Camp Saint Francis
Camp Saint Francis (operated by Camp SEA Lab) is a residential marine science education center located in Aptos/Seascape, 15 miles south of Santa Cruz on California's Monterey Bay coast. It offers 3-day, 2-night residential outdoor school programs for grades 4–8, accommodating up to 125 people with private beach access. The facility features dormitories, a dining hall, classroom, and recreational areas including sports fields, volleyball and basketball courts. Programs emphasize hands-on marine science education (plankton labs, squid dissections, sand crab monitoring) combined with water activities such as surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, and coastal exploration. (via official site)
- private beach access
- dining hall
- classroom
- dormitories
- sports field
- volleyball court
- basketball court
- water sports
- marine science labs
Rates & prices
Prices as published on Camp Saint Francis’s official website.
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Residential outdoor school program (3-day/2-night) — Call for current pricing. Teachers and chaperones attend at reduced rates. | varies |
Key facts
At-a-glance details for Camp Saint Francis, from its official website.
Booking & season
Pitches & accommodation
Facilities & services
Activities & family
Location & access
Rules & policies
Opening hours & schedules
Reception, gate and facility hours for Camp Saint Francis.
Facilities & details
Amenities and on-site features reported for Camp Saint Francis.
Know before you go
Practical things to prepare for a trip to Camp Saint Francis.
- This site takes group bookings only.
Location
Where Camp Saint Francis sits on the map and how to get there.
Nearby cities & towns
Towns and cities closest to Camp Saint Francis — browse campsites near each.
What’s nearby
Shops, drinking water, fuel and attractions within reach of the site.
🏞️ Attractions
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🛒 Amenities & services
🛒 Groceries
- El Patio
- Palm Deli
- Rio Market
⛽ Fuel
- Arco
- 76
Chevron
🍽️ Food & drink
- Sanderling's
- Cafe Bittersweet
- Surf City Coffee Co
➕ Medical
- Santa Cruz Mountain Naturals
- Whitelaw Chiropractic
- Joseph W Robb, D.D.S.
🚰 Drinking water
- Drinking water
🚻 Toilets & showers
- Showers
- Public toilets
🎾 Sports
- Horseshoes
- New Brighton Reef
- Bombora
🏧 ATM & bank
- Wachovia
- Bay Federal Credit Union
Wells Fargo
Weather
Current conditions and the forecast to help you plan your trip.
Best time to visit
Typical monthly temperature and rainfall at Camp Saint Francis.
Good to know
Quick answers to common questions about Camp Saint Francis.
What swimming ability is required?
Campers must demonstrate independent floating ability, use kicks to maneuver, and be comfortable placing their face in water. Ocean experience is not required.
Can campers bring cell phones and electronics?
No. Campers should not bring cell phones or electronics to maintain an unplugged experience and to protect against device damage or social media privacy concerns.
What are the group sizes during water activities?
Water activities are conducted in groups of 4 maximum with lifeguard supervision.
What meals and dietary accommodations are provided?
Camp provides well-balanced, nutritious, kid-friendly meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. The organization makes efforts for special dietary needs and allergies. Schools must provide sack lunches for the first day.
How do schools organize the program?
Schools arrange transportation, chaperones (1 per 10 students), and teachers (1 per 30 students). Teachers receive private rooms within dorms.
Can I bring an RV or caravan to Camp Saint Francis?
No, caravans and RVs aren't permitted here.
Who runs Camp Saint Francis?
Camp Saint Francis is operated by Camp SEA Lab.
When is Camp Saint Francis open?
Camp Saint Francis is open Summer.
Reviews
Ratings, nightly prices and photos from people who’ve camped here.
No reviews yet — be the first!
Other campgrounds nearby
More places to camp close to Camp Saint Francis.
- Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay KOA Holiday
- Seacliff Center RV Park
- Dunes Camp
- Sunset State Beach · State of California
- Pine Hollow Camp
- Hike and Bike Campsites · Sunset State Beach