NatureBridge invites cohorts of families to learn together, laugh together and build a lifetime of memories as part of Yosemite Family Camp. NatureBridge’s Crane Flat campus will serve as your base camp for exploring one of the country’s most iconic national parks. Relax under a canopy of tall trees, go on educational hikes led by our experienced educators and explore the grandeur Yosemite has to offer. Yosemite Family Camp is best suited for ages 7 and up.
The Yosemite team looks forward to reassessing our ability to offer this type of program in the future for families, however, NatureBridge will not be offering Family Camp programs for summer 2023. Thank you for your interest!
Our Program
Over fun-filled weekend, families can:
- EXPLORE a giant sequoia grove with a NatureBridge educator.
- LEARN about Yosemite's domes, cliffs, waterfalls and cultural history.
- RELAX around the campfire and gaze at the star-filled sky.
- DISCOVER the joy of building memories together in the outdoors.
Sample Day & Activities
Morning: Enjoy breakfast, pack backpacks and prepare for the day. Families will meet educators at the trailheads using their own vehicles.
Instructional Day on Trail: Spend the day in family cohorts led by an experienced NatureBridge educator. Participants engage in educational experiences that encourage exploration, observation and discovery in various parts of the park.
Sample Activities
- Hike along the path of a waterfall and learn about glaciation.
- Study ecological relationships from the perspective of a 2,000-year-old giant sequoia tree.
- Explore the rich cultural history of Yosemite’s first people who have long been and continue to be stewards of this land.
- Observe the unique biodiversity and stunning views as you hike up one of Yosemite Valley's trails.
Afternoon/Early Evening: Return to campus to relax, unwind and enjoy dinner.
Evening: NatureBridge educators facilitate evening programs that could include stargazing and campfire circles. Participants then return to the dorms and get ready for bed.
COVID-19 Precautions
Yosemite Family Camp is being coordinated in cooperation with the National Park Service and US Public Health Service officials following CDC guidelines for outdoor camps. The safety of our participants and staff is our number one priority and guides every aspect of the program. In order to ensure safe distancing, family groups will be organized into individual family cohorts that have their own designated bunk house. We will coordinate alternating times for accessing the central bath/shower house. Masks and social distancing will be maintained when we're interacting together. NatureBridge has a robust Health & Safety Plan that all participants and staff will be required to review and follow.
Your Stay at Crane Flat
Long the home of Yosemite's first people, Yosemite's Crane Flat area, located 30 minutes north of Yosemite Valley, has been an important historical crossroads. For centuries it was part of the trans-Sierra trading route, as well as a way-station for travelers and sheep-herders headed to the high country. Surrounded by a mixture of pines and black oaks, the meadows are home to a grand diversity of wildlife. NatureBridge's Crane Flat campus sits directly in this natural and cultural intersection. Our Crane Flat campus has two rustic bunk houses, a central dining hall and a bath/shower house amidst Yosemite's natural beauty. Make no mistake, this is camp!
FAQ
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What are the weather conditions like at Crane Flat?
Because of the altitude (6,200 feet) and surrounding trees, it is about five to ten degrees cooler than Yosemite Valley. You can expect cold nights and crisp fall days. Be prepared for rain and snow as the weather can change unexpectedly.
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What is the food like? Will my family’s special dietary needs be accommodated?
The kitchen prepares hearty home cooked meals, served family style in each cohort’s designated table. With advance notice, we can usually accommodate most dietary needs (e.g., nut free; vegetarian; gluten free). If you are concerned about meeting dietary needs, you are also welcome to bring supplemental food and snacks. Families should bring their own coolers to store personal food overnight in the NatureBridge kitchen.
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What are the sleeping arrangements like?
Each family cohort will have a designated side of the bunk house with bunk beds. Linens are not provided, so be sure to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries and a fitted sheet (twin size). Refer to the 'Your Stay at Crane Flat' section above for more information about the facilities.
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Will we be sharing the Crane Flat campus with other families?
Yes, there may be up to four family cohorts on campus during each session.
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Will my family have access to showers?
Yes. There is a central bathhouse on campus and the NatureBridge site manager will help facilitate shower sign ups in an effort to maintain CDC guidelines.
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How far will we be hiking? Can we skip out on certain activities?
Educators will adjust hiking mileage based on each family cohort's abilities and comfort levels. While it is possible to opt out of an activity, we encourage everyone to participate to get the most robust experience possible. The educational program is an important component of Family Camp. Children should be under direct parent/guardian supervision at all times. If you choose to leave campus during part of your stay, you will need to sign in and out of the program so that we know where you are in the event of an emergency.
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Will NatureBridge provide transportation to the trailheads?
No. Families will need to meet educators at the trailheads using their own vehicles.
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Is this program appropriate for small children?
Yosemite Family Camp is best suited for ages 7 (second grade). Educational content will be geared towards learning in a multi-age family setting. Our educators can adjust hiking mileage based on each family cohort's abilities and comfort levels.
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Is alcohol allowed on campus?
NatureBridge will serve a bottle of wine with dinner on the first night and participants are allowed to bring their own beer and wine. However, hard alcohol is discouraged. NatureBridge's Alcohol Policy can be found here.
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Will there be cell phone reception and wireless internet available?
Cell phone service is spotty in Yosemite because of the mountainous terrain, but it may be available depending on your location. You will likely find connectivity on campus if you have Verizon Wireless or Sprint. AT&T does not have service at Crane Flat. NatureBridge has a land line that can be used in emergencies. We are on satellite internet at Crane Flat and cannot provide internet access. Due to such limited cell coverage and internet access, be prepared to disconnect completely, unless an emergency arises.
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What if we cannot make the scheduled arrival time or wish to depart early?
We may be able to make special exceptions for later arrivals with advance notice, but encourage you to plan for the standard program arrival time. You are welcome to depart the program early; however, we do not provide program discounts for late arrivals and early departures.
Dates & Pricing
The Yosemite team looks forward to reassessing our ability to offer this type of program in the future for families, however, NatureBridge will not be offering Family Camp programs for summer 2023.
| Lodging | Family cohort size | Price | Option to increase |
| Dorm | up to 4 participants | $1,500 | up to 10 additional participants at $350/person |
What is included with my purchase?
- Weekend programs will run Friday (arrival between 3-4 pm) through Sunday afternoon (3 pm).
- Two days of guided activities with one of our educators.
- Two nights stay in one of our cabins with your cohort.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay.
- Evening programs facilitated by our education staff.
- See the sample itinerary for more information.
What is a family cohort?
- Immediate family group (parent/guardian and children).
- Extended family group (parent/guardian, children, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents).
- Family pods that have been practicing safe protocols (two or three family groups within the same community).
- School pods that have been practicing safe protocols.
Prepare for the Program
REQUIRED: All participants must fill out an online registration form prior to arrival. A link to the form will be sent to you after you register.
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Map & Directions
Do not rely on phone GPS to get to campus, print or download the driving directions below.
Bay Area to Crane Flat via 120