Shaffer's High Sierra Camp
Last checked August 2026
Shaffer's High Sierra Camp is an overnight wilderness adventure camp where campers choose daily from archery, arts and crafts, backpacking and hiking, a challenge ropes course, horseback riding, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, mountain boarding, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, performing arts, disc golf, gold panning, volleyball and swimming in a pool and lake. Sessions are one or two weeks long, run for boys and girls ages 8 to 17, and are reserved through an online camper application; optional add-on tracks in mountain biking and rock climbing, a three-day backcountry Camper-in-Leadership-Training outing and one-way bus service are available. Campers sleep in cedar cabins, walled miner's tents and tipis, are grouped with staff-to-camper ratios averaging about 1 to 5 or 6, and enrolment is capped. The camp sits on the headwaters of the North Yuba River in the Tahoe National Forest near Sattley, is accredited by the American Camp Association, and staffs its health centre with a nurse or doctor who manages all camper medications.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1 (2-week) | Jun 14 – Jun 26, 2026 | 8–17 | $5150 | Past season |
| Session 1 - Week 1 (1-week) | Jun 14 – Jun 20, 2026 | 8–17 | $2895 | Past season |
| Session 1 - Week 2 (1-week) | Jun 20 – Jun 26, 2026 | 8–17 | $2895 | Past season |
$4,950 Enroll Before Nov 1 / $5,050 Enroll Before Feb 1 / $5,150 Enroll on or After Feb 1 (rates quoted for payment by cheque; +3% credit card, +1% eCheck). …
$2,695 Enroll Before Nov 1 / $2,795 Enroll Before Feb 1 / $2,895 Enroll on or After Feb 1 (rates quoted for payment by cheque; +3% credit card, +1% eCheck). …
The practical details
- Ages
- Ages 8–17
- Environment
- Indoor/Outdoor
- Operator
- Shaffer's High Sierra Camp Inc
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 Shaffer's High Sierra Camp Inc directly before you register or pay.
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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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★★★★★Mike BakerMy daughter has spent parts of the last three summers at Shaffer’s, and she’s basically still been overcome with excitement when we come to pick her up at the end of each session. The camp has a ridiculously wide variety of awesome activities for campers to choose from (the offsite adventures like peak bagging and a progressive swimming hole tour are especially great) and the entire staff is engaging and welcoming. My daughter has formed a whole collection of foundational life memories. We’re so glad she’s been able to have this camp experience.
★★★★★Chyanne MicallefThis was my thirteen year old daughters first time at Shaffer's High Sierra Camp and she made new friends and forever memories. The staff were warm and welcoming. The camp is clean, and laid out nicely. The whole process from registration to pick up on the last day was very organized and communication was thorough. My daughter loved the food and themed dinners. She enjoyed all of her activities and her counselors were incredible. She cannot wait to go back next year.
★★★★★Sacha RadfordThis was my nine year old daughter's first summer at Shaffer's and she absolutely loved it! She had the best time exploring and being free in nature. It's pretty rugged and she really enjoyed that aspect. She loved her counselor, and the staff, and raved about the food. It's intimate and kooky, and full of creativity and immersion into the beautiful natural setting. The lodging is very simple minimalistic tents and wooden bunks, no frills, but she actually loved that part of it. There is a real sense of community and participation, and connection with nature. She definitely wants to return next summer!
★★★★★Baron AndrewsThis was our 14-year old daughter's second summer at Shaffer's, and she loves it so much, she's 100% going back next summer. It's her happy place. And we as parents can't say enough about Lisa & Scott and Brigit, the directors, and all the counselors. They are as big-hearted and nurturing and easy-going and fun-filled as they come. Nothing helps her find emotional balance, lift her spirits, and boost her self-esteem more than this very special place. Plus, she went from being isolated and alone to having a huge group of spectacular new girl friends!
★★★★★Todd HabetsWe were searching for an activity our daughter could participate in but what we found was this amazing experience. What started the week as a bit anxiety turned in to full-blown joy, confidence, friendships, and self-development. We are over the moon with the experience and our daughter made it a week before she asked if she could sign up for next year!