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How the guarantee works →California camp licensing requirements.
Who licenses day camps and overnight camps in California, under which rules, and who is exempt. Last checked November 2, 2026.
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Day camps and overnight camps in California
| Camp type | What the state asks | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Day camps | Depends on the program | Recreation programs run by organized camps, the YMCA and similar groups are exempt from California child care licensing.Source: California Code, HSC 1596.793., California Legislative Information (California Legislature). Checked November 2, 2026. |
| Overnight camps | State camp rules | Organized camps must send the local health officer written notice at least 30 days before operating each year.Source: Laws and Regulations Relating to Organized Camps (2011), County of San Bernardino, Environmental Health Services. Checked November 2, 2026. |
Who oversees camps in California
| Agency | What it does |
|---|---|
| Office of the State Fire Marshal | Adopts minimum fire safety regulations for organized camps.Source: Health and Safety Code, Part 2.4. Camps [18897 - 18897.7], California Legislative Information (California Legislature). Checked November 2, 2026. |
| California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division | Licenses child care; names organized camps as overseen by the Department of Public Health instead.Source: Resources for Parents, California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Checked November 2, 2026. |
Official rules
- Cal. Health & Safety Code §§ 18897-18897.7
Part 2.4. CampsCalifornia Legislative Information (California Legislature). Checked November 2, 2026. - Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17, §§ 30700-30753
Organized CampsCounty of San Bernardino, Environmental Health Services. Checked November 2, 2026.
Sources
Every source is an official government page.
- Health and Safety Code, Part 2.4. Camps [18897 - 18897.7]California Legislative Information (California Legislature). Checked November 2, 2026.
- California Code, HSC 1596.793.California Legislative Information (California Legislature). Checked November 2, 2026.
- Resources for ParentsCalifornia Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Checked November 2, 2026.
- Laws and Regulations Relating to Organized Camps (2011)County of San Bernardino, Environmental Health Services. Checked November 2, 2026.
About this page
We read each source above on an official government site on November 2, 2026. Each fact links to the page it came from.
Rules change, and local rules can add to them. Confirm with the agency before you open or change a program.
This page is a summary of public rules. It is not legal advice, and Bloomily does not file license applications.
Camp licensing in other states
- Alabama
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Arizona
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
- Arkansas
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Colorado
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Connecticut
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Delaware
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Florida
Day camps: no state license. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Georgia
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Idaho
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Illinois
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Indiana
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state camp rules.
- Kentucky
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Louisiana
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Maine
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Maryland
Day camps: state certificate. Overnight camps: state certificate.
- Massachusetts
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Michigan
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Mississippi
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
- Missouri
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Montana
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
- Nebraska
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: no state license.
- Nevada
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
- New Hampshire
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- New Jersey
Day camps: state certificate. Overnight camps: state certificate.
- New York
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- North Dakota
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Ohio
Day camps: state registration. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Oregon
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- South Carolina
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- South Dakota
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: depends on the program.
- Tennessee
Day camps: state permit. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Texas
Day camps: state license. Overnight camps: state license.
- Vermont
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
- Virginia
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Washington
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state registration.
- West Virginia
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state permit.
- Wisconsin
Day camps: depends on the program. Overnight camps: state license.
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