Frequently Asked Questions

  • Standard Check In: 4 PM

    Standard Check out: 9 AM check out of rooms, 11 AM depart property (all clean up will need to be complete)

    We ask that your Group Coordinator arrives 1-2 hours before  your group to get a quick tour and overview of the property.

    Early arrivals/late check outs may be available for an additional hourly fee, schedule permitting.

  • Yes, after agreeing to dates, group size, rates, etc. a contract will be sent to the Guest Group Coordinator and/or the person responsible for signing contracts. Once you receive the contract, you will have ten days to review it, sign it and send it back to us along with a non-refundable deposit to secure your dates. This deposit goes toward your final balance.

  • You will need a Certificate of Insurance (COI - Acord form, about $150) to cover your group. Additionally, each attendee is required to fill out a waiver. If you have any vendors on the property (i.e. catering company, photographers, band) they will need to show proof of insurance and list The Oaks as additionally insured.

    We will give you a sample COI form which lists our requirements and a waiver form for you to send to each attendee. We make it easy for you by providing an insurance agent for you to call - she will walk you through what you need and provide the insurance coverage for you.. 

  • Along with your contract, you will receive an invoice. The Oaks requires a wire transfer to cover your entire group - one payment for deposit and one for the outstanding balance which will be due 10 days prior to arrival. We also ask to keep a credit card on file for damages, last minute additions or incidentals. You will meet with an Oaks staff member prior to departure to pay for any additional balances (if any). 

  • We require groups to use our preferred caterer for all meals. Meals are an extra charge and must be paid directly to caterer.

    We provide complimentary drip coffee and tea in the dining room from 7-9 AM. All day coffee is available for an additional fee.

    Our coffee shop is available for opening (with a minimum purchase fee).

  • Rest assured, your rooms will be all clean and ready to go at 4pm on the day of check in, including comfortable bedding and cozy bedrooms. We have taken extra safety precautions to ensure you are safe during your stay with us.

    At the end of your time, there’s no need to strip your beds. We’ll take care of that for you.

    Bathrooms are stocked with soap, shampoo and conditioner. You’ll have your own towels provided as well. We do not offer housekeeping services to individual rooms during your stay. Guests will also find pool towels at the pool.

  • We have a variety of leisure activities you are welcome to participate in on your own time.

    Hiking


    Swimming (non-heated)


    Water Slide

    horseshoes

    cornhole

    Basketball


    Pickleball

    Sand Volleyball


    Tennis


    Frisbee Golf


    Large field for group games


    Large decks with fire-pits and Adirondack chairs for comfy conversations. Equipment is provided.

  • Pricing is available for upgraded experiences, programming options, and special touches. Choose from our list of options such as a hayride, mountaintop morning breakfast, yoga and fitness sessions, personal growth workshops, creative classes, fireside s’mores, etc. These need to be scheduled one month prior to arrival.

  • Our Oaks programming team is available to customize team building, personal growth, or skill-based classes and workshops. We can also provide you a list of speakers we would recommend. It helps us narrow it down if you let us know your budget as well as topic.

  • The Oaks is just a 25 minute drive to the historic town of Julian where you will find fun shops, quaint restaurants and amazing hiking and biking trails. 

    If you want more hiking and mountain biking options, then head for Mount Laguna and Lake Cuyamaca, a scenic 40 minute drive. There you will find some of the most beautiful trails suitable for all levels of enjoyment as well as fishing at the lake.  

    Ramona is home to over 40 wineries - four of which are minutes from The Oaks.  

    Downtown Ramona is a scenic 20 minute drive from The Oaks where you will find a wonderful plethora of antique shops and a variety of eateries.

  • Absolutely! Each of our main areas are equipped with AV equipment for your use.

    Darlington, our large theatre, is a tiered seating conference room with a complete audio visual system.

    The Living Room Cafe is equipped with surround sound music easily connected via wi-fi, as well as a moveable TV.

    We recommend bringing your own tech person to run everything since we don’t provide that service. You’ll have unlimited access to our free wi-fi while you’re here.

    Exclusive Use includes access to both Darlington Theater and The Living Room Cafe. Although rare, if you are booked to use the property with another group, you will be assigned to one meeting space on campus to utilize. Typically the larger group will use Darlington Theater, smaller The Living Room Cafe - and/or, if the smaller group is housed in Ballena Valley, they will have access to two small meeting rooms within the building. 

  • Accommodations are similar to a hotel with a few exceptions. Most rooms contain two to four beds and vary in size from twin to king.  Some rooms have private baths, some are shared. 

    Housing is based upon size of group, gender breakdown and specific needs of your group. You will work alongside Guest Service team to determine the proper housing for your group. Once housing is agreed upon, we will send you the proper housing assignment forms for you to write in names of occupants per room.  

    Typically, towels and toiletries are not replenished during your stay. We do not offer daily room attendance service. Please respect your roommate(s) by keeping your living area neat and bed made. We ask that you do not keep food in your room so we don’t attract any unwanted bugs.

    There are no televisions or telephones in the room. There is a phone available for emergency use. Please let necessary people at home know that they can get in touch with you in an emergency using your group coordinator’s number as we do not have a 24 hour front desk.

    Smoking, burning candles, burning incense, smudging, etc. is prohibited. Please return room keys as directed.

  • Our Guest Service team will work with you regarding the proper housing for your particular group needs and size.  

  • Exclusive use of The Oaks 240-acre property can accommodate overnight lodging for up to 100 guests in 40 rooms. For small groups or individuals, we recommend signing up for one of our scheduled retreats or workshops. Day rates are also available. 

  • Each participant is responsible for making his/her own travel arrangements. If you’re flying into San Diego and need to arrange driving up, we can supply you with a list of transportation companies in the area.

    Flying 

    ARRIVAL: Air travel destination is SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SAN) and is located one hour and 30 minutes drive time to The Oaks.

    Early Arrivals

    Below is a list of hotels near the airport.

    Hilton Homewood Suites in Liberty Station 

    The Pearl Hotel

    The Lafayette

    Courtyard by Marriott 

    Sheraton Hotel & Marina

    Driving

    From San Diego

    Take I-5 to CA-163 North

    Stay on CA-163 North toward Escondido (11 miles)


    Merge onto Hwy 1-15 North


    Take Exit 17 - Scripps Poway Parkway and turn Right


    Stay on Scripps Poway Parkway for 8.5 miles


    Turn left onto Hwy 67 - continue 11 miles to Main Street


    Continue on Main Street and cross over 10th Street - DO NOT turn left onto  Hwy 78. 


    Main Street will then eventually turn into Hwy 78 North (towards Julian) 


    Stay on HWY 78 for approximately 10 miles (NOTE: at 9.5 miles you will see Oasis Camel Dairy on your right)


    Drive past Oasis Camel Dairy and turn LEFT at Golden Eagle Road - look for the large blue GOLDEN EAGLE FARM SIGN. With two tall cyprus trees. (There is a center turn lane you will want to be in.)

    NOTE: if you get to Trumper’s Honey and Fruit Shack, you’ve gone just a bit too far. 


    At the fork in the road you will see THE OAKS sign. Stay left and follow the signs to The Oak, approximately 1.5 miles. Please note the road construction at our entrance and proceed past and up the hill to the gate. 

    Once you arrive at The Oaks driveway, continue to the top of the circle drive to unload your belongings and then promptly drive back down to the first parking lot on your left.  If that parking lot is full, please continue down the end of the driveway and park in the lot on your right.  

  • We are located approximately 20 minutes from town, so please come prepared. We will provide towels, bed linens, snacks, an alarm clock, USB charging stations, and essential toiletries (soap, shampoo, and conditioner).

    Dress is casual. Some activities may take place outdoors. Please bring warm clothing during late fall, winter, and early spring months. We suggest layers due to variable temperatures inside and outside.

    General Packing List

    Heavy jacket or coat for fall and winter months


    Light jacket for fall and spring months


    Hat


    Shorts 


    Blue jeans or casual pants


    Shirts/blouses (short and long sleeved)


    Comfortable shoes


    Closed toed athletic shoes


    Swimwear (Pool towels are available. Pool is not heated.)


    All daily toiletries (i.e. toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)


    Hair dryer and other styling tools


    Watch


    Prescription medication(s) in original labeled container from pharmacy*


    *The Oaks does not have access to a pharmacy or doctor. Bring enough prescription medications needed for your stay. If your medication requires refrigeration, please notify The Oaks prior to your arrival. There are no refrigerators in individual rooms.

  • The Oaks does not provide medical services. If your group is staying longer than 4 days, 3 nights, you must provide a licensed EMT, LVN or RN for the duration of the stay. 

    It is strongly suggested that groups provide a certified lifeguard during your scheduled pool hours or work with our team to have one provided for you.

  • To promote our primary goal of creating a safe place for your group, we have created these guidelines. These help to ensure quality care and consistency at The Oaks. Please read carefully. Should you have any questions, please contact us.

    Attendees are permitted to leave The Oaks at any time, however, the gate will remain closed at all times. Please let staff know if you plan on leaving or returning when the gate is closed. The gate will allow you to exit from camp, but you will need to notify us to reenter. 

    The Oaks sits on 240 acres. Property boundaries are not clearly marked so we ask that you review the property map and require you to stay on our property. 

    In case of an emergency, contact a staff member. Firearms and weapons are prohibited on property.

    For your safety, we recommend that you gather in groups of three or more when hiking and use caution on rocks and near areas where there may be poison oak and wildlife. 

    The Oaks is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Please report any property damage to a staff member. Any willful damage of property will be the financial responsibility of the participant. 

  • Non-prescription mood-altering chemicals are prohibited on campus. Participants who arrive intoxicated or with the appearance of intoxication will be asked to leave forfeiting fees and the right to participate. 

    Alcohol is permitted but only served by a licensed bar tender or culinary team member.

    The Oaks is a non-smoking facility.

    The Oaks cannot provide direct medical assistance. If you need to see a doctor, the on-call staff member will be able to help you access medical assistance. The Witch Creek Fire Department is located just at the retreat entrance off of the 78.

  • Please direct people to your cell phone for primary contact. Your group will be given instructions and contact numbers upon arrival.