SPEND S’MORE TIME OUTDOORS THIS SUMMER
YMCA Overnight Camps combine the excitement kids love with the meaningful experiences parents value. At YMCA Camp Marston, campers enjoy a classic overnight camp experience in a beautiful mountain setting. With a wide range of activities, supportive staff, and time-honored traditions, campers build confidence, independence, friendships, and memories that last a lifetime.
With a wide variety of safe, fun and engaging activities YMCA Camp Marston is the ultimate summer camp for children and teens ages 7-17.
Helping you create perfect group events and family memories in the mountains.
Connecting youth to nature through overnight outdoor education and environmental programs designed for fifth and sixth-grade students.
From a giant climbing tower, pump track, pool or gaga ball you’ll have a blast experiencing all Marston has to offer.
Reconnect with friends and help make amazing memories for a new generation. Camp Marston 100th Anniversary.
Welcome to Camp Marston
Camp Marston is San Diego’s oldest and best-known overnight camp, operating year-round on over two hundred acres of pristine mountain land next to Lake Jessup. With extensive activities ranging from archery to arts and crafts, we’re proud to offer the ultimate camping experience – but it’s our friendly and professional staff members that elevate Camp Marston to something truly wonderful.
Meet the Staff
Weddings & Events
Our overnight camps provide unique experience with rustic charm. Our beachfront or mountain dining halls, campfire rings and cabins provide the perfect location for weddings and events.
Learn more about hosting your wedding, retreat, or special event at our mountain or beachfront camps.
We’ve been providing a first-rate camping experience for families of all ages since 1921, offering quality lodging, delicious food and fun outdoor activities that allow our campers to engage with San Diego’s beautiful backcountry.
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!
Camp Marston is a nut-aware facility.
Tree nut and peanut allergies: We do not use or buy nuts of any kind. We also label cereals that have been made in factories the process nuts.
Summer 2026 Overnight Registration
Secure Your Spot for Summer 2026! Register now for an unforgettable overnight camp experience at Camp Marston. Adventure, friendships, and endless fun in the mountains await—don’t miss out!
YMCA Camp Marston is San Diego’s oldest and best-known overnight camp, offering a classic summer camp experience for children and teens ages 7–17. Campers enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities, build confidence and independence, and create lifelong friendships in a beautiful mountain setting. For more information, please contact the Camp Marston team.
“My daughter absolutely LIVES for summertime at Camp Marston! The staff there has ALWAYS provided the highest care & changed her life in the most powerful ways! We are forever in their debt.”
– Camp Parent
Register Now!
- Session 1 June 7-12
- Session 2 June 14-19
- Session 3 Reserved
- Session 4 June 28-July 3
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Daily Schedule
7.30am: All camp values
8.00am: Breakfast
9.00am – noon: Rotation of mad skills, pool and/or big 4
Noon: Lunch
1.00pm: All camp siesta
2.oo – 5.00pm: Rotation of mad skills, pool and/or big 4 – water carnival on Thursday
5.30pm: Dinner
6.30 – 9.00pm: Evening program
9:00pm: Embers (cabin reflection) and get ready for bed
10.00PM: Lights out.
CAMP FAQs
WHEN DOES REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP BEGIN?
Wednesday October 1, 2026. You can register online via your CampInTouch account. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required to hold your spot for each week of camp this summer.
CAN WE VISIT CAMP PRIOR TO SIGNING UP?
Yes. For safety reasons, however, we are very conscientious of who is visiting. We operate year round programs and very often have campers on site, so please call 760-765-0642 to arrange a guided tour. We will have informational zoom sessions throughout the winter and spring to join if you want to learn more about camp.
HOW MANY ADULTS ARE THERE TO HOW MANY CHILDREN?
We follow American Camp Association guidelines in maintaining a 2-10 ratio of staff to campers on camp at all times. In addition to this we make sure there is no time when campers are left unsupervised.
WHAT IF MY CHILD GETS SICK AT CAMP?
We have trained health care personnel on camp at all times. The Health Center provides a good space for short-term care, but we prefer not to house ill children for more than a day. We call parents when a child is ill and required to stay in the health center.
Experience has shown that many times rest and fluids is all they need to feel better. If however, an illness lasts more that a day, “there’s no place like home”. We will call you, ask for you to pick them up, and work toward re-scheduling the week.
IF I HAVE TWO CHILDREN ATTENDING CAMP, WILL THEY SEE EACH OTHER OR PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES TOGETHER?
Campers are grouped into cabin groups based on age. During the day, they participate in activities with their age group. However, campers often see siblings and friends during meals, evening programs, all-camp games, and free time.
MY CHILD DOESN'T KNOW MUCH ENGLISH, DO THE COUNSELORS SPEAK SPANISH?
Although we have some bilingual staff, they are scheduled in program areas by skills and may not necessarily be working with your child. As long as your child understands some basic English, we can utilize our staff and also other Spanish speaking campers to help translate. We do our best to make sure everyone understands what is expected and what the cabin group is doing.
CAN CHILDREN BRING A CELL PHONE TO CAMP?
No, we do not permit cell phones at camp. YMCA Camp is a safe place to let your children have a bit of freedom and independence. We want them to make new friends and face challenges, not to spend precious camp time calling or texting their friends back home.
Parents can choose to e-mail messages for their campers via an optional online service. Experience has shown that a call to Mom & Dad can often make an adjustment problem worse, not better. Lastly, the technology of cameras on cell phones also creates the potential problem of taking pictures in sensitive areas. Camper bathrooms and changing areas are not appropriate places for cameras.
If your child needs to have cell phone with them because of travel or other reasons, simply have them submit it to camp staff upon arrival. We will return it to them when they leave.
WHAT ABOUT BULLIES AND TEASING?
Whenever you have groups of children together, teasing and bullying can occur. We do everything we can to prevent this from happening. Our staff are trained in how to spot this behavior and put a stop to it. We have no tolerance for this type of behavior and a camper could be sent home for bullying or intimidating actions.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD MISSES HOME?
Missing home can be a challenge for some campers. We have several steps to work with it. In most cases we will simply encourage the camper to stay busy and think positively. Most times this works quite well. The camper starts to enjoy them self and make new friends.
In some cases it may take a bit more help. At those times our practice is to call parents and talk to them about what steps we’re taking and what might work best with their camper. We want to make overcoming homesickness a success story for your child and may ask your help in doing so.
WHO DO I INFORM ABOUT MY CHILD'S FOOD ALLERGIES?
First, make sure you have listed all health concerns on our Health History form. Then, at Check-In, you can personally discuss your campers specific health issues with camp health care personnel. They will ensure the information is communicated to the other departments at camp, including your child’s counselor.
WILL THERE BE A SUMMER CAMP STORE?
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD DOES NOT LIKE THE FOOD?
We think our camp food is some of the best around. We encourage each camper to try what is being served but we don’t force them to eat. If campers don’t like what is being served, we provide options.
At each meal there is a well-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. At breakfast, a buffet with hot and cold cereal is available along with the hot entrée. Our staff is trained to watch what campers are eating. If a child is not eating a healthy amount, they will report the matter to the health care staff.
WHAT IS A "HOLDOVER" AND WHAT DO THEY DO?
We think our camp food is some of the best around. We encourage each camper to try what is being served but we don’t force them to eat. If campers don’t like what is being served, we provide options.
At each meal there is a well-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. At breakfast, a buffet with hot and cold cereal is available along with the hot entrée. Our staff is trained to watch what campers are eating. If a child is not eating a healthy amount, they will report the matter to the health care staff.
At each meal there is a well-stocked salad bar and fresh fruit. At breakfast, a buffet with hot and cold cereal is available along with the hot entrée. Our staff is trained to watch what campers are eating. If a child is not eating a healthy amount, they will report the matter to the health care staff.
WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
Please visit our Refund Policies page to see all information regarding refunds.
Fees & financial aid
CATEGORY
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
Explorers, Challengers, Pathfinders & Adventurers
$1,080
$1,200
L.I.T.s
$1,620
$1,800
O.W.L.S
$1,530
$1,700
TRANSPORTATION
MEMBERS
NON-MEMBERS
Mountain Bus
$50
$50
Scholarships Available – As a mission-driven nonprofit organization, the YMCA is committed to serving everyone in our community and ensure they have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive — which is why we provide financial aid through our ACCESS Scholarship Program, reducing the cost of memberships, program fees and child care services offered by the YMCA of San Diego County.
Why Families Choose Camp Marston
Camp Marston is San Diego’s oldest and best-known overnight camp, nestled in the mountains and surrounded by nature. Campers enjoy a classic camp experience filled with outdoor adventure, meaningful friendships, and supportive staff—helping kids grow in confidence, independence, and resilience.
Designed for Growing Campers
Camp Marston programs are thoughtfully structured for each age group, ensuring campers feel supported, safe, and appropriately challenged. From first-time campers to returning campers, our team creates an environment where kids can build skills, take healthy risks, and feel confident being themselves.
Questions - contact a Staff Member
[email protected] or call (760) 765-0642
