A century of camp
along Spanish Creek.
Oakland Feather River Camp’s 37-acre camp in Plumas National Forest has welcomed generations of Oakland and Bay Area campers since its founding by the City of Oakland in 1924.
How It All Began
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.
The City’s superintendent of recreation, J. B. Nash, a national expert on parks and recreation, aimed to give Oakland residents an affordable and accessible place to camp, swim, hike and enjoy the outdoors. He selected the Spanish Creek site for its proximity to the train tracks, so Oakland residents could easily reach camp by rail.
The city signed a long-term lease with the U.S. Forest Service and opened the camp on June 28, 1924. Campers helped build the facilities and establish a variety of camp traditions, many of which endure today. Since Nash first set foot on the banks of Spanish Creek over a century ago, many other leaders have strengthened Oakland Feather River Camp and brought generations of youth and families together for fun, relaxation, camaraderie and memories.
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 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.
A Century in the Making
From a mountain retreat for Oakland families to a community-run legacy—take a walk through the moments that shaped Oakland Feather River Camp.
Camp Opens in the Mountains
The City of Oakland opens Oakland Feather River Camp in the Plumas National Forest, creating an affordable mountain retreat for Oakland residents.
Generations of Campers
Families and young people return year after year to camp, swim, hike, and build community. Camp traditions develop and endure across generations. OFRC becomes one of the nation’s longest-running family camps.
World War II
The camp adapts to wartime rationing and other challenges, continuing its recreation programs.
A Community Saves the Camp
Facing a City budget crisis and the possibility of closure, campers and City staff form Camps in Common, a nonprofit dedicated to keeping OFRC open.
City–CIC Operating Partnership Established
CIC enters into an operating agreement with the City. The City retains the Forest Service permit, infrastructure, and major emergency facility responsibilities, while CIC takes responsibility for programming and subsidies for Oakland Parks, Recreation & Youth Development programs. The City’s U.S. Forest Service permit runs through 2043.
Camps in Common Era
CIC operates OFRC in partnership with the City, sustaining its century-old family camp tradition while expanding programming, community partnerships, and access to nature.
A Living Legacy
More than 100 years after its founding, OFRC remains among the oldest family camps in the nation and Oakland’s longest-running recreation program—a place where Oakland families, youth, and communities come together to experience nature, build relationships, and create lasting memories.
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.
The City’s superintendent of recreation J. B. Nash, a national expert on parks and recreation, aimed to give Oakland residents an affordable and accessible place to camp, swim, hike and enjoy the outdoors. He selected the Spanish Creek site due to its proximity to the train tracks, enabling Oakland residents to easily reach the camp by rail.
The city signed a long-term lease with the U.S. Forest Service and opened the camp on June 28, 1924. Campers helped build the facilities and establish a variety of camp traditions, many of which endure today. Since Nash first set foot on the banks of Spanish Creek over a century ago, many other leaders have strengthened Oakland Feather River Camp and brought generations of youth and families together for fun, relaxation, camaraderie and memories.Â
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.Â
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.
We are honored to play such an important role in the fabric of the Oakland community, and we look forward to having an even greater impact in our second century and beyond thanks to the partnership of our community of campers, volunteers, donors, sponsors, and other supporters.