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Lazy W Ranch

★★★★★ 5.05 reviewsSan Juan Capistrano, CAAges 7–17

California Pacific Conference (UMCRM)

Lazy W Ranch is a United Methodist overnight camp in the hills above San Juan Capistrano, running week-long Christian residential sessions for second graders through recent high-school graduates. Campers stay in cabins and spend their days on nature time, creekside activities, hikes, the pool, campfires and family groups, alongside worship, music and Bible-centred programming. The 2026 slate is Elementary Camp (grades 2-6, 12-16 July, $395), Junior High Camp (grades 6-9, 19-25 July, $525) and Senior High Camp (grades 9 through graduating seniors, 19-25 July, $525). Every session has a Certified Health Supervisor or Registered Nurse on site, staffing runs at a minimum 1:7 ratio and usually 1:4, and the camp is ACA-accredited.

Sessions & rates

SessionDatesAgesPriceStatus
Elementary Camp (grades 2-6)Register →Jul 12 – Jul 16, 20267–11$395Past season
Junior High Camp (grades 6-9)Register →Jul 19 – Jul 25, 202611–14$525Past season
Senior High Camp (grades 9-12)Register →Jul 19 – Jul 25, 202614–17$525Past season

Availability shown as of Aug 7, 2026.

The practical details

Ages
Ages 7–17 · Grades 212
Environment
Indoor/Outdoor
Operator
California Pacific Conference (UMCRM)
Faith-BasedWater ActivitiesNurse On-Site
Before you register

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 California Pacific Conference (UMCRM) directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.

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Accreditations & licensing

ACA Accredited logo
ACA Accredited
Meets the American Camp Association's health, safety, and program standards, reviewed on a recurring accreditation cycle.

As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.

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★★★★★Andy Terzyan

Leaving a review on an experience from almost 25 years ago: Van Gogh Elementary School would take the 4th graders on a field trip to the San Juan Capistrano Mission and then they would bring them here to camp for the night. The amount of fun we had on this trip has stuck with me all these years. I don't remember it being a Christian camp but I'm happy to see fellow believers were responsible for all these kids and how God worked through them to give us a safe and fun time at this camp. Here's what I do remember from the trip: shopping at a general store with a certain budget, searching for gold in a creek, grinding corn into corn flour, being surprised by kids drinking milk during dinner, and a late night bathroom trip where we saw a pair of gold, shining eyes staring at us through the bushes.

★★★★★Jaime Fernandez

Camping for groups or church events… nature lot green right now , places for hiking be safe

★★★★★The Sqootz

This is a great location for large group camping or corporate "get-away" events. The staff was great and very helpful. There is a ropes course, pool, outdoor stage, archery, outdoor games, and plenty of hiking. Both cabin and tent camping are available.

★★★★★Hedy Herold

A sacred and beautiful place surrounded by nature.... where faith grows and people are invited, inspired and encouraged to explore and enhance their spirituality!! I grew up spending a week or two each summer at Lazy W Ranch. Now, as an adult I still spend a week or two at Lazy W Ranch. Wonderful staff - ALWAYS!! I always leave Lazy W Ranch with new friends that last a lifetime!!! Nice cabins with bunk beds, outside fire ring, restrooms that were recently remodeled, hiking, a big giant dining hall.... a pool, nature walks, a creek bed, bridges, archery, basketball, volleyball.. even a little playground... My energy is a whirl just thinking of it. I LOVE THIS PLACE!!

★★★★★Kurt Jordan

A great place for your weekend retreat! It is about as close as you can get to suburban Orange county but still feel like you're hundreds of miles away from it all. A big plus (or minus, depending on who you are) is that there is virtually no cellular service at the camp. That is a great asset when you're taking 100+ high school sophomores on a weekend retreat ... no worries about that person that just won't give up their cell phone for the weekend. The staff is very friendly and helpful and just the nicest people you'll meet. The camp is rustic, yet not too primitive. Yes, some if it is old and a bit too rustic for some, but not to the point that anyone will ever feel that they're lacking the proper facilities. The surrounding nature is fantastic, with a nice creek running down the middle of the camp during the Winter and Spring. The fire circle is great, able to easily seat 100+ for a gathering and they always have plenty of kindling and fuelwood available. Just keep in mind that the camp is located 1.5 miles off Ortega Highway on a narrow (single lane) primitive road. Most vehicles can handle it, but if you have a large bus you may scrap a bit on the creek crossings. If you plan on going after a storm, be sure to check with the camp manager to make sure the road is OK and consider bringing vehicles with decent ground clearance. You cross the creek several times on the way in and it can be a foot deep at times. We've been taking our high school confirmation students here for over a decade and love it! Its small enough to do your thing, but large enough to have great facilities.

$395 – $525 per sessionVisit camp website