Mather Family Camp

Imagine Sierra Club having a Club Med. Very rustic (not for people who hate camping) and for outdoor lovers but full of activities. You can hike with experienced naturalists, play sports (tennis, basketball, ping pong, soccer, baseball,) do a lot of arts and crafts (including tie dye), try archery, climbing trees, ropes courses, horseback riding, or just relax at the pool or the lake. Plenty of things to do in the evening as well. Good food prepared for you in the nice lodge and outdoor tables. And last but not least, super friendly and helpful staff!

Camp Mather is an incredible gem for SF Families! You have to enter a lottery months ahead of time, but for those lucky enough to get selected are treated to an amazing week of activities and relaxation. There are 100 cabins and 20 tent sites set across a dozen acres in the woods right at the entrance to the Hetch Hetchy Area of Yosemite park. The cabins are rustic with simple beds, a dresser, and closet, but more than plenty since you won't be spending there beyond sleeping.

The gem of the area is Birch Lake - a beautiful koi filled swimming area, surrounded by a beautiful long lawn. There is a shallow pool, tennis courts, and volleyball court right by the area with many lifeguards monitoring. There are numerous activities throughout the week including arts and crafts (wine and painting night for adults was my favorite), ropes courses, archery, organized sports like baseball, soccer, and basketball, disc golf, mini golf, horseback riding (for a fee), and more. It's 20 minutes from the Big Oak Flat entrance to Yosemite and 15 to Hetch Hetchy - so there are numerous amazing hikes nearby, including 1-2 per day organized by the staff naturalist (highly recommend Carlon Falls and Ackerson Meadow!).

Meals are included in the cost of the stay. While many say the meals have gone downhill, I think its more than fine. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available, typically with salad bars, hot entrees, vegetarian options, and dessert. You can also order bag lunches if you are heading out for an adventure. It's an amazing amenity to have all the meals taken care of - no washing dishes or arguing about where to eat. There is an onsite General Store that covers most of what else you may need including ice, alcohol, and ice cream.

It was wonderful meeting families from across the city here. Kids make new fast friends and end up having their best week of the summer. Bring a bike, sunscreen, and books - because this entire facility is off-the-grid when it comes to wifi and cell service - a welcome departure from the grind. It does get hot, but there is plenty of shade and places to cool down. I prefer the lakeside cabins, but hard to go wrong with any of the options assigned.

Lastly, the staff here are amazing. They are so positive, great with kids of all ages, and create a throwback camp experience for everyone. It is truly a gem for San Francisco families - best for families with kids 4-16, but you can't go wrong at any age.