Free Camping Program for Underserved Youth and Families

California individuals and families interested in the Campland on the Bay Free Camping Program should complete the Campland on the Bay Free Camping Program Application Form found here.  They can also work with a participating organization to qualify found here.

Organizations interested in participated can complete the Inquiry form for free camping found here.

Campland’s free camping program includes:

• Free Campsite Rentals based on availability throughout the year.
• Resort Amenities and Activities Free of Charge.  Free amenities include the playground, basketball/sports court, skateboard park (participant provided helmets required), Central Park, outdoor ping pong table, beach volleyball court, dog park, gym/fitness center, reservable event tent, and supervised kids’ activities. Bicycle rentals and any food and beverage services will be charged at the same rate for Participants as for general guests.
• Free Vehicle Parking for up to 2 vehicles per rented campsite.
• Recreational Marine Equipment and Vehicle Storage during or within 7 days of any camping reservations.
• Free Watercraft Rentals to enjoy the bay. This includes Campland Marina (but not third-party) rentals of pedal boats, kayaks, and pontoon boats on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Reimbursed Transportation Costs for approved Organizations to transport Participants to and from Campland on a first-come, first-served basis.  
• Camping Gear Free of Charge – upon request, and subject to availability, Campland will provide commonly used camping gear including tents, sleeping mats, camping chairs, camp stoves, flashlights, and binoculars during the stay. Participants or Organizations should pre-reserve all camping gear when reservations are made. This gear must be returned at the end of the stay.
  • Sleeping Bags – in the interest of promoting the health and safety of campers, staff, and guests, Participants will be asked to bring the following if possible: their own sleeping bags and/or other bedding, blankets, pillows, etc.  Participants who are experiencing severe economic hardships certified by the Participant or verified by an Organization may apply to have a free sleeping bag, liner or bedroll purchased for them (which they can keep for their own use as well as any future camping). Sleeping bags can we requested when completing the Free Camping Program Application form.  They can also be requested by the organization individuals and families are applying through.

As part of Campland’s commitment to support diversity and access to camping, this free program is limited to California  underserved youth and families:

1.     Underserved youth and families – means individuals or groups that have been historically excluded from accessing the benefits of coastal opportunities and/or disproportionately impacted by environmental burdens and includes low-income households; Black, Indigenous, and people of color; people with disabilities; youth who attend Title 1 schools (and their caregiver/s); and foster and transition age youth.

2.     Low Income individuals and families – “low income” is calculated using standards such as the Area Median Household Income for the county and state income limits as published by the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the Federal Poverty Level, and housing burden calculations published by the CalEPA Office of Environmental Health and Hazard Assessment.

3.     Participants are individuals, families or groups who are eligible to participate in the program based on the defined criteria for underserved youth and families and who have certified their eligibility to Campland or had such eligibility verified by an Organization.

4.     Organizations – means a school, nonprofit organization, or government agency that organizes, coordinates, supervises or refers groups or program Participants who are eligible underserved youth and/or families.

This program is for California residents only. Proof of residency is required.

Forms can be completed and submitted online.  Once submitted, the application will automatically be sent to Campland. You can also print, complete, scan and email the application to:  FreeCampingProgram@campland.com 

Application forms can also be turned in at the Registration Office, Attn:  Kim McAnally at Campland or mailed to:

Campland on the Bay

Attn:  Kim McAnally

2211 PACIFIC Beach Drive

San Diego, CA 92109

Online applications are found here.

Printable applications are found here.

We will respond to applications in the order we receive them. Generally, this process takes 5 – 10 business days. Please be sure to provide the best contact information for us to get back to you. A Campland reservationist will contact the person designated on the free camping application form by phone to book dates based on availability.

Reservations can be made for up to 4 nights consecutively.  The maximum number of nights any Participant may utilize is 14 free camping nights in any calendar  year. 

Groups are not limited to a maximum number of free camping nights per year. 

All reservations are made subject to availability. A Campland reservationist will contact the person designated on the Free Camping Program Application to book dates based on availability. 

Please check to see if your organization is currently involved in this program.  Click here to see organizations currently involved.

We may be able work with other organizations who serve the underserved. Please have the organization reach out to us at freecampingprogram@campland.com or complete the interest form found here. 

This program is for California residents and their guests only. Proof of residency is required.

Once the reservation is confirmed and your camping dates are booked, we will provide the contact information to book watercraft rentals. You can then book watercraft reservations directly with a Marina staff member.

This includes Campland Marina (but not third-party) rentals of pedal boats, kayaks, and pontoon boats on a first-come, first-served basis.

All inquiries from Organizations should be emailed to: FreeCampingProgram@campland.com. Interested organizations can also call 858-581-4265.