parents/guardian at the river. Camp Sacramento assumes no responsibility if Campers opt to use the waterfront as a publicly accessible waterway.

YOUTH SUPERVISION

To ensure adequate supervision of youth groups over six (6) in number, the following ratios must be observed:

  • Ages 5 or under: up to 6 youth per adult (day camp) up to 5 youth per adult (overnight)
  • Ages 6-8: up to 8 youth per adult (day camp) up to 6 youth per adult (overnight)
  • Ages 9-14: up to 10 youth per adult (day camp) up to 8 youth per adult (overnight)
  • Ages 15-18: up to 12 youth per adult (day camp) up to 10 youth per adult (overnight)

Adults from the rental group may supervise youth if these ratios are maintained. It is the recommendation of Camp Sacramento that rental group leaders use appropriate screening policies for staff and/or leaders with responsibility for or access to campers. Two staff should be with campers at all times for safety. Unsupervised 1:1 staff to camper ratio is never advised. All staff should be at least 16 years of age and at least two years older than the campers they supervise.

Camp Sacramento Recreation Aides are required for any Camp Sacramento operated program or activity. Recreation Aides needed to supervise youth cost $60 a day and appropriate supervision ratios for campers must be met. Furthermore, at least 80 percent (100 percent for camps primarily serving persons with special needs) of the staff are eighteen years of age or older.

Water Safety Rules

While Camp Sacramento offers no supervised waterfront activities as part of our programming, these suggestions could help you stay safe if you decide to use a public waterfront on your own accord:

  • Learn How to Swim - Camp Sacramento endorses formal swimming instruction for most children ages 4 years and older. Teens and adults who don't know how to swim should learn to do so and restrict wading or bathing to shallow water only and in the presence of a lifeguard.
  • Supervise Your Children - Children are never allowed to swim unsupervised by adults anywhere. Drowning can happen quickly and silently in as little as 2 inches of water. Adults who are supervising children should remain alert, vigilant and never turn away or get distracted, not even for a moment. Parents of young children and non-swimmers should carefully supervise their children even in settings where a lifeguard is present.
  • Swim Only When a Lifeguard Is On Duty - Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty and in areas designated for swimming. All swimmers should respect the rules for swimming in a given environment and follow the directives of the lifeguard.
  • Never Swim Alone - As tempting as it may be to catch some time alone in river or lake, do not do it. Accidents happen even to young, strong, healthy individuals who are good swimmers. Always swim with a buddy and with a lifeguard present in any other pool or body of water.
  • Do Not Swim During Thunderstorms - Never swim during a thunderstorm. Follow lifeguard instructions for exiting the area. Lightning often strikes water and water conducts electricity. If you swim and lightning strikes, you risk serious injury or death.
  • Diving Headfirst is Not Allowed - Do not dive headfirst into shallow or murky water, or water of uncertain depth. Diving in shallow water can cause injuries and drowning. Diving into murky water such as ponds, quarries or lakes without knowing the depth or underwater environment is dangerous. Rocks and other objects in the water pose hazards. It is best to enter the water feet first.
  • Refrain from Horseplay in the Water - As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay such as dunking, hanging on to someone or allowing them to hang on to you while in the water. Horseplay can lead to injury while in the water, thus increasing the risk of drowning.
  • Use Proper Flotation Devices - The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that inflatable toys, rafts, air mattresses and water wings should never be used as lifesaving devices for children and that only life jackets and life preservers approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should be used. Always wear an approved life jacket when boating, even close to land. Campers must supply their own personal flotation devices.

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