Welcome to Camp!

We’re so excited to welcome your camper to Mountain Meadow Ranch. Here’s everything you need to know for a smooth and joyful arrival.

Arriving by Car

Check-in is open from 10am-12noon and 1-3pm.

Here’s what to know about arriving at the ranch! Stay in your car and follow the signs to the check-in tent. Once there, the adventure begins! You’ll receive:

  • Your camper’s cabin assignment
  • A map of camp
  • An introduction to your camper’s cabin ambassador

There will be refreshments and snacks, along with our friendly Directors, at check-in. The Directors are happy to answer any last-minute questions and provide encouragement (and maybe a hug!) for parents finding it hard to say goodbye.

*Please no dogs in the main camp area, our Directors will let you know the best spot to let them out*

Arriving by Bus

The bus departs promptly at 1pm, please arrive by 12noon.

You’ll meet our staff in the designated waiting area by Door D near Baggage Claim on the ground floor. Our team will be there to welcome your camper, help them get settled with the group, and start building the excitement for the journey to camp!

Arriving by Solo Flight

The bus to camp departs promptly at 1pm, flights must arrive between 9am-12noon.

A Mountain Meadow staff member (look for the shirt and sign!) will meet your camper right at their arrival gate in Reno, help with bags, and walk with them to the camp bus — no matter their age or U.M. status.

Once they get to the camp bus, our team will be there to welcome your camper, help them get settled with the group, and start building the excitement for the journey to camp!

The Great Orientation Adventure

Meet the Nurse

Before the real adventure begins, every camper swings by to see our friendly Camp Nurse team for a health check, a lice check (yep, we said it!), and to hand over any medications — prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, etc.

We know it’s not the most exciting stop on Opening Day, and you might have to wait a few minutes here, but this quick check helps keep our whole camp community healthy and ready for action.

Psst… this all happens before campers head to their cabins — so keep those meds handy!

Move In

Next stop: your home away from home! One of our awesome counselors will walk with you to your cabin, give you the grand tour, and help you pick your bunk and get all settled in.

Bunk spots are first-come, first-served — which means we can’t guarantee a top or bottom bunk.

Whether it’s a top bunk with a view or a cozy bottom nook, every bed comes with built-in camp memories waiting to be made!

The Grand Tour

Join us for a laid-back, get-your-bearings kind of adventure! Tours leave from the Campfire Area throughout the day and wind their way through camp, giving campers (and families!) a chance to explore the lay of the land.

We’ll point out all the important spots — where to refill water bottles, drop outgoing mail, find the laundry room, central bathrooms, and of course, the Dining Hall (a very key location!). Campers will also learn the general location of activities, our emergency evacuation spot, and other key places that help camp feel like home.

Water Safety Test

The last leg on the Great Orientation Adventure  is at the pool for a swim check with our lifeguards — it’s how we make sure everyone stays safe and confident around water.

Here’s the scoop: you’ll swim one lap of our Junior Olympic-size pool and tread water for about one minute. Easy peasy if you’re comfortable in the water — and if not, no worries at all! If swimming isn’t your thing, come say hi and pick up your special wristband. It lets our lifeguards know to get you set up with a lifejacket and keep an extra-close eye on you during waterfront activities. We’ve got you!

The Power of a Confident Goodbye

One of the most powerful ways you can support your camper on Opening Day is by giving them the gift of independence — right from the start. We kindly ask that families keep their visit to about one hour after arrival. We totally understand the urge to linger (those goodbye hugs can be hard!), but we’ve seen time and again that shorter goodbyes lead to smoother transitions.

A long farewell can actually make it harder for campers to dive into those first important connections, settle into their cabin, and start feeling like part of the community. Your confidence in them goes a long way — when they see you trust the journey, they’ll feel ready to jump in. Thank you for helping us create the space for campers to grow, connect, and thrive from day one!

Local Recommendations

We highly recommend families that are able to take a mini vacation on their way to camp. There are so many beautiful and unique sights to see! We’ve highlighted a few below.

Still have questions? Reach out to us or consult the trusty Meadow Guide!