Remember that summer when you learned to paddle a canoe? Slept in a bunk? Sat around the campfire? Made great friends?
Feel like doing it again? You can. And this time, bring the kids. It’s called family camp, and it’s everything you remembered and more. Sure, you can still do all the stuff you loved, but today’s family camps go way beyond the traditional, with a huge selection of activities to guarantee a week of flat-out fun.
For the fourth year running, we’ve compiled a list of the best ones around the country. A few cost less than $1,000 a week for a family of four, and none costs more than $1,000 a week per adult (kids are always less). And fees almost always include three healthy meals a day, snacks, packed lunches (when requested) and all activities.
To scroll down to the area of the country that interests you, simply click on the following list:
- California
- Colorado
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Texas
- Vermont
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Berkeley Tuolumne Camp, Yosemite National Park
Shaded and cool, under dogwoods and pines. Interpretive hikes, bocce ball, volleyball, and swimming in a dammed section of the Tuolumne River. Tent cabins scattered in the woods; sleep inside on cots or outside on the decks. California cuisine; trail lunches available. June 19–Aug 22, no minimum stay, $1,175 ($1,285 nonresidents of California), 510/981-5140, www.berkeleycamps.com.
Camp Concord, South Lake Tahoe
Comfortable, rustic cabins in the Sierras. An intimate setting—only 18 families at a time. Outstanding meals are fresh and healthy. Kids’ time while parents gather for happy hour, hiking, volleyball, or swimming in Lake Tahoe. Babysitting available. American Camping Association accredited, June 20–Aug 7, no minimum stay, $855 ($940 nonresidents), 925/671-3273, www.cityofconcord.org.
Camp Sacramento, Twin Bridges
At 6,500 feet up in the Sierras, the trout fishing is awesome—catch one and the chef will prepare it for you. Archery, crafts, hiking. Families come to relax and even bring chaise lounges and party lights to adorn their cabins. June 20–Aug 7 and Labor Day Weekend, $1,056 ($1,329 nonresidents), 916/277-6098, www.cityofsacramento.org.
Cazadero Performing Arts Camp, Cazadero
The redwoods make an awesome natural stage. Bands, orchestras, ensembles, choirs, drama, dancing, and poetry. Children learn clowning and participate in final performances. Lodging is in tents with outdoor decks. Aug 9–22, $1,955, 510/527-7500, www.cazpac.org.
Emandal Farm, Willits
Stay in redwood cabins, some with decks and all with comfortable hammocks. Linens are provided. A working farm, but you don’t have to dig potatoes. Read a book, fish, swim in the Eel River, hike, or lounge under an apple tree. Redwoods and wine country nearby. July 25–Aug 29, roughly $2,600, 707/459-5439, www.emandal.com.
Feather River Camp, Quincy
A diverse camp community with campers from as far away as Australia. Swimming and tubing on Spanish Creek, ropes course, mountain-bike rentals, horseback riding, and crafts. Supervised children’s activities. Tent cabins and wood cabins (some with electricity). July 1–Aug 15, $790 ($855 nonresidents; scholarships available), 510/336-2267, www.oaklandnet.com/parks/programs/featherriver.asp.
Forest Home, Forest Falls
A nondenominational Christian camp. Hiking, water slide, climbing wall, fishing, zipline, miniature golf, shuffleboard. Babysitting available. Speakers and worship. Economy rooms, with bunk beds and shared bath, to deluxe cabins. ACA accredited, June 20–Aug 28, economy $1,255 (scholarships available), 909/389-2300, www.foresthome.org.
Lair of the Golden Bear, Pinecrest
Actually three camps, two of which would each qualify as the largest family camp worldwide. Some families haven’t given up their annual week since the camps opened in 1949. The setting is amazing (cedars and pines in the Sierras). Platform tented cabins. June 19–Sept 4, roughly $1,900, 510/642-0221, www.alumni.berkeley.edu.
Lark camp, Mendocino
A musical party with Celtic fluting, Middle Eastern drumming, mariachi, Andean harping, jazz singing, accordion. And all kinds of dancing: contra, square, French, English country, and belly. Children’s activities, musical and otherwise. Cabins or car/tent camping. July 30–Aug 7, $1,700, meals extra, 707/964-4826, www.larkcamp.com.
Montecito-Sequoia lodge, Kings Canyon National Park
At 7,500 feet above sea level in the Sequoia National Forest. Activities aplenty, from waterskiing to horseshoes. Cabins or lodge rooms; linens provided. Country-inn atmosphere with great views, wood-burning stoves, excellent food (including wine and beer at the bar), and swimming pool. ACA accredited, June 21–September 6, cabin $3,245, 800/227-9900, www.mslodge.com.
Silver Lake Camp, Silver Lake
Fifty cabins in the High Sierras. Land and water activities, and theme weeks with Wild West shows and panning for gold. Lake Tahoe and Kit Carson Trail nearby. Dates depend on weather but generally mid-July to September, no minimum stay, $758 ($858 nonresidents), 209/937-8371, www.stocktongov.com.
Skylake Yosemite Camp, Wishon
Some families have come for generations. Waterskiing, volleyball, baseball, tennis, trail rides. Excellent food—the director graduated from the California Culinary Academy. Summer-camp cabins. ACA accredited, May 28–Aug 28, $1,574, 559/642-3720, www.skylakeyosemite.com.
Wonder Valley Family Camp, Sanger
Motel-style lodge with tennis, horseback riding, ropes course, ball fields, go-carts, WaveRunners, theme days, and wine tasting. Parents’ night out and complete day care. ACA accredited, Aug 1–21, $3,570, 800/821-2801, www.wondervalleyfamilycamp.com.
Cheley Colorado Camps, Estes Park
Bunk in covered wagons (sleeping four or five) at 7,500 feet, with Rocky Mountain peaks above. Horseback riding, fishing, climbing, crafts, songs, contests, and campfires. Children must be at least 4 years old. ACA accredited, Aug 10–15, $2,400, 800/226-7386, www.cheley.com.
Estes Park Center, Estes Park
On 860 acres with indoor swimming pool, miniature golf, hiking, mountain biking, crafts, horseback riding, and supervised kids’ activities. Cabins (with kitchens and fireplaces), vacation homes, or lodge rooms. ACA accredited, open year-round, no minimum stay, lodge from $345, meals extra, 970/586-3341, www.ymcarockies.org.
Snow Mountain Ranch, Winter Park
Just west of the Continental Divide, on 5,100 acres. Indoor swimming and climbing, concerts, magic shows, survival skills, volleyball, crafts, hiking, fly-fishing, and supervised children’s activities. Campsites with or without hookups, lodge rooms, and cabins. Open year-round, no minimum stay, lodge from $360, meals extra, 970/887-2152, www.ymcarockies.org.
Ferry Beach, Saco
Dorm-style rooms, tent sites, and cottages on the Atlantic seashore, with sandy beaches. Adult workshops in creative writing and music, as well as youth programs. Affiliated with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Portland, L.L. Bean, and Kennebunkport are nearby. July 17–Aug 7, $1,850, 207/284-8612, www.ferrybeach.org.
Medomak Family Camp, Washington
An awesome rocky shoreline, mixed forest, and blueberry patches. Water Olympics, all-camp kickball and scavenger hunts, sunset cruises, local microbrew and cheese tasting, loads of camp activities. Only 11 families per week. Lodging is in cabins. June 27–Aug 21, $1,975, 866/633-6625 or 206/845-6001, www.medomakcamp.com.
Wyonegonic camps, Denmark
One of the oldest, continuously operating camps, celebrating its 103rd season. Summer-camp cabins on 12-mile-long Moose Pond. Lots of water fun, traditional camp activities, and lobster. ACA accredited, Aug 13–22, three-day minimum stay, cabin from $1,410, 800/697-0003 or 207/452-2051, www.wyonegonic.com.
YMCA Camp Hi-Rock, Mount Washington
Lodge rooms and summer-camp cabins in the Berkshires, adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. The usual camp activities, plus a fishing tournament for the ugliest, the smallest, and the stinkiest catch. Full waterfront, family/staff sports competitions, a caving excursion, bingo, steak and lobster night, and square dancing. ACA accredited, Aug 30–Sept 6, no minimum stay, cabin $438, meals extra, 413/528-1227 ext. 13, www.camphirock.com.
Camp Pendalouan, Montague
On Big Blue Lake. Horseback riding, ropes course, canoeing, archery, crafts. Adult free time daily. Cookouts on Lake Michigan. ACA accredited, July 4–7 and 7–10, Oct 8–10, four days $570, 231/894-4538, www.i2k.com/~ycamp.
The Rock Camp & Retreat Center, Gaylord
A new Christian camp offering family weekends, bike trips (age 6 and up), and backpacking trips (13 and up) at various locations. One-day bike trip June 26, $86, backpacking trip Sept 3–5, $300, 616/866-1957, www.therockcamp.org.
YMCA Storer Camps, Jackson
All-day supervised waterfront. Horseback riding, sailing, canoeing, ropes courses, campfires, square dancing, nature crafts. Summer-camp cabins. ACA accredited, June 27–July 10 and Sept 4–6, $990, 800/536-8607, www.ymcastorercamps.org.
Camp Lake Hubert, Lake Hubert
Two sandy-bottom lakes and a tree house 17 feet up. Rope swings, hammocks, and stilts around camp; a mellow meeting place with newspapers, puzzles, and snacks; supervised teen campfires. Rustic two-story cabins with three sleeping areas. Children supervised by parents. ACA accredited, Aug 12–17, $2,260, 800/242-1909, www.lincoln-lakehubert.com.
Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland
On 2,000 acres of rolling mountains overlooking Lake Superior. Ecology, astronomy, Voyageur and Ojibwe-heritage activities, rock climbing, canoeing, ropes course, folk dancing. Dorm-style private rooms, with linens provided. July 26–31 and Aug 2–7, $1,050, 218/353-7414, www.wolf-ridge.org.
YMCA Camp du Nord, Ely
Watch for moose, falcons, and eagles. Pristine lakes and islands offer great kayaking and overnight trips. Hike shorelines and through blueberry patches. Stay in cabins or at tent sites. June 12–Sept 4, tent site $325, meals extra (three plans available), 612/465-0450, www.dunord.org.
YMCA Trout Lodge, Potosi Full waterfront on Sunnen Lake in Mark Twain National Forest. Tennis, bikes, volleyball, archery, miniature golf, hayrides, movie nights, horseback riding, and 19-hole golf. Supervised activities for 4- to 10-year-olds. Antiques shopping nearby. Lodge rooms, loft suites, and cabins, with linens provided. ACA accredited, open year-round, no minimum stay, lodge room $1,460, 314/241-9622, www.ymcaoftheozarks.org.
Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, Alton Bay
Bible camp with speakers, performers of all types, activities for kids and adults, and quiet time. On Lake Winnipesaukee. Tent/RV sites, motel-style rooms, and cottages; prepare your meals or go to the dining hall. July 4–Sept 6, no minimum stay, motel room from $275, meals extra, 603/875-6161, www.abccc.org.
Calumet Lutheran Camp and Conference Center, West Ossipee
A half mile of lifeguard-patrolled sandy beach and 150 acres bordered by Nature Conservancy Pine Barrens. Guided hiking, biking, canoeing, all-camp games, supervised teen evenings. Regional musicians and theatrical groups. All-you-can-eat breakfast, $3. Tent and RV sites; moorings available. ACA accredited, May 1–Oct 11, no minimum stay, tent site $186, meals extra, 603/539-3223, www.calumet.org.
Camp Takodah, Richmond
On Cass Pond in the mountains since 1921. Cabins and family-style meals. Activities organized by staff and families; volunteer for storytelling, flag services, or mealtime grace. Waterfront activities, pottery, sports, talent shows, and campfires. ACA accredited, Aug 29–Sept 4, $1,620, 603/352-0447 or 603/352-0447, www.camptakodah.org.
Purity Spring Resort, East Madison
Cabins or lodge rooms, in the white pines on Purity Lake. A full range of camp activities: archery, fishing, sailing, swimming, canoeing, waterskiing, climbing walls, crafts, softball, basketball, and evening campfires. Lobster cookout on the lake. Aug 22–28, two-night minimum, cabin $1,115, 800/373-3754, www.purityspring.com.
Brush Ranch Camps, Santa Fe
High mountain pines and mountain air. Horseback riding, fly-fishing, archery, ropes course, hiking, swimming in a heated pool. No TV. Cabins with bunk beds and fireplaces; linens provided. ACA accredited, Aug 2–7, $3,350, 800/722-2843 or 505/757-8821, www.brushranchcamps.com.
Western Unitarian-Universalist Life Festival, Ghost Ranch
Motel-style rooms and tent sites in a high-desert, red-rock canyon. Traditional activities, as well as chanting and drumming, summer-solstice circle, Georgia O’Keefe tour, and workshops on the mystic Southwest. Alternating days of children’s programs and whole-family programs. All faiths welcome. June 14–20, tent site $980, 719/592-0963, www.wuulf.org.
Frost Valley YMCA, Claryville
Cabins or lodge rooms in the Catskills. Miles of trout-fishing streams and a 16-acre lake. Guided night hikes, natural-edibles walks, climbing wall, hayrides, archery, astronomy, crafts, and boating. ACA accredited, open year-round, family week Aug 28–Sept 3, cabin $850, 845/985-2291, www.frostvalley.org.
Kingswood Campsite, Hancock
In the foothills of the Catskills—woods, meadows, and a lake. Boating, crafts, fishing. Platform-tent sites with latrine, running water, and outdoor kitchen (more primitive sites also available). ACA accredited, June 20–Sept 6, no minimum stay, no food service, fully equipped site $280, 203/380-8622 or 607/637-5401, www.umcamps.org.
YMCA Camp Gorham, Eagle Bay
Square dancing, parents’ night out, climbing tower, soccer, tennis, horseback riding, sailing, waterskiing, ropes course. Families lead some activities. Bike trails (bring your own wheels). Stay in Adirondack shelters or cottages. ACA accredited, Aug 22–Sept 5, shelter $1,070, 888/518-5671, www.campgorham.org.
Camp Seafarer, Arapahoe
Cabins or lodge rooms on Pamlico Sound. Family-style meals, zipline, sailing, fishing, waterskiing, golf, tennis, supervised waterfront. ACA accredited, Aug 8–13, weekends May 21–23 and Sept 3–6, $1,800, 252/249-1212, www.seagull-seafarer.org.
The MountAIn Retreat & LeaRning Centers, Highlands
Southern Appalachian dense woods and amazing views from 4,200 feet. Intergenerational activities and parent workshops. Lake and river play, hiking, crafts, and more. Lodge rooms and cabins with private baths. July 4–9, $1,280 if registered by June 4 ($1,360 after June 4; scholarships available), 828/526-5838, www.mountaincenters.org.
Camp Luther, Conneaut
Lutheran camp with separate age-appropriate activities, plus crafts, swimming pool, choir. Family reunions—some cabins sleep up to 12 (tent/RV sites with electricity and water available). Enjoy spectacular Lake Erie sunsets from these bluffs. ACA accredited, June 13–Aug 14, $1,130 (first-timers subtract $125), 440/224-2196, www.lomocamps.org.
Triangle Lake Camp & Conference Center, Blachly
Episcopal camp with lodge rooms and tent/RV sites (no hook-ups). Bible study, canoeing, crafts. Running simultaneously: an optional children’s beginner camp, then an optional three-day adventure camp for ages 5 to 9 plus one adult. ACA accredited, June 28–July 4, no minimum stay, tent/RV site roughly $590, 541/927-6132, www.trianglelake.com.
Deer Valley YMCA, Fort Hill
On the Laurel Ridge. Horseback riding, waterfront activities (and instruction), biking. Teen programs: river rafting, capture the flag, and graveyard hikes. Adult evenings: musical review, scavenger hunt, and pirate cruise. Basic cabins, larger log cabins, or lodge rooms. ACA accredited, June 12–Aug 28, basic cabin or lodge $1,426, 800/962-2386, www.deervalleyymca.org.
Asbury Hills Camp & Retreat Center, Cleveland
Where South Carolina meets the Blue Ridge. Fellowship between and within families, from belay tree climbing to family-style dining to creek walks. Crafts, canoeing, and hiking. ACA accredited, July 4–9 or weekend of July 2–4, $835, 864/836-3711, www.asburyhills.org.
Pine Cove Christian Camps, Tyler
A nondenominational Christian camp on 800 wooded acres and an 18-mile-long lake, with motel-style lodges and duplex cabins with A/C. Horseback riding, ropes course, boating, swimming pool, tennis, volleyball, archery, and crafts. Christian speakers. Team-building for parents and teens, restaurant-style meals, and breakfast trail rides. ACA accredited, May 30–Aug 14, basic cabin $1,588, 800/225-9069, www.pinecove.com.
Farm & Wilderness, Plymouth
In the Quaker tradition. Roll up your sleeves and share in chores or help plan activities. Harvest organic foods planted earlier in the summer. Hiking, waterfront activities, and lots of music. Three-sided open-air cabins. ACA accredited, August 24–29, $630, 802/422-2613, www.fandw.org.
Camp Burton Conference Center, Vashon Island
On an island in the Puget Sound (get there via ferry). Offers camp activities and Bible study by the shore. Easy access to Seattle, Victoria, and the Olympic Peninsula. Bring your own bicycle and/or sailboat. Leadership and other activities for teens and young adults. Excellent nighttime sky watching. Cabins. ACA accredited, Aug 1–7, $645, 206/463-2512, www.campburton.com.
Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg
Arrive by crossing a mountain river via the camp ferry. Day trips include golfing, rafting, antiquing. Pig roast and traditional camp activities. Platform tents with beds. ACA accredited, Aug 12–20, three-night minimum, $800, 877/446-9475 or 304/645-1316, www.campalleghany.com.
Camp Brosius, Elkhart Lake
Serves Indiana University alumni and friends ($40 makes you a friend). Waterfront activities, sports, and contests. Organized visits to the zoo, the Green Bay Packers locker room, and Brewers games. Sunrise breakfasts, and brats-and-beer lunches. A 100-year-old inn decorated à la I.U., cottages with porches, and cabins. Family camp June 27–Aug 14, rustic cabin $1,450, 800/824-3044, www.alumni.indiana.edu.
Camp North Star, Hayward
Summer-camp cabins on a peninsula of pine forests in the Spider Lake Chain. Camp activities, plus golf on the other side of the lake, informal tennis tourneys, capture the flag, family happy hour including sodas and music. ACA accredited, Aug 14–21, $1,820, 520/577-7925 or 715/462-3254, www.northstarcamp.com.
Lake Geneva Family Programs, Aurora University, Lake Geneva Campus, Lake Geneva
Formerly known as George Williams College, this retreat has 241 acres of rolling hills, with dorm rooms, motel-style rooms, and cottages. At least five organizations sponsor family camps here, including Church of Christ and Elderhostel. Full waterfront, hiking, crafts, orienteering, a 21-mile lakeshore path, and an observatory. ACA accredited, June 20–Aug 15, from $1,690 (Church of Christ), 262/245-8512, www.aurora.edu/lakegeneva.
YMCA family Camp Nawakwa, Lac du Flambeau
Lakeside in the Northwoods. Activities supervised and not: archery, orienteering, square dancing, hiking, baseball. Cabins from modern to rustic; no food service, except for the boat-and-breakfast excursion. Family camp June 12–Aug 28, cabin without bath $425, 715/588-7422, www.nawakwa.com.
