Summer Camps Serving Walnut Creek
An all-outdoor day camp in Lafayette. Free home transportation provided from Walnut Creek.



All-outdoors summer camp activities since 1972!
Since 1972, Roughing It has been offering summer camps in an all-outdoors environment for children ages 4 to 16. We serve many Walnut Creek families and are located at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir.
We provide many outdoor activities found in a traditional summer camp, including horseback riding, swimming, waterfront activities, and more! We also have programs specifically designed for teens and younger campers. Come check us out at a local event or talk with a camper parent in your area. Feel free to drop by our Lafayette office!
Learn More about Roughing It Programs
- 4 & 8-Week Day Camp (PreK-10th Grade)
- 2-Week Horse Camps (4th-10th Grade)
- 2-Week Little Raccoons (PreK-2nd Grade)
- 1-Week Outdoor Explorers Camp (1st-6th Grade)


Visit Camp Today!
See our beautiful camp site at the Lafayette Reservoir! Attend an Open House or Camp Show, or schedule a personal tour of camp.
FREE transportation!
Our 36 Bus Stops serve San Fransisco, East Bay, Contra Cost and Tri-Valley and certain areas are available for home pick up. See our Camp Bus Stops & Home Pickup Locations »
Our buses are driven by year-round professional school bus drivers in safe school buses.
Need more info on times or want to inquire about home pick up? Send a request!
Walnut Creek bus stops
- Home Pick Up
- Heather Farms Park
- Walnut Creek CVS
- Pleasant Hill Walgreens
- Alamo CVS

What parents are saying
I really appreciate the follow up that we get in the way of report cards from the various staff members. It is a great way to tangibly see what the kids are doing and learning…I gave my daughter the option of going to Roughing It or Hawaii for 2 weeks and she chose Roughing It! I think that says it all!!! -Liz B, Walnut Creek
Roughing It Supports Walnut Creek Schools!
Roughing It gives back to many of the schools our campers attend. We have made donations to the following schools:- Buena Vista Elementary
- Murwood Elementary
- Seven Hills School
- Springhill Elementary
- St. Perpetua’s School
- Lafayette Partners in Education
- Diablo Valley Montessori
- Contra Costa Jewish Day School
- Morello Park Elementary
- Glorietta Elementary
- Christ the King
- Pleasant Hill Elementary
- Strandwood Elementary
Parent References
We understand that finding the right camp for your child can be challenging. We can put you in touch with another family in your area (or school) who can speak about Roughing It. Here are Walnut Creek families who would be happy to talk with you:- Cindy & Lee Abramson
- Liz & Robert Bettis
- Kathy & Jim Clark
- Mary Andre & Dennis Hoagland
- Cyndy Jacobsmeyer
- Veronica Mora-Mieszowski & Hans Lapping
- Julie Miller