Spirit Camp Guest Guide

Email: support@spirit.camp

Text: (707) 234-5008

Guest check-in window: 3:00 - 6:00 PM

Guest check-out time: 11:00 AM

You’ve got two main airport options:

1. Santa Rosa (STS) – Regional airport 2 hours to camp (build in 4+ hours of travel time). Great for direct flights from West Coast.

2. San Francisco International (SFO) – 3.5 hours to camp (build in 6+ hours of travel time for car rental, customs, traffic.

If your retreat organizer is offering a shuttle, check in on their timing before booking flights. We recommend purchasing travel insurance for extra peace of mind.

Getting here is part of the adventure — a chance to slow down, savor the scenery, and start your retreat before you even arrive.

We’ve put together a few Spirit Camp Travel Guides to help you plan your journey and explore the magic of the Mendocino Coast.

Stay Warm & Cozy! Though we’re in California, this ain’t LA ;). The Mendocino Coast stays cool year-round, with sunny or foggy summers and chilly, rainy winters.

Layers are key! Even in summer, bring warm, cozy clothes. Every cabin has a space heater, and our wood-burning stoves keep the Lodge and Sanctuary toasty.

Seasonal Temps:

☀️ Summer (May–October)

• Day: 60–75°F (15–24°C)

• Night: 50–60°F (10–15°C)

🌧️ Winter (November–April)

• Day: 50–60°F (10–15°C)

• Night: 35–50°F (1–10°C)

Coastal humidity makes it feel cooler than the numbers suggest—pack accordingly!

Bring your own towel. Help reduce water usage—a precious resource here.

Essentials:

1. Towel(s)

2. Flashlight/Headlamp

3. Journal & pen(s)

4. Eye mask (for breathwork or sound meditation)

5. Earplugs for shared cabins

6. Beanie/warm hat

7. Sunhat/cap

8. Hiking boots/sneakers (ideally that are easy to take on and off for moving indoors and outdoors)

9. Sandals

10. Swimsuit (ocean is close by if you like to cold plunge!)

11. Cozy socks

12. Cozy sweater/hoodie

13. Warm coat/jacket for cool evenings

14. Robe and slippers for bathhouse (nice to have)

15. Snacks (store in lodge kitchen)

16. Water/Tea thermos

17. Vitamins/medications (if applicable)

18. Toiletries

19. Phone charger

20. Face mask

21. Cash for catering tip (if applicable)

22. Yoga mat for sweaty practice (if applicable)

Optional, but encouraged:

1. Musical instrument

2. A silly costume or prop

3. A simple, meaningful offering for the land (such as fresh cut flowers from your garden) as a small gesture of gratitude

If tent camping:

1. Sleeping bag

2. Pillow(s)

3. Tent with fly cover and ground tarp (for fog and morning dew)

4. Sleeping pad

5. Trash bag(s) for pack-in and pack-out

During warmer months (May-September):

1. Sunscreen (non-aerosol please)

2. Mosquito repellant (DEET-free)

3. Outdoor Blanket for the meadow

During cold months (October-April):

1. Extra warm jacket

2. Beanie/Scarf

3. Leggings/long underwear

If rain is on the forecast:

1. Rain boots

2. Rain jacket

3. Umbrella

4. Extra towel

If coming for a work project:

1. Work gloves

2. Work boots/shoes

3. Clothes for dirt/paint

4. Long sleeve shirt(s)

💻 Wi-Fi is available, but we encourage fully unplugging during retreats.

📶 Verizon & AT&T work at camp—other providers do not.

📍 Spotty service on the drive to camp! Download your map and directions in advance.

How we C.A.M.P. together:

C = Contain the flames → Fires only in the pit, stove, or tobacco spot. Extinguish campfires + cigarettes fully. Keep stove doors closed.

A = All food stored in kitchen → No snacks or drinks in cabins, tents or cars. Don’t feed the dogs.

M = Mindful of vibes → Keep it real, be yourself, stay curious + substance-free.

P = Property care → Explore within the grounds – not neighbors. Tread lightly + leave no trace.

We invite all Guests to join us in creating a safe, respectful, and nourishing space together. These agreements support the health of our community, the land, and your experience here.

1. Substance-Free Sanctuary

   Spirit Camp is a place to connect with clarity. Hard alcohol, cannabis, narcotics, and entheogens are not permitted. Light use of beer and wine is only available through our Elixir & Mocktail Bar add-on, served by staff and booked in advance.

2. Food Philosophy

   Our kitchen is vegetarian-friendly, including dairy and eggs. Some retreats may offer poultry, fish or wild game (such as venison, buffalo, or bison) prepared by approved caterers using separate cookware and protocols.

   ❌ No pork or beef — we keep them off the menu in support of sustainability and forest preservation.

3. Smoke-Free Safety

   For fire safety and comfort, smoking is not allowed in camp areas. Tobacco use is permitted only at the designated spot in the parking lot, away from buildings and trees. Please fully extinguish cigarette butts and dispose of them in the ash bins provided.

   Cultural exception: Ceremonial tobacco use by Indigenous peoples is permitted in campfire area.

4. Fragrance Mindfulness

   Please avoid heavy perfumes or colognes so everyone can breathe easy. We invite all Guests to approach plant burning with thoughtfulness and care — for the land, for others in the space, and for the traditions these practices come from. When in doubt, work with plants rooted in your own ancestry and heritage. Open flames are not allowed in cabins, tents, bathrooms, or forested areas. Always attend flames and extinguish them fully.

5. Furry Friends

   As much as we love animals, pets are not permitted to protect wildlife and Guests with allergies. Trained ADA service dogs are welcome – we appreciate advance notice so we can prepare the space and share our pet care guidelines. You may also meet some of our friendly resident pets while you’re here.

6. Caring for Our Space & The Land

   Please clean up after yourself and leave each space ready for the next guest.

   When exploring outdoors, enjoy the beauty of the redwoods but leave treasures—like feathers, pinecones, flowers, and stones—for future wanderers.

7. Respect, Belonging & Repair

   Spirit Camp is home to people of many identities, cultures, and traditions. We ask that everyone engage with kindness, respect, and thoughtfulness across differences. Harassment, exclusion, or mockery is not permitted. If conflict arises, we encourage a spirit of repair—through conversation, reflection, or supported dialogue—so that everyone can feel safe and included.

Thanks for being part of our Spirit Camp community and helping us make this a space where everyone can feel grounded, joyful, and connected. 🧡

🐾 Meet our dog, Disco Wizard!
Our big, friendly Bernedoodle camp mascot. Please don’t feed or tease him—he’s working hard on his manners!

🐈‍⬛ Kadabra, the Outdoor Huntress
Our sweet black cat who roams the land – you’re lucky if you see her!

🐿️ Wildlife Awareness
Spirit Camp is surrounded by unfenced wilderness, home to incredible animals—including black bears and mountain lions. Store all food in the Kitchen (not in cars, cabins, or tents) to keep both guests and wildlife safe.

Amenities & Essentials

🛁 Towels
Limited towels available to rent ($10 each). Help conserve water—bring your own!

🍵 Tea
Always complimentary. Groups, please bring your own coffee, milk & sweeteners.

📶 Wi-Fi
Free! But during retreats, we encourage unplugging.

🔥 Campfires

• 1 setup included per booking. Extra staff-prepared fires: $50 (request in advance).

• Want to DIY? Ask staff for guidance. Fire safety is a must!

• Limit: 1 per pit/day; No fires on windy days.

🧘‍♂️ Yoga Mats & Blankets
For yin, gentle practice. Bring your own if planning to have active movement or a sweaty practice.

🔌 EV Charging
One extension cord available for slow overnight charging. Need a quick charge? Stations are 7 minutes away at Little River Inn & Van Damme State Park.

🚫 Not Included

• Food, Catering & Coffee, unless provided by your retreat leader.

• Mid-stay cleaning (except for stays of 10+ days)

• Laundry

• Printing

🏨 Nearest Hotel
For private rooms with ocean views and hotel amenities, Mendocino Coast Lodge is just 2 minutes away. Book directly before confirming your retreat.

Nourish your stay with deeply immersive and rejuvenating experiences.

Advanced booking required at least 2-weeks ahead of arrival.

🍽️ Nourishing Meals & Catering

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals made with love. Whether you need full-service catering or simple, delicious provisions, we’ll help you find the right option for your group.

🔥❄️ Mobile Sauna & Cold Plunge Experience

Experience the ultimate contrast therapy with our wood-fired mobile sauna and cold plunge. Cycle between deep, soul-warming heat and an invigorating icy dip to boost circulation, reduce stress, and awaken the body. Perfect for groups seeking renewal and resilience.

🌬️ Transformative Breathwork

A profound, heart-opening journey through breath. Whether solo, with a partner, or in a group of up to 40, each session is uniquely crafted to unlock deep release, clarity, and renewal. Sessions run 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on group size and intention. Ready to breathe life into something new?

🎶 Sound Healing

Let waves of sound wash over you, relax the body, and quiet the mind. Available privately, in pairs, or for groups up to 40, these immersive 1.5 to 3-hour experiences use vibrations to create deep relaxation, harmony, and inner expansion. Close your eyes, tune in, and let the frequencies do the rest.

🌲 Healing Forest Hike

Step into a living cathedral of towering redwoods and lush fern gullies on this guided 1-mile journey. Learn about the redwood ecosystem, feel the earth beneath your feet, and reconnect with the wild. The trail is rugged with mud, roots, and divots, so good mobility is required.

🤝 Authentic Relating Games

Deepen connection, build trust, and foster meaningful relationships through engaging, presence-based communication exercises. These facilitated games are designed to break down barriers, cultivate empathy, and bring playfulness to authentic human connection. Perfect for groups seeking deeper engagement and shared experience.

🪩 Guided Ecstatic Dance

Let go, move freely, and tap into your primal rhythm in a guided ecstatic dance journey. A carefully curated DJ set takes you on a wave of sound, designed to free the body and expand the mind. No dance experience needed—just a willingness to move, sweat, and surrender to the beat.

🧘 Yoga & Movement Classes

Whether you're looking for a gentle, grounding flow or an invigorating, dynamic practice, our skilled instructors offer personalized yoga and movement sessions. Classes can be tailored for individuals or groups, integrating breathwork, stretching, and mindfulness.

🎨 Craft & Creativity Workshops

Tap into your creative energy with hands-on craft workshops inspired by nature and traditional art forms. Options may include botanical dyeing, herbal bundle making, or intuitive painting. A perfect way to slow down, create, and connect.

🌿 Herbal Elixir & Mocktail Bar

Elevate your gathering with handcrafted botanical elixirs, herbal tonics, and non-alcoholic cocktails inspired by ancient traditions and modern wellness.

💆 Massage & Bodywork

Unwind with a deeply restorative massage or personalized bodywork session, offered by skilled practitioners who specialize in relaxation, deep tissue, and energy-based healing techniques.

🚐 Transportation Assistance

Need help getting here? We can connect you with trusted transportation options for individuals and groups. Inquire for details.

🛠️ Custom Retreat Support

Looking for something specific? Let us know! Whether it’s a guided movement session, an art workshop, or a special ceremony, we’re happy to help co-create your experience.

All within a 15-minute drive from camp:

• Groceries: Harvest Market has a plethora of options, including organic produce. Corners of the Mouth is our local organic co-op in an old church—worth a cute visit.

• Restaurant: Fog Eater Cafe (our fave!), open Wed-Sat dinner, Sun brunch

• Pizza: The Brickery, open Wed-Sun, 12-5pm

• Coffee: The Waiting Room, open Wed-Sun, 7am-6pm

• Breakfast & Lunch: Good Life Cafe, open 8am-2pm

• Farm-fresh produce: Farm stands are available at The Brickery and Good Life Cafe.

• Sauna and hot tub: Book a private or communal tub in advance at Sweetwater Spa—(707) 937-3113.

• Book store: Gallery Bookshop & Bookwinkles

• Shopping: Folklore in Mendocino

• Hiking: Van Damme State Park, Spring Ranch Nature Preserve, & Russian Gulch State Park

• Beaches: Big River Beach, Van Damme Beach, & Portuguese Beach

• Ocean Kayaking: Sea Cave Kayak Tours @ Van Damme Beach — amazing experience!

• River Canoeing: Catch-a-Canoe @ Big River — reserve in advance

• Sunset Lookout: Point Mendocino Trail

• Closest hotel: Mendocino Coast Lodge is 2 minutes down the road from us—elegant lodging with ocean views for those who need amenities like a private attached bathroom.