About Camp

Camp Crystal Lake, affectionately known as CCL, was established in 1948 as a traditional residential summer camp for the children of Alachua County. CCL continues to serve the children of Alachua County through its Outdoor Education program during the school year and its widely popular summer camp, which is open to children from all areas, during the months of June, July and August. The camp’s beautiful, rustic facilities are also available to rent on weekends from September through April.

CCL is located in Clay County, Florida, five miles North of Keystone Heights and 29 miles Northeast of Gainesville. Situated on a sprawling 140 acres, the camp with its three lakes was originally part of the Keystone Army Air Corps Base. In 1947, upon the recommendation by Superintendent Howard W. Bishop, the School Board of Alachua County purchased the base from the United States Government for one dollar. Today, the American Camp Association (ACA) regards Camp Crystal as one of the best camps in the Southeast.