Texas Summer Camp Guide
A guide to day and overnight camps by region. Start planning now.
By Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
The countdown to summer has begun! More than likely, you can already hear the kids moaning. "There's nothing to do around here!" Well, here's an idea long cherished by generations of parents: enroll those youngsters in an exciting, fun-filled summer camp.
In the guide that follows, you'll find a sampling of more than 40 summer camps across Texas. It includes many traditional overnight camps, along with several day camps, a few specialized camps (marine and academic, for example) and four camps that serve children with special needs.
Our guide is not meant to be comprehensive and provides just a taste of what each camp offers. For more details (and photographs, too), visit the Web sites of camps that interest you and your family. Most have spring deadlines for registering kids, and some fill up fast, so get your applications in soon.
Your reward: lots of happy campers this summer!
North
Denton
Camp Kiowa
An enrichment program located on Texas Woman’s University’s campus. Academic activities plus sports, crafts, rock climbing and swimming.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-, three- and four-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $1,185-$4,989
- Contact:
- (940) 239-5126; <www.campkiowa.com>
Fort Worth
Camp Carter YMCA
Traditional camp activities include horseback riding, archery, sailing, riflery, skeet, hiking, biking and swimming. Adventure trips available for older campers.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $160-$850 (financial assistance available)
- Contact:
- (817) 738-9241; <www.campcarter.org>
Graford
Camp Grady Spruce (YMCA)
Main Camp caters to boys ages 7-12; same-age girls go to Ray Bean Camp. Frontier Camp (coed, ages 13-16) offers water sports, horseback riding and rock climbing at Lake Mineral Wells.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-16
- What:
- Overnight camp, 5- to 21-day sessions. Day camp, five-day sessions
- When:
- June-July
- Cost:
- $125-$1,500 (financial assistance available)
- Contact:
- (866) 391-7343, (940) 779-3411; <www.campgradyspruce.org>
Wichita Falls
Camp River Bend
Kids learn about nature through hiking, climbing, crafts and games.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-11
- What:
- Day Camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June
- Cost:
- $70-$80
- Contact:
- (940) 767-0843; <www.riverbendnaturecenter.org>
South
Corpus Christi
Summer Camp Lex
Camp features team-building activities, motivational and educational speakers, and hands-on learning experiences aboard the USS Lexington, a historic aircraft carrier.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 9-12
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; July
- Cost:
- $125-$145
- Contact:
- (800) 523-9539, (361) 888-4873; <www.usslexington.com>
Texas State Aquarium Seacamp
Educational programs—on site and via field trips—teach kids about marine life, wetlands, fishing, conservation and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Day Camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $130-$210
- Contact:
- (361) 881-1204; <www.texasstateaquarium.org>
West
Alpine
Camp Mitre Peak
Besides usual camp activities, campers can choose from "YoYo" electives, such as night hiking, boulder bouncinhg, woodworking, jewelry making and more.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 7-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-, three-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $295-$645
- Contact:
- (800) 238-7760, (432) 570-9188; <www.gspb.org/camping>
Fort Davis
Buffalo Trail Scout Ranch (Boy Scouts)
Popular Boy Scout camp located in the Davis Mountains. Activities include swimming, horseback riding, woodcarving, orienteering, climbing and more.
- Who:
- Boys; ages 6-18
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Weekend, one-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $200-$350
- Contact:
- (432) 570-7601; <www.buffalotrailbsa.org>
Prude Ranch Summer Camp
Horses and riding dominate the schedule at this historic family ranch. Other activities include riflery, crafts, swimming, nature study, archery, tennis and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One- and two-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $600-$1,200
- Contact:
- (800) 458-6232, (432) 426-3202; <www.prude-ranch.com>
East
Baytown
Summer Science Camp
Weekly sessions offer in-depth studies on birding, fishing, wildlife, water use and art. Held at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 9-15
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; May-August
- Cost:
- $100 (scholarships available)
- Contact:
- (281) 420-7128; <www.baytown.org>
Conroe
Camp Agnes Arnold (Girl Scouts)
Canoeing and fishing on Shadow Lake keep campers busy. They can also swim, hike, play games and do crafts. Accomodations include yurts and tree houses.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 5-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; three-day mini-sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $140-$480
- Contact:
- (713) 292-0300; <www.gssjc.org>
Camp Misty Meadows (Girl Scouts)
Topnotch riding facilities appeal to novice and experienced equestrians. Other activities include swimming, archery, tennis, crafts, hiking, games and outdoor cooking.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 5-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; three-day mini-sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $140-$480 (financial assistance available)
- Contact:
- (713) 292-0300; <www.gssjc.org>
Eustace
Ski 'n SCATS
Campers do it all here: skiing plus S.C.A.T.S. (sailing, canoeing, archery, team building and swimming).
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 5-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $475-$810-$1,840
- Contact:
- (903) 425-7115; <www.skinscats.com>
Galveston
Sea Camp—Texas A&M University
Hands-on marine adventures teach campers about coastal ecology, marine biology, ocean careers, forensics and more. Ecotourism studies in Belize.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 10-18
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Week-long sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $775-$850; Belize: $1,700
- Contact:
- (409) 740-4525; <www.tamug.edu/seacamp>
Huntsville
Camp Coyote
This 2,000-acre cattle ranch has an equestrian facility, swimming pool, tennis courts, weight room, fishing lakes and air-conditioned “bunk barns.”
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-, three-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $600-$1,600
- Contact:
- (800) 677-CAMP, (936) 294-9338; <www.campcoyote.com>
Marshall
Camp Fern
Campers can canoe and ski on Lake Fern. Other activities include horseback riding, swimming, riflery, fencing, archery, nature studies, crafts and lots of sports.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two-, four-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $1,600-$2,700
- Contact:
- (903) 935-5420; <www.campfern.com>
Seabrook
Camp Casa Mare
Sailing and scuba and skin diving are the big draw here. Campers can also go crabbing, star-gaze, swim, birdwatch and try their hand at archery.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 5-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; three-day mini-sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $140-$480 (financial assistance available)
- Contact:
- (713) 292-0300; <www.gssjc.org>
Spring
Camp Pine Tree (YMCA)
This camp hosts “mini” three-night sessions for first-time campers. Activities include horseback riding, canoeing, fishing, archery, crafts, swimming and hiking.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 5-11
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Mini- and one-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $275-$397
- Contact:
- (281) 353-6229; <www.ymcacamppinetree.org>
Timpson
Camp Huawni
Team competition and evening shows highlight time spent here. Other activities include swimming, horseback riding, fishing, sports, hiking and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $720-$1,375
- Contact:
- (903) 657-7723; <www.camphuawni.com>
Trinity
Camp Cullen (YMCA)
Located on Lake Livingston, campers can ski, wakeboard, ride horses and hang out by the pool. There’s also a ropes course and a water slide.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 8-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One- and two-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $541
- Contact:
- (713) 758-9275; <www.ymcacampcullen.org>
Camp Olympia
Sports galore here: aerobics, archery, baseball, softball, biking, canoeing, fishing, golf, track, skiing, weightlifting, football, horseback riding, sailing, soccer and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two- and three-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $2,320-$3,215
- Contact:
- (800) 735-6190, (936) 594-2541; <www.campolympia.com>
Van
Sky Ranch
Horses, sailboats and water slides plus ropes courses, ziplines, a rodeo, carnival and more keep campers busy.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 5-16
- What:
- Overnight and day camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; May-August
- Cost:
- $760-$1,650
- Contact:
- (800) 962-2267, (903) 266-3300; <www.skyranchcamps.com>
Central
Austin
Austin Nature & Science Center Summer Camp
A multitude of themed weeks and field trips are designed for various age groups. Topics include caving, mountain biking, wildlife, astronomy, herpetology and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 3-17
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-week session; May-August
- Cost:
- $95-$285
- Contact:
- (512) 327-8181; <www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc>
Bandera
Outdoor Texas
Hunting and fishing camps include bass/coastal/fly fishing, shotgun skills, archery, outdoor photography, kayaking and boating, outdoor survival, first aid and dog training.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 9-17 (10-17 for hunting camp)
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $975-$1,950
- Contact:
- (512) 217-1587 or (830) 562-3354; <www.outdoortexascamp.com>
Camp Hamman Ranch (YMCA)
"High adventure" activities here include whitewater kayaking, rodeo events, cave exploring, mountain biking, rock climbing and rappelling
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 10-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $494-$897 (additional fees for specialty camps)
- Contact:
- (888) 749-7449; <www.ymcahammanranch.org>
Hunt
Camp Arrowhead
Campers canoe and swim in the Guadalupe River. Other activities include archery, riflery, music, horseback riding, tennis, crafts, sports, ropes course and cheerleading.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 6-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-, four-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $850-$2,900
- Contact:
- (830) 238-3793; <www.camparrowhead.com>
Camp Flaming Arrow (YMCA)
Traditional camp activities on the Guadalupe River (fishing, hiking, nature studies, archery and canoeing) plus trail rides and weekly themes, such as “Safari” and “Super Heroes.”
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; three-day starter sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $200-$1,005 (financial assistance available)
- Contact:
- (800) 765-9622, (830) 238-4631; <www.ymcacampflamingarrow.org>
Camp La Junta
One mile of the Guadalupe River runs along this camp, which offers horseback riding, archery, canoeing, riflery, mountain biking, swimming, scuba diving, go-cart racing and more.
- Who:
- Boys; ages 7-14
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two-, four-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $1,750-$3,200
- Contact:
- (830) 238-4621; <www.lajunta.com>
Camp Stewart
NRA riflery, Red Cross swimming, archery, horseback riding, tennis and nature study top the variety of activities at this camp on the Guadalupe River.
- Who:
- Boys; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two-, four-, eight-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $1,650-$5,500
- Contact:
- (830) 238-4670; <www.campstewart.com>
Heart o' the Hills Camp
Campers may choose nine activities from a list of more than 50, including canoeing, horseback riding and swimming in the Guadalupe River.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Nine-day, four-, five-, eight-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $1,600-$7,000
- Contact:
- (800) 724-7325, (830) 238-4650; <www.hohcamp.com>
Hutto
Kings Bridge Farm
Program focuses on horse care and riding for beginning and advanced equestrians. Kids can also swim, play games, go on hay rides and do arts and crafts.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-14
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $250-$3005
- Contact:
- (512) 819-0183; <www.kbf.com>
Ingram
Camp Rio Vista
Campers can choose from more than 35 activities — canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, skiing, swimming, sports and horseback riding. Sister camp is Sierra Vista.
- Who:
- Boys; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- 12-, 14-, 19-, 26-day sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $1,700-$2,950
- Contact:
- (800) 545-3233, (830) 367-5353; <www.vistacamps.com>
Camp Sierra Vista
Campers can choose from more than 35 activities — canoeing, kayaking, fishing, sailing, skiing, swimming, sports and horseback riding. Brother camp is Rio Vista.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- 12-, 14-, 19-, 26-day sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $1,700-$2,950
- Contact:
- (800) 545-3233, (830) 367-5353; <www.vistacamps.com>
Kerrville
Kickapoo Kamp
Enrollments are limited to ensure individual attention. Campers can select five activities per day — archery, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, crafts, dancing, skiing, riflery, swimming and more.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 7-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-, three-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $1,055-$2,370
- Contact:
- (830) 895-5731; <www.kickapookamp.com>
Manor
Crowe's Nest Farm
Folks at this 100-acre working farm give kids hands-on lessons in botany, birds, gardening, farm animals, insects, reptiles and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 5-11
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June
- Cost:
- $150
- Contact:
- (512) 272-4418; <www.crowesnestfarm.org>
Marble Falls
Camp Balcones Springs
On-site lake and access to Lake Travis offer campers lots of water-based fun. Other activities include archery, horseback riding, sports, ziplines, fishing and canoeing.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two-, three-, five- and six-week sessions: June-August
- Cost:
- $2,090-$4,650
- Contact:
- (830) 693-2267; <www.campbalconessprings.com>
Camp Champions
Traditional activities include horseback riding, kayaking, zipline, sailing, swimming and sports plus go-carts and fun at Hondo’s Hideout (pingpong, foosball, bumper pool).
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-18
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Two-, three-, four-week sessions; one-week session for six-year-olds ($830); June-August
- Cost:
- $2,190-$3,7450
- Contact:
- (830) 598-2571; <www.campchampions.com>
Medina
Echo Hill Ranch
Horseback riding and swimming in spring-fed waters highlight activities here. There are also sports, nature study and creative arts.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-week, 20-day sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $925-$3,150
- Contact:
- (830) 589-7739, (713) 667-9878; <www.echohill.org>
New Braunfels
Outback Adventure Camp
Team-building activities include canoeing, tubing, rock climbing, rappelling, snorkeling and caving. There’s even a one-night campout at Enchanted Rock.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 10-16
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $600
- Contact:
- (800) 444-6204; <www.newktennis.com/outback_adventurecamp.html>
San Antonio
Seaworld Adventure Camps
Several programs put campers face to face with marine life and animals.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 3-18
- What:
- Overnight and day camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; March-October
- Cost:
- $150-$1,400
- Contact:
- (800) 700-7786; <www.swbgadventurecamps.com>
San Marcos
Aquatic Sciences Adventure Camp
Curriculum immerses campers in aquatic biology and water chemistry activities, all led by research staff of Texas State University. Other activities include tubing, glass-bottom boat rides, scuba diving, snorkeling, rafting and swimming.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 9-15
- What:
- Overnight and day camp
- When:
- Two-day, one-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $120-$595
- Contact:
- (512) 245-2329; <www.eardc.txstate.edu/camp.html>
Wimberley
Hunters Chase Farms
Campers learn all about horse care, safety and riding techniques. Other activities include swimming, fishing, crafts, nature walks, nightly movies and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6-17
- What:
- Overnight and day camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $250-$575
- Contact:
- (512) 842-2246; <www.hunterschasefarms.com>
Rocky River Ranch
Campers can swim in the Blanco River, ride horses, shoot rifles and rappel. Other activities include nature study, photography, crafts, kayaking and fishing.
- Who:
- Girls; ages 6-15
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-, two-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $650-$1,225
- Contact:
- (800) 863-2267, (512) 847-2513; <www.rrrcamp.com>
Conservation Wildlife
Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Wildlife Conservation Camp
(Location varies) Wildlife biology, conservation management, science and nature study are key components. Session limited to 20 campers.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 14-18 (at least sophomore in high school)
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-week session; July 8-14
- Cost:
- $250
- Contact:
- (210) 688-6444;<www.tctws.org>
Four Camps
Texas Brigades
Bobwhite Brigade, Buckskin Brigade, Feathered Forces and Bass Brigade — held on private ranches and camps across the state — teach campers about selected wildlife. Enrollments limited.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 13-17
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Five-day sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- $300 (scholarships available)
- Contact:
- (800) 839-9453, (210) 332-3560; <www.texasbrigades.org>
Special Needs
Argyle
Camp Summit
All activities — swimming, horseback riding, a ropes course, crafts, camping and games — are adapted to each camper’s abilities.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 6 and up
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- One-week sessions; May-August
- Cost:
- Sliding fee based on income; scholarships available
- Contact:
- (972) 484-8900; <www.campsummittx.org>
Commerce
Celebrate the Children Camp
This outdoor recreational camp is located on a 100-acre farm. Activities include hay rides, campfire cooking, fishing, horseback riding and more.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 3-17
- What:
- Day camp
- When:
- One-day sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- $16 application fee; scholarships available
- Contact:
- (903) 886-8365; <www.texaschild.org>
Gonzales
Texas Elks Camp
Campers stay in air-conditioned facilities and fish in nearby Palmetto State Park. Other activities include swimming, bowling, horseback riding and crafts.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 7-15
- What:
- Overnight camp
- When:
- Week-long sessions; June-July
- Cost:
- None if qualified
- Contact:
- (830) 875-2425; <www.texaselks.org>
Kerrville
Texas Lions Camp
Children with disabilities, Type 1 diabetes and cancer can experience swimming, horseback riding, sports, nature studies, camping and more. Medical staff on site.
- Who:
- Boys/girls; ages 8-15
- What:
- Overnight and day camp (one session, July 18-20)
- When:
- One-week sessions; June-August
- Cost:
- None if qualified
- Contact:
- (830) 896-8500; <www.lionscamp.com>
