The Camp Jones Gulch property was originally part of Rancho San Gregorio, a stretch of land granted by Governor Juan Alvarado to Antonio Buelna.
One of the company's owners, David Jones, for whom the gulch and camp is named, constructed a saw mill on the site, which stood where the present-day Dining Hall now sits.
[6] Camp Jones Gulch spans 927 acres, approximately 700 of which remain undeveloped, except for small hiking trails leading to forest viewpoints and observation points.
[7] Over the years, several facilities have been added to the property, including dormitories and cabins, a wooded amphitheater ("Coyote Bowl"), a horse corral, and other activities for youth programs.
Cabins, which are used as lodging for visitors throughout the year, are named for trees and birds that can be found within the area, in addition to the mining company magnate Frederick Worthen Bradley and Ohlone Native American tribe.
[9] As of summer 2021, the YMCA, in partnership with the San Mateo County Office of Education, is renovating six older cabins, paving the main parking lot, and updating the sewer and electrical systems.
A portion of the forest, nicknamed the Valley of the Giants, is home to "Big Red" and "Dead Fred," two towering redwoods frequented by youth visitors of the camp.
A garden and straw bale classroom, maintained by the San Mateo Outdoor Education program, a pond with canoes, and Buckeye Grove also lie within the camp boundaries.
Although it failed to hit the pool and no exploration wells have been attempted at the site, natural gas in the area has been estimated at 10 billion cubic feet.
Campers eat and participate in daily activities together, including swimming, archery, canoeing, climbing a rock wall, ziplining, arts and crafts, guided hikes, and more.
[17] During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Outdoor Education programs were temporarily closed, Camp Jones Gulch offered "family getaway" stays in cabins.