Best Overnight Summer Camps In Connecticut 2024

Connecticut is in the middle of one of the most densely populated areas of the country.

It might not be the first place that comes to mind for summer camps, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Outside of the many metropolitan areas throughout the state and New England, Connecticut is filled with river valleys like the Connecticut River and coastal shores like the Candlewood Lake in Danbury.

Even though Connecticut is relatively small, it’s full of amazing programs for children. Check out some of the best overnight summer camps in Connecticut. You should also read our guide on New England sleepaway summer camps.

Best Connecticut Overnight Camps

Summer Camp	Location	Ages	Gender	Session Lengths
Camp Claire	Lyme	8-14	Coed	1 week
KenMont KenWood Camp	Kent	8-15	Boys & Girls separate	2, 7 weeks
Camp Laurelwood	Madison	7-15	Coed	1, 4, 7 weeks
YMCA Camp Sloane	Lakeville	9-17	Coed	1, 2 weeks
Windham Tolland 4H Camp	Pomfret	6-15	Coed	1 week
YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls	Litchfield	7-15	Girls	1, 2 weeks
Buck’s Rock	New Milford	11-17	Coed	4, 6, 8 weeks
YMCA Camp Jewell	Colebrook	7-14	Coed	2 weeks

1. Camp Claire

Camp Claire has been encouraging confidence, independence, and maturity for over 100 years. Located on Hamburg Cove, Camp Claire provides all of the classic outdoor elements of a summer camp.

After arriving at this sleepaway camp, kids can choose the activities they want to focus on for their session. Once they make their selections, counselors explain all of the activities with fun skits. Every day has three activity periods, and campers have a selection that includes sailing, team sports, low ropes courses, and camp craft, among many other options. Sessions are available in one-week and two-week lengths for campers.

Kids can attend any number of sessions they would like. Day camps lasting one week are also available for those tho who prefer to go home to sleep. Camp Claire also offers a counselor-in-training program for older teenagers who want to become counselors in the future.

2. KenMont KenWood Camp

KenMont and KenWood Camps are separate boys and girls camps on the same property. Both sleepaway camps are located near the Berkshire Mountains, directly on North Spectacle Lake. This location highlights all of the natural beauty in rural Connecticut and provides the perfect place for fun outdoor adventures and making memories.

Students in grades 2-10 can attend one of their programs that last for four weeks. There are also two-week programs between sessions. All of them come with the same high-quality camp experience, supportive counseling staff, and the potential for lifelong friendships.

Each day at KenMont KenWood Camp is full of camp activities to enjoy with a group and solo. There are six activity periods throughout the day. Kids participate in team sports and waterfront activities, and the evening closes with a co-ed program.

3. Camp Laurelwood

Camp Laurelwood is situated on over 140 acres of forest in the South Central area, conveniently located a short drive from New Haven or Hartford. The emphasis at Camp Laurelwood is an integration of the summer camp experience with a vibrant Jewish community.

Kids have plenty of pursuits to choose from and five daily activity periods to explore all available options. The rounded approach at Camp Laurelwood includes physical and outdoor activities but also artistic and creative activities throughout. The daily schedule serves to cultivate key character traits like confidence, kindness, and a sense of Jewish community.

There are summer camp programs for students in 2nd-9th grade. Their longest camp is seven weeks in length, but they can also attend a shorter one which lasts four weeks, or a mini camp. For first-timers, there is also a one-week Rookie Session to try out Camp Laurelwood’s brand of summer fun.

4. YMCA Camp Sloane

Located on Wononpakook Lake in the Northwest, YMCA Camp Sloane brings all summer fun to students in grades 4-11. Since 1928, campers have been coming out to Lakeville, CO, to see what the YMCA has offered children for generations.

Campers can choose from activities like soccer, basketball, horseback riding, rowing, arts and crafts, and high ropes before they get to camp. There is also plenty of free time and group games every evening.

They split into boys and girls camps but include co-ed all-camp activities and programs daily. All campers stay in villages made up of large tents with bunk beds.

The summer programs come in one-week and two-week varieties. Day camps are also offered by YMCA Camp Sloane, and there are several specialty camps for waterskiing, performing arts, and horseback riding.

5. Windham-Tolland 4H Camp

Over 270 acres of forests and ponds near Pomfret give campers the perfect scenery for fun at Windham-Tolland 4H Camp. Children have been coming to this neck of the woods since 1954 for overnight and day camps.

Each week at summer camp features a different theme. These include things like the carnival, wild west, and the super-duper wet week. Each week includes special activities that incorporate the theme.

Getting children out in nature and participating in group activities is a big part of their focus. Through team sports, abundant water play, and the ropes and challenge courses, campers improve their bodies and minds.

Kiddos ages 6-15 can attend the residential camp for as many weeks as they want throughout the season. If your child is interested in 4H-focused activities, there are add-ons available for horseback riding and farm camp.

6. YMCA Camp Mohawk for Girls

YMCA Camp Mohawk is a great option for girls. The rolling hills of nearby Mohawk Mountain offer a wooded escape from the nearby cities of Hartford and New Haven.

You can find several activities to choose from at Camp Mohawk for every type of girl. They can make a splash on Mohawk Pond by swimming, fishing, or windsurfing. Campers can learn arts and crafts, creative writing, and photography. Or if they’re athletes, participate in basketball, field hockey, or soccer. Horseback riding is one of their specialties, so that’s a great consideration for girls.

If your child would like to attend a day camp, Camp Mohawk has this option with weekly options. If you want to help your daughter build up confidence and learn all types of new things, send her to Camp Mohawk.

7. Buck’s Rock

Young artists will find this an attractive camp option at the foothills of the Berkshires. Here, they can express themselves through a variety of creative outlets. Through a staff of talented instructors and working artists, students receive guidance and motivation as they improve their skills.

Art classes include learning ceramics, glassworking, and sculpture. There are also performing arts programs in dance, music, and theatre that involve actual live performances. In addition to creative pursuits, kids can participate in sports and waterfront activities, all done in a non-competitive environment.

Students are welcome to attend Buck’s Rock for 4, 6, or 8 weeks. Kids are given the freedom to spend their days however they choose.

8. YMCA Camp Jewell

For 100+ years, YMCA Camp Jewell has been hosting children for their overnight summer camps. Camp Jewell is located in Colebrook, surrounded by wooded hills, and features access to the nearby Lake Triangle.

The activities list includes over 35 choices in five different categories. Kids can be adventurous and try their luck at ropes, rock climbing, or mountain boarding. They can swim, go sailing, or kayaking on Lake Triangle. If they’re feeling competitive, they can play team sports like basketball, volleyball, and baseball. 

Creative kids will find plenty to do as well with guitar lessons as well as arts and crafts of all sorts. Lastly, kids can participate in woods crafts with camping, fire making, and trail hiking.

You don’t need to enroll children only one time, as there is the option to attend multiple sessions if desired.

New England Neighbors:

• Sleepaway Camps In Massachusetts