EXPERIENCE YMCA CAMP SURF AS A FAMILY, SCOUT OR GROUP!
- 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)
For information regarding the possibility of hosting retreats during the months of November through March, or for mid-week and extended options, please call us at (619) 423-5850 or email camp@ymcasd.org for availability.
FAMILY CAMPING
YMCA Camp Surf has all you need for a great Southern California family seaside getaway. Our family programs run on weekends, April through October, with days and nights filled with activities for everyone. Visit our activities section at Camp Surf to learn more! Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves after fun-filled days exploring the shore! Hang out on the beach under the watch of our very own USLA-certified lifeguards. Get the full Southern California experience by visiting our skatepark. Test yourself at our archery range or scale to the top of our climbing tower to see great views of downtown San Diego, the Pacific Ocean, San Diego county’s high peaks and Mexico! Walk to Imperial Beach or drive to nearby Coronado for shopping and dining opportunities. Family camping at Camp Surf is a unique experience available for families to come and experience a seaside getaway together. We provide the equipment, you provide the fun!”
Want to visit us with your family on other weekends during the year? Or want to bring a YMCA Adventure Club or large group to Camp Surf? We host families April through October. Please call us at (619) 423-5850 or email camp@ymcasd.org for availability and to reserve your visit.
2026 Family Rates and Availability
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.
-
Summer Family Camp (July 31–August 2)
Close out summer with an unforgettable weekend at Camp Surf. -
Labor Day Family Camp (September 4–7)
Spend the long weekend enjoying nature and quality time with family. Saturday and Sunday Day Passes are available.
Be in the outdoors, reconnect and plan your next family getaway at Camp Surf!
Rates: Family Camp weekends range from $195 to $218 per person, depending on the weekend and length of stay...
SCOUTS AT CAMP SURF
Our staff are able to lead a variety of challenging activities such as archery and climbing, educational and marine science programs, arts and crafts, as well as team building and ropes course programming. Spring will bring a new slate of available scout-focused programming designed to help you meet a wide array of skill, experience and educational requirements. Contact camp@ymcasd.org to work with our program coordinator on catering a weekend schedule to meet the needs of your group.
*YMCA Camp Surf is not affiliated or endorsed by any scouting association.
SCOUTING DATES
- Special Weekend for Scouts Dates
- Throughout the year, we also offer several weekends with specific themes. In addition to our main schedule we will offer programs and activities specially designed to help with these badge requirements:
- Marine science
- Community service
- Camping and outdoor wilderness skills
- Nature and conservation
- Arts and creativity
- Ocean skills – surfing, ocean safety and kayaking
- Throughout the year, we also offer several weekends with specific themes. In addition to our main schedule we will offer programs and activities specially designed to help with these badge requirements:
Please call us at (619) 423-5850 or email camp@ymcasd.org for availability or to reserve dates.
GROUP EVENTS, CONFERENCES AND RETREATS AT CAMP SURF
Single-day or multi-day, large or small, let us host your next event! YMCA Camp Surf is a beautiful, unique and comfortable setting for business, community, religious or college groups. With a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, we’ll do our best to cater our programming and facilities to meet the needs of your group or event. For larger events, our McKinney Oceanfront Center can fit over 200 people for meals, gatherings and meetings. If you want some programming, our staff can develop and facilitate groupwork or recreational experiences.
Whether you seek oceanfront lodging for conducting your own programming, a comprehensive package including meals and staff-led programming, or a unique venue for your gathering, we have something that will work for you.
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: Call or email for availability.
*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
- On-site skatepark (skateboards and scooters only)
- Gardening
- Evening programs
*Ocean conditions permitting
SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITES
- 9-square in the air
- GaGa courts
- Bouldering wall
- Sand volleyball
- Basketball
- Beach Walks
- Various games
- Fishing (bring your own rods/tackle)
- Explore the Tijuana Estuary
- Skateboarding (bring your own skateboard and pads; helmet required)
- Beach campfires
- Birding