Best Overnight Camps In Illinois
Illinois has hundreds of state parks and more than 500,000+ acres of protected land, which is why so many summer camps can be found in the state. Whether you're looking for a camp in Chicago or other major or minor ciites, our summer camp guide will make things easy for discovering a camp that's right for your child. Let your kids escape the concrete jungle this summer to explore the undeveloped nature just beyond your backyard. These Illinois summer camps can offer your child exciting activities, outdoor adventures, and an excellent opportunity to grow and develop new skills.
Camp Manitowa
Benton, IL
Camp Manitowa has been offering summer adventures to kids for 10+ years now. There are dozens of activities for kids to choose from each day, including zip lining, rock climbing, water skiing, biking, soccer, frisbee golf, kayaking, plus a variety of other indoor and outdoor sports.
Adventure by choice is Camp Manitowa's motto. Apart from those fun activities, campers can also expect field trips to museums and other local places.
Your children are encouraged to try new things outside their comfort zone. However, they don't need to participate in activities...
Nike Soccer Camp at Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, IL
Is your kid obsessed with kicking soccer balls around or loves running full speed with endless amounts of energy? If so, these coed overnight soccer camps at Elmhurst University are perfect.
Young soccer stars can improve their skills and gameplay through training in decision-making and supportive play. All areas and positions of the field are covered, including attacking and defending, through daily practice and tournaments.
Campers range in age from 8-18, and anyone over nine can stay on campus for up to five days. This summer program is geared toward...
Camp Shaw-Waw-Nas-See
Manteno, IL
Adventure, creativity, and bravery converge at this happy overnight camp! At Camp Shaw, kids go beyond adventures of the great outdoors as they cultivate a deeper sense of themselves.
There are two camp options for your kiddos: youth camp and extreme camp. Youth camp's primary goal is creating magical memories that can stick around for a lifetime! Camptivities include archery, arts and crafts, theatre, photography, music, swimming, ziplining, and so much more. Extreme camp lasts two days more, lasting a total of 7 days.
For those who have never been...
YMCA Camp Benson
Carroll County, IL
YMCA Camp Benson has been running for 95 years now in Carroll County. Campers ages 6-17 can join their weekly or 11-day programs, where thrilling adventures are part of the day to day.
The popular adventure camp for 3rd to 9th-grade students features multiple sessions where they can choose what activities they want to do and learn more about themselves in the process.
There is also a mega camp that takes place over 11 days and offers more time to do fun things. Teenagers are invited to their teen camp...
Camp Wartburg
Waterloo, IL
If you're looking for a faith-based summer camp your child can return to year after year, you're in luck. With over 120 acres of woods, trails, and water to explore in Southern Illinois, Christian values are always at the heart of each activity.
Each week is unique at Camp Wartburg. Kids can be enrolled for multiple weeks and have different experiences each time. Everyone's favorite summer activities are covered here, including hiking, swimming, canoeing, archery, and fire building.
There are group initiative courses designed to get campers working together in...
YMCA Camp Duncan
Ingleside, IL
This YMCA Camp offers interest-based day camps as well as overnight summer camps. With so many options, parents can customize their child's experience and sign them up for what they want.
YMCA Camp Duncan has a specialty camp for adventure seekers, with activities like rock climbing, swimming, and exciting games. The Navigator options offer boating events, challenge courses, and team sports.
The Trailblazers option has plenty of water activities, including swim practice and group games. There is a mini residential program for young or first-time campers ages 7-13 to experience...
Camp Ondessonk
Ozark, IL
Located in the beautiful Ozarks, Camp Ondessonk offers plenty of exciting activities for youngsters, including woodcraft, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, horseback riding, rock climbing, team-building exercises, and nature exploration.
Situated on Lake Echon, the camp is surrounded by a wealth of natural beauty, with Ozark Creek being close by, as well as tons of other water habitats such as Cedar Falls and Cedar Creek. Their campus in the Shawnee National Forest gives children exposure to nature that's hard to find elsewhere, so they can get a good outdoor education.
With...
White Pines Ranch
Oregon, IL
White Pines Ranch gives young campers a true ranching experience with their sleepaway camps. It's only an hour and a half away from Chicago, making it close enough to drive but still remote enough to be away from the noise and learn about country living.
Situated in Northern Illinois, White Pines Ranch offers kids ages 8 to 15 to experience the ranching life and activities such as hiking, craftsmanship, and horseback riding lessons.
Campers can learn horsemanship skills, such as saddling, feeding, grooming, and general equine health. The magnificent sandstone...