Is somebody gonna match my freak (find an adult summer camp where we can spend our days reading, napping, swimming, and making s’mores by the fire without any screens or responsibilities)?
Because these adult summer camps are calling my name, and I don’t know how much longer I’m going to be able to restrain myself from saying screw it and booking flights to one of these camps from Amsterdam already, whether I have somebody to join me on the journey or not.
10 adult summer camps I’d love to go to
Maybe it was all of those weeks I spent at church camp between each school year (hi, former cabin mates, hopefully you don’t mind that I’m bi now!), but it just doesn’t feel like summer until I’ve disconnected from all of my devices to spend several days frolicking with friends and battling bug bites and sunburn in the wilderness, you know?
Call it ~healing my inner child~ if you must, but here are a few places where I’d rather be doing exactly that right now. A girl can dream!
1. ‘Camp’ Camp
What: “Since 1997, ‘Camp’ Camp — America’s premier summer camp for LGBTQ+ adults — has offered a fun and distinctive vacation for the gay, lesbian, bisexual & transgender community.”
“A week at Camp includes all activities, meals and accommodations — plus, all the new friends you can handle! With a wide variety of traditional summer activities such as mountain biking, pottery, hiking, lake swimming, sailing, stained glass, canoeing, and softball — along with offerings geared towards our adult gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer Campers such as Broadway dance, LGBTQ history, and figure drawing — you’re sure to find something to keep you active and challenged, returning home relaxed and renewed.”
Where: “In central Maine between Augusta and Bangor, about 75 miles north of Portland. Our complimentary shuttles to Camp will still run from Portland International Jetport and Portland bus and train stations”
When: August 11 - 18, 2024
2. Camp Roundup
What: “A body positive, fat liberation-minded adult summer camp experience.”
“Remember summer camp when the most you had to worry about was what was for lunch or who is going to capture the flag? Did you miss out on this growing up and want to make up for lost time?
Camp Roundup is a Fat Camp in the best sense of the word. It's a place where Fat Babes ages 21 and up can feel comfortable and supported as we play, swim, dance, eat, celebrate our diverse bodies, and most importantly, have fun!”
Where: Camp O'Bannon in Newark, Ohio
When: Labor Day Weekend (August 31 - September 2, 2024)
3. Camp Rahh
What: “A four-day weekend adventure each Summer in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to classic camp lodging like cabins, tree-houses & huts, there will be ample facilities for group gatherings, communal dining & recreation of all kinds.”
“Prepare to immerse yourself in a world of unforgettable entertainment at Camp Rahh. In addition to the array of impromptu games, structured activities, and inspiring workshops, we have curated a lineup of exceptional live performances that will leave you captivated.”
Where: “This year, it will take place on a 47-acre site in Samish Island, WA which boasts dense forest, expansive grasslands, and private beaches that stretch along Padilla Bay. No need to stress about the hassle and expenses of driving, gas, parking, or carpooling — we've got your wheels covered! All Camp Rahh registrants will have round-trip transport from a convenient Seattle location.”
When: August 22 - 25, 2024
4. Camp Château
What: “An all-inclusive adult camp experience designed for women to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Here at Camp Château, we welcome women to an unmatched, relaxing adult sleep-away camp experience. We encourage you to curate your own adventure and select activities that most interest you.”
“Spend mornings enjoying fun activities, afternoons relaxing by the pool and evenings sipping wine and sharing stories, with women from all walks of life. We hope you come for the chance to experience France in a whole new way and that you find new friendships, strengthen existing ones, and forge wonderful new memories.”
Where: “Château de Béduer (bed-away) in the southwest of France in the charming and historic Quercy region. Less than an hour from the nearest airport, ten kilometers from a bustling market town, and steps from the village below, your retreat is an ideal mix of French immersion and secluded relaxation.”
When: Currently sold out for 2024 and 2025; 2026 dates coming soon
5. Lez Camp
What: “An inclusive retreat that welcomes all queer women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming folks.”
“Do you want to spend a lazy summer afternoon getting chased by strange floaties? Thinking about a lez-friendly weekend getaway but have no clue where to go or what to do? Have you wished you and a few hundred of your friends could take over an entire city for 3 or 4 days?
LEZ CAMP is here to make all of that happen. LEZ CAMP organizes a variety of events throughout the summer months, in various locations across the country, so that grown-ass lesbians can gather for a mind-blowing good time! We double dog dare you to attend an event and have a good time. THEN we pinky promise you’ll meet new people and make lasting friendships.”
Where: Eureka Springs, Arkansas + Louisville, Kentucky, for now — with plans to expand to more US cities in the future
When: July 25 - 29, 2024 in Eureka Springs; October 10 - 13, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky
6. Campowerment
What: “For 4 days (3 nights), 100+ campers (ages 21-80) become a new and unique extension of an intergenerational, purpose-driven community of women who are bold enough to show up for themselves and for each other. This is more than an event or conference; it’s a game-changing, community-building experience for all.”
Where: “Our home away from home for this retreat is Lake Bryn Mawr Camp, located in Honesdale, PA, ~2.5 hours from NYC.”
When: September 19 - 22, 2024
7. She Moves Mountains
What: “Created around the belief that supportive environments build trust—with ourselves and others—and that the best way to learn is through play, our Summer Camp Is the perfect time to try new things, play as much as you want, and expand what you previously thought was possible.
Whether you were a camp kid or not, now's your chance to create new memories and experience the kind of Summer Camp you've always dreamed of—a week filled with rock climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, yoga, and much more. Each day you get to choose your schedule. Don't want to climb? That's totally fine! You can go kayaking instead. Or maybe you want to climb every day? You can do that too.
Each day you'll have the opportunity to choose from our planned activities and learn a new skill from our team of expert instructors. Worried you'll feel in over your head? We've designed every aspect of our Summer Camp program to feel welcoming, inclusive, and engaging for beginner to intermediate-level participants. Come one, come all!”
Where: “In true summer camp fashion, your lodging for the week will be the bunkbed-filled cabins of Cornet Bay Retreat Center in Oak Harbor, Washington. Located on the pristine shores of Cornet Bay and surrounded by old growth trees, the retreat center promises a spectacular view of Mount Baker, plenty of wildlife, and loads of hiking trails.”
When: August 6 - 11, 2024
8. GAL (Grown-Ass Lady) Camp
What: “A women-only summer camp for adults — where grown-ass ladies escape for a weekend of fun and friendship. A weekend with just the ladies, where you can dance and sing, or relax and lounge around, without judgment.”
“Our mission at GAL camp is to build a community of women that support and accept each other while providing a space where they can be authentic and expressive all in the name of fun and relaxation.
GAL camp was created by a woman for women. It is designed to create an avenue for women of different races, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds to come together and share ideas and experiences while having a badass time. We understand that every woman shares some level of similarity in terms of pain and fear; hence we make no room for discrimination and segregation. We support the LGBTQIA+ community, and regardless of whether you are a cis, trans, or non-binary woman, you are welcome at our camp.”
Where: Son’s Geronimo in Seguin, Texas + Broad River Campground in Moorseboro, North Carolina
When: October 4 - 6, 2024 in Seguin; 2025 dates for Mooresboro coming soon
9. Camp Wenonah (Women’s Weekends)
What: “A relaxed, retreat-style program with Camp accommodations, professionally prepared meals, and a great variety of program opportunities led by terrific instructors. Whether relaxing by the stone fireplace in the Main Lodge, savouring the sunshine on the shores of Clear Lake, or participating in the vast array of optional activities, participants enjoy a memorable getaway!”
Where: “Located in the heart of Muskoka just two hours north of Toronto.”
When: September 6 - 8 or September 13 - 15, 2024
10. Camp Fire Alaska (Wild Women Retreat)
What: “A special weekend at summer camp where women focus on health & wellness, life/work balance, outdoor activities, and fun as they connect with Alaska’s beautiful outdoors and each other.
This annual retreat is a vital fundraiser to support the annual maintenance of Camp K on Kenai Lake, one of Alaska’s longest running youth summer camps. Funds raised at this event also help to support the Campership Fund, providing camp scholarships for those kids who otherwise would not be able to experience summer camp.
At the Wild Women Retreat, it's individuality, self-expression, community, friendship and memories that matter the most. Refresh your spirit, nourish your creative soul, and spend time in a wonderful community of women — all for a great cause!”
Where: “At Camp Fire Alaska’s Camp K on Kenai Lake — Mile 4 on Snug Harbor Road in Cooper Landing, Alaska.”
When: July 27 - 28, 2024
Did I miss any adult summer camps?
Any in Europe or the UK, maybe? Others that cater to neurodivergent travelers and/or the LGBTQ+ community, maybe? Tell me in the comments so I can add them to the list! Mentally, I’m already packing.