7 Best Sleepaway Camps In Maryland 2024

Every summer in Maryland is spectacular, with the sunlight adding to the existing beauty of this East Coast state. Its unique characteristics make it an ideal place to host a summer camp. 

The summer camps here cater to everything and everyone, with offerings for children who are into adventures or creative activities.

Kids of all ages will love exploring the woods, mountains, and beaches while surrounded by caring staff. 

If you’re looking for a camp here, these are some of the best overnight camps in Maryland. 

Summer Camp	Location	Ages	Gender	Session Lengths
River Valley Ranch	Manchester	7-17	Coed	1 week
Summer Discovery At Georgetown	Washington, D.C.	12-17	Coed	2, 4 weeks
YMCA Camp Tockwogh	Worton	3-5	Coed	1, 2 weeks
TIC Summer Camp	Rockville	7-15	Coed	1.5 weeks
Echo Hill Camp	Worton	7-16	Coed	2 weeks
Camp Puh’Tok	Monkton	7-16	Coed	1, 2 weeks
Maryland Zoo Summer Camp	Baltimore	7-14	Coed	1 week

1. River Valley Ranch

Campers at River Valley have the choice of overnight and day camps embedded with Christian values. Conveniently located outside of Baltimore in Carroll County, campers are surrounded by rolling hills and pastures while they partake in a wide variety of activities. 

Campers as young as four can share in the fun of camp activities. This includes bounce houses, nature hikes, swimming games, field games, bible lessons, arts and crafts, with plenty of snacks too. 

There’s also a morning rally where campers come together as a community before heading to their events for the day. Your camper will primarily be with their age group, making friendships and memories along the way.

Children seven and older can experience the adventure of staying at the overnight camps. There are several exciting programs to choose from. There are activities that include zip lines, tournaments, archery, carnivals, and skit nights, with all meals included. 

There’s even an extra special trail riding camp for girls looking for a summer filled with horseback riding. They also get to take part in many other camp activities such as swimming, games, parties, and free time. It’s one of the best sleepaway camps you’ll find in Maryland.

2. Summer Discovery At Georgetown University

Is your kid looking forward to expanding their education this summer? Summer Discovery at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, is offering academic enrichment programs for middle and high school students. This is an exciting opportunity to be introduced to one of the country’s historically prestigious universities. 

The programs at Georgetown are perfect for kids who want to learn more about specific industries. The course catalog includes everything from Debate & Public Speaking, Law and Forensics to Medicine and Entrepreneurship, and much more.  

With the guidance of committed teachers, young learners will cultivate career skills, gain knowledge, and apply what they’ve learned. 

Over two or four weeks, students will have morning and afternoon classes plus free time to explore the campus while staying at Harbin Hall. Kids can expect off-campus field trips to see sports games, theater shows, aquariums, and even Six Flags. Students can immerse themselves in the experience of college life. 

3. YMCA Camp Tockwogh

Another camp on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay,  YMCA Camp Tockwogh celebrates each camper’s uniqueness. But what’s different about Tockwogh is that it’s open year-round while the traditional overnight camp is available in the summer. 

Campers share rustic cabins with other kids their age. Each day they can choose between all kinds of fun activities, including waterskiing, boating, arts and crafts, and more. 

There’s also a watersports specialty camp at Tockwogh for campers who never want to leave the water. Tockwogh also offers a mini-camp for elementary school students who need a bit of an introduction before the real commitment. They spend three days at Camp Rockwogh with helpful staff to make their first camp experience a great one. 

There are youth leadership programs for those special campers who want to lead the younger ones. The Leaders In Training is centered on teamwork, interaction, and gaining valuable leadership skills. Teens also have the opportunity to become a lifeguard. With the benefit of also being able to participate in camp activities! 

4. TIC Summer Camp

Kids who want to explore technology have been attending TIC Summer Camps since they started in 1983. The two-week camps focus on exercising both the mind and body while having fun too. 

The days are split evenly between technology and athletic programs. Directors believe in creating healthy and safe environments for kids to discover mind and body balance. 

Sessions are two full weeks long, with hands-on and collaborative activities. Your code-crazy kid can learn programming, Minecraft modding, 2d animation, filmmaking, digital music, and robotics.

All programs are choice-based for campers, designed to build confidence and support teamwork. Fun group games like soccer, Capture The Flag, football, lacrosse, dance, yoga, and volleyball are all options too. Parents can pay for extra activities if they want to sign kids up for chess, swimming, and tennis. 

5. Echo Hill Camp

If you’re looking to send your child to a traditional sleepaway summer camp, this is a good one. Echo Hill Camp has hosted 150 kids, ages 7-16 at the scenic Chesapeake Bay since they first started in 1914. They offer an unplugged camping experience without the use of any technology. 

Your child gets to choose between dozens of organized activities each day. Every activity is non-competitive, and campers are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones. Activities include a plethora of water sports, as well as hikes, fruit picking, ceramics, music, sports, and archery. 

Echo Hill Camp is dedicated to creating a safe environment for kids to explore self-expression, build confidence, and gain new skills. With over 20 traditional and structured camp activities, they fill each day with fun and bonding. 

6. Camp Puh’Tok

While some other summer camps in Maryland offer equestrian activities, Camp Puh’Tok is entirely horse-focused. Located in Monkton, it is another fantastic option for campers looking for a traditional experience. 

Elementary-aged students who attend their day camp get to ride ponies, pet farm animals, swim, play field games, create art, and so much more. Since 1942, Puh’Tok has been a great place for young kids to learn about nature and horsemanship.

Campers seven and older can stay overnight and enjoy the same activities as well as crafts and dance, zip lines, tubing, archery, canoeing, and obstacle courses. 

Sixty-seven acres filled with streams, forests, pastures, and meadows are just waiting to be explored. Along with taking in nature without any screen time, campers will also have fun with special events and activities in the evenings. Kids can have a blast and likely discover many new interests and talents. 

7. Maryland Zoo Summer Camp

You’ll find various farm animals and woodland creatures at some summer camps. But how many camps can say they have zebras, giraffes, and elephants? The Maryland Zoo gives young campers in grades 2nd through 12th the awesome opportunity to explore the world of exotic animals. 

There’s Keeper-In-Training, Jr. Keeper-In-Training, and even an adult program. No matter the age, you can learn everything about animals and conservation.

For these week-long sessions, your kids get a totally immersive and interactive zoo experience. With behind-the-scenes tours and visits from animal experts, they will learn all the ins and outs of the animal kingdom and zoos. 

There are also wildlife-themed crafts and special up-close visits with some wildlife but typically their smaller animals that can be petted and fed by the campers.