Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Summer Camp in Northern California
Walton's Grizzly Lodge has been a family tradition since 1926, offering a premier residential summer camp experience for children aged 7-15. Located in the scenic Sierras of Northern California, our camp centers around a private lake and provides over 40 daily activities, including water sports, horseback riding, arts and crafts, athletics, archery, and a ropes course featuring a 500-foot zip line. Operated by fourth-generation owners and directors, we combine a century of tradition with modern outdoor programming to create lasting memories.Our structured environment emphasizes camper choice, fostering self-confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. With a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio, our experienced team ensures safety and personalized attention. We maintain historic charm while incorporating sustainable practices through initiatives led by our environmental science-focused staff. Our legacy of excellence has made us the premier West Coast sleepaway camp, blending adventure with community-building for generations.
Services
Water Sports
Horseback Riding
Arts and Crafts
Athletics
Archery
Ropes Course
Zip Line
Leadership Training
Backpacking
Campfire Activities
Details
- Year established: 1926
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 daily activities in a safe, structured environment.
- Our experienced staff includes fourth-generation owners and directors.
- Campers enjoy a 5:1 camper-to-staff ratio for personalized attention.
- We provide a supportive community fostering self-confidence and friendships.
- Located in Northern California's scenic Sierras since 1926.
What people say
Super friendly counselors
Variety of activities
Builds self-confidence
Lasting friendships
Amazing leadership program
Services
Outdoor Adventure Program
Our Outdoor Adventure Program offers challenging wilderness experiences for teens aged 13-17. Participants engage in backpacking trips, rock climbing, and team-building exercises in California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The program emphasizes leadership development, environmental stewardship, and personal growth through structured outdoor activities.
Camper Leadership Training
The Camper Leadership Training program develops essential life skills through structured mentorship and practical experience. Participants learn team management, communication techniques, and conflict resolution strategies while working with experienced staff. This program prepares teens for future counselor roles and builds transferable leadership capabilities.
Water Sports Activities
Our water sports program features swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and waterskiing on a private alpine lake. Certified lifeguards supervise all activities, with equipment provided for all skill levels. The program focuses on water safety, physical fitness, and developing confidence in aquatic environments.
Ropes Course Challenges
The ropes course program includes high and low elements designed to build trust, communication, and problem-solving skills. Features include a 500-foot zip line across the lake, climbing walls, and collaborative obstacle courses. Participants work in teams to overcome physical and mental challenges in a supportive environment.
Arts and Crafts
Our arts and crafts program offers diverse creative outlets including painting, pottery, jewelry making, and woodcraft. Instructors guide campers through skill-building projects while encouraging artistic expression. The program culminates in a showcase event where campers display their creations to the camp community.
People
Adam Walton
Owner and Director
Adam Walton, fourth-generation owner, brings 30+ years of camp leadership experience. A former special education teacher and basketball coach, he holds a teaching credential and focuses on camper development and program quality.
Julie Walton
Owner and Director
Julie Walton, with a business degree and teaching background, contributes 25+ years of camp administration experience. She manages operations and photography, ensuring high standards in program delivery and camper experience.
Jared Stein
Owner and Director
Jared Stein, Recreation Administration graduate, has 20+ years in ropes course development. He oversees adventure programming and staff training, combining technical expertise with camp tradition to maintain safety and innovation.
Erica Stein
Owner and Director
Erica Stein, a registered nurse with 25+ years at camp, manages health services and staff wellness. Her dual expertise in medical care and camp operations ensures comprehensive health protocols and emergency preparedness.
Paul Dolfini
Outdoor Adventure Director
Paul Dolfini, Exercise Physiology graduate, directs outdoor programs with 10+ years of experience. He specializes in rock climbing and backpacking instruction, developing challenging yet safe wilderness experiences for advanced campers.
Questions
What age range do you accept?
We accept campers aged 7-15 years old for our regular sessions, with special programs available for older teens.
What is your staff-to-camper ratio?
Our staff-to-camper ratio is approximately 5:1, ensuring personalized attention and enhanced safety.
Are transportation services provided?
We offer pickup services for campers flying into Reno Airport, along with regular transportation for local campers.
What medical facilities are available?
Our health center is staffed by a registered nurse and two first aid providers for 24/7 medical support.
How do campers choose activities?
Campers select from 40+ daily activities, choosing two morning, two afternoon, and one evening session each day.
Is prior experience required?
No prior experience is needed for any activities, as all programs include appropriate instruction and safety training.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Chris Thiessen
Jan 27, 2022
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Phenomenal experience that every backcountry sledder should do. Amazing service, incredible food, beds that feel like clouds and the sledding is top shelf with what seems like unlimited terrain. We will be back!!!
Clayton Frost
Mar 29, 2021
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Arguably set in one of the most beautiful places on earth. The owner is an absolute gem and the staff are even better! Great food and a fully stocked bar!
Glen
Sep 04, 2019
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Great experience, they take care of everything for you dont have to worry about anything. Excellent food. Guides were great and brought you out to un touched areas to ride.
Al Friesen
Nov 09, 2018
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Amazing place to ride! Great snow, sleds, staff, food and drinks! Our guide Tim made sure we had plenty of snow to rip up .
