Spirit Camp Guest Guide

Prepare for Your Adventure in the Redwoods

Hey camper!

We can’t wait to welcome you to Spirit Camp.

Quick read below – it's got everything you need to show up ready for an awesome experience.

See you soon!

– Team Spirit Camp

Map of Spirit Camp

  • 📍 Spirit Camp Retreat Center
    4640 Albion Little River Road
    Little River, CA 95456

    🚗 No street signage – look for address number 4640

    Get directions: Google Maps | Apple Maps

  • 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:

    • The Road to Spirit Camp: From the Golden Gate to the Pacific Redwoods – Read Here

    • The Journey Home: Three Ways to Ease Back After Spirit Camp – Read Here

    • A Day in Mendocino: Coastal Charm, Local Flavor, and the Art of Slowing Down (coming soon)

    • Out on the Coast: A Queer Traveler’s Guide to the North Coast (coming soon)

    • North of Spirit Camp: Exploring the Lost Coast and Beyond (coming soon)

  • 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: Traditional tobacco use by Indigenous peoples is permitted in fire-safe areas.

    4. Fragrance Mindfulness

      Please avoid heavy perfumes or colognes so everyone can breathe easy. Burning incense or plants is welcome when rooted in your cultural traditions and done safely. 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:

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