San Jose Family Camp

I really appreciate SJ Family Camp. Been going since I was a kid, there's been several changes especially with climate change / natural weather conditions (ex. the pool being closed due to the water height). I personally think camp is what you make of it: there's a lot to do and explore if you make the time to participate or seek out activities. I also commend the camp staff for making camp entertaining and bringing the whole thing together!

Campers beware! If you an long time SJ camper, you will be very sad to see what camp has become. Very few scheduled activities, no store, no pool, no fort, and very rude staff. We have watched a slow decline over the years, but never thought we would experience camp in this way. When activities were scheduled (1-2 for the day) staff was unenthusiatic to be hosting and often ended before the scheduled time. Sometimes the activities started without being announced, so if you were not actively keeping the time, you may miss it. Not once, but twice we had wake a staff member to ask questions during dining. The muched loved amiptheater night lasted 30 minutes with one staff planned skit. My family quickly rallied put on what we could of our beloved skits. One staff couldn't be bothered to stand up from the tree stump and told the audience that she was just "too tired to come up with anything exciting."On our final day we are accustomed to a quick pack up to allow our tent to be turned over to incoming families, but this year all Campers were checking out with no new check ins. So starting immediately after breakfast every 15 min. We were reminded over the loud speaker to vacate camp by 10am. They told us the gates would be locked promptly at 10. In years past, while we have been out of our tent, we have still been able to enjoy the property, activities and say farewell. This year the staff was very eager to be rid of us. I'm not sure if we will return. I shed many tears this year grieving the camp I knew and coming to terms with the end of an era. I sincerely hope SJ PRNS gets camp back on the right track. I have nothing but the best summer memories as a child in the 80s through 90s, and returning with my young children in the 2000s. I hope that I will still get to take my grandchildren as I always envisioned I just could never return while it is in this state. Sincerely San Jose family Camper 1985-2022

We had an AMAZING time! It was the first time for most of our group, and a 30-year-later nostalgic return for one of us. The kids (6 and 9) loved every minute and swam for hours in the pool, explored the river, played arcade games, sang songs, painted rocks, learned how to fish, performed a skit, got seconds on cotton candy during movie night, and slept in the open air. Big shout out to the camp staff, who are running things with WAY below the usual staffing numbers. The activities were great and the staff were cheerful, fun, and helpful (not to mention talented/hilarious at songs and skits!) The food was solid--even a fancy night of excellent steak and mashed potatoes! We had a wonderful time at Rainbow Falls--that's a must. Our kids could roam the camp freely and safely while we got to relax by the river. So restorative. We can't wait to return next year! P.S. There were NO mosquitos. A summer miracle!

For those who have been a SJ family campers for more than 30+ years. Thank you for supporting this site. For those of you who are new to this campsite or have been coming off and on for years... yes over the years operations have changed quite a bit. Back in the day campers were spoiled with ample staff willing to go out of there way so you can have an enjoyable family experience. We are lucky camp, this year, was able to open. Many obstacles you don't even know about but your willing to pass judgement on this hardworking management and staff. Not many applicants applied this year or willing to work at SJFC. Like a restaurant you can't opening the entire dining hall if you don't have the servers, like camp tents have been limited due to staffing issues. If your so bent on being critical of every little thing, then don't come here. Staff is not here to wait on you hand and foot!As parent you need to step it up and teach your kids how to fish, how to enjoy the scenic surroundings, take a hike with your kids, look at the stars! Stop telling your kids camp sucks, because this camp has endured a lot and if you took the time to find out how you can help camp rather than complain... the world would be a better place.

Checked out SJ Family Camp for the first time for Family & Friends weekend Fri 8/15-Sun 8/17, 2014.It's good for families with kids. Kids can do lots of activities and parents can join in or just watch.All food & activities are included in the prices. It might seem high, but might be worth it since you don't have to pitch a tent, cook meals, just show up and do whatever you want once you get there.I saw kids and parents play 9 Square - looks like a fun game tossing the ball.Dinner was from 6-7pm when I went. It's served cafeteria style. You can pick what you want to eat. If you want more, you can get 2nd. Drinks water, tea, lemonade, milk (white/chocolate).Campfire at 8:30-9:30pm - Michael & gang lead us in singing & moving around. Toasting marshmallows afterwards & if you want smores.Sat Breakfast next morning 8-9am. I got scrambed eggs, sausage (2), hashbrowns, french toast. Tasted ok, nothing special.Hike to Rainbow Pool was the highlight for me that day. Short walk 2 miles Round trip w/ our guide Frank. I liked seeing people cliff jumping and swimming in the pool. Nice waterfall even on Aug 16, 2014. It runs all year round because it's from the South Fork of the Tuolumne River.Lunch was pizza, salad bar, pudding. Drinks were water, tea, lemonade, whole milk, chocolate milk.Afternoon did some relaxing in the Pool, which is a dammed up area of the Middle Fork of the Tuolumne River. It's pretty deep, and cold water.Did some Archery for this beginner. I liked that! I need to find some classes to learn more & get better at it.Dinner: chili w/ meat, cornbread, chicken or tri-tip, salad bar, peas & corn. Just ok tasting.Did the Campfire - more singing/moving around, roasted marshmallows. Did a night hike to see stars. Sun Breakfast - scrambled eggs, tater tots, 2 slices bacon, 1 small blueberry pancake, crumble cake, fruit bar.Note:They have flush toilets in bathrooms, sinks, running water, free showers (bring own soap/shampoo/conditioners), electrical outlets in bathrooms.Some cabins have electricity - I know they are in the 600, most of 600 was burned down in the Rim Fire 2013 so about 8 of them are NEW. Bring shower curtains to cover up the doors since there is openings that their velcro doesn't cover up. Also, bring Plastic Bins for your food if you bring any into the tents - mice can get into food & chew through soft plastic bags/wrappers. Or leave food in the Car. No bears here, but bats, raccoons, fox, mice can come by.Bring your own lawn chair if you want for your cabin, none in the cabins. Cabins have 4 cots - bring your own sleeping bag, pillow. Cot mattress is soft if you don't mind otherwise bring air mattress.Bring DEET because there are tons of mosquitoes - I got about 6 bites in 2 nights/3 days. I didn't spray on my clothes or not enough since they can bite through clothes.SJ Family Camp is good for families & kids.

This campground is great! It was our first time there with our two children 12yr old and 13 yr old. They had a lot of fun with plenty of activities to keep them busy all day. We spend most of our day In the river and pool area. Food is good not the best but great for being camping. Tents are awesome as you don't have to worry about bringing your own and setting it up, this ones are very spacious and have the number of beds you need all you need to bring is sheets and sleeping bags also make sure you bring an extra sheet to cover the opening of the tent as it does not fully close. The tent has a bucket and a broom also a small shelf , bench and table in the balcony area which is a plus for me.The convenience store does not have much so plan accordingly before you go otherwise you will be driving back at least 20 to 30 min out to find what you need. The river is beautiful and so much fun to float around in. However make sure you bring water shoes my children did not and they where uncomfortable walking in the river as there is rocks and branches on some area that can really hurt your feet.Don't forget to go to the rainbow pool is a scenic view with a beautiful waterfall definitely something you want to see! Almost forgot restrooms are very clean and plenty of showers available with warm water too. We never waited in line to use it. The place does not seem to crowded at all. FYI we also brought some fishing rods as they don't have any in the store there.

We had the time of our life at Family Camp. I can't wait to go back again next summer. Food: A-ok, it's pretty good but not amazing. The kitchen staff are really friendly and do their best to make your experience fantastic. You can make PB&J sandwiches if there is a meal served that you don't care for. Also there is a salad bar with lunch and dinner. The activities make the trip really enjoyable for the kids. We made special memories every day we were there. The staff are great with kids. I only wish they did camp fires every night since that is a staple of camping. The pool was ok, when we went it wasn't full. I wouldn't have known the difference except that someone told me it's usually full and it wasn't. You can ride a tube down the river, bring a big tube made for rivers (not the small kid type ones). The tents were spacious with 6 cots, a table, and a balcony. The bathrooms were super clean and close to the tents. One night we watched movies under the stars, one night there was a band and free wine which was great, one night there was a mission impossible game that was so much fun. Overall a great family trip that costs an arm and a leg but is worth it for not having to cook.

I have been to this camp 20 times since I was a little kid and had the chance to bring my own son with us. San Jose family camp was honestly as good as it has ever been. The workers cared and actually took their job seriously; bathrooms were clean, activities were plentiful and even the food was dare I say.... excellent!Honestly, this was a magical trip and I can say enough about how special this place is. Highly recommended.Side note- River was extremely high and fast, so tubbing was a dangerous undertaking this year. However, this was offset by the remodeled lodge which featured a pool table, classic arcade games, books, and plenty of activities to check out (even legos)!Clearly, someone new took over and it really showed how much the new regime actually cares. Blessed to be there and keep up the good work, SJ Family Camp!!

This is my first review of camp, In fact I made a yelp strictly in order to make this review. Although, I must confess, I feel the abuse of power already bubbling up inside me. It is INSANE how hard the staff is working this summer. After talking to a staff member who has been working here longer than I have been coming (About five years) she told me they started with about six staff and currently have thirteen. They are beyond understaffed. One of the staff was in the kitchen, doing activities, and after dinner I saw her taking out the trash. There are less activities that is apparent. However, my family and I were just happy to get out. We got to enjoy the staples: Tye Dye, Campfire, Amphitheater, Bingo, and Friendship bracelets. The food this year was great. My children especially loved enchilada night.We even had a staff member stop what they were doing to help my son with his fishing equipment. Even though the guy was obviously tired my son was so happy and non-the-wiser. We will 100% be returning. One star because they weren't able to cook our fish. That was very sad for my son but alas we have next year. Other notes: The river is a bit slow and the damn is not up so the swimming hole does look sad. However, my children did the polar bear swim in the morning after breakfast and LOVED it. They even talked about it on the way home. They also enjoyed the swimming area even though it wasn't deep. Thanks again to the staff. You made our vacation possible!

San Jose Family Camp is an amazing place to bring all ages. The staff is incredible and will bend over backwards to help facilitate a wonderful stay!