AbilityFirst Camp Paivika
AbilityFirst · Private
AbilityFirst Camp Paivika is an accessible, residential (sleepaway) camp in the San Bernardino National Forest near Crestline, serving children and adults with mild to severe physical and developmental disabilities such as autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and epilepsy. Founded in 1947 as one of the first fully accessible resident camps in the U.S., it adapts traditional camp activities including horseback riding, archery, swimming, cookouts and campfires, arts and crafts, nature hikes and performing arts to enable full participation. It is a nonprofit AbilityFirst program.
Sessions & rates
| Session | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friends & Family Camp Session 2Register → | Aug 14 – Aug 17, 2026 | 9–17 | $625 | Open |
| Friends & Family Camp Session 3Register → | Aug 20 – Aug 23, 2026 | 9–17 | $625 | Open |
$625 for camper plus one adult care provider/$210 per night for additional family members
Availability shown as of Aug 7, 2026.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact AbilityFirst directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Carla HuntMy daughter went to Camp Paivika for many many years and absolutely loved it! They are the most conscientious fun special people you’ll ever meet
★★★★★Ted ShortMy daughter Chrissy has enjoyed camping here as a teen and as an adult. The experience and the staff have always been top-notch. But this past summer, they went over and above, and I'm sorry it took so long for me to acknowledge it here! My ex and I had the worst situation of miscommunication ever. Each of us thought the other was going to travel from Sacramento to camp to pick her up. So at 8 am, when I called her to see how the drive was going, I was horrified to hear, "What do you mean? I thought YOU were on your way there!" SO, I called Paivika and talked to the staff, all of whom kept their cool when I said I was 6-7 hours away, whether I flew or drove! The staff took care of Chrissy and fed her, and kept in contact with me as i proceeded south. Then Terry, the camp director, handed her over to me at 4:30 pm! Spectacular care and extreme patience with our disaster! Chrissy will be back next year, and this little story will not be repeated! God bless the staff and support staff at Paivika!
★★★★★Franklin MartinezI love going to Camp Paivika every year since I first started to attend in 2012. All the counselors and campers are really nice and we always enjoy our activities as well as the evening programs they had for a whole week until the end. This is really the best camp I go every summer and I love every moment of it.
★★★★★Jeff LaBarreWonderful camp for disabled children, teens, and adults. Great location in San Bernardino mountains. Kelly is a great camp director and the staff are second to none. Activities include pool, arts and crafts, nature study, horseback riding, campfire, drama, etc.
★★★★★Tammy CarlisleWent to visit Camp Paivica today up in the Mountains of Crestline, to see if Max would be interested in going next year. Have to say, I was completely impressed with all the hospitality of the staff, the food, the horses, the archery, but most of all, "the hamburger," lol, haven't had one like that in awhile, so juicy from the grill!! All of the sports activities that they plan for the Adults with special needs are perfect for every situation! They even have camp on the island of Balboa, where they put tents up down by the ocean. Wish I would have gotten some pictures, but my phone was completely drained from not charging it all day! We are making reservations for next year for sure! 2020 hear we come!!!!