San Jose Family Camp

Welcome to a site about San Jose family Camp and the people who love it. "Friends of SJ Family Camp" has an official web site HERE. That site is the business face of FOFC, and the best place for people new to camp to find out how to join the friends, what is currently happening, and to learn about the structure of the organization.

Recent discussions led to thinking about backing up our pictures, having another site to show off the wonderful camp we cherish, and be able to add things quickly when needed.

THIS site is dedicated to collecting as many memories as possible, as much information as possible, and making note of all the other potential places on the web where Family Camp info is located. Think of it as a one-stop clearance shop, storage facility, and picture gallery all in one.

San Jose Family Camp is located at
11401 Cherry Lake Rd, Groveland, CA 95321
(209) 962-7277.

Photos are from the official web site and donations of campers.

There are over 60 wood frame and canvas covered tent-cabins scattered among the pines and oaks throughout camp. Each cabin contains cots with mattresses (no bedding), benches, a table and bookshelf and can comfortably sleep up to six campers. All cabins have decks for outdoor relaxation. Electrical outlets are available at an extra cost in some cabins.

Fully equipped restrooms are just a short walk from any cabin. All restrooms have hot showers, toilets, washbasins and changing areas for infants. There are electrical outlets in all restrooms.
The Dining Hall complex is in the heart of the camp. Here you will find the dining room, kitchen, store, recreation room, camp office, and the medical aid station. A broad, shaded patio overlooking the Tuolumne River provides the perfect spot for reading, socializing, napping, or playing ping-pong. The Dinning Hall deck is the setting for many of the summer's social activities

 Upstream from the Dining Hall a small dam which creates a swimming area in the river. Lifeguards are on duty during all scheduled swimming hours and there is a roped-off, shallow area for small children and beginning swimmers. For sun lovers there are beach and lawn areas for recreation or lounging.


Across the river from the Dining Hall complex is Miners Island and Fort Tuolumne. Both are favorites with the younger campers. Miners Island is an island where young campers can play and where the kiddie campfire is held. At the Fort Tuolumne playground you'll find supervised childcare and special activities for the young campers.
In other areas of the camp you will find a volleyball court, baseball diamond, basketball court, fish cleaning station, amphitheater and of course, the river. The river provides shaded beaches, cool dark trout pools, exciting raft rides, and the relaxing sound of its water tumbling over the rocks as it flows through camp.
 

The lake at twilight:

Camp is located just 30 min. outside of Yosemite on Highway 120, in a lovely valley just off the road.

From San Jose, take either Highway 880 or Highway 680 north. From Highway 880, exit to Highway 680 north at Mission Boulevard exit (near Fremont). Take Highway 680 north to Route 580 interchange. Turn east onto Route 580 toward Stockton. Route 580 will turn temporarily into Highway 205, just beyond Livermore. By staying on Highway 205, you will bypass the town of Tracy. Highway 205 will then merge temporarily with Highway 5 for approximately one mile. Follow directions for Highway 120. Beyond Manteca, Highway 120 will circle around and merge with Highway 120 turnoff and turn east heading toward Yosemite. You will pass through the towns of Escalon and Oakdale. Beyond Oakdale, just before the small town of Chinese Camp, Highway 120 takes a sharp turn to the right, heading toward Yosemite. Watch for the signal and make the turn. Still on Highway 120, proceed past Don Pedro Reservoir, up the hill and through the town of Big Oak Flat. Three Miles Beyond Big Oak Flat, you will pass through the town of Groveland. Drive through Groveland and continue for another 13 miles. Watch for the little town of Buck Meadows. Two Miles beyond Buck Meadows, you will cross a large bridge over the South Fork of the Tuolumne River. One hundred yards beyond the bridge, watch for a sign indicating a left turn toward San Jose Family Camp. The camp is less than � mile down this road.

Camp FAQ

Is San José Family Camp open to just San José residents?

No, San José Family Camp is open to anyone who is interested in this camping experience.

Where is San José Family Camp located?

Camp is located just off Highway 120 near the west gate of Yosemite National Park.  The camp address is 11401 Cherry Lake Road, Groveland, CA  95321.

Are there cabins, or do people just tent it? 

There are over 60 wood-frame, canvas tent cabins scattered among the pines and oaks throughout camp.  Each tent cabin can sleep up to six (6) individuals and has a deck, small table, two small benches, cots with mattresses and a bookcase.  No personal tents are permitted.

Are there wheelchair-accessible tents?

Yes, there are a limited number of wheelchair-accessible tents that can be reserved.  Advance reservations for these are recommended.

Are there tents that have electricity?

Yes, there are a limited number of tents with electricity.  They are available for an additional fee of $4.00/night per tent, per night.

Can you go with a mobile camper?

No recreational vehicles (RVs) are permitted.

What if I forget my toothbrush or other supplies?

Camp has a store that offers a variety of amenities (e.g. ice, ice cream, cold drinks, snacks, fishing supplies, phone cards, sundries and souvenirs).

What kind of meals does Family Camp serve?

Meals are prepared by camp chefs and served cafeteria-style in the dining hall.  Meals range from hamburgers and hot dogs to barbecue chicken and ribs.  Vegetarian meals and children's meals are available upon request (please notify the Camp office of your special needs upon check-in). 

Sack lunches are available for those planning out of camp trips.  Please sign-up at Camp during dinner of the night prior to your trip.

What if I have special dietary needs?

Please contact the San José Family Camp office with any dietary questions and/or to make special arrangements prior to arrival at Camp.  The office telephone number is (408) 871-3820.

What kind of weather can I expect?

The weather will be great!  You and any guests can look forward to many clear days and fair skies.  Be sure, however, to check the Yosemite area forecast before you leave.  Early mornings and evenings can be cool.  So, it is a good idea to bring an assortment of clothes that you can 'layer' with.

If I plan to fish, will I need a license?

In the State of California, anyone over the age of 16 is required to have a valid fishing license.  All California fishing regulations must be followed.  The California Department of Fish and Game regularly stocks the river in and near Camp according to current river conditions.

Can I buy a fishing license at Camp?

No, Camp does not sell fishing licenses.  You can purchase a fishing license before arriving at Camp at a variety of sporting goods stores.  Groveland is the nearest town where a license can be purchased.  It is approximately a 10-minute drive from Camp.

What type of bait do I need?

Trout, the Tuolumne River is stocked with both brown and rainbow

~~~~

We hope you enjoy our memories

then please come join us to make some of your own.