Mission: Oakland Feather River Camp promotes and celebrates connections between nature, family and community by creating unique opportunities to advance environmental appreciation, cultural diversity, and youth empowerment.

Impact: Oakland Feather River Camp is the longest-running youth and family recreation program in Oakland, and in its first century has transformed the lives of over 200,000 campers of all ages. Our 37-acre camp facility in Plumas National Forest has provided outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for generations of campers since its founding by the City of Oakland in 1924 as part of a national movement to increase access to nature.

Oakland Feather River Camp’s 37-acre camp facility in Plumas National Forest has provided outdoor educational and recreational opportunities for generations of Oakland and Bay Area campers since its founding by the City of Oakland in 1924.

In the early 1920s, the City of Oakland was inspired by a national movement to increase access to nature, and it set out to establish a summer camp retreat in the mountains for its citizens to enjoy.

Despite challenges over the past 100+ years, from rationing during World War II to more recent threats of pandemic and wildfire, Oakland Feather River Camp remains Oakland’s longest running recreation program, offering family camp, youth camp, outreach, and rental group programs. 

In 2003, when the city proposed closing the camp amid a budget crisis, a grass-roots group of dedicated campers and city staff established the nonprofit organization Camps in Common to operate OFRC in partnership with the City. Camps in Common has sustained and built on the camp’s legacy to ensure that future generations can enjoy its enriching summer camp programs.

In its first century, OFRC has transformed the lives of over 200,000 campers of all ages. Today, youth and adult campers alike spend an average of 95 hours immersed in one of the most beautiful natural settings in California — swimming in Spanish Creek, exploring among towering pines, developing new skills such as archery and horseback riding, building traditions, and strengthening relationships with family and friends. From improving mental and physical health to fostering confidence and resilience, these experiences positively impact campers’ lives forever.

Today, we are still as committed to providing access to the outdoors as when we first began in 1924. Last summer, nearly 25% of our campers where provided funding, transportation, and outdoor gear support. We are honored to play such an important role in the fabric of the Oakland community, and we strive to have even greater impact in our second century and beyond thanks to the partnership of our community of campers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and other supporters.