Our Spectacular, Outdoor Day Camp Site

The Lafayette Reservoir, Conveniently Located in the East Bay

Roughing It is located at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir, the perfect place for children to experience the outdoors first hand, explore the natural world, and learn about the environment and native wildlife. Conveniently located right off Highway 24 between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, the expansive lake and surrounding areas let us provide an engaging, traditional camp experience: fishing, boating, hiking, outdoor living skills, nature crafts, and sports all take place on site. Exercise and fresh air are abundant.

Explore the Lafayette Reservoir - See our Camp!

• 900 acres in size
• Many trails to hike: The Lakeside Trail (2.7 miles), The Rim Trail (6.57 miles), and nature hikes through pine, laurel, and live oak forests
• See native wildlife, including Mallard Ducks, Canadian Geese, California Mule Deer
• Shaded picnic areas in pine groves
• Grass fields for sports and games

A Variety of Waterfront Activities

• Canoeing and rowing docks on east side, kayaking on the west
• Boating trips, scavenger and treasure hunts around Captain Ruff's Cove
• Visit Princess Row-a-Boata’s Tower!
• Find “Big Fred”, the biggest fish in the Res!
• Fourteen fishing docks surround the lake
• Many chances to catch a fish! Stocked with 20,700 lbs of fish seasonally

More Information

• See all camp activities offered at the Reservoir
• Directions to the Reservoir
• Map of the Reservoir

Take a Tour!

Contact Us to inquire about a custom tour at a time convenient for you, or RSVP to a pre-camp open house at the Res!

Nearby Horseback and Swimming Sites

Horse Back Riding. Campers 4-16 years old enrolled in our Day Camp or Horse programs ride at our private ranch in Moraga, a 20 minute shuttle from the Lafayette Reservoir. Our riding site includes 37 horses, four spacious riding arenas, trail course, cross country jump course, and pasture trails. Instruction for beginner through advanced riders.

Swimming. For campers enrolled in Day Camp or Little Raccoons, our swim program is located at the Soda Aquatic Center in Moraga, a  ten minute shuttle from the Reservoir. We use a shallow lap pool for our beginner lessons and an Olympic size pool and diving pool for more advanced lessons. Campers receive instruction for American Red Cross Learn to Swim Levels 1 – 6 (beginner – advanced levels).