The Camp Recovery Center

Who is this facility a good fit for?

• Best fit if: Adults looking for a full continuum of step-down care in a non-hospital setting; veterans and active military; want a camp-style environment with experiential outdoor activities; prefer a 12-step approach; have private insurance, Medi-Cal, or can self-pay.

• Not a fit if: Those who need acute, hospital-level treatment; want a city-based setting; don’t want to participate in outdoor activities; prefer a non-12-step program; are uninsured and unable to self-pay.

What to expect

Typical schedule

• Individual and group therapy: Clients participate in about six hours of group therapy each day, and individual therapy sessions with a primary therapist several times a week. Evidence-based methods include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and relapse prevention. Specialized process groups such as technology detox are offered.
• Twelve-step foundation: The program involves regular 12-step meetings, and clients learn about 12-step tenets and principles. Long-term 12-step participation is encouraged.
• Conscious Recovery: This 12-week curriculum deals with topics such as toxic shame, unresolved trauma, spiritual disconnection, and destructive behaviors through group work and spiritual counseling.
• Dedicated care for veterans: Therapy addresses trauma, stress, and reintegration difficulties that can stem from service. The program utilizes the Seeking Safety approach and teaches distress tolerance skills. Clients meet other veterans who can relate to their experiences.
• Holistic approaches: Meditation and art therapy are offered to complement evidence-based care. Acupuncture treatments are an option for those who are interested.
• Visitation and family participation: Family members can visit loved ones in residential treatment every other Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Once a month, the center hosts a two-day family program focused on communication, boundaries, healthy support systems, honesty, and rebuilding relationship dynamics.

Developing your care plan

• Client involvement: Clients are fully involved in the creation of their treatment plan. After admission, they meet with a case manager to collaborate on choosing therapies and groups that work for them, as well as setting personal goals.
• Continuous reassessment: Care plans are assessed on an ongoing basis as clients move through treatment. This is based on evolving goals, progress, and any challenges or setbacks.

Who you will meet with

• Master’s-level clinicians: Oversee treatment and attend to client health throughout their stay.
• Therapists and counselors: A primary therapist guides clients through one-on-one sessions. Certified drug and alcohol counselors lead groups and provide education.
• Psychiatrists: Work with clients who have co-occurring mental health concerns.
• Experiential instructors: Lead recreational and experiential therapies such as surfing and other watersports.

Living experiences and amenities

• Rural mountain environment: The Camp Recovery is set on 25 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, surrounded by redwood trees. Clients stay in cabins with up to three roommates.
• Recreational activities: When not in therapy sessions, clients can play sports or horseshoes, hike, or go swimming. Sober outings such as surfing are scheduled, and clients can participate in open mic nights.
• Flexible tech policy: After the first five days of treatment, clients can use their personal smartphones, laptops, and other devices during downtime.

Aftercare

• Step-down continuum: Since The Camp Recovery offers a full continuum of care, clients can move up or down between detox, residential, and outpatient levels as their needs change.
• Discharge planning: Before clients leave treatment, staff create discharge plans that can include referrals to outside therapists, sober living, and local 12-step meetings, depending on individual needs.
• Alumni community: Peers stay in touch after graduating from treatment through events and reunions. Activities may include golf tournaments, ski excursions, and retreats.

Pre-Admissions Experience

We conducted a series of pre-admissions calls, the most recent on May 6, 2026, to evaluate response time, transparency, and patient experience.

When we reached out to The Camp Recovery, the admissions team was prompt and helpful. They clearly walked through the clinical team, schedules, and amenities. The conversation felt genuine and validating, with specific details about cost and policies.

Client Reviews

Reviews often describe meaningful recovery progress, caring staff, a strong peer community, and a peaceful redwood campus. Many reviewers say the program helped them build recovery tools, feel supported, reconnect with family, or sustain sobriety after treatment. A smaller share of reviews mention issues with communication, discharge planning, medications, or supervision.

• Treatment Quality & Outcomes (80% positive): Many reviewers praise therapy, group work, withdrawal management, mental health support, and practical recovery tools. A smaller number of reviewers reported that treatment did not meet their needs. “The program itself was comprehensive and actually taught me how to live sober, not just how to stop drinking.”
• Staff & Care Experience (80% positive): Reviewers often describe staff, counselors, therapists, techs, nurses, and doctors as compassionate and personally invested. A few reviewers raised concerns about staff responsiveness, medication handling, or monitoring. “The staff here actually care.”
• Support & Community (75% positive): Many reviews highlight peer connection, group support, alumni ties, family repair, and a sense of belonging during recovery. A few reviewers said they wanted stronger communication. “The community there is truly second to none.”
• Facility & Environment (70% positive): Reviewers frequently praise the setting, outdoor activities, gym, pool, surfing, meals, and overall space for reflection. Some reviewers noted issues with certain amenities. “The facility itself is beautiful and peaceful, tucked away in the redwoods.”
• Access & Process: Several comments mention helpful intake, communication, and movement between levels of care. Some reviewers raised concerns about admissions fit, insurance, or billing clarity.

Facility Transparency

• Verified by Start Your Recovery: On May 25, 2026, our research team conducted a comprehensive review of this facility's advertising claims, registrations from public health departments, national accrediting bodies, and SAMHSA.

• Pre-Admissions Experience Evaluation: Most recent call conducted on May 6, 2026.