Camden Community Center: Everything You Need Before Visiting
Camden Community Center at 3369 Union Avenue, San José, CA 95124 offers fitness facilities, swimming, youth activities, senior programs, recreational classes, and spaces for private events. This guide covers the actual hours, available amenities, published fees, and the steps to register or request a rental.
Sat: 9 AM–1 PM
Published by the City of San José; reviewed October 2026. Program hours, holiday closures, and event schedules can differ from general facility hours.
Camden Community Center Hours
The main building is open six days per week according to the City of San José’s community center schedule. Sunday is a regular closure day.
| Day | Regular Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Facilities and Amenities at Camden Community Center
Camden is one of San José’s major recreation hubs. The city lists the following facilities and services:
Gymnasium
Indoor recreation space for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, drop-in sports, and scheduled activities. Availability depends on the sports calendar.
Fitness Room
Cardio and strength-training equipment, with monthly, annual, and day-pass admission options for eligible participants.
Camden Swimming Pool
An outdoor 25-yard by 20-yard pool offering lap swimming, seasonal recreational swimming, and summer lessons.
Classes and Activity Rooms
Multi-purpose rooms, dance room, classrooms, KidsZone, and youth center facilities for recreation and education.
Senior and Therapeutic Services
Older-adult activities, nutrition services, and adapted recreation opportunities offered through city programs.
Visitor Conveniences
Wi-Fi, concession facilities, approximately 195 parking spaces, and nearby parks for additional outdoor activities.
The center is near Camden Park, Butcher Park, and Kirk Park. Camden Park has non-reservable picnic sites; its playground is undergoing an improvement project, so check current conditions before planning a family outing around that area.
Camden Community Center Pool: Hours, Fees and Rules
Camden Pool is located within the community center complex. It offers year-round lap swimming and seasonal recreational swimming. The outdoor pool has locker rooms and a depth range of approximately 3.5 to 12 feet.
Published Lap Swim Schedule
| Days | Lap Swimming |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 6:30 PM–8:30 PM |
| Tuesday and Thursday | 7:30 AM–10:00 AM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM |
Lap Swim Admission Fees
| Ticket Type | Adults 18+ | Youth / 50+ / Disability |
|---|---|---|
| Single visit | $6 | $3 |
| 10-visit punch pass | $50 | $30 |
The city also describes an additional free visit associated with the 10-visit punch pass. Ask the pool desk about pass validity before purchase.
Recreational Swimming
The published 2026 summer recreation-swim season ran from June 15 through August 8. That season has ended, so its hours should not be treated as current recreational-swim availability.
During the 2026 summer season, published recreation-swim hours were Monday–Friday, 2:30–4:30 PM, and Saturday, 1:30–4:30 PM. Future-season details require a new city announcement.
Known Upcoming Lap Swim Closures
As of October 16, 2026, the city lists these remaining scheduled closures:
- November 11, 2026
- November 26–28, 2026
- December 21, 2026–January 3, 2027
Additional closures may occur because of weather, maintenance, staffing, or other programming.
How to Buy a Pool Pass
- Check the lap swimming hours and applicable closures.
- Visit the Camden Community Center front desk during staffed purchasing hours.
- Request a single-day admission or 10-visit punch pass.
- Confirm the applicable age/category price and payment options.
- Keep your receipt or issued pass and follow pool safety instructions.
Camden Fitness Center Membership and Drop-In Fees
The fitness room provides strength and cardio equipment. Citywide fitness memberships cover participating community-center fitness programs, including Camden. Users must be at least 14 years old.
| Admission | Published Price |
|---|---|
| Annual membership | $100 |
| Monthly adult membership | $10 |
| Adult daily drop-in | $5.50 |
| Youth 14–17, older adult 50+, or disabled daily admission | $2.75 |
These are the city’s published fitness program rates, not pool admission prices. Ask the center whether the annual or monthly option is appropriate for your planned use.
For an adult planning several workouts per month, the monthly membership may cost less than buying multiple $5.50 daily passes. Check current membership terms and whether the activity you want is included.
Youth Programs, Teen Center and Summer Camps
Camden Community Center offers age-based activities, including early-childhood recreation, summer camps, sports, and a dedicated teen program.
Preschool and Early Childhood
San José recreation preschool and Camp San José Jr. options serve younger children, with the specific age range and enrollment requirements set by the program.
Camp San José
Summer recreation and enrichment programs for children, including group activities and structured day programs. Fees and seasonal dates are announced through registration catalogs.
Camden Teen Center
Activities include homework help, sports, games, arts and crafts, cooking clubs, field trips, and life-skills opportunities.
Sports and Leisure Classes
Drop-in sports, recreational activities, and organized programs may include pickleball, basketball, volleyball, dance, and wellness.
Camden Teen Center: 2026–2027 School-Year Schedule
The City of San José lists the current school-year program as beginning August 13, 2026.
| Days | Teen Program Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 3:00 PM–6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 2:00 PM–6:00 PM |
Published teen program activities are free for participants. Contact the program to confirm eligibility, enrollment requirements, and whether a particular activity has limited capacity.
Teen Program Specialist: Christine Marquez
Phone: 408-559-7553
Email: Christine.Marquez@sanjoseca.gov
How to Register for Recreation Classes
- Open SJRegistration.com, the city’s recreation registration portal.
- Search for Camden Community Center, or browse by age group and activity category.
- Read the full program description, schedule, age requirements, fees, and availability.
- Sign in or create a registration account if required.
- Select the session and complete the required participant details.
- Review any available financial assistance before submitting payment.
- Keep the enrollment confirmation and review what to bring on the first day.
Senior Nutrition and Older-Adult Programs
Camden serves older adults through recreation classes and the City of San José Senior Nutrition Program. General older-adult activities may begin at age 50, while the nutrition program serves adults aged 60 and older.
Senior Nutrition Program
Meals are offered through a partnership with TRIO Community Meals. Reserve at least 24 hours before your intended meal and ask about meal eligibility, contributions, holiday scheduling, and any program changes.
Therapeutic Recreation
Programs identified by the city include adapted bowling, Around the Town Club, Camden Fun Club, Play Camp, and Teens Together. Some are seasonal and some have specific participation criteria. Ask about accommodations and schedules before registering.
Camden Community Center Room Rentals, Weddings and Events
The City of San José permits event rentals at Camden Community Center. Depending on approved room availability and event requirements, the facilities may accommodate wedding receptions, quinceañeras, birthday parties, cultural celebrations, community meetings, business events, and recreational activities.
Published Room and Gym Rental Rates
The city’s March 2026 fees document provides the following standard hourly rate schedule for a group of community centers that includes Camden. These are schedule-based rates; the actual room category, discounted eligibility, availability, and total charges must be verified during booking.
| Space / Capacity | Non-Peak Basic | Peak Basic |
|---|---|---|
| Room, under 50 people | $50/hr | $65/hr |
| Room, 50–150 people | $80/hr | $135/hr |
| Room, 151+ people | $135/hr | $160/hr |
| Gymnasium | $75/hr | $95/hr |
Published Discounted Hourly Rates
| Space | Non-Peak | Peak |
|---|---|---|
| Room, under 50 | $15/hr | $30/hr |
| Room, 50–150 | $25/hr | $60/hr |
| Room, 151+ | $35/hr | $75/hr |
| Gymnasium | $40/hr | $50/hr |
Peak hours: Friday from 4 PM through Sunday midnight.
Non-peak hours: Monday–Thursday during operating hours, plus Friday before 4 PM.
Minimum rental: Two hours under the published standard schedule.
Cancellation Charges in the Published Schedule
| Time Before Event | Listed Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| More than 60 days | 25% of estimated fees |
| 30–60 days | 50% of estimated fees |
| Within 30 days, at least 48 hours beforehand | 75% of estimated fees |
| 48 hours or less | 100% of estimated fees |
Published rate schedules and cancellation rules can be updated or interpreted under facility policies. Request the current written rental agreement and fee calculation.
How to Reserve a Room or Gym
- Choose your event: Determine whether you need a meeting room, dance room, multipurpose room, or gym.
- Estimate attendance: The city’s rates depend partly on room capacity. Tell staff the expected number of guests and type of event.
- Check dates: Select a preferred date and a backup. Specify preparation, event, and cleanup times.
- Call Camden: Contact 408-559-8553 to ask which spaces are available and suitable.
- Review requirements: Ask about food, decorations, music, insurance, security, alcohol restrictions, staffing, and accessibility.
- Complete paperwork: Obtain the city’s rental application, facility rules, and current rate sheet.
- Confirm the total: Review the rental fee, application fee, possible deposits, and any additional charges.
- Finalize only after approval: Submit the required documents, complete payment instructions, and obtain written reservation confirmation.
Camden Community Center Location, Parking and Directions
3369 Union Avenue
San José, California 95124
Phone: 408-559-8553
Parking: The city lists 195 parking spaces, although availability is not guaranteed during busy programs or events.
Public transit: VTA Route 61 is listed for the center. The city also lists Routes 37 and 61 on its teen center information page; verify current route stops before traveling.
What to Know Before Traveling
- Check your program’s actual start time rather than relying only on building hours.
- If swimming, check the pool schedule and any maintenance or holiday closures.
- If attending a special event, ask which entrance and parking area to use.
- For a rented room, confirm when setup may begin and when all guests must leave.
- For an accessible visit, contact the center about the specific room, entrance, and accommodations you need.
Which Camden Service Should You Choose?
| Your Goal | Recommended Next Step |
|---|---|
| Swim regularly | Use lap swim hours and compare the $6 single visit against the $50 adult punch pass. |
| Join a gym | Compare the $10 adult monthly membership with the $5.50 daily visit. |
| Find teen activities | Contact the teen program specialist about free after-school opportunities. |
| Register a child for camp | Search current sessions through SJRegistration and check any scholarship eligibility. |
| Arrange senior meals | Call 408-371-2888 at least 24 hours ahead. |
| Hold a private event | Check available rooms, current rates, application requirements, and the two-hour minimum. |
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Camden Community Center
1. Where is Camden Community Center located?
Camden Community Center is at 3369 Union Avenue, San José, CA 95124, in Council District 9. The center’s main phone number is 408-559-8553.
2. What are the opening hours of Camden Community Center?
The center is open Monday–Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM, Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM. It is regularly closed on Sunday.
3. Does Camden Community Center have a swimming pool?
Yes. Camden Pool is an outdoor pool at the facility. It offers lap swimming and seasonal recreational swimming and lessons. Lap swim hours and fees differ from general community center hours.
4. How much does Camden Pool lap swimming cost?
The published single-visit fee is $6 for adults 18+ and $3 for youth, older adults 50+, and people with disabilities. Ten-visit punch passes are listed at $50 and $30 respectively.
5. How much is a fitness membership at Camden Community Center?
San José lists a $100 annual membership, $10 adult monthly membership, $5.50 adult daily pass, and $2.75 daily rate for eligible younger participants, older adults, and people with disabilities.
6. Can Camden Community Center be rented for parties or weddings?
Yes. The City of San José lists Camden as a rental venue for celebrations, weddings, meetings, and recreational events. Contact the center for suitable room capacity, availability, and current booking requirements.
7. What are Camden Community Center room rental rates?
The city’s March 2026 published standard schedule lists basic non-peak room rates of $50, $80, or $135 per hour depending on capacity; peak rates are $65, $135, or $160 per hour. Standard gym rates are $75 non-peak and $95 peak. A two-hour minimum and additional fees may apply.
8. Does Camden Community Center offer free teen programs?
Yes. The published Camden Teen Center program offers free activities such as homework support, sports, crafts, games, and life-skills activities for participants. Current school-year hours are generally 3–6 PM, with Wednesday starting at 2 PM.
9. Is there a senior lunch program at Camden Community Center?
Yes. The Senior Nutrition Program serves eligible adults aged 60 and over, Monday–Friday from 11:30 AM to noon. Advance reservation is required at least 24 hours ahead by calling 408-371-2888.
10. Is parking available at Camden Community Center?
Yes. The city lists approximately 195 parking spaces at Camden Community Center. Space availability varies during activities and events. VTA bus service is also available near the facility.
Before Your Visit: Final Practical Checklist
Camden Community Center offers more than one type of service, and each may have its own eligibility, schedule, fee, and registration process. Check the relevant program first, call the center when information is time-sensitive, and keep your registration or rental confirmation available.
Camden Community Center: 408-559-8553