Frequently asked questions.

Reservations

  • To make a reservation, you will need to fill out our reservation request form online. Once your form is submitted, someone from our team will reach out to you to discuss your request. Your reservation is not complete until we have a signed contract, security deposit, and receive your certificate of insurance and tax exempt letter. Confirmation will be sent when all documentation is received.

  • We rent our facilities to Christian Churches, Schools and other Christian non profit ministries.

  • We will need three documents:

    A signed contract with Camp Santa Cruz

    A copy of your group’s certificate of insurance

    A copy of 501c3 letter showing tax exempt status.

  • If you need to cancel or move your reservation, please email us ASAP.

  • When you submit your reservation form, please let us know if there are any specific facilities you are interested in. We cannot guarantee that they will be available, but we will do our best and talk you through options.

What to Expect

  • Camp Santa Cruz is a great property that has been active since 1896. Our Multi-Purpose room was originally a hay barn in the late 1800’s and many of our dorm buildings started life at the old Spreckles Sugar Factory. Aside from some of our steamer lane rooms, all of our sleeping accommodations are comprised of bunk beds and bedding must be brought with you. Our fully stocked Dining Hall has an old school camp feel and the cooking and dishwashing is the responsibility of the visiting group. Our 6 bathrooms are community style and spaced around the camp. If you are looking for an affordable place to have a blast, we are a great option!

  • Campers should bring bedding, towels, toiletries, beach gear and warm clothes for the evening.

  • We do not provide any meals. Groups use the dining hall to cook and serve all their meals.

  • Our kitchens are fully stocked with cooking supplies (pots, pans, knives, baking sheets, serving dishes, utensils, plates, bowls, cups, etc.) Many groups choose to bring their own paper dinnerware to save time doing dishes. Camps are required to bring and prepare their own food.

  • We have 2 large fire pits with wood provided, a basketball court with pickleball lines and net, and plenty of lawn space for you to set up lawn games. Large groups will also have access to the MPR where indoor games can be played.

  • We are walking distance to the beach, coffee shops and restaurants. We are also a 10 minute drive to the Boardwalk and a 20 minute drive to the redwoods. If you would like help coming up with local activities, please call us! We would love to help.

  • We do. However, we always recommend groups bring their own and use ours as a back up. We would hate for you to get here and for us to not have the cable you need. We do have a projector screen in the Multi Purpose Room.

  • Before leaving, you will have a checklist of what you are expected to clean in each cabin/facility you rented. The leader(s) of the group must walk through each space and make sure it has been properly cleaned. See our Current Groups page for the detailed list of expectations.

Payments

  • We accept both check and Zelle payments. Checks can be made out to Camp Santa Cruz and mailed to us at:

    631 26th Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062

  • Deposits are non refundable, but can be used toward another booking within 12 months of the date of cancelation.

  • We understand it can be challenging to know your exact camper number. However, in order for us to appropriately book our camp, once your reservation form is signed and turned into us, you will be responsible for paying for that number. Reservations are not finalized until all forms are submitted.

    If you would like to increase the number of campers, please contact us ahead of time. We cannot guarantee we will have space, but we will do our best!

  • If a young child is sleeping with their parent or in a pack and play we do not charge for them. If they are sleeping in one of our camp beds, we kindly ask that you include them in your camper count.

Camp Policies

  • We ask that our campers do their best to display Christian character while on our property. That being said we do not allow alcohol, smoking, drug use or profane language/music. We also have many families who live on our property year round and we expect campers to respect their privacy and property.

  • We do not allow pets at camp.

  • Between 9:30pm and 8am we ask groups to be quiet. This means no outdoor games or amplified music. We are located in a residential neighborhood and want to be great neighbors.

  • We recognize that while staying here accidents can happen. Upon your group’s check out the manager and group leader will complete a walkthrough of the facilities used. Any damages incurred to the facilities during your group’s stay will be noted and a plan for repair or replacement will be made with the visiting group.