Best Overnight Camps In New England
New England is composed of some of the best states in the country for kids to attend summer camp. The magnificent landscapes that include open field spaces and forests provide a perfect environment for overnight camps. States like Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, offer a multitude of premier sleepaway camps in New England, but you can still find plenty of choices in the other smaller states. If you want to find the right one for your children, check out any of the listings down below.
Poland, ME
Camp North Star Maine is located in Poland Springs, and its campus includes hundreds of acres of campground with its own private lake! It offers an environment for kids ages 7-17 to have fun, make friends, and learn important values like respect, independence, and honor.
Campers stay active all week long with a long list of activities to choose from. Athletics, creative arts, water sports and activities, and wilderness survival skills are just some of the popular pastimes.
On special day trips, campers can spend a day relaxing at the beach or experience the thrill of whitewater rafting. Kids can also hike the nearby mountain ranges or cheer on the Portland Sea Dogs baseball team! The flexible schedule allows youth to decide how they want to spend their week at camp.
Camp North Star aims to help attendees develop into positive role models. Students entering 11th and 12th grade can join the Leadership Program. This sleepaway camp in Maine goes beyond the typical leadership skills they might learn and teaches other valuable skills that can be used outside of camp, like resume writing, public speaking, and internet safety.
Campers can choose from a 2 to the 7-week camp experience.
Freedom, NH
Camp Cody is located in the heart of Freedom, NH, overlooking the shoreline of Lake Ossipee. The facility itself is pristine, scenic, and full of exciting activities. Camp Cody offers two and four-week sleep-away camp sessions for boys and girls ages 7 through 15.
Waterfront activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing, are some of the most beloved activities offered. It also features inflatable obstacle courses on the lake for adventurous campers.
This overnight camp in New Hampshire has many athletic sports available on land, including basketball, field hockey, horseback riding, and volleyball. Campers can also participate in creative activities, such as ballet, cooking, musical theater, and candle-making.
Leadership programs are available for teens ages 16 and 17 in which they take on the responsibility of junior counselors. Camp Cody also has one-week adventure trip options to top destinations like Acadia National Park and Nova Scotia. The entire camp is technology-free, so kids avoid distractions and can truly relish the company of their peers.
Freedom, NH
Located minutes from the White Mountain National Forest on 180 acres, Camp Robinhood has solidified its legacy since starting in 1927. The prime location of Camp Robinhood features waterfront access to Lake Ossipee, dense forests, and a large set of modern facilities to make campers feel at home.
Sessions at Camp Robinhood are available for children of all ages. There is a First Session for kids under 6th grade age that is four weeks and a Full Session which is seven weeks long, for kids 7th grade and above.
A typical day at Camp Robinhood is filled with five activity periods throughout. Kids get to choose from three elective activities and two group activities. The list of activities includes solo and team sports of every variety, like soccer, volleyball, lacrosse, and tennis.
There are also loads of opportunities to connect with nature, water skiing, canoeing and rafting, overnight camping, and hiking a challenging range of trails. Camp Robinhood offers something for every type of camper.
Moultonborough, NH
Camp Quinebarge is a fantastic coed overnight summer camp in New Hampshire’s famous lake region. Unlike some of the other nearby options, they have programs available for both boys and girls. Camp sessions range from two weeks to eight weeks all summer months.
Campers can expect plenty of fun things to do on the crystalline Lake Kanasatka. Many athletic sports are offered, like archery, kickball, fencing, soccer, tennis, and even Harry Potter-inspired Quidditch tournaments. The camp’s tuition includes horseback riding classes and rides along the ground’s heavily wooded trails. Thrill-seeking youth can enjoy Camp Quinebarge’s low rope course and their top zip lining.
Camp Quinebarge is also home to Monkeytown, a collection of unique treehouses separate from the main camp. It’s a fun town, complete with its own auction, currency, annual carnival, and Olympic games. They won’t find another New England experience like this one.
Camp Bauercrest
Amesbury, MA
Camp Bauercrest in Massachusetts is an all-boys sports camp that promotes healthy competition and personal growth. Kids don't need to be star athletes to have fun at Camp Bauercrest. They just need to enjoy the sports, and the world-class facilities can help them do just that.
Bauercrest features outdoor courts for night games in soccer and tennis, plus batting cages and full-sized indoor basketball courts. It's also home to a one-of-a-kind camper favorite: the Ninja Warrior course built by the designers of the American Ninja Warrior TV show.
Most campers take full advantage of the high-caliber coaches and athletic training by enrolling in the full summer program. However, there is a 2-week mini-camp available for younger children.
It has a strong Jewish tradition, but all religions and cultures are welcome. There are no religious classes, but rather a focus on core Jewish values to help young men be their best. This is achieved through its STAR philosophy which includes matters of sportsmanship and resilience.
Camp Aldersgate
North Scituate, RI
The smallest U.S. state is home to a decently sized summer camp, as Rhode Island's Camp Aldersgate sits on an enormous 280-acre campus. Students come from all over the country to enjoy the camp's private lake, challenging hiking trails, and a wide assortment of sports fields.
There are residential and day camps lasting one week for different age groups. Plus, special-focus programs like the art camp, leadership camp, and even a family camp that parents can participate in.
Camp Aldersgate is commended by campers and parents alike for its relaxed atmosphere that helps even the most introverted kids open up and take part in activities. It promotes Methodist values but is an all-inclusive camp that welcomes everyone.
Their kid-friendly lunch menu is packed with delicious items they can enjoy, like chicken fingers and tacos. Their camp counselors are trained to make sure your child is comfortable, happy, and learning while away from home at this New England summer camp.
Camp Lenox
Otis, MA
Camp Lenox is a traditional sports camp that prides itself on instilling social values while providing top-notch athletic training in the beautiful Berkshires. This camp is not for casual sports players but for athletes looking to seriously improve their game during the summer holidays under the guidance of highly qualified sports coaches and an experienced camp director.
Camo Lenox is located in Otis in the Berkshires and has been operating since 1918. It offers boys and girls ages 7-16 programming in almost any sport imaginable, from soccer and gymnastics to wiffleball and yoga.
Campers spend parts of the day working on their chosen sport(s) and partake in more classical camp activities like zip-lining, sailing, arts and crafts, rock climbing, and archery. Camp facilities include multiple sports fields, a fitness center, theatre, tennis and basketball courts, and a studio for dance classes.
The camp is truly amazing with renovated cabins, chefs who prepare delicious and nutritious meals, and full medical supplies in case of injury. Boys and girls can stay for the whole session from June 25 through August 13 or choose a half session for the first or second part of camp.
Camp Billings
Fairlee, VT
This sleepaway camp on the shores of Vermont's Lake Fairlee draws in campers for its camp spirit, rustic lakefront charm, and classic outdoor activities. Boys and girls ages 8 to 15 can enjoy the 2-week sessions that are fully technology-free.
Camp Billings strives to be an inclusive camp for creative and fun-loving kids from all different backgrounds. New arrivals receive an incredibly warm group welcome, so kids know right away that they're supported and amongst friends. Kids enjoy this camp so much that the vast majority of campers return the following summer.
One of the most popular areas is the waterfront, where kids enjoy waterskiing, sailing, daily swim lessons, and snorkeling. There are also inter-camp sports competitions and even friendly tournaments against other camps.
After dinner each day, all of the children come together for large-scale fun, like a massive game of Capture the Flag, casino night, or a dance party.
Camp Bournedale
Plymouth, MA
Camp Bournedale is located in Plymouth, Massachusetts, along a herring pond. Your child can have a fantastic time if they love aquatic activities, think kayaking, sailing, tubing, etc.
It's important to note that Bourendale is a boy-only summer camp, and there are four types of camp available. Some of these are day camps, while others run overnight. This camp also offers a Little Camper Program which is suitable for young children 4-6.
Camp Bournedale stands out from the crowd due to its extensive facilities. You can find tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, and an indoor swimming pool here.
There's even an onsite marine science area, an arts and crafts building, and rocketry! So no matter what your child's interested in, there will be something to their liking.
Camp Hawkeye
Charlestown, NH
What sets Camp Hawkeye apart from other New England summer camps is its focus on diversity and equity. This is an all-inclusive environment for kids ages 7-17 from various cultures, religions, and backgrounds to get together to have fun in a safe and positive atmosphere.
The sleepaway camp has 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-week programs, plus some of the most unique camp activities, like iron chef classes, starfish ball, and its world-famous eggy games.
The summer camp's beautiful grounds are dotted with campfire circles for s'mores and special ceremonies. Kids retire to comfortable wooden cabins each night, and each cabin has only six to eight campers plus two staff members.
The camp's tech-free philosophy encourages them to socialize, try new activities, and, above all, be themselves. Social justice is a big part of their mission.