Camp Marcil at Round Meadow

Nestled in the serene beauty of the San Bernardino Mountains, just a short drive from Angelus Oaks, California, Camp Marcil at Round Meadow offers a truly unique and memorable group camping experience. More than just a traditional campground, this facility, operated by the YMCA, provides a structured yet natural setting perfect for gatherings of all kinds, from family reunions and youth retreats to special events like camping-themed weddings. For Californians seeking a refreshing mountain escape with diverse activities and comfortable accommodations, Camp Marcil at Round Meadow stands out as a distinctive choice.

With a rich history dating back to the early 1970s and beyond, Camp Marcil (formerly known simply as Camp Round Meadow) has been a cherished destination for generations of campers. As one nostalgic reviewer recounted, recalling their days as a camper and counselor in the 70s, it's a place where "wonderful memories" are made. While the cabins have evolved from their more open-air designs of yesteryear to become "very nice and warm" enclosed spaces with bunk beds, the essence of community and outdoor adventure remains vibrantly alive.

Camp Marcil at Round Meadow is designed to cater to groups, providing comprehensive facilities that include comfortable lodging, a spacious mess hall for dining, and a range of recreational amenities. It combines the rustic charm of a mountain retreat with the convenience of organized services, making it an ideal choice for Californians looking to host an event or participate in a structured camp program without having to individually manage every aspect of a traditional camping trip. This article will provide a detailed overview of Camp Marcil at Round Meadow, exploring its location and accessibility, the services and features it offers, essential contact information, and compelling reasons why it’s a perfect fit for locals seeking a memorable mountain group experience.

Camp Marcil at Round Meadow is located at 41011 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of the San Bernardino National Forest, at an elevation of approximately 6,700 feet. It's conveniently situated just a few miles down the road from Camp Cedar Falls and offers a refreshing mountain climate, especially during California's warmer months.

Accessibility to Camp Marcil is relatively straightforward for Californians. It’s nestled along Highway 38, making it an easy and scenic drive from Southern California's major metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles (approximately 2 hours away) and Orange County. Its proximity to Big Bear Lake also adds to its appeal, as visitors can combine their camp experience with a trip to this popular mountain resort town. The roads leading to the camp are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth journey for buses, vans, and individual vehicles. Once at the camp, the compact layout ensures that facilities like cabins, bathrooms, and the dining hall are all within a short, manageable walk, as noted by a past guest. This ease of access and internal navigation makes it a practical choice for groups with diverse age ranges and mobility levels.

Services Offered (primarily for groups/program participants):

• Cabin Accommodations: The camp features cabins, with recent renovations ensuring they are "very nice and warm." These cabins are typically set up with bunk beds, accommodating multiple people (e.g., 12 beds per cabin in one instance), making them ideal for group lodging.
• Central Bathhouses: While cabins do not have private bathrooms, clean and accessible central bathhouses are located a short walk away, as is typical for many camp environments.
• Dining Hall & Meals: A "giant mess hall" is available, and the camp often provides full meal services, including breakfast and dinner, for groups (e.g., catering for weddings, meals for summer campers). Commercial kitchen facilities are available.
• Program Staff & Facilitators: For YMCA-run camps and potentially other rental groups, program staff are often available to lead activities and ensure a structured experience.
• Event Facilities: The Main Lodge (seating 80), a gymnasium, and a conference room are available for meetings, events, and indoor activities, making it suitable for various group functions.
• Outdoor Fire Circle: A designated outdoor fire circle with wooden bench seating is available for campfires and group gatherings.
• Parking: A lighted gravel parking area is available for vehicles.
• Trash and Recycling: Waste and recycling receptacles are provided for responsible waste management.
• Cleaning Supplies: While groups are often responsible for cleaning, the park may provide some basic cleaning equipment.

Features / Highlights (primarily for groups/program participants):

• Group-Focused Environment: Camp Marcil is designed for group rentals, retreats, and YMCA summer camps, offering a comprehensive and structured experience rather than individual public campsites.
• Wide Range of Activities: While not always available for all rental groups, the camp boasts impressive recreational facilities, including a zip line, a rock climbing wall, a jungle gym/climbing course, high and low ropes courses, archery, basketball, baseball, tennis, and gaga pit.
• Versatile Accommodations: Beyond cabins, the facility may also offer dormitory-style lodging and potentially options for tent camping, catering to different group needs (confirm specifics with booking).
• Beautiful Mountain Setting: Situated in a pine-fir forest at 6,700 feet, the camp offers "clean mountain air" and access to an "extensive trail system" within the San Bernardino National Forest.
• Proximity to Jenks Lake: The camp is located approximately a mile from Jenks Lake, offering opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating.
• Historic Charm: With a history dating back to the 1920s and 1930s (Civilian Conservation Corps) and decades as a YMCA camp, it carries a nostalgic appeal for many who attended similar camps in their youth.
• Ideal for Events: The availability of a main lodge, dining hall, and various activity areas makes it "the perfect venue" for events like camping-themed weddings, as noted by a past customer.
• Educational Opportunities: For youth camps and retreats, the location offers rich opportunities for environmental education, including studies of plant communities, geology, astronomy, and outdoor skills.
• Winter Activities: As a four-season camp, it offers opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the event of snow.

Contact Information:

Address: 41011 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA

Phone: (909) 866-3000

Mobile Phone: +1 909-866-3000

Camp Marcil at Round Meadow is primarily managed by the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles Camping Services. For specific booking inquiries related to group rentals (weddings, retreats, conferences, school trips) or to register for YMCA-led summer camps (Sleep Away Camp, Family Camp), it is best to directly contact the YMCA Camping Services via the provided phone numbers or visit their official website (ymcala.org/ymca-camping-services). They can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability, pricing, and program details.

Conclusion: Why Camp Marcil at Round Meadow is Suitable for Locals

For Californians, especially those in Southern California, Camp Marcil at Round Meadow offers a distinct and highly suitable option for their group outdoor needs. Its appeal to locals stems from several key factors that align with the region's lifestyle and preferences for accessible, engaging, and memorable experiences.

Firstly, its location in the San Bernardino Mountains, "just a few miles down the road" from well-known spots like Camp Cedar Falls and close to Big Bear Lake, makes it incredibly accessible for a mountain escape without extensive travel. This convenience allows families, schools, and organizations to easily plan retreats, summer camps, or special events, maximizing their time in nature and minimizing travel logistics.

Secondly, Camp Marcil's focus on structured group experiences, with its well-appointed cabins, dedicated dining hall, and an impressive array of activities like zip-lining and rock climbing, caters to a wide range of needs. Californians often seek venues that can accommodate larger gatherings while providing both comfort and engaging entertainment. The camp's ability to host events like camping-themed weddings, as highlighted by a satisfied customer, showcases its versatility as a full-service outdoor venue, a valuable resource for local event planners.

Furthermore, the nostalgic connection for many who grew up attending YMCA camps, as beautifully articulated by a multi-generational camper, adds an emotional layer of suitability. It’s a place that continues to foster "wonderful memories" and a sense of community, upholding a beloved tradition of outdoor education and recreation. While not a traditional public campground for individual site rentals, its role as a premier group camp for youth, families, and various organizations makes it an invaluable asset for the local California community, providing structured opportunities to connect with the state’s beautiful mountain environments and build lasting bonds.

Camp Marcil at Round Meadow

41011 Jenks Lake Rd W, Angelus Oaks, CA 92305, USA