YMCA Camp Surf offers a unique oceanside locale for hosting your family and group retreats! We offer safe, fun, life-changing outdoor retreat experiences for groups of all types throughout the year. Enjoy delicious food, beachfront facilities, cabin and camping accommodations and a variety of self-guided and staff facilitated activities, including a certified United States Lifesaving Association (USLA) lifeguard service team.
Weekend family and group retreats are available year-round and include:
- Two-night lodging (Friday evening to Sunday afternoon)
- Staff-led programming throughout the weekend
- Meals served Saturday breakfast through Sunday breakfast (in our scenic McKinney Oceanfront Center)
- 280 bed capacity
- Mid-week and extended options also available
To check availability or schedule a tour, please call us at (619) 423-5850 or email camp@ymcasd.org.
Groups AT CAMP SURF
From small troops to large councils, Camp Surf offers scouting programs April through October, with winter dates available by request.
Contact camp@ymcasd.org to work with our program coordinator on catering a weekend schedule to meet the needs of your group.
Please note: YMCA Camp Surf is not affiliated or endorsed by any scouting association.
Scouts
Adventure, confidence & time together
Give your troop or council space to try new activities, take on shared challenges and build stronger connections.
- Ocean activities
- Archery & climbing
- Arts & crafts
- Campfires & troop time
Religious groups
Space to gather, reflect & reconnect.
Youth retreats, family ministries and leadership weekends with flexible meeting and fellowship spaces.
- Youth retreats
- Worship & reflection
- Meeting spaces
- Campfire programs
College groups
Step out of routine & grow together.
Leadership teams, campus clubs, orientations and student organizations, from one day events to overnights.
- Campus clubs
- Leadership retreats
- Team building
- Meeting spaces
Youth groups
Easy weekends. lasting memories.
Meals, activities, campfires and ocean experiences for groups of all sizes.
- Ocean activities
- Group connection
- Easy meal service
- Team challenges
Other groups are welcome
Schools, sports teams, nonprofits, community organizations, businesses and family reunions can also build an event, retreat or gathering at Camp Surf.
View our Sample Schedule
Every schedule is customizable. Our team can build around what matters most to your group.
Friday
3:30pm
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Check in starts
Saturday
7:00am
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Fresh coffee available
8:00am
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Breakfast
9:00am
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Orientation
9:15am
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Activities open
12:30pm
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Lunch, freetime & store open
2:00pm
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Activities open for afternoon
5:30pm
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Dinner
7:00pm
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Staff-led evening program
Sunday
7:00am
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Fresh coffee available
8:00am
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Breakfast
9:00am
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Activities open
12:00pm
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Departure
EVENTS, CONFERENCES AND parties AT CAMP SURF
YMCA Camp Surf is a beautiful, unique and comfortable setting with a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
- Single or multi-day options with accommodations available
- Meals available
- Capacity of 200+
- Multiple meeting spaces & full AV setup
- Custom programing: Self-led or staff-led programming available
FAMILY CAMPS
The YMCA of San Diego County offers unforgettable weekends full of fun and adventure for the whole family at two stunning overnight camp locations. Each weekend package includes lodging, meals and a variety of staff-led activities designed to suit all interests and ages. Whether you’re looking to unwind, explore new activities or simply spend quality time with family and friends, we have the perfect setting for you.
Rates and availability
Be in the outdoors, reconnect and plan your next family getaway at Camp Surf! Two-night stays are available on most weekends throughout the year. Check in on Friday evening and stay through Sunday morning. Extended three-night stays are offered over some holiday weekends.
Rates: Family Camp weekends range from $195 to $228 per person, depending on the weekend and length of stay.
Upcoming Dates:
- Memorial Day | May 28-31, 2027
- Fourth of July | July 2-4, 2027
- Labor Day | September 3-6, 2027
For questions or more information, please call us at (619) 423-5850 or email camp@ymcasd.org.
Accommodations & Meals
Accomodations
YMCA Camp Surf offers both cabin lodging and beach camping options, depending on the season. We can fit up to 280 in cabin lodging and over 300 beach camping.
Enjoy your weekend stay in your own private cabin.* Each bunk has its own window, reading light and storage for personal items. Restrooms are shared facilities centrally located and easy to access which are cleaned and sanitized throughout each day. Families must provide their own twin-sized linens and bath towels.
Our traditional cabins in Mariners and Beachcomber Villages sleep up to 16 people. They are clustered around each of our two bathroom and shower blocks. Waterman Village awaits adventurous campers, offering 12-person “cabents”, off-the-grid solar power, its own private fire pit and a large gazebo.
- June, July, August: Beach tent camping only.
- April, May, September, October: Cabins and beach camping available.
- November, December, January, February, March: Cabins and limited beach camping available.
*Cabins are not guaranteed for all guests and availability is limited during spring and fall. During busier weekends you may need a minimum of 12 people to request a cabin.
MEALS
All reservations includes meals. We offer meals starting with breakfast on Saturday through breakfast on departure day. With advance notice, Camp Surf is able to accommodate most food allergies and dietary restrictions. Meals are not provided on Friday evening, but there are many fantastic restaurants in Imperial Beach operating within easy walking distance from Camp Surf.
ACTIVITIES
STAFF-GUIDED ACTIVITES
- Surfing/bodyboarding*
- Arts & crafts
- Archery
- Climbing tower
- Cruiser bike trips
- Gardening
- Evening programs
- On-site skatepark (skateboards and scooters only)
*Ocean conditions permitting, may move programming to alternate beach
SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITES
- GaGa courts
- Bouldering wall
- Sand volleyball
- Basketball
- Beach walks
- Sand castle equipment
- Fishing (bring your own rods/tackle)
- Explore the Tijuana Estuary
- Beach campfires
- Birding
