Who ever said that only kids can go to camp in the summer? Why don’t you join your kids this year? Family Camps are the ultimate summer camp experience. For a number of years, I’ve been taking my kids to a family camp in the hills of California for a week of artistic exploration and outdoor fun. It’s been a great time for all of us. There are families that come back each year, and we’ve watched each other’s kids grow from tikes to teenagers. Family camp is also a great place for single parents. You can spend time with your kids, as well as other adults. It’s the best of both worlds when it comes to vacations.

There are camps all over the country that set aside a week or more just for family campers. We’ve assembled this list as a starting point for your research into the right one for you and your family.

Asbury Hills Family Camp - South Carolina
There is a week-long session June and a weekend session in July. Stay in a bunkhouse lodge as you enjoy hiking, fishing canoeing, and day trips to local State Parks. This camp has a Christian affiliation.
Cost: Weekend: $85 per person, children 7 & under $60
Weeklong: $215 per person, children 7 & under $150

Berkeley Tuolumne Camps - California
Founded in 1922, this camp in Yosemite National Park is a fun, outdoor experience for young and old. The lodging is in tent-cabins with nearby communal showers, so it’s a little on the rustic side. Three meals a day are included.
Cost: Approximately $1300-$1500 for four.

Brush Ranch Camps - New Mexico
If you’re looking for a family camp with a western touch and comfortable cabins with indoor plumbing, Brush Ranch Camps sound like a hoot and a holler. After all, why should kids have all the fun?
Cost: Prices range from $375-$900 per person for the six-day session in August.

Camp Alleghany - West Virginia
This camp has the distinction of being the oldest girl’s camp in the Virginias. They have one family camp session in August. A diverse selection of activities, such as dance, crafts, rifle training, rope courses, and drama, makes this camp an interest summer experience for girls and their families.
Cost: Approximately $950-$1700 per family of four

Camp Campbell - California
There are two family camp weekends available at Camp Campbell; one on Memorial Day and one on Labor Day. You can rent a cabin here that holds 9-14 people and enjoy everything from challenge courses, rock climbing, archery, scavenger hunts, and more.
Cost: Approximately $400-$500 for a three-day weekend for four.

Camp Gorham - New York
Traditional camp activities can be shared by the entire family at this YMCA camp in the Adirondacks. There is a variety of accommodations available.
Cost: Approximately $900-$1250

Camp Nawakwa - Wisconsin
From triathlon races to “Boat-in-breakfast,” there are plenty of things for everyone in the family to find of interest at this YMCA camp. There are even three golf courses nearby for those that go into withdrawal when they are away from the greens.
Cost: $350-$1100 per family of four

Cazadero Performing Arts - California
There are two family camp weeks and a Memorial Weekend camp available at this performing arts camp. If you and your kids are musically inclined then this may be the perfect place for you. There are music classes of all sorts, as well as sports, crafts, and campfires.
Cost: Adults are $395-$595 and kids range from $225-$545 depending on their age and the length of the program. Kids under two are free.

Cheley Family Camp - Colorado
This camp runs for five days during the month of March. It sounds a bit rustic, since the families bunk in “covered wagon cabins,” but it sounds like fun for those interested in an outdoor experience. There is a 30 family limit.
Cost: $600 for those 9 years old and up, $300 for those under 9.

Concordia Language Villages - Minnesota
Concordia College runs summer camp sessions revolving around languages. This year there are three weekend sessions set aside for families called "Family Fun Weekends." The sessions focus on Spanish, Finnish, and German, depending on the weekend chosen.
Cost: $200 per adult, $75 per child

Idyllwild Arts - California
This is the camp that my children and I have been attending for the past seven years. There’s only one week set aside for family camp, so you have to register early. The week is spent exploring nature, art, and music. It’s a great getaway for families that enjoy the arts.
Cost: $2775 for a family of four

Lark Music Festival Camp - California
This camp is a favorite of traditional musicians. This camp has been running since the 1980’s as a way to celebrate traditional music and dance from around the world. There are three sessions based on the type of music and dance:
Camp One: British Isles and Eastern Europe
Camp Two: The Americas and Western Europe
Camp Three: Middle Eastern Music & Drumming
Cost: $420 per adult, with discounts available for children

Medomak Family Camp - Maine
There are five different family camp sessions at this beautiful camp in Washington, Maine. You can do traditional camp activities here with your kids including arts & crafts, kayaking, sailing, tennis, dance, and more. They even have a massage therapist on staff for the adults at night! Lodging, meals, and activities are all included except for the lobster dinner (add $7) and the massage therapist.
Cost: $500 per adult, $400 for kids 6-12, $300 for kids 5 and under.

Trout Lodge Family- Missouri
This YMCA has comfortable lodging at a comfortable price on a gorgeous lake setting. This camp doesn’t require you to rough it to enjoy time outside with your kids.
Cost: Prices are per person per night. A family of four for one week would be approximately $1960-$3000, depending on the age of the children. It can be cheaper if your kids are under 5 or you stay in a smaller unit.

Wolf Ridge Family Programs - Michigan
Learn more about nature and ways to care for the environment at this unique camp. Activities can include: adventure ropes, rock climbing, beginning orienteering, Ojibwe heritage, block printing, and more.
Cost: A maximum of $1050 per family household.