Family vacations are some of the best experiences one can have. It’s a time set apart for fun and relaxation with the ones you love the most. For families that detest waiting in long lines for minute-long rides or experiences with no time for quality conversation and interaction, a family camp is a great alternative.
Family camps offer opportunities for families to enjoy the beauty and splendor of nature and company without the distractions of modern technology or the noise of the city. Here is a look at seven of the top family camps in Colorado.
1. Cheley Family Camp
Cheley Family Camp in Drake, Colorado, is the perfect place for families who want to enjoy wonderful nature activities while getting to know other fantastic people in the process. Since 1985, Cheley has welcomed kids and adults from all over Colorado and the world to participate in this exhilarating experience in Colorado’s mountains.
The five-day camp in August allows families to take part in different activities, including arts & crafts for the kids and day hikes for the parents. There are also combined activities for parents and children, like horseback riding in the mountains. The camp provides a communal experience to get to know other families by hosting a family-style dinner every evening in the dining hall. An evening campfire follows, where everyone can showcase all the adventures of the day. Accommodations include covered wagons that can comfortability fit a family of four.
Cheley is well known for the summer camps they host for kids. Its huge facilities allow participants to do fun things like archery, kayaking, sports, wall climbing, ceramics, and more.
We also listed them in our roundup on the best overnight summer camps in Colorado.
2. The Colorado Mountain Ranch Day Camp
People can escape technology and enjoy a day of adventure at the Colorado Mountain Ranch. Families with limited time but great appetites for adventure in the great outdoors can try out this family day camp offered in early August.
Created to raise funds for scholarships for the summer camp kids, Family Camp Day is a whole day of entertainment. Kids can enjoy horseback riding, a petting farm, arts and crafts, mountainboarding, and archery, so everyone in the family can enjoy hours of entertainment. Outdoor lunch on the main campus, flag orientation, and camp singalongs highlight the quality of time spent with others here.
Since it’s mainly used as a fundraiser, it’s only a one-day event. However, it’s a great way to learn about the camp itself and enjoy a fun time with your children and significant other.
3. Ranch Camp Family Camp
Conveniently located in Elbert, Colorado, Ranch Camp offers a splendid weekend packed full of great activities for the whole family to enjoy.
This three-day family camp provides all the amenities of a traditional vacation getaway with activities of an adventurous time outdoors. There are a variety of options for housing, including tents, shared or private cabins, and tiny homes and cottages. All-day snacks, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided, giving your loved ones plenty of energy to focus on all their awesome activities.
From tie-dye, arts & crafts, swimming, and archery, to horseback rides, ropes courses, and evening adult mixers, there is plenty to keep everyone busy. Ranch Camp also provides bedtime stories with camp staff, a Shabbat service, and a 5K trail run. It’s well-known for its horseback riding program with extensive equestrian facilities to improve your skills.
4. Wind River Ranch
Wind River Ranch is a family resort with exciting activities, fine dining, and lush accommodations. The week-long summer programs provide a plethora of options for housing that can accommodate large families with spacious rooms, fully-equipped kitchens, and wood-burning fireplaces. They take care of meals with a select menu created by an executive chef with accommodations for various diets.
Families can take in the beautiful mountain landscape with hikes, horseback, and e-bike rides or enjoy the on-ranch activities of trout fishing, ranch Olympics, and Bible studies. Camp staff can babysit while adults spend time relaxing in the hot tub, shopping at Estes Park, or kayaking on the lake.
The spiritual retreat and daily Bible studies are offered to all members, allowing everyone to partake in serene activities that revitalize the mind, body, and spirit.
5. Bear Trap Ranch
Located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this 30-acre Rocky Mountains landscape is an excellent choice for families who need to get away from the hustle of daily life and connect with nature, God, and each other.
Spacious and rustic log cabins accommodate groups of up to 150 people for as many as 30 days, making them perfect for family reunions and retreats. Fun outdoor activities such as the Alpine Rescue Course team-building exercise are fantastic ways to work up a sweat and strengthen the bond between family members. Daily meals and helpful staff complement the experience of relaxing in the natural environment.
Activities include volleyball, hiking, hayrides, rock climbing, frisbee golf, and plenty of other stuff at this family camp. It’s a magical place to reflect and rejuvenate while letting your kids have some fun before the school year starts.
6. Trail West Lodge Young Life
Parents and children can have the time of their lives at Trail West Lodge Young Life Family Camp in Buena Vista, Colorado. Similar to their week-long camps for teens, the family programs provide all the same attractions and fun.
Activities are available for the whole family, including hiking, ropes courses, swimming, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding, to name a few. Comfortable lodging accommodates anywhere from 4 to 10 people, and the various facilities, including the camp store, fitness center, and game room, provide hours of fun and entertainment for your nature getaway. There is even a Western Night for the whole family to enjoy dart throwing, square dancing, cotton candy, and live music.
Throughout the year, you can also host group retreats on their huge campus.
7. Sonlight Family Camp / Grandcamp
For three days in August, families, including grandparents, can relish in the beauty of the natural world and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The Sonlight Family Camp provides a host of activities for everyone to enjoy.
For sports enthusiasts, there’s frisbee golf, geocaching, and Sonlight’s famous messy games. For extroverted socialites, there are dance parties, thematic night games, and s’mores around the campfire. The camp also provides Italian dinners and cookouts along with worship.
It lasts for a total of four days, and each family gets their own private cabin accommodations. They still have counselors for the program to supervise each activity. Sonlight also offers traditional summer camps and backpacking trips for teens.
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