6 amazing adult summer camps in the US
These getaways provide parties, fun in the outdoors
Who says summer camps are just for kids? Imagine the summer camp you went to, but with parties, alcohol and no one telling you what you have to do. Adult summer camps will give you just that: fun, without a curfew. Grab a group of friends — or go alone to meet new ones — and book your stay at one of these adult camps.
BEST OVERALL ADULT CAMP Club Getaway, Kent, Connecticut:
Three words: air-conditioned cabins. Forget the days of sweltering in a cabin. At Club Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, you’ll stay in “rustic-chic” cabins with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Pick a shared cabin with people you don’t know (all must be fully vaccinated), share a cabin with one to three friends, or choose to have a cabin all to yourself. The activities are endless: swimming, hiking, volleyball, water skiing, a zip line and more. If you’d like to bring the kids, they have a family camp as well. Weekends start at $399 per person.
BEST PARTY ADULT SUMMER CAMP Camp No Counselors, New York area:
This all-inclusive camp is, quite frankly, more like a resort than a summer camp. Your all-inclusive weekend will include alcohol, accommodations, food and activities. Located in northeast Pennsylvania, and only two hours from New York City, Camp No Counselors has a heated pool, lake and loads of fun activities, including tubing,
dodgeball, arts and crafts, and kayaking. Oh, and did we mention the parties? Each night you’re there, you’ll have a blast at CNC’s socials — music, dancing, campfires — everything you need to have a weekend of fun. CNC also has locations in Los Angeles and Florida. The New York-area location offers a “Recharge” weekend, an alcohol-free, health and wellness experience like no other.
BEST TRADITIONAL ADULT SUMMER CAMP
Camp Halcyon, Wautoma, Wisconsin: For a traditional summer camp experience (no electricity in the cabins), head to Camp Halcyon in Wautoma,
Wisconsin. This all-inclusive camp will bring you back to the good old days, probably assisted by the alcohol that is included. Enjoy a nightly s’mores bar, canoeing, wine tastings, ax throwing, yoga and so much more. Arrange to bunk with friends, or enjoy meeting new people in your assigned cabin.
BEST LGBTQ+ SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS
‘Camp’ Camp, Portland, Maine: Although they are holding a virtual camp for the second year in a row, ‘Camp’ Camp is worth a look and will be back in person in 2022. Traditionally a weeklong camp where you can recharge, connect with nature and, best of all, just be yourself, ‘Camp’ Camp is filled with ways to just have fun and forget about real life. Choose from a wide array of activities including arts and crafts, theater, yoga and, of course, swimming. In-person camp is $1750 for a week and includes accommodation, meals, alcohol during special events and all activities.
BEST NONTRADITIONAL SUMMER CAMP FOR ADULTS
Camp Wandawega, Elkhorn, Wisconsin: Unlike most summer camps on this list, Camp Wandawega is more of a DIY summer camp. You book a cabin through Airbnb and create your own experience. Choose from a diverse range of cabins including vintage cabins, bunkhouses and even a renovated 1930s summer cabin. They do have guides available for special counselor-led programs like knot tying, basic survival, fire building, archery and night hikes. While you’ll only get your accommodations included when you book, there are grills, smokers and griddles available to use, you can try their “camp culinary” partnership, which delivers delicious, fresh, local food to your cabin, and there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from. They specialize in private retreats, so check that out for your next event.
BEST SPECIALIZED ADULT CAMP
Epic Nerd Camp, Darlington, Maryland: Embrace your inner nerd at this one-week camp in Maryland. If you are a sci-fi, fantasy or gaming aficionado, you will have a blast as you live out your dreams in real life. Try your hand at nerd-centric activities like ax throwing, wizard duels, Quidditch (in or out of the pool), combat archery, lightsaber combat and even a simulated Space Quest adventure. If you need a break from the fantasy play, there is yoga, canoeing and other traditional camping activities as well.