Camp
Blason
Agenda
Gates open @ 5pm. Click here for directions. Check with us for early arrival. Encouraged for those who want to participate in Friday's activities!
Find us on the games field and dress competitively. Let's go!
Follow us for a 10 minute drive to watch the sunset
Grab your coats and dancing shoes and parade with us to the neighboring camp
The Venue
The Lair of the Golden Bear is an outdoor venue amongst the trees in Pinecrest, California.
Jason grew up going to summer camp here with his family every year and has the most incredible memories of playing games in the field, swimming in the lake and dreaming of one day marrying a girl here.
...The last part isn't technically true but when this location came up as a potential wedding venue- it was such an obvious YES for Jason that we didn't bother looking anywhere else. Since Blake grew up in Northern California- a wedding set in the Sierra Nevada's is a dream come true.
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FAQ
Camp Blason is blend of whimsical bohemian vibes and the wild, glamorous spirit of the 1920s social group Bright Young Things.
Inspired by this group of rebellious artists, known for their wild parties, extravagant dress, and treasure hunts in the woods, the celebration is an invitation to drape yourself in your most opulent fur and celestial jewels and sip martinis while competing in classic camp games.
It’s a weekend of flamboyant fashion, indulging in unbridled play and absurdity, while raising a glass to a couple old souls with young ambition.
Pinterest Board
Lush Fabrics, Bold Patterns, Too Much Jewelry, Your Mother's Fur Coat and Boots You Can Stomp In.
Early Arrival: If you are interested in helping set up and joining the “let’s build a party” crew, you are welcome to join as early as Wednesday afternoon but please clear this with us first!
Thursday: Guests staying on site can arrive after 5pm. There will not be a “welcoming committee” but cabin assignments will be posted at the entrance. With programming staring on Friday afternoon we invite you to land on Thursday evening so you can get settled in for the weekend activities!
Friday: Welcome booth will be set up and ready to greet you starting @ 12pm.
Saturday: The main event is @ 3pm so we advise you arrive to site no later than 1pm to get settled.
Sunday: All guests are invited to join us at the goodbye brunch Sunday early afternoon. After you nurse your hangover with some eggs and toast, it’s time to head out as our production crew will need to begin tear down.
It’s Basically Camping: Pack as if you’re on a camping trip—bring all personal toiletries like soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, shower shoes, etc.
Cabin Amenities: Cabins have mattresses, bed frames, and small shelves, but are otherwise very minimal. Suggesed packing items:
- Sleeping pad to put on top of bed mattresses for additional support and comfort
- Secure plastic tub for snacks (there are sneaky critters around!)
- Additional lighting (i.e. clamp-on lights)
- Mirrors
- Extension cords
- Flash light / headlamp
- Fun decor!
Canvas Cabins: The cabins are enclosed by canvas walls and are not insulated.
Chilly Nights: Temperatures can drop to around 40°F, so bring warm layers (i.e. your best fur coat) or extra blankets. We can provide a sleeping bag if needed—just let us know in advance.
Electricity: Yes, there is basic lighting and a single power outlet with two sockets in each cabin. Extension cords may be useful.
No Heating/Air Conditioning: Plan accordingly for cool nights and mild-to-warm days. Space heaters or propane-fueled items are not allowed, however, you can bring a heated electric blanket.
Shared Facilities: Cabins do not have individual bathrooms. It’s a short walk to communal restrooms, which include hot showers, sinks, and toilets.
Basic Linen Kit: Each guest will receive a simple set of sheets, a pillow & towel.
Sleeping Bags on Request: For those traveling from afar, we can provide sleeping bags if requested beforehand.
2–6 Guests: Cabins can accommodate groups of various sizes (2–6). We encourage you to pick your own cabin mates for the best experience.
No Locks: The cabins don’t have door locks. The camp is generally safe, but if you’re concerned it may be good to leave valuables locked in your car trunk. Consider it similar to music festival camping.
We’ll be providing several meals throughout the weekend, including:
Friday (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Saturday (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Sunday (farewell brunch)
Exact timings and menus will be confirmed closer to the event. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary needs can be accommodated—let us know your preferences when you RSVP.
Unload & Park: You can drive up to your cabin to drop off your gear, then park in a nearby lot.
Limited Service: Expect spotty coverage. There is FREE WIFI at the dining hall and lodge if you must check your email/messages.
Mid-September Range: Daytime can be 65–80°F, and nights can dip to around 40°F. Rain or wildfire smoke is very possible this time of year.
No Pets: Unfortunately, pets are not allowed.
Yes: Trash cans are available around the site, and an ice machine is on-site.
Yes: Free washing machines and dryers are available for guest use. Please bring your own detergent.
Yes: Electric vehicle charging is available but we’ll need to coordinate with you. Please let us know ahead of time.
Yes: Mosquito repellent is great to have on hand, especially for the evenings.
Yes: There is a swimming pool, and one of the evenings we will be doing a hot-tub takeover (warming one of the pools) near the after party lodge. Pinecrest Lake is also a short drive away for chilly lake dips. Suggestion to bring (2) bathing suits for multiple days of swimming and an extra towel.
Friday morning: Camp Games. Bring your most opulent outfits and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Think relay races and field games, but in fancy attire and plastic martini glasses. (Vibe: High brow meets low brow).
Friday afternoon: BBQ Pool Party. Bring your best swimsuit! Option to spice it up with a parasol and/or floatie.
Friday evening: Welcome Dinner & Opening Ceremony. Think festive. Think colorful. Think comfortable.
No: But the shared bathroom/shower areas do.
There are two very close by hotels / cabin lodges for you to stay at off property.
Note: there is no shuttle service offered for those staying offsite and Ubers are not reliable, so plan on driving yourself to and from the Lair during the weekend.
Pinecrest Chalet (Cabins): https://maps.app.goo.gl/eNwZMivTFwrfQsYT9
Strawberry Inn (Hotel): https://maps.app.goo.gl/vkfycmHtK81nR93g9
Yeah you can find it here: https://www.hitchd.com/blason2025
Frank says thank you
Map
Directions
Lair of the Golden Bear - Camp Gold
188 Dodge Ridge Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364
https://maps.app.goo.gl/tFGNqodi7USoUYc79
Approximately 3 hours from Sacramento, Oakland, and San Francisco airports, and 6 hours from LA.
Due to poor reception we recommend taking a screenshot or printing these directions before you reach Sonora.
From LA
- Take I-5 North to Highway 99 North (just past the Grapevine).
- Stay on Highway 99 North until you reach Highway 59 North near Merced (watch carefully to avoid taking 59 South).
- Follow 59 North signs through Merced for a couple of miles.
- Turn left on J59 (La Grange Rd.), about a mile past Snelling.
- Continue until you reach Highway 108/120, then turn right/east.
- Keep going well past Don Pedro Reservoir and remain on Highway 108, following Pinecrest signs ~30 miles past Sonora.
- Follow the same final steps above for Pinecrest Road, Dodge Ridge Rd., and Pinecrest School Rd. to reach Camp Gold.
From the Bay
- Head east on I-580 toward Livermore.
- Around Tracy, merge onto I-205 east.
- From I-205, take Highway 120 east toward Escalon and Oakdale.
- Transition to Highway 108 east, following signs to Sonora.
- Stay on Highway 108 for about 30 miles past Sonora, watching for signs to Pinecrest.
- After the ‘Pinecrest / Dodge Ridge Road’ sign, veer right (don’t turn onto Camp Blue Road—keep going!).
- Once on Pinecrest Road, drive about ½ mile and turn right onto Dodge Ridge Rd. for about ¼ mile.
- Then take the 2nd right onto Pinecrest School Rd. Go past the Community Center and look for the Camp Gold entrance.
