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California camps
Summer camps in California: state rules
California doesn't publish a statewide camp list, so we have no camp listings here yet. This page explains the state's camp rule and links to the official sources.
California camp rules
Only some camp types need a camp license or permit. Organized camps (as defined in Health and Safety Code §18897) must send written notice to the local health officer at least 30 days before operating each year and meet Title 17 standards, including a camp director at least 25 years old with two seasons of camp supervisory experience, at least 1 counselor (18+ or a high school graduate) per 10 campers under 16, and a full-time health supervisor (17 CCR §30700-30753). Day programs that care for children may need a CDSS child care license unless they fit an exemption such as the public recreation or Scouts/Boys and Girls Clubs-type recreation exemptions.
Agency: Local health officer (city or county environmental health), under California Department of Public Health organized camp standards
Official sources: 17 CCR §30700 Organized camp definitions · 17 CCR §30703 Notice of intention to operate · 17 CCR §30750 Health supervision · 17 CCR §30751 General and safety supervision
All California rules for child care and camps · Camp license rules in every state · Checked October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
More for California families
- 1,528 school-age and after-school programs in California, from state child care licensing data.
- Child care and after-school programs in California
- Free summer meals for kids in California: USDA meal sites. These are not camps.
- Youth, sports and camp nonprofits in California, from IRS data. Being listed there doesn't mean a camp is licensed.
Camp not listed?
If you run a camp in California that isn't here, send us its details. It's free. A person at BackPR reviews every submission before anything is published, and not every camp gets listed.