Camp Ocean Pines

Attended a wedding there recently. They have two ceremony areas. One over looking the ocean an another overlooking the forest. Both are breathtaking and your wedding pictures will be amazing! Since the property is a campsite, it’s rustic inside and out. Maybe not for every bride and groom. I can say that everything promised was delivered and the staff was incredible. The wedding package included full use of the entire campsite from Friday to Sunday. Accommodations for up to 100 people. A rehearsal dinner, the wedding dinner and even a Sunday brunch. All meals were very good and there was plenty of food. They provide chairs, tables, paper plates and plastic ware, but you would need to bring everything else. All the music, lighting, decorations, beverages, ice, linens, etc… are done by you (or you could hire an event coordinator). They are fairly new at having weddings so they were not able to give us referrals for party rentals and the like. I think with a little more practice and a little more wedding know-​how, they will be booked for months! Good job Camp Ocean Pines!

My son has gone for two years and loves loves loves Camp Ocean Pines. He loves the variety of activities and arts and crafts. The kids raved about food and the super «cool» counselors. It’s a stunning location and pretty much bug free. The overnight trip to Big Sur is a favorite along with the skits and singalongs by the camp fire at night. Definitely a great starter camp for younger kids and still fun for the older set.

I am one of those parents who probably goes overboard by researching everything before I make a decision for my kids. When it came time for summer camp I did my homework. I wanted a camp small enough that my children wouldn’t be lost in the crowd, yet large enough to have lots of opportunities to make friends. COP was perfect. They not only encourage kids to «get back to nature» but teach them to really appreciate and care about it. My daughter was 8 and my son was 10 when they first went to camp. I was really concerned she was too young. She wasn’t. She was taken into the warm, safe and welcoming environment and barely noticed when I left! What makes COP so amazing is the people who run it. Scott «Doc» Hicok, Rosemay, Chef Rick, (who the kids adore– and not just because of his cooking!) the list goes on– they are friendly, polite and will do everything they can to ensure your child has a terrific, fun and safe time. The camp counselors can be from anywhere– locals, Africa, Europe, Australia, really– anywhere– and each year they have been amazing– The beautiful setting, the cabins and lodge that are filled with art and truly embrace their natural surroundings, all the fun and exciting activities they play will create lasting memories. My kids would be singing songs and playing games all year long that they learned at camp. They have made lasting friendships that still endure. My daughter is currently at COP for the 5^th year in a row– she is now 13 and was just as excited to return as she has been every year. Her dream is to become a camp counselor herself one day–
I cannot express how picky I am when it comes to my kids– I REALLY researched camps– even out-​of-​state camps. Now that my daughter has gone 5 years straight I still feel it was one of the best things we have ever done for our kids. (it was only going to be 1 year but it was such a life-​changing experience for my kids we sent them back!) My son who is very introverted loved going there. He’s 15 and working and going to school this summer otherwise he probably would be going again too. If you are concerned about money (who isn’t these days) they offer early payment discounts and the ability to make monthly payments–
***Just finished summer camp 2015– Still had a fantastic experience!

We were there for a huge family reunion, and it was a perfect spot. It’s right above the Pacific on a cliff, so the setting was extraordinary. The food was really, really good as well! Healthy enough, and fun enough. We made use of the fire pit several times late at night. Close to many fun things to do for families – beaches are beautiful nearby. My family stayed in one of the «apartments» and the loft was a bit tight for my 6’8″ husband, but that’s not surprising.

I love the mosaics and sculpture around the camp grounds. The food is ridiculously good – Chef Rick and staff are so helpful and talented.
The camp borders University of California Natural Reserve land. And Cambria is a more affordable alternative to Carmel.

I love this place. Cool days, beautiful views, ocean breezes and the scent of pine in the air. Best of all, the food. The first year I was expecting standard summer camp food, boy was I wrong. Chef Rick is the BEST. From Tri-​tip to zucchini brownies, something for everyone be they carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan.
I’ve been back three years running and it only gets better.

I just returned from my third year at Camp Ocean Pines. The camp is great, and in an amazing setting. It is very well maintained, and close enough to «town» so that quick runs for supplies are painless.
The main attraction… aside from the seals, scenery, and great camping? The food. If I could give it 15 stars, I would! Chef Rick is amazing, and no matter what you need — gluten free, vegan, whatever — he can handle it AND the food tastes great! I always come home from camp feeling better than when I arrived, because it is a break from work plus really healthy food so I don’t make myself sick like I normally do on vacation!
I highly recommend Ocean Pines for your group’s retreat /​conference /​camp needs, and if you’re a camper looking to attend an Ocean Pines camp, GO!
Note: The reason why there is no direct ocean access is because the camp sits directly above a preserve.

I’ve been here three times and every year when I leave I’m sad it will be another year before I have the chance to visit again.
Chef Rick (Lawson) truly deserves the title ‘Chef.’ He will bend over backwards to accommodate any dietary request — I’m strikingly picky but can always find something to eat.
Besides the cafeteria (which is nonpareil), the rest of the environs are beautiful. You can see the ocean, you can hear the seals every morning.
Accommodations are mostly a set of cabins — 12, I think. Each sleeps ten people (five upper and five lower bunks) except one, which sleeps 8.
My only «complaint» is that the cabins are too far from the center of the camping experience (the main lodge/​cafeteria), and more specifically up a very sharp incline — but it’s a camp, if you can’t handle some outdoors activity, then why did you come?

Camp Ocean Pines is simply amazing. The facilities are modern and comfortable, the view is gorgeous, and Chef Rick and his staff constantly go above and beyond to please their guests. Highly recommended!

This camp is in a stellar location. It’s so beautiful nestled in the pine trees overlooking the ocean in Cambria. I attended a mosaic workshop here last weekend and the grounds were really nice and you can see that they are continuing to make improvements. They have a lodge where food is served and the food was good. There are cabins, but unfortunately, since I wasn’t staying at the camp, I did not get to see them, so I’m not exactly sure what they are like. I know the retreat mentioned that the folks who could stay there with our group did so in a dorm-​like environment, but my guess is they have different options available. The workshop/​craft building is nice and we had it completely filled up. There is an outdoor area to it, that had a canopy over it because of recent rains. There are restroom s there and they are clean and fairly roomy. Overall, I really enjoyed this property and hope to have an opportunity to return some time.
As for the mosaic class. It’s a little spendy, but I did enjoy the experience and there is a nice camaraderie that goes on when you have all these crafty folks in a small workspace. It was fun.

Everything about this place is 5 Stars — although Chef Rick and his kitchen staff truly rate 11 stars. I go there once or twice a year for a songwriter’s camp (
).
Sparkling clean restrooms, conservation and recycling are a way of life there, places to sit off by yourself, and lots of comfy communal spaces.
Deer wander through the property as if it’s their camp, too, and rightfully so.
Oh, did I tell you that the food is amazing? Veggie — check. Vegan — check. Allergies — check. Variety — check. Flavor — triple check. Locally sourced — check. Healthy choices — check. Sinful desserts — check. Lots of fruit and veggies — check. Inventive soups and side dishes — check. BBQ — oh yes.
And, for late night campers, we have the use of a refrigerator in the dining hall to keep special snacks.
Swings, peaceful, the hawk, the VIEW!, the fireplace in the lounge. It’s just a treasure. Definitely write down the directions as Kate A stated. Your GPS will get all twisted around and not be able to get a signal back in the canyon.

I came here for a 5-​day songwriting workshop. The setting is beautiful — the main lodge sits on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a generous deck. A sturdy telescope is set up for a closer look at the sea lions on the rocks off shore. The auxiliary buildings have outdoor steps and rock ledges for added seating when the weather is nice. More outdoor spaces are being built by the California Conservation Corps.
I want to specifically comment on the wonderful food. When you are at a conference or workshop like I was, you are at the mercy of what the food service provides. The food here was a beautiful surprise — my fellow campers and I commented on how wonderful it was at every meal. Bacon, eggs, belgian waffles for breakfast, delicious home made salsas, soups, a variety of items for dinner, big beautiful salads and at every meal a nice selection of fresh fruit. Cookies and brownies for desert. No filler bread and butter or starches here, but rather delicious healthy and colorful, beautiful-​to-​look-​at food.
Easy directions from Highway 1: Turn on Aranth, go to the end, turn left on Randall, right at 1473 Randall Drive,

We have rented Camp Ocean Pines for two years in a row now and are going back for a third! It’s the perfect place to have a retreat. There is no other place that can beat the views and sunsets. The facilities are great and can accommodate children and adults. Our camp is an all adult camp.
The food is beyond great… not your normal «camp food» it’s all great and they work with you regarding dietary and allergies.
They have plenty of facilities to hold classes and workshops even an outdoor amphitheater which is amazing! They also have fire pits for outdoor fires and an observation deck where you can see the ocean and all the elephant seals.
The cabins are great they hold about 10 people and are bunk beds but can hold adults comfortably. The showers and bathrooms are in the cabins but are separate so that is good. They also have bathrooms located all through camp.
Highly recommend it!

This is the second time I have been to camp Ocean Pines and they do not disappoint.
Tip: Write down *on paper* the directions from the freeway to the camp — the gps signal is shoddy and it’s located behind a maze of cute cabin homes. I’ve gotten lost 2 min from the camp at least twice! It’s not the camp’s fault, it’s just the neighborhood :)
The views from this camp are GORGEOUS. You are either surrounded by wildlife (deer!!) or looking out to a beautiful 180 degree view of the ocean. The cabins were clean when we arrived and warm at night. There are lovely campfire pits for s’mores in the evening and the facilities are well maintained. The staff are all friendly and lovely to work with.
I really love this place as a camper and had a great time. Thanks to all the folks there, especially Chef Rick (WHO IS AMAZING OHMIGOSH EVERYTHING HE MAKES TASTES DELICIOUS).

Camp Ocean Pines is a friendly environment at a beautiful location. I have been able to visit the camp a few times now, and am amazed at the natural beauty every time that I go.
As others have commented, Rick’s (and his staffs’) cooking and meals are very well done. I most definitely would not consider this to be «camp food.» :) I look forward to the next time that I get to go to Camp Ocean Pines!

Went here for a weekend company trip. Very nice camp with an outstanding view of the ocean! Too bad there is no direct ocean access. The cabins were clean and basic but decent– I’m glad they split the bathroom and shower in each cabin since they pack a lot of people in each cabin.
Rick’s team made some delicious food. Rick takes pride in his work, and it clearly shows. I didn’t have high expectations for a camping weekend and I was blown away with the food. The food we had was much better than my normal meals at home. Rick knows how to coordinate a well put together meal with a great balance of a variety of foods. I looked forward to every meal during my stay! They now sell the salsa– too bad I had to fly and couldn’t get any!

We just returned from a wedding weekend at Camp Ocean Pines and wish we could go back!
Chef Rick prepared so many delicious meals — a Moroccan feast, delicious breakfasts and lunches, and a truly memorable wedding eve meal with cedar plank salmon and perfectly cooked tri-​tip. And even thinking about the butter cookies still makes my mouth water. I was not expecting the food to be a high point of the weekend, but it was. Every meal was absolutely delicious.
The cabins are vintage summer camp — 10 bunks with a bath and shower in each. Comfortable and perfect for the camp feel.
The camp is set on beautiful piece of land, with a deck that has phenomenal views of the ocean. Great for cocktail hour and watching the seals. We also did many of the camp activities — from kickball and capture the flag, to archery, hatchet throwing and target slingshots. Such fun!
Amazing location for a memorable wedding weekend or any other gathering. We would go back in a heartbeat!

I just returned from an adult camp for improv performers, which was held here over the Memorial Day weekend. The camp grounds are on a beautiful piece of land overlooking the ocean (panoramic view from lodge deck). The place is well run, mimimalist, and spread out enough so that you feel like you’re in the woods, not a small city. But everything is close, and it’s easy to get around – including down to the ocean or to town for supplies.
The camp conserves water, recycles, and provides meal options for vegetarians and those with food allergies. They do a lot of little things that I appreciate, while not being overbearing with a lot of supervision or a long list of rules.
My highest praise is reserved for Chef Rick and his kitchen staff, who blew me away at every meal with delicious and original dishes. Entrees, sides, salads and desserts were equally fantastic. This place does not serve hot dogs and jello, or whatever you might remember from childhood. Camp food is fresh and fantastic, even though the location is somewhat remote.
Our event had about 85 people, who fit comfortably in the cabins and dining hall. I would highly recommend Camp Ocean Pines to any group up to that size.

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this camp is as good as it gets. I have been to 5 weekend retreats there and they have all been oh so restful and inspiring! The deck off of the main lodge has one of the best views around. There is built-​in art work every where. Be sure to check out the mosaic tile fireplace in building across the parking lot from the lodge! Best of all is the quiet. That is, except for the sea lions barking in the rookery below and the acorn woodpeckers calling and the wind in the pine trees.
The food is quite good, even for a vegan. The bunkhouses are basic and clean. You can stay in your own RV, van or tent in the parking lot if you need privacy. Or you can rent a motel in town.
All in all it is a delightful place and I always look forward to the next event there.

The Sierra Club rented this place for a weekend outing. The clubhouse has an amazing ocean view that is great for relaxing and watching the sunset, and the cabins, being set back in the woods, have that secluded feel.
The cabins have 5 bunks to sleep 10, but thankfully on this trip they weren’t that full. The mattress in my bunk was actually pretty comfy, the cabin was clean, and the place was well insulated because with just the little space heater left on overnight the cabin got too warm.
Our food was catered by the OP staff and it was very tasty. All meals were served in the clubhouse. Breakfast and dinner were pretty elaborate for ‘camping’, lunch was a pack your own sandwich buffet.
My only gripe was that the clubhouse, which serves as dining hall and entertainment room, got very loud at times. It would have been helpful if the lounge area were separated from the dining area. Not everyone wants to listen to karaōke, a movie and music playing in the dining room, all at the same time, while dining.