Campground

For California residents in the densely populated heart of Orange County, finding a tranquil, accessible spot to introduce youth to the joys of the outdoors can be a challenge. Camp Sycamore is a unique and valuable amenity addressing this need, operating as an exclusive overnight camping facility within the greater Fountain Valley area. This is not a public RV park or a traditional walk-up tent campground for individual or family reservations, but rather a dedicated, secure site managed by OC Parks and the Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services Department.

Specifically designed as a "First Camping Experience" for organized youth groups, Camp Sycamore provides a crucial introduction to nature and basic survival skills for children between the ages of six and twelve. It offers a safe, controlled, and educational environment for young campers to spend a night under the stars without venturing deep into the wilderness. The atmosphere is friendly, supervised, and professional, ensuring a positive and memorable first-time camping adventure in the heart of Southern California.

Activities at the site are geared towards hands-on learning and classic camp fun, including star gazing, camp songs, flashlight hikes, and educational nature walks. This focus makes Camp Sycamore an essential resource for youth organizations throughout Orange County looking to foster an appreciation for the outdoors in a convenient, local setting.

It is important to note that while the general area of Fountain Valley offers numerous coastal RV campgrounds and larger state parks within a short driving distance, Camp Sycamore provides a distinct, group-focused, and highly localized camping experience unlike any other in the immediate vicinity.

Camp Sycamore is located within the extensive grounds of a major local green space in the city of Fountain Valley, Orange County, a vital urban park in Southern California. Its location offers unparalleled convenience for local youth groups, making travel logistics simple and efficient.

The facility is situated near or within Mile Square Regional Park, a prominent 607-acre urban park known for its comprehensive recreational offerings. While the provided coordinates (P3H2+23) point specifically to a geographic location within the broader park area, the best way to access the camping facility is via the main park entrance and coordination with the park office.

• Primary Park Location: Mile Square Regional Park, 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
• Local Accessibility: Fountain Valley is centrally located in Orange County, easily accessible via major freeways like the 405 (San Diego Freeway) and within a short driving distance of Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Anaheim. This central location is a key benefit, reducing travel time and cost for groups throughout the region.
• Setting: Despite its urban location, the camp is situated in a tranquil, dedicated area, often near the park's nature area or shaded sections, providing a sense of escape from the surrounding city life.

Due to its specialized purpose, reservations and access are strictly managed through the park's administration to ensure a safe and organized experience for the groups utilizing the facility.

The services at Camp Sycamore are tailored to support an organized youth camping trip, focusing on security, essential utilities, and group amenities for a comfortable overnight stay. The facility operates with the oversight of OC Parks staff, providing a higher level of safety and regulation than typical public grounds.

Essential services provided include:

• Secure Perimeter: The entire camp area is surrounded by a security fence to ensure the safety and containment of the youth groups during their stay.
• 24-Hour Restroom Facilities: Clean, accessible restroom facilities are available around the clock, which is a major comfort and convenience for young campers and chaperones.
• Water and Sinks: The facility includes sinks and running water for washing, cooking prep, and drinking.
• Picnic Shelter and Barbecues: A communal picnic shelter with tables and barbecues is provided, offering a dedicated space for group meals and activities.
• Campfire Ring: A designated, secure campfire ring allows for the classic camping experience of songs, stories, and making s'mores.

Camp Sycamore's highlights are centered around its specific mission: to provide an accessible and enriching "first campout" experience for children. Its features are structured for education and fun in a controlled, local environment.

Key features and unique program highlights include:

• Educational Focus: The programming includes scheduled activities such as arts and crafts, education on basic camping and survival skills, flashlight hikes, and nature walks, all supervised by staff or authorized group leaders.
• Dedicated Age Group: The site is exclusively for children aged 6 to 12, ensuring a peer-appropriate environment for all activities and learning.
• Archery Access: The campout events often include access to the park's facilities, such as the nearby archery range, adding a unique, exciting outdoor skill-building element.
• Star Gazing: Given its location in a large park, staff facilitate star-gazing sessions, offering a wonderful opportunity for urban-based children to connect with the night sky.
• Small Group Sizing: Families or groups are allotted a 15-foot space for tent setup, managing density and ensuring a comfortable, personalized group experience.

The overall experience is a balance of traditional camping elements—like the campfire and sleeping in a tent—with the safety and convenience of a fully serviced, urban park location, a true gem for Orange County's youth.

Since Camp Sycamore is a facility for organized youth groups and reservations are made through the park office, direct contact must be made with the appropriate department.

• Park Office (For Reservations): Mile Square Regional Park Office
• Address: 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 (Use this address for all physical correspondence and park inquiries, rather than the provided coordinates).
• Phone: (714) 973-6600
• Reservation Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Note: Reservations must be made in person at the park office and are subject to a small reservation fee and permit requirements, emphasizing its use by organized groups.

Camp Sycamore is absolutely worth choosing for any Orange County youth leader, school group, or organization seeking to provide a safe, accessible, and high-quality introductory camping experience. Its value is not in luxury RV amenities or wilderness isolation, but in its mission-specific design.

It's the optimal choice because it removes the logistical barriers and safety concerns typically associated with taking young children into remote campgrounds. The highly supervised, fenced, and well-equipped facility ensures that a child's first night in a tent is positive, educational, and fun. For Southern Californians who appreciate local, community-focused resources, this unique campout opportunity within the expansive Mile Square Park represents a fantastic investment in fostering a lifelong love for nature and outdoor recreation in the next generation.

Campground

P3H2+23, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, USA