Interest in adult summer camps has been on the rise in recent years – and for good reason.
Regardless of whether they grew up going to summer camps, many adults are happily sinking into carefree, youthful joy during these curated adventures. Attending offers an extended getaway where guests can let their inner child come out and play. Moreover, the benefits of these retreats include making new friends, learning new crafts and activities, and spending much-needed time in the great outdoors.
A common thread across the experiences below is the incorporation of key summer camp elements. All the options listed offer outdoor experiences, community building, games, and opportunities to connect with nature. You’ll also find that each has a unique edge that makes it a standout consideration for your annual summer vacay.
The 5 Best Adult Summer Camps for 2026
Melanated Campout
Melanated Campout is special because it aims to foster Black joy and create memories that deeply bond its attendees. This three-day event in Georgia welcomes seasoned campers, newcomers to the great outdoors, and those interested in bougie glamping. The camp’s three pillars are “Release,” “Reunion,” and “Return to joy.” Sharing insight on the feeling of reunion at the event, organizers say attendees can expect “old friends, new cousins, and a community that feels like home the moment you arrive.”
“Built for the culture,” plan on line dancing, fishing, enjoying live comedy and music, and playing epic games of spades and UNO.
Camp No Counselors
Camp No Counselors is a great choice for a quintessential summer camp experience, just with “beers by the campfire.” With experiences in New York, California, Texas, and Florida, there are several locations to get in on the action, whether you vacation somewhere new or stick close to home.
These co-ed four-day camp opportunities will truly bring your inner child to life. Prepare to answer icebreaker questions, attend themed parties, and sit around the campfire. Friendly competition will surely ensue during the camp-wide Olympics, where teams will compete in relay races and play games like dodgeball and volleyball. There will even be a lip sync battle for those who want to take the stage. Also, be ready for a pool party and lawn games. To name a few of the daily activities, expect archery, basketball, kayaking, pickleball, tennis, yoga, arts and crafts, and “painting & Prosecco.”
Camp Château
Simply put, Camp Château is many women’s dream experience. During a six-day adventure, women of all ages gather in a château in the French countryside for an all-inclusive getaway.
Attendees can expect personal restoration, connecting with a multigenerational array of unique women, and complimentary wine with lunch and dinner. Camp Château guests can spend their time leisurely and as they please, with activities including local cultural enrichment opportunities, excursions, and “electives” focused on nature, creativity, and food.
In a day, your itinerary may include breakfast on a terrace, foraging for fun, a French cooking class, and a picnic lunch. Then, in the latter half, you might choose to relax and sunbathe by the pool, enjoy live music with new friends at apéro hour, have dinner, and stargaze before bed.
‘Camp’ Camp
‘Camp’ Camp describes itself as “America’s premier summer camp for LGBTQ+ adults.” During this week-long experience in Portland, Maine, everyone is invited to join in community and express themselves. A whopping 30 activities are offered every day to get into, meaning you’ll never be bored during your stay.
Of course, many attend for the close friendships they can develop and the freedom to be authentically themselves. Expect to be around adults of all ages and races across the identity spectrum, as well as some allies.
Camp Social
Camp Social is a three-day women-only experience held in Equinunk, Pennsylvania. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a shorter getaway where you’ll be surrounded by powerhouse women also seeking community and connection. The camp’s website notes that “99% arrive solo, and 100% leave as friends.”
You can make your visit as laidback or adventurous as you’d like, just be prepared to mingle and bond. You may find yourself making friendship bracelets, tie-dye t-shirts, and vision boards as the days pass by. The lakeside retreat also offers classic summer camp activities, as well as wellness, fitness, crafting, and relaxation activities.
