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

Fun, friends, and wilderness adventures await you at this overnight summer camp in California's High Sierra mountains. Located along the peaceful headwaters of the North Yuba River near many different lakes and miles and miles of hiking, biking and horse...

  • Mountain Center, CA

  • Coed

Camp Woodcraft, a program of Woodcraft Rangers, has a storied legacy of fostering inclusion and access in the outdoors since its founding in 1902 by author and naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton. As a pioneer in youth development and outdoor education,...

  • 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...

  • Idyllwild, CA

  • Ages 8-17

  • Coed

AstroCamp offers one- and two-week overnight summer camps in Southern California for kids and teens ages 8–17. Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, our campers explore hands-on science, astronomy, outdoor adventure, and classic camp activities while building confidence in a...

  • Loon Lake, CA

  • Ages 8-17

  • Coed

Deer Crossing Wilderness Camp is owned and operated by Doug Fischer (Camp Director) and John Ellis (Director of Operations). Deer Crossing was founded in 1983 by Jim Wiltens, who served as Co-Owner and Camp Director through 2022, and his family....

  • Catalina Island, CA

  • Ages 6-16

  • Coed

Established in 1922, Catalina Island Camps, Inc. (CIC) operates a coed summer resident camp for 1st through 10th graders.

CIC is also the home of the Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp and the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP). The camp facility...

  • Santa Cruz, CA

  • Ages 6-18

  • Coed

In our unique program, campers experience the perfect blend of independence and camaraderie. They have the freedom to choose their own activities, ensuring days are tailored to their interests. At the same time, they share meals, sleep, and spend time...

  • Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

  • Ages 8-18

  • Coed

Developed by our team of amazing instructors, our multi-award winning programs focus on discovering and developing each individual student’s talents in ALL the areas of the performing arts.

Our classes are all taught by working actors, singers, directors, dancers casting...