Villages and Cabins
There are 4 separate camp villages, with a campfire circle in each area of camp.
Twenty nine cabins house 10-18 people each in dormitory style cabins with bunk beds. Cabins and areas of camp are assigned based on availability and the size of your group. To book a group see our Conferences and Retreats page.
Swimming Pool
*available Memorial Day to Labor Day
On a hot summer afternoon, what is better than a splash in the pool. Groups large and small can use our pool, which is divided into shallow and deep sections. A swim test is required for all youth participants who wish to swim in the deep end.
Barbecue Area
Many of our guests around the summer season will enjoy a bar-b-que in our unique picnic area. The picnic area is nestled among groves of redwood and buckeye trees and is located very near the swimming pool. The picnic area also hosts a campfire with stage and half-circle seating.
Hiking Trails
The Camp Jones Gulch property is laced with terrific hiking trails and connected to three local parks for longer excursions. Featured staff led hike destinations include the Valley of the Giants, Buckeye Grove and Pond. All trails are available to registered users anytime during their stay.
Dining Hall
Two full service dining halls serve up delicious and well balanced meals.
This rustic dining facility, a former logging mill, serves all groups in camp simultaneously in both dining halls. The Redwood Hall serves as our main dining hall, while Madrone Hall is used for overflow and may be reserved for exclusive use based on the size of your group and the number of groups in camp. If more than one group is staying in camp, you will share the dining hall with others for some or all or your meals.
Redwood Hall capacity: 400
Madrone Hall capacity: 160
Archery
The archery range has eight shooting stations and equipment appropriately sized for children through adults. Our staff will take you through archery safety and procedure rules, demonstrate shooting technique and give you plenty of opportunity to practice your skills. Safety on the range is our number one concern.
Climbing Tower
Choose your challenge on our 42 foot tall climbing tower. We have five "routes" designed to range from relatively easy to "Mission Impossible"! Participants can climb as high as they feel comfortable and our trained staff will encourage them and work to help them find the best way up. The view from the top isn't bad either.
Horseback Riding
*available Memorial Day to Labor Day
Our horses return to their summer home at the Gulch in May to prepare for a busy season. All rides are led by our experienced team of wranglers on horses that know our trails well.
Horses are available to Family Camp participants on a first-come first-served reservation basis, Resident Camp participants, Horse Camp participants at the main feature of the program and Group Users by reservation through the group leader.
Canoeing
Our pond is nestled in a beautiful mountain valley and is just big enough for you to splash around in the canoes and sit-on-top kayaks. All participants must wear personal floatation devices (PFDs), which we provide. Participants must pass our deep-water swim test in the pool before using the kayaks, subject to pool availability. Boating activities are available seasonally.
The pond is also a great hike destination and place for reflection or pond study. Get out an explore camp!
Music Shell
The Music Shell is a common use facility that groups can request for their stay. It is commonly used for bands (large and small), tai chi, yoga, arts & crafts, talent shows and rainy day space.
Ropes Course
Ropes Course and Teambuilding programs are available for youth and adult groups, non-profit and corporate groups and summer campers (depending on program). The course is located in a pristine 10 acre Redwood and Douglas-Fir forest. Programming starts on the ground with group initiatives and low elements and escalates to high elements as tall as 75 feet. Visit our ropes course page for more information about pricing and reservations.
Zip Line
Fly down our 200 foot Zip Line, one of camp's most popular activities. Our staff will attach participants to the wire through their harness and send them on their way past a cheering crowd of friends waiting at the bottom. The Zip Line area also features a great meadow for games while waiting for your turn.
Basketball
Camp Jones Gulch features one blacktop surfaced, full-size basketball court. The court is available for all users, and scheduled time may be required for user groups because this is a shared-use facility. The court was also designed for roller hockey, so bring your skates and sticks!
Coyote Bowl
The coyote bowl hosts some of our greatest campfires and skits. Gather your group around the campfire and enjoy the incredible view of our night time sky. Seating can accommodate roughly 400 people.
Garden Area
Built and maintained most of the year by the San Mateo County Outdoor Education Naturalists, the organic Sustainable Living Garden is home to seasonal crops, native plants, chickens, a greenhouse and a straw bale building. The garden is a great environment for relaxation, learning or getting dirty.