Best Summer Camps In California

The fantastic warm weather in California makes it the perfect place for summer camps. Activites like overnight camping, swimming, kayaking, ziplining, and other fun activities can be enjoyed at many of these traditional camps. Choosing between summer camps in California for kids can be challenging since there are so many. California has many different options, ranging from educational day camps to adventure overnight camps.

In this guide, we cover some of the best summer camps in California that offer exciting activities for children of all ages. Campers can participate in fun outdoor activities and receive educational opportunities.

Top Summer Camps In California

  • Tahoe National Forest, CA

  • Ages 8-17

  • Coed

Established back in 2000, Shaffer's High Sierra Camp is one of our favorites. It's situated in Tahoe National Forest, giving campers the perfect opportunity to interact with Mother Nature. Speaking of which, the camp accommodates both boys and girls between...

  • Mountain Center, CA

  • Coed

Camp Woodcraft is a diverse and affordable summer camp that takes place in in Mountain Center, near Idyllwild, California, only two hours from San Diego. At Camp Woodcraft, kids are separated into groups divided by age with the aim to...

  • Nevada County, CA

  • Coed

Camp Augusta, located in Nevada County, is Northern California's premier overnight camp. They have a high number of activities so that all kids can find something they want to do. Some of the exciting activities include archery, ziplining, kayaking, wall...

  • Nevada City, CA

  • Coed

Fly Your Kite Camp offers overnight summer camps in Nevada City, California. They offer thrilling activities that campers can participate in, like ziplining, archery, kayaking, swimming, among other sports. Kids can also learn new things like cooking, performing arts, exploring...

  • Idyllwild, CA

  • Ages 8-17

  • Coed

AstroCamp is located in the stunning foothills of Mount San Jacinto in southern California. It's open to students ages 8-17 and makes for an ideal summer experience for kids interested in science and space.

There's an amazing array of activities...

  • Loon Lake, CA

  • Ages 8-17

  • Coed

If you live in Northern California, Deer Crossing Camp is an excellent opportunity for children ages 8-17. It's strategically situated on the shore of Loon Lake so its surrounded by some of the most magnificent sceneries.

They divide their traditional...

  • Catalina Island, CA

  • Ages 6-16

  • Coed

Situated at Howlands Landing, the Catalina Island Camps is another high-quality option in Southern California. It's approximately 22 miles off the coast, which means your child will enjoy some really scenic views all summer long.

But even more importantly, they'll...

  • Santa Cruz, CA

  • Ages 6-18

  • Coed

Kennolyn Camps offer quite a few camp options around California. One is set on 440 acres of land, made up of private Redwood Forest. The camp's location is actually very strategic as it's easy to access both from the Bay...

  • Greenville, CA

  • Ages 6-18

  • Coed

Nestled in the small town of Greenville, California, Coppercreek is an excellent summer camp for kids. Since its establishment in 1965, it has been a safe haven for dozens of campers and their families.

This camp organizes its activities around...

  • Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

  • Ages 8-18

  • Coed

Young Actors Theatre Camp receives creative campers ages 8-18 from all over California and the country each summer. They have programs in the Santa Cruz Mountains with a focus on filming and musical theatre, so youth can choose the one...