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32 Best Summer Camps in California for Kids & Teens

If you’re looking for the best summer camps in California, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve collected a large list of the best camps you can find in the Golden State.

California is the largest state in the country. Although it’s known for LA and other urban areas, California has plenty of untapped wilderness, forests, and mountains, which means that there are many picturesque places for summer camps throughout the state.

With its vast diversity, California is a natural playground where all children are entitled and welcome to romp and play. Attending summer camps in California provides kids and teens with opportunities for adventure, learning, and personal growth.

Not all summer camps in California are created equally, however. You’ll find summer camps for teens in California, as well as summer camps for younger children. With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the best summer camps in California.

Explore Different Types of Summer Camps 

There are actually several different types of summer camps for kids out there. Because of that, it’s helpful to know them beforehand before you look for day camps in Northern California or sleepaway camps in Southern California.

The two major summer camps are day camps and overnight summer camps (also known as “sleepaways”).

Day camps are more of a school-like environment, and you’ll need to drop off and pick up your kid each day. Sleepaway and overnight camps are likely what you think of when you think of summer camps since they also provide accommodations to campers.

There are also camps divided by age. You’ll find summer camps for teenagers in California, as well as summer camps for younger children.

With that in mind, here’s what you need to know about the best summer camps in California.

Top Summer Camps in North Central California

Known for some of the richest biodiversity on the West Coast, North Central California has so much to offer residents and tourists alike, so it’s no wonder you can find the best summer camps in California in this region. This area also has tons of fun-filled days to offer kids for summer camp. If you’re a parent looking for awesome summer camps in north central California, then check these outstanding choices out.

Rebounderz in Sacramento

City: Sacramento

More Info on the Camp: Rebounderz is one of the most fun summer camps in Sacramento, offering a variety of exciting activities. Kids can enjoy indoor trampoline areas, climbing walls, an air pit, and an arcade. These activities provide great benefits for both physical and social development. The trampolines and climbing walls help improve strength, coordination, and fitness, while the arcade and group activities promote teamwork and social skills. 

Unique features like the air pit offer a safe space for kids to practice jumps and flips. For those looking for something different from typical summer camps for kids, Rebounderz is an excellent option. You can enroll in three-day camps, which cost $239, or one-day camps, which cost $119, throughout the summer.
Website: https://www.rebounderz.com/summer-camps-sacramento/

Coppercreek Camp

City: Greenville

More Info on the Camp: Coppercreek Camp in Greenville is a quintessential summer camp with various outdoor activities, skill-building sessions, and more. Since being affected by the Dixie Fire, Coppercreek Camp is planning on offering glamping services and RV sites for campers.
Website: https://coppercreek.com/

Rock-N-Water Christian Camps

City: Lotus 

More Info on the Camp: Rock-N-Water Christian Camps is a camp that provides services to church youth groups, families, and more. It features activities from rock climbing to whitewater rafting while incorporating Christian teachings. Prices vary depending on the camp and included activities.
Website: https://www.rocknwater.com/

Camp Augusta

City: Nevada City

More Info on the Camp: Camp Augusta is a summer camp located in the Sierra Nevada forest with more than 150 activities from zip lines, canoeing, arts and crafts, music, and more. It’s available for multi-day options throughout the summer, and it costs $375 per person to $500 per person, depending on the camp.
Website: https://campaugusta.org/

Mountain Camp Woodside

City: Portola Valley 

More Info on the Camp: Mountain Camp Woodside has been fostering friendship, adventure, and learning for 46 years. Established with a vision to create a nurturing environment, the camp has a rich history of helping campers develop leadership skills and personal growth. 

The camp offers a variety of activities designed to promote teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Summer enrollment rates start at $1,095 for a one-week session or $2,095 for a two-week session.
Website: https://mountaincampwoodside.com/

Best Summer Camps in the Bay Area

The Bay Area of California is known for sensational beaches, Silicon Valley, and fine wine country such as Napa Valley and Sonoma. This region is also known for some serious good times and memories made. Here are our top Bay Area picks for the best summer camps in California.

YMCA Camp Jones Gulch

City: La Honda

More Info on the Camp: Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, YMCA Camp Jones Gulch features a range of activities that you’d normally find at a summer camp — including campfire chats, archery, youth sports and more. It costs $660 to $880 a week, depending on the week.
Website: https://www.ymcasf.org/locations/ymca-camp-jones-gulch-0

Roughing It Day Camp

City: Lafayette 

More Info on the Camp: Family owned and operated since 1972, Roughing It Day Camp is a summer camp focused on outdoor skill-building and small groups. It costs $2,990 for a two-week session, with prices increasing based on the timeframe.
Website: https://www.roughingit.com/

The YMCA at Camp Arroyo

City: Livermore 

More Info on the Camp: The YMCA at Camp Arroyo is both an event space and a camp. Although it has a range of quintessential summer camp activities, it focuses on providing a camp experience to existing youth groups and programs. Rental prices begin at $61 per person per night.
Website: https://www.ymca.org/camps/camp-arroyo

YMCA Camp Loma Mar

City: Loma Mar 

More Info on the Camp: Camp Loma Mar is a traditional summer camp at the foot of the Santa Cruz mountains. There are various activities, from hiking among the beautiful redwoods to scaling rock walls and swimming. Various weeks are available throughout the summer, and the camp costs $770 for Y members and $850 for non-members.
Website: https://ymcaeastbay.org/camps/camp-loma-mar/summer-camp

Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp, Inc

City: Novato 

More Info on the Camp: Shaffer’s High Sierra Camp is dedicated to providing a well-rounded experience that combines traditional camp activities with personal growth opportunities. The camp’s philosophy centers on fostering independence, creativity, and teamwork. 

Activities range from performing arts and paddle boarding to volleyball, each designed to help campers build confidence and develop new skills. Camp prices range from $2,295 for a one-week camp to $4,195 for a two-week camp.
Website: https://highsierracamp.com/

CYO Camp

City: Occidental

More Info on the Camp: CYO Camp is a summer camp operated by Catholic Charities that focuses on helping kids of all religious backgrounds foster positive relationships. Activities include soccer, swimming, archery, and more. A weeklong session at CYO Camp costs $815.
Website: https://catholiccharitiessf.org/cyocamp/

Mountain Camp Woodside

City: Portola Valley 

More Info on the Camp: Mountain Camp woodside is an appropriately named option that has been offering campers friendship, adventure, and learning for 46 years. Summer enrollment rates start at $1,095 for a one-week session or $2,095 for a two-week session.
Website: https://mountaincampwoodside.com/

Celsius and Beyond

City: San Francisco 

More Info on the Camp: Celsius and Beyond is unique among California summer camps for its emphasis on allowing kids to explore scientific concepts and skills. It distills college-level courses into activities designed to help kids explore scientific concepts. Rates start at $585 per weeklong session.
Website: https://celsiusandbeyond.com/

Walden West

City: Saratoga

More Info on the Camp: Operated by the Walden West Foundation, this summer camp is heavily focused on helping kids develop a lifelong passion for science, engineering, and the outdoors. It offers day camps with activities like arts and crafts, gardening, nature study, and hiking. No prices were listed online as of writing.
Website: https://www.waldenwest.org/

Frontier Ranch Camp

City: Scotts Valley

More Info on the Camp: Frontier Ranch is a summer camp in Scotts Valley, just south of San Jose. At this camp, you’ll find a range of outdoor and learning activities divided into junior, day, and high school camps. Junior high and high school camps cost $515 for a week.
Website: https://frontier-ranch.com/

Kennolyn Camp

City: Soquel 

More Info on the Camp: Located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this camp offers day camps, overnight camps, and family camp options with a range of fun activities. It costs between $600 to $855 for family camps, while overnight options cost $2,800 for a one-week stay.
Website: https://www.kennolyncamps.com/

Popular Summer Camps in Central California

World-renowned for its fertile soils, the Central region of California is easily the agricultural gem of the state. It’s also a great place for kids to swim, play, learn, and enjoy the summer. Here are a few of our picks for the best summer camps in California in the Central region of the state.

Skylake Yosemite Camp

City: Brass Lake 

More Info on the Camp: Described as a classic sleepaway summer camp experience, Skylake is located in Brass Lake, and it provides fun activities and learning without cell phones or video games. It costs $4,175 for a two-week summer camp experience.
Website: https://www.skylake.com/

Camp Ocean Pines

City: Cambria 

More Info on the Camp: As the name evokes, Camp Ocean Pines is located on thirteen acres of Monterey Pine forest that overlook the ocean. This unique setting provides the perfect backdrop for summer camp programs that emphasize environmental education and conservation. 

Activities include hands-on conservation projects, wildlife observation, and eco-friendly crafts. The camp encourages campers to connect with nature through guided hikes, beach exploration, and sustainable living practices. A six-day session costs $1,900, while a two-week session costs $2,850.
Website: https://campoceanpines.org/

Jenness Park Christian Camp

City: Cold Springs 

More Info on the Camp: A religious summer camp located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Jenness Park Christian Camp offers both youth and teenager camp options. There are various dates available, and the camp costs $359 per participant for a five-day session.
Website: https://www.jennesspark.com/

Jameson Ranch Camp

City: Glennville 

More Info on the Camp: Jameson Ranch Camp is a unique camp that’s located on a working ranch. It offers many activities that you might not find at a typical summer camp, such as overnight backpacking and horseback riding. It costs $3,330 for a two-week session.
Website: http://www.jamesonranchcamp.com/

Camp Tawonga

City: Groveland

More Info on the Camp: Camp Tawonga is a Jewish summer camp focused on expanding leadership skills and creating both lifelong memories and friends. There are one-, two-, and three-week sessions available with a range of activities. It costs $4,295 for a two-week session.
Website: https://tawonga.org/

YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake

City: Miramonte

More Info on the Camp: A classic camp experience located on Sequoia Lake, this camp offers young people a week of unplugging from technology, learning opportunities, and the ability to forge lifelong friendships. Rates are tiered and will vary depending on the circumstance.
Website: https://ymcacampsequoialake.org/

Calvin Crest Conferences

City: Oakhurst 

More Info on the Camp: Calvin Crest Conferences is one of many Christian summer camps in California. It’s located in the Sierra National Forest and has more than 340 acres of natural ground. Rates begin at $160 per person, depending on accommodations.
Website: https://www.calvincrest.com/

Camp Sugar Pine

City: Oakhurst 

More Info on the Camp: Camp Sugar Pine in Oakhurst is a Christian summer camp nestled in the mountains. It strongly focuses on combining faith with fun, with everything from chapels and worship to outdoor activities. It costs $489 for a week-long session.
Website: http://www.sugarpine.org/

River Way Ranch Camp

City: Sanger 

More Info on the Camp: River Way Ranch Camp is an award-winning California summer camp with both learning opportunities and outdoor experiences. One-week and two-week sessions are available, with prices starting at $2,695.
Website: https://www.riverwayranchcamp.com/

Top Summer Camps in the Inland Deserts Region of California

Close to Los Angeles, the Inland Deserts Region of California affords a myriad of fun-filled activities for summer campers as well as being close to many LA residents. To prove our point, here are our hand-picked selections for summer camps in the Inland Deserts area of California.

Wasewagan Summer Camp & Retreat

City: Angelus Oaks 

More Info on the Camp: Wasewagan is a camp nestled in the forests near Big Bear and built next to the Santa Ana River. Because of its location, it ranks highly among overnight summer camps in Southern California. Activities include everything from nature education to fishing to river volleyball. It costs $1,360 per week during the summer months.
Website: https://www.wasewagan.com/

YMCA Camp Whittle

City: Fawnskin 

More Info on the Camp: From moonlight zip lining to kayaking, there are a plethora of activities to take part in at YMCA Camp Whittle. Located in San Bernardino County, this summer camp for teens and kids encourages exploration of nature and fosters opportunities to build lifelong friendships. No prices were listed as of writing, but past camps have cost $725 for a session.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/YMCACampWhittle/

AstroCamp

City: Idyllwild

More Info on the Camp: More Info on the Camp: AstroCamp offers unique one-week and two-week programs that combine traditional camp activities with exciting science and space-related experiences. Campers can engage in stargazing, space simulations, rocketry, and hands-on experiments in physics and astronomy. 

These programs not only provide fun and adventure but also encourage critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the universe. It costs $1,950 for a one-week session.
Website: https://astrocamp.org/

Pali Adventure

City: Running Springs 

More Info on the Camp: Pali Adventure is a Southern California summer camp located near LA that gives campers agency by allowing them to personalize their experience. Specialties include everything from Aviation to Movie Makeup. Two-week camps cost $4,190, with prices increasing depending on duration.
Website: https://paliadventures.com/

Best Summer Camps in the South Coast Region of California

With breathtaking seascapes, dynamic beach views, and an ever-uplifting breeze from the Pacific – the South Coast Region of California is a goldmine of natural living, fine dining, and much more. This area of California is also a mecca for summertime fun-seekers in the form of phenomenal camps your kids will love. Check out these summer camps in the South Coast area of California.

Camp Keystone

City: Agoura Hills 

More Info on the Camp: One of the top summer camps in Agoura Hills, Camp Keystone is a day camp with a full range of activities from “classic” to “cool” — including go-carts, karaoke, archery, and nature exploration. It costs $670.50 for a one-week session, with prices increasing up to nine weeks.
Website: https://campkeystone.com/

Amplify Sleep Away Camp

City: Ojai

More Info on the Camp: Amplify Sleep Away Camp is a girls’ overnight summer camp located in Ojai, California. It’s designed to be an inspiring and empowering camp where campers choose a “track” to focus on during their session, from journalism to music production. It costs $3,850 per two-week session.
Website: https://www.girlsrocksb.org/

Camp Ramah in California

City: Ojai

More Info on the Camp: Camp Ramah is a Jewish summer camp located in Ojai, California. It boasts a range of activities, from Israeli dancing to Krav Maga and from archery to woodworking. Pricing varies, with $3,110 for a one-week session being the lowest rate.
Website: https://ramah.org/

Camp Adventurewood

City: Pasadena 

More Info on the Camp: This outdoor-themed day camp is located in Pasadena and is focused on creating an environment for fun, learning, and growth. It hosts many activities, from wild animal encounters to horse-drawn wagon rides. A full six-week session costs $3,990.
Website: https://campadventurewood.com/

Choosing the Right Summer Camp for Your Child

Picking the right summer camp for your child involves a few key things. Think about the location—whether you want it close to home or somewhere more adventurous. Make sure the camp’s activities match your child’s interests, like sports, arts, science, or outdoor fun. 

Check that the staff are trained and experienced in working with kids. Look into the camp’s safety measures, such as emergency plans and health services. Consider the length and cost of the camp to fit your schedule and budget. 

Finally, read reviews from other parents and ask the camp any questions you have. By considering these factors, you can find a summer camp that will give your child a great experience. Other things to do in California with kids include visiting amusement parks, exploring nature trails, and enjoying the beautiful beaches.