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HARTSTONE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Preparing for Your Retreat at Our Northern California Christian Campground

This page includes answers to some of the most common questions we receive from prospective campers and church group leaders as they prepare for their stay with us at Hartstone Bible Camp. We trust the information here will be helpful to you as you plan your stay at our Northern California conference retreat center! If you have any questions, we encourage you to contact the camp organizer at your church, or call our office to speak with our staff.

  • Is Hartstone a public campground? Can I rent a cabin for my family?
    Hartstone is not a public campground, but rather an accommodations-based Northern California Christian campground and conference retreat center that serves private Christian church groups, meaning we do not offer our own camp programs, we just take care of all your needs behind the scenes. Each church is responsible for providing their own leadership and programming. Every group is required to provide insurance to cover the dates of their reservation. Minimum group requirements: You must have at least 30 people to book off-season dates: Sep-Nov, March-May You must have at least 60 people to book summer-season dates: June-Aug
  • What should I bring to Hartstone?
    Bring a sleeping bag and pillow, toiletries, flashlight, lawn chair, bug spray, spending money for the Snack Shack and Hartstone merchandise, and a water bottle. Click here to learn more about what to bring to camp!
  • Should I bring bedding with me?
    All beds and bunks at Hartstone have mattresses, as pictured below. Queen size beds have fitted sheets, twins do not. Campers should bring their own bedding, including a sheet, pillow, sleeping bag, and/or bedroll.
  • What kinds of facilities are available at Hartstone?
    We invite you to take a Virtual Tour of our Northern California Christian camp, which includes 15 cabins, a fireside living / dining room, an outdoor amphitheater with open canyon views, a state-of-the-art chapel with advanced sound equipment, and much more!
  • Is there a Lifeguard on staff?
    No. We encourage church groups to bring their own lifeguards with them to help ensure safety while enjoying the river. NO diving is allowed in the river at any time.
  • Is there a Nurse on staff?
    Hartstone does NOT provide first-aid persons. Every camp is responsible to bring a First-Aid Kit and to have a designated first-aid person on site.
  • Should I bring my own food to Hartstone?
    Our kitchen staff provides all the meals for our campers. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner—all home-cooked meals made from scratch and served family-style in our fireside living / dining room. We view the food we serve as one of the main aspects of our camp experience. Our Snack Shack is also open for select hours, offering food items such as popcorn, nachos, ice cream, drinks, and candies.
  • When is the Snack Shack open?
    We typically open the Hartstone Snack Shack in the mornings before breakfast, in the afternoons during free time, and in the evening after session. Additional times are available at the request of our guest groups. We accept Cash, Checks, Debit/Credit, CashApp, and Venmo.
  • Is it OK to bring my pet to camp?
    Pets are not allowed at Hartstone, with the exception of licensed assisted living dogs.
  • What is there to do at Hartstone?
    We get this question all the time and the easiest answer to give is: “Whatever you want!”—within reason, of course! Here are some of the things to look forward to when planning your retreat at Hartstone: Hiking trails Camp fires Tube the river Rope swings Fishing Pond (Poles & Tackle provided by Hartstone for no additional charge) Ping Pong Tables Horseshoes Pool table Shuffleboard Court Shuffleboard Table Large grass playing fields Lighted volleyball court Large meeting room/chapel Basketball court Fishing pond Archery Range (Bows & Arrows provided by Hartstone for no additional charge) Gutter Ball Tables Snack bar Zip line Multi Playground Structures Swing Sets Delicious camp food (yes it really is!) Relaxing by the river Napping in your cabin or hammock (Hammocks provided by Hartstone all over the campground) Creating your own schedule
  • Will I get cell phone reception at camp?
    Only AT&T Cell Service works at Hartstone, and Verizon is spotty. If a phone call needs to be made, brief calls can be made from the Hartstone Kitchen Phone: (707) 743-1621. For calls that come in for individual campers, a message will be taken by Hartstone Staff and the camper located and informed immediately.
  • Is Internet access available at Hartstone?
    Only AT&T Internet Service works at Hartstone. It’s encouraged for campers who do not have AT&T service to find someone in their group who does and ask them to hotspot off their phone for internet. If this is not available, arrangements can be made with the Camp Director to use the Hartstone’s Staff Internet. (This is only available in the Dining Hall) If you need to use a copier/printer, please ask a Hartstone staff member and they will be able to help you.
  • What is the curfew at Hartstone?
    Out of respect for our neighbors and consideration for other campers, we ask our guests to observe a 10 p.m. curfew for quiet hours and an 11 p.m. curfew for lights out.
  • Can we have a campfire?
    Yes! There are designated fire pits where campfires are allowed. Please note that we do not allow campfires at the Riverfront swimming area.
  • What sound equipment does Hartstone have?
    Our recently-renovated Chapel is equipped with state-of-the-art sound equipment. You can get the details about our sound equipment here.
  • Where can I make a donation to Hartstone Bible Camp?
    The partnership and support of campers and donors enables us to steward this property and to better serve our guests. Thank you for sharing in this ministry with us. Learn more about giving to Hartstone Bible Camp on our Donate page.
  • I want to work at Hartstone! Where can I apply?
    For all fall and spring camps, our staff is made up of volunteers. For summer staff, we have 10 to 15 paid staff members. Learn more about volunteering or joining us for the summer here!
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