Many of us have fond childhood memories of summer camp, but who says you have to leave those years behind? We’ve covered summer camp-style programs designed with adults in mind, but camps for families are a great option, too! Across the South, many traditional children’s camps now offer “family camp” sessions with activities for all ages. From outdoor adventures to nostalgic nights spent around the fire, these spots will have you well on your way to making some core summer memories.
Camp Swamp
Address: 1400 Maxey’s Road, Union Point, GA 30669
More Info: campswamp.com
Camp Swamp offers a family camp for adults and children five years and older. Your four-day, three-night stay will be jam-packed with activities and fun, so there’s no chance of boredom. The program is designed to strengthen intergenerational connections within families and allow you to connect to other families in similar seasons of life. Get ready for all the classic campy activities — from crafts and recreation games to water sports and campfires!
Deer Run
Address: 3845 Perkins Road, Thompson’s Station, TN
More Info: deerrun.camp
Tucked into the rolling hills of Tennessee, Deer Run camp is a beautiful getaway just 40 miles outside of Nashville. Spread over 150 acres of land, this camp is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Deer Run offers year-round camps and retreats, from traditional summer overnights and day camps to a spring break mini-camp and winter retreat.
Every August, Deer Run hosts a father-son adventure weekend full of adrenaline-inducing activities like zip lining, axe-throwing, rock climbing, and lake activities. In September, mothers and daughters can sign up to attend a mother-daughter getaway weekend. This special retreat is a great way to connect with your daughter as you enjoy fun outdoor movie nights, glow-in-the-dark dance parties, wagon rides, campfires, and more.
YMCA Camp Sea Gull & Camp Seafarer
Address: 218 Sea Gull Landing, Arapahoe, NC 28510; 2744 Seafarer Rd, Arapahoe, NC 28510
More Info: seagull-seafarer.org
Camp Sea Gull for boys and Camp Seafarer for girls offer family camp sessions starting in the spring and running through the fall. The YMCA camps are set on the coast of North Carolina, home to one of the Southeast’s largest boat fleets! They offer fabulous waterfront activities like sailing, fishing, and paddle sports, and during the traditional camp sessions, campers can even earn their sailing and power boating certifications.
Stay in an open-air cabin (air-conditioned lodgings are also available) and enjoy camp activities like boating, zip-lining, archery, and crafts. Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer offer sessions for the entire family or special mother-daughter and father-son weekend retreats.
WinShape Camps
Address: Mt. Berry, Georgia; Crandall, Georgia
More Info: winshape.org
If you’re looking for a family camp with varying session lengths, WinShape Camps might be your perfect fit. During summer, you can choose between a full-length, six-day, five-night, or mini-three-day session. WinShape also offers a mother-daughter mini-camp weekend in the fall.
Enjoy zip-lining, “lake-blobbing,” banana boating, theme nights, and more. The full-length session even has a parent’s night off! WinShape family camp is “like recess, with grownups” and is a great way to introduce camp to your kids. The serene lake and beautiful acres of wooded outdoors are the perfect setting to help you disconnect from everyday life and connect with the ones that matter most!
Camp DeSoto
Address: 264 Highway Above the Clouds, Mentone, AL 35984
More Info: campdesoto.com
While Camp DeSoto is a camp for girls, the family camp sessions are open to all! Set in beautiful Mentone, Alabama, Camp DeSoto is less than an hour from Chattanooga. Every family is assigned their own cabin, or you can request to bunk with family friends. Family camp days follow the rhythm of a typical camp session, so former DeSoto campers will have all the nostalgic camp feels. You can expect to enjoy a full day of swimming, canoeing, tennis, archery, fishing, biking, horseback riding, archery, and more.
Twin Lakes
Address: 155 Milner Road, Florence, Mississippi 39073
More Info: twinlakescamp.com
If your family prefers a camp setting with a looser structure, Twin Lakes might be the perfect fit. The three-day, two-night family camp sessions in July are designed to help families unplug and create memories together. Enjoy plenty of built-in free time to rest or participate in activities like kayaking, horseback riding, zip-lining, rock climbing, swimming, disc golf, and more.
Twin Lakes has lodging options to suit any family size, with different cabins across the property. Since 1970, Twin Lakes has provided campers with a fun and safe environment to enjoy nature. The family camp sessions are “family vacation made simple” and are an excellent way for little ones to test the waters of traditional camp sessions.
Happy camping!
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