Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Premier Camp, Retreat & Wedding Destination in Southern California
Camp Wasewagan, established in 1933, offers traditional sleepaway camps, group retreats, and rustic wedding venues in the scenic mountains near Big Bear, California. Our historic property features 13 cabins, a recreation hall, heated pool, and modern facilities accommodating up to 175 guests. With over 50 years of combined leadership experience from our founders, we provide immersive outdoor experiences including archery, hiking, team-building activities, and river adventures.Our professionally trained staff ensures a safe, engaging environment for youth groups, scouts, and private events. We emphasize childhood development, nature appreciation, and creating lasting memories through structured programs and year-round availability for weddings, corporate retreats, and family gatherings.
Services
Sleepaway Camps
Wedding Venues
Scout Retreats
Team Building Activities
Outdoor Adventures
Archery Programs
River Activities
High Ropes Course
Nature Education
Paintball Events
Details
- Year established: 1933
Highlights and features
- Established in 1933 with continuous operation for nearly a century
- Experienced leadership with 50+ years in summer camp management
- 175-guest capacity with modern facilities and historic charm
- Year-round availability for weddings, retreats, and special events
- Comprehensive outdoor programming including high ropes and water activities
Services
Summer Camps
Our traditional sleepaway camps serve children aged 5-16 with structured programs from June to August. Sessions include archery, swimming, hiking, and team-building activities. Professional staff provide supervision and instruction in a safe forest environment.
Wedding Venues
We host forest weddings with multiple ceremony locations along the Santa Ana River. Packages include venue rental, dining services, and accommodation for up to 175 guests. Our staff coordinates logistics for ceremonies, receptions, and weekend events.
Scout Retreats
Specialized weekend programs for Boy and Girl Scouts include skill-building activities, camping experiences, and leadership development. Packages feature 10 guided activities, meals, and lodging in heated cabins with bunk beds.
Team Building
Corporate and organizational retreats utilize our high ropes course, scavenger hunts, and collaborative challenges. Programs focus on communication skills and leadership development through outdoor adventures and problem-solving exercises.
Outdoor Adventures
We offer river play, hiking, mountain biking, and nature education programs. Facilities include a traverse climbing wall, paintball course, and access to the Santa Ana River for kayaking and fishing activities.
People
Craig Johnson
Owner
With over 50 years in camp management, Craig founded Wasewagan after directing Lazy J Ranch Camp. He holds a Child Development degree and has extensive experience in youth education and outdoor programming.
Bonnie Johnson
Co-Owner
Bonnie brings 37 years of teaching experience and a Liberal Studies degree. She oversees educational programming and staff training, ensuring quality standards across all camp activities and guest experiences.
Questions
What dates are available for summer camp 2025?
Summer camp runs June 12-August 6, 2025, with four 2-week sessions available. Early registration recommended.
Do you offer transportation to camp activities?
We provide transportation for scheduled field trips including zipline adventures and Los Angeles Dodgers games.
What items should campers pack?
Campers need sleeping bags, towels, toiletries, and appropriate clothing. Specific activity gear listed in registration materials.
Can we customize retreat activity schedules?
Groups may select from available activities through our online request system prior to arrival.
Are pets allowed at the camp?
We maintain a strict no-pets policy to ensure safety and minimize distractions during programs.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cashier's checks, money orders, and personal checks made payable to Camp Wasewagan or Craig Johnson.
Reviews (5)
Kimberly L.
Nov 25, 2021
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Service was great but food was not good. Also, after my daughters wedding I had left a purse that meant a lot to me ( it was my moms purse and since she passed away it was very dear to me). I called crazzy and he acted like he would send it back. I told him after I receive it I would send him 20.00 for the efforts to mail it back to me. I never received it. I contacted him 3 or 4 times and no response. He just simply ignored me. I guess he just wanted our money dollar (which was a very large amount) I'm very disappointed and sad.
Emily
Sep 29, 2021
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It was fun but when I asked for some sort of medicine for my migraines (which I had talked to the nurse and crazy) my counselor made me sit threw a loud movie before giving it to me I didn't let that stop my fun as I was singing along but I was in pain and when I wanted to give a call to my mom because I was home sick I was denied,when me and my mother were reassured when we came in for a tour and giving the payment that I would be able to call her
Teo
Aug 29, 2021
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We would never send our child back to this place, waste of money. He learned a lot of very inappropriate things from his cabin mates and when he told the counselors they did nothing about it. There were kids torturing and killing lizards for fun and the counselors turned a blind eye. Be very careful what your child is exposed to!
Delilah L.
Jul 22, 2021
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When I was browsing for camp, there were not too many for 6 years old, and Camp Wasewagan welcomed kids from 6 years old. First time I let three of my kids in stayaway camp. Options are available for one week, two or even eight weeks. My kids, who are 6,8,9, loved it. They got to bike ride in nature while observing bugs and insects, lizard hunting, fencing, climbing, archery, ziplining, watersliding and horseback riding. Pretty much everything that they won't be able to do with me. O.O
I was surprised that my 6 yrs old loved it and none of my kids were excited of me picking them up. Lol
I was surprised that my 6 yrs old loved it and none of my kids were excited of me picking them up. Lol
Nathan P.
Jan 22, 2021
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As a professional photographer and videographer in the wedding industry, it's rare that to find a rare gold mine of a wedding venue. If you live in Southern California, it's hard to find a location that is truly a malleable venue space. With the right team of cinematographers and photographers, you can have some of the most amazing coverage in this Angelus Oaks, CA
Check out examples of some of the work I've done there with Prince Weddings!https://www.princeweddings.net/blog/2020/9/1/wasewagan-summer-camp-photo
*The above review is not a promotion of any business and is based
Check out examples of some of the work I've done there with Prince Weddings!https://www.princeweddings.net/blog/2020/9/1/wasewagan-summer-camp-photo
*The above review is not a promotion of any business and is based
