Washington Ranch is owned and operated by CARC, Inc. In 1986 CARC purchased Washington Ranch to provide expansion capabilities for CARC’s primary mission of serving people with developmental disabilities. CARC has since built two groups of homes on the property. These group homes support the mission and values of CARC. Camp Washington Ranch is first and foremost the home of our special clients. Any visitor to Camp Washington Ranch must understand that they are guests in their home.

Before being purchased by CARC, Washington Ranch had a colorful history of gunslingers, double-dealing cattle ranchers, and entrepreneurial businessmen. A tour of the grounds offers multiple opportunities to travel back in time for a taste of the wild west.

Today, this historic facility is available to the public and serves as a unique backdrop for weddings, conferences, traveling church groups, bird watchers, and many more. Facilities for rent include the main house with a kitchen, conference center, atrium, several restrooms, and three motel rooms. Beyond the main house, facilities include two single-room cabins and a spacious bunkhouse. Large groups will enjoy the dining hall with a commercial kitchen and four dorms capable of sleeping 20 people each. All in all, Camp Washington Ranch has the facilities to provide accommodation in Carlsbad for 100 people.

Washington Ranch is bird-watcher-friendly, but please be respectful of any private event taking place on the grounds or in the buildings. Groups or events that have rented the facility take priority. Call and give notice when you would like to bird-watch on the property.

There is no charge to explore the grounds, but donations are welcome.