The best family camp programs for all ages

Beaches, boating, mountains, and… fun! Seriously, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has it all (this isn’t the first time it’s made this list). Families can enjoy a private cabin or private rooms. You don’t have to adhere to a strict schedule either. The 90-acre lake, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and high-ropes courses mean that Hi-Rock has just what it takes to put a smile on kids’ and parents’ faces. Not to mention that it’s also been rated one of the nation’s top 50 Family Camps in Arthur Frommer’s Guide! Ages 7–16.

This is the family camp for the big families. Forget about just bringing your kids. Bring your siblings, nieces, and nephews. Oh, and don’t forget your cousins! Club Getaway is the spot for large groups. You can turn your phone on airplane mode (I’m sure your family will keep you entertained just fine). The whole bunch will enjoy family races, swims in the lake, and hikes around the 300-acre adventure resort. Ages 4 and up.

Windsor Mountain Summer Camp has been welcoming families for more than a decade, so they know what it takes to ensure families have a good time. If you’re a city or even suburban family, escaping to rural New Hampshire might be just what you need to recharge for a bit. Get ready to call the dorms, bungalows, and cabins home as you hand over the cooking duties to a chef. Okay, now it’s starting to sound like a real vacation for the parents.

Consider the Appalachian Mountain Club Family Adventure Camps camping for people who don’t really camp. Not every New Yorker wants the full summer camp experience. So, if you want a scenic trip with the luxuries of home, consider this New England retreat your destination of choice. After five days of age-appropriate family activities, you’ll leave the all-inclusive camp feeling like you got all the benefits of a summer camp, without the hassle. Ages 5-12.

At Camp Lenox, you can choose what kind of summer you want to have. The campgrounds are available to rent for any type of occasion. According to the most recent information from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Camping Association, it’s been deemed safe to use for the summer as long as campers abide by the recommended COVID-19 safety guidelines. All staff will is required to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 and the camp strongly recommends that campers be vaccinated also. 

Forest Lake Camp welcomes families of their youth campers and additional families as well. After their usual seven-week camp session is over, families have the opportunity to visit. Parents and grandparents are welcome to the camp that’s been around since 1926. Families get to spend a full week together exploring the 800-acre Aditorncack camp and private lake. It’s also a great way to “test out” the grounds if you’re considering sending your children there the following summer.

All you need is a weekend to enjoy what the YMCA Fairview Lake Family Camp has to offer. The New Jersey location offers themed weekends as well. There’s an LGBTQ+ Family Camp, a Labor Day Weekend Family Camp, and Family Adventure Weekend. Although, the dates are selling out fast. So, if you want to enjoy what Fairview Lake has to offer, make sure to book a weekend or even rent a cabin for a longer stay.

If you’re looking for a nearby trip, then Kymer’s Camping Resort is a great option for your family. You’ll have the freedom to do what you want with your trip when you rent one of their park models, cozy cabins, or luxury tent rentals. Situated on 200 scenic acres in the Kittatinny Mountains, the New Jersey camping grounds offers hiking on the Appalachian Trail, kayaking on the lake, or just the perfect place to relax by the pool.

Babies, kids, teenagers, and adults are all welcome at Camp Common Ground. Every year, the inter-generational family camp welcomes a diverse group of people to a weeklong family vacation program. Families can spend time together and apart. In the morning, kids have the chance to participate in activities with other kids their ages. During this time, adult classes like yoga, meditation, and pottery are offered. In the afternoon and evening, families can engage in activities together. 

Travel to Pennsylvania for a weekend in the mountains! You can enjoy a few days where you’re not driving, not on the subway, and not cooking or cleaning. You can focus completely on your family. “Camptivities” are scheduled throughout the day so that the parents and kids don’t have to worry about how to spend their time. Enjoy sunset hikes, mountain biking, archery, campfires, and crafts.