A night spent at the Woolman A-Frames is a step back in time. If you’ve ever experienced summer camp as a child, or even found the idea close to your heart, a trip to the Sierra Friend’s Center will let you relive your childhood memories, and create more with other fun grownups.

The center itself dates back to the 1960’s where it began as a boarding school, and then eventually continued as a summer camp until very recently.

When you first arrive, signage will point you to an administrative building. Our host Laura was there waiting for us and took us on a tour.

The grounds are dispersed. When we visited everything was covered in fresh spring grass. There are many gigantic oak trees, and we kept pointing out our new favorites.

Behind the administrative building is lots of open space, where you will eventually come upon a soccer field, volleyball net, and kids playground.

On the other side of the grounds is a dining hall, a Quaker’s meeting hall, and a kiln and ceramics studio. Laura mentioned that with enough advance notice, it would be possible to use the kiln.

Finally for the main attraction, the 12 A-frames. They’re dispersed on the far edge of the property. Each one has a bit of it’s own character reflective of their past inhabitants…nothing that would keep you from choosing one over the other, but you truly feel like you’re the next camper behind whoever doodled a pink heart by the door, or propped up a plastic bird on the front porch.

The A-Frames themselves are simple: No more than 2 twin beds on opposing sides, separated by a wood stove in between. There are shelves built into the walls and 2 desks on either sides of the front door.

Laying in my bed with the blazing fire by my side was relaxing on a chilly February night. I watched the flames peek through the vent on the stove door and dance around the ceiling as a I drifted off to sleep. Everything was completely quiet except for the roar of the fire. I could glimpse the sliver of moonlight from the 2 slender windows above the front door.

The location itself has hiking trails to explore, and Laura said you can hike to the Yuba River from camp. Our favorite part was that our dogs were welcome, on leash on campus and free to room with us in the A-frame.

There are not bathrooms in the A-frames, but there is a large bath house with flush toilets and a hot shower a short walk away.

At this time there is no kitchen. They have plans to eventually build an outdoor kitchen.

Beyond the A-frames and past staff housing is another group of eight cabins. These cabins house 6 people each and also have an outdoor bathhouse.

We enjoyed our stay at the Sierra Friend’s Center so much! If being in nature with your dogs is what you like to do, this is the place! Add a good nights sleep with a roof over your head and you have a great weekend planned!

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Auburn State Recreation Area, California

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