Camp Cuyamaca

Project Overview

Camp Cuyamaca Outdoor School

Nestled in the scenic beauty of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park, Camp Cuyamaca welcomes sixth-grade students from all over San Diego County for an unforgettable outdoor environmental education experience. Spanning 19 acres, the camp blends learning, adventure, and nature in a setting that inspires curiosity and connection.

The construction of several new buildings on campus has been "certified gold" by the U.S. Green Building Council.  Opened in 1946, Cuyamaca Outdoor School, the first Outdoor School in California and the only Outdoor School in San Diego County that is certified by ROSS (Residential Outdoor Science Schools) and COSA (California Outdoor Schools Administration), is owned by San Diego County Office of Education and located in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park and Cleveland National Forest in Descanso, California.

To help more children enjoy this unique program, the County Office of Education’s Outdoor Education branch partnered with Davy Architecture to expand the camp’s capacity by 50%. The project introduced two brand-new dormitories and a spacious lodge—each designed to LEED standards—while also breathing new life into the existing dorms, craft buildings, dining hall, and infirmary. Pathways throughout the camp were also upgraded to ensure full ADA accessibility, so every student can experience the magic of Camp Cuyamaca.

Each new dormitory accommodates 72 students, complete with four cozy dens, a central community gathering space, and dedicated quarters for counselors. The new lodge offers flexible space for two assemblies of up to 150 students each. Bright, sunlit interiors, energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, and structural insulated panels (SIPs) for superior thermal comfort make every building both inviting and sustainable.

At Camp Cuyamaca, every detail—from the architecture to the natural surroundings—works together to create a place where learning and nature thrive.