About YMCA Camp Surf
YMCA Camp Surf offers a unique, activity-rich, beach-focused camping experience in Southern California, ideal for families and organized groups. Its standout features include direct beach access with provided surf equipment and lessons, a vast array of facilitated land activities, and a strong communal atmosphere with good food, making it an all-inclusive and highly engaging destination.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking an active, all-inclusive beach camping or camp experience.Organized groups such as Cub Scouts, YMCA Adventure Guides, school trips, or Mother-Daughter programs.Families with children across a broad age range (elementary to high school) who enjoy diverse outdoor and facilitated activities.Those looking for a 'campy' atmosphere with structured evening entertainment.Parents who value communal dining and a staff-integrated experience.
Why families love it
- Beach access is a short 5-8 minute walk from cabins, allowing for extensive beach time.
- Free use of surf and boogie boards on the beach, with free surf lessons/instruction upon request.
- Staff are EMT trained and on-site during specific beach activity times.
- Extensive facilitated activities including rock climbing walls, archery (with staff), volleyball sand court, pickleball court, basketball area, and two Ga-Ga Ball areas (one with shade and raisers for little ones).
- Creative activities like a craft area with limitless supplies and a pirate ship stage for skits.
- Delicious and plentiful meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with fresh fruit and salad bars; staff eat with campers.
Insider tips
- Confirm the current policy and cost for wetsuit rentals prior to your visit, as reviews provide conflicting information.
- Bring your own scooters or skates if your children wish to use the small skate park.
- If planning to leave camp for local excursions or order food delivery, be prepared to meet delivery personnel in the parking lot.
- Consider joining a program like YMCA Adventure Guides for a structured and highly recommended group experience.
- Bring canned goods to contribute to their local charity collection program.
- Be prepared for a short walk from the parking area to the beach and other camp facilities.
Good to know before you go
- Families who prioritize immediate hot water access in showers.
- If ocean swimming is a primary focus, as one review noted restrictions for a school group (though surfing is offered).
- If you are expecting a large, fully-equipped skate park.
- If you prefer complete isolation, as it's often used by large groups and has a communal environment.
- Wetsuit availability and cost is inconsistent across reviews; one states 'free wet suits for all campers', another states 'rented out for $10 for the day'. Parents should confirm current policy.
- Crowds
- The camp regularly hosts large groups like Cub Scout troops, school trips, and YMCA Adventure Guides programs.
- Value
- While no overall camp price is mentioned, the value appears high due to the extensive list of included activities and amenities. Free surf lessons, free use of surf/boogie boards, limitless craft supplies, and free firewood/starters represent significant added value. The main potential 'hidden cost' or discrepancy is wetsuit rental: one review suggests they are free, while another states a $10 daily rental fee. Parents should confirm this cost. Meals are provided and highly rated, contributing positively to the perceived value.
- Food
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, often with fresh fruit and salad options.
- Accessibility
- Ga-Ga Ball areas include 'raisers for little ones to see over the wall' to accommodate shorter children.
- Safety
- Staff are EMT trained and on-site during specific beach activity times.
What parents say
"My family of 5 and I went during Veteran's Day weekend, and we had the most amazing time! The food was delicious, the staff were all very friendly and helpful, and the facilities were great. Their showers had hot water (although it did take a bit to get it going), and their cabin had 16 bunks. There was an itinerary, and activities planned every night, in typical campy fashion with board game night and minute-to-win-it games. You didn't have to attend any of their events, but it was a welcome addition. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were all great. There was fresh fruit available for breakfast"
2 months ago
"It was so fun I went for a school trip the councilors were so nice and the food is actually so good too the beach was pretty as well but we couldn’t swim"
6 months ago
"Cool place to go camping or just hang out. We went with our cub scout troop. They have a lot of activities and the food was good. They have unlimited coffee almost all day also which is nice and they have a rock wall and archery. I would stay here again if I was able to. It's a little walk from parking to to the beach."
6 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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