A historic 1925 summer camp transformed into an unplugged retreat, where classic wood cabins and off-grid safari tents sit among 115 acres of rolling Carmel Valley hills.
The Camp at Carmel Valley occupies 115 acres of rolling hills, preserving a historic property that first opened in 1925 as the Douglas Ranch Camp for Girls. Founded by Grace Parsons Douglas, the site operated as a classic summer camp for more than eight decades, teaching generations of children to embrace outdoor adventure. Purchased and thoughtfully restored in 2019, the property was saved from development by owners who wanted to protect its heritage. The restoration focused on retaining the nostalgic, screen-free atmosphere of the original camp, refurbishing the historic structures while introducing clean, modern bathhouses and comfortable bedding that allow guests to fully unplug.
Accommodations at the property are divided into distinct zones to cater to different levels of outdoor immersion. The secluded Rustic Camp, located in a separate wooded grove, offers classic canvas safari tents built on raised wooden platforms with locking doors. These off-grid tents feature comfortable queen or twin beds, private decks with chairs, and propane fire pits, though they lack electricity and WiFi. Guests in this section share a communal bathhouse and an outdoor kitchen equipped with barbecues, dishes, and a large prep sink. For those seeking more amenities, the property features 33 private cabins across three distinct areas, including Solstice and Sunrise, as well as fully furnished private residences like the Summer House, which includes a full kitchen and an electric fireplace, and the Archer House. There is also a classic bunkhouse featuring four bedrooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms.
While the off-grid Rustic Camp is open year-round for independent stays, the main camp facilities and organized activities are unlocked during scheduled Glamping Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day. During these all-inclusive weekends, guests gain access to the hilltop swimming pool, two full-size tennis courts, and four regulation pickleball courts. Structured camp activities bring back vintage traditions, featuring archery instruction at the range, tie-dye workshops, outdoor yoga sessions, and lawn games like giant Jenga and cornhole. Evenings center around communal campfires with s'mores, live music, and local wine tastings sourced from the nearby Carmel Valley Village, which sits just two and a half miles down the road.
If you book a tent in the Rustic Camp, note that these sites are completely off-grid without electricity or WiFi, and do not include access to the main pool or tennis courts unless booked during a designated Glamping Weekend.
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