The Best Summer Camps in New York

Looking for an unforgettable summer experience for your kids? Check out our list of the best summer camps in New York State. Discover fun activities, special events, and more!

Best Summer Camps in New York

The state of New York is part of the Northeast and is a famous place to attend a Summer Camp. Discover the best summer camps in New York.

Why Choose a Summer Camp in New York?

New York is an incredible setting for summer camp adventures. With its vibrant blend of natural beauty and cultural energy, the state offers children a rich canvas to explore, grow, and make unforgettable memories. Whether it’s hiking in the Adirondacks, learning robotics in the heart of Manhattan, or crafting art lakeside in the Hudson Valley, summer camps in New York deliver far more than just a break from routine—they provide meaningful, formative experiences.

Parents choose summer camps in New York for a wide range of reasons, but what they value most often boils down to a few key benefits:

  • Fosters Independence and Confidence: Away from home, children learn to trust themselves, solve problems, and make new decisions on their own terms—skills that stay with them long after the summer ends.
  • Encourages Meaningful Friendships: Camp creates space for organic social interaction, helping kids build authentic friendships that often last beyond the season.
  • Provides Purposeful Enrichment: Whether it’s coding, sailing, acting, or athletics, camps offer focused activities that let kids dive deeper into existing passions—or discover new ones they never knew they had.
  • Balances Fun and Safety: Accredited programs are designed to keep campers engaged while upholding high safety standards, so parents can feel secure and kids can truly enjoy themselves.
  • Supports a Healthy Digital Break: With limited screen time and plenty of outdoor activity, summer camps give children a chance to reconnect with the real world around them.

What makes New York stand out even more is the sheer variety of settings and experiences it offers. From sun-drenched beaches on Long Island to forested trails upstate, and even the buzzing energy of city-based programs, there’s a summer camp for every type of child. The state’s rich cultural diversity also plays a huge role—kids not only get to explore nature and skills, but also share these experiences with peers from different backgrounds, widening their worldview in the process.

Whether your child dreams of paddling a canoe, performing on stage, or building their first robot, New York has a summer camp that will spark their imagination and help them shine. These programs aren’t just about keeping busy—they’re about discovering independence, exploring new passions, and making memories that last a lifetime.

Let the adventure begin. Browse below to discover some of the most popular and highly recommended summer camps in the state of New York.

Top rated Summer Camps in New York 2025

Timber Lake West Camp

New York, USA
3 reviews
Timber Lake West is a traditional, co-ed four-week sleep-away summer camp. We power-pack a full summer of fun into an exciting four-week experience for every one of our campers.

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Timber Lake Camp

New York, USA
0 reviews
At Timber Lake, we foster values of sharing, integrity, responsibility and respect in a friendly, safe environment of fun. The best camp experience gives children greater self-confidence and self-esteem.

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Camp Chateaugay

Merrill, New York
0 reviews
Camp Chateaugay offers an immersive, fun-filled summer experience in the beautiful Adirondacks, fostering friendships, confidence, and unforgettable memories. With a variety of activities from watersports to arts, it's a place where campers can explore, grow, and thrive.

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Camp Jeanne d’Arc

Merrill, New York
5 reviews
We're on a mission to Build Strong Girls! Everything we do: morning talks, talent shows, service projects, team leadership, worship opportunities, and camp clubs are designed to help each camper find her voice, uncover her talents, and realize her value.

Why parents choose this camp

Girls Only English

Adirondack Woodcraft Camps

New York, USA
4 reviews
Campers thrive in a safe, fun, non-competitive family atmosphere where they build resilience, grow in courage and learn to care for themselves, each other and the natural world around them. Come enjoy our 260 acres of pristine Adirondack land, lakes and rivers!

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Pok-O-MacCready Camps

Adirondack Park, USA
5 reviews
Grounded in a century of tradition, Pok-O-MacCready fosters personal growth for children by empowering them to achieve independence, create lifelong friendships, and develop a deep appreciation of the natural world in the Adirondacks and beyond.

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Rosetta Institute of Biomedical Research

New York, USA
5 reviews
We offer a variety of workshops on molecular medicine for high-achieving high school and middle school students interested in pursuing careers in medicine or related fields, such as biomedical research, drug development, pharmacy, bioengineering, or nursing.

Why parents choose this camp

Co-Education English

Summary

Choosing the right summer camp in New York can be a transformative decision for both children and parents. These camps offer a blend of fun and education, ensuring that children return home with new skills, friendships, and a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s a day camp in the city or a sleepaway camp in the countryside, New York’s summer programs are equipped to provide enriching experiences that cater to a wide range of interests and needs.