Instead of spending the summer perfecting the art of being a couch potato, overnight summer camps in Michigan give kids the opportunity to try out new activities — think archery, kayaking, rock-climbing, hiking and more.
Plus, there’s the opportunity to make new friends from across the state while enjoying all the fun that the outdoors can offer. The skills and memories campers will gain often stick with them for years to come, too — among the many other benefits of camp.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for Metro Detroit kids.
Black River Farm and Ranch
June 14-Aug. 15, 2026
- Address: 5040 Sheridan Line Road, Croswell
- Cost: $1,365-$6,916
- Best for ages: 6-16
A “paradise at the end of a dirt road,” this family-owned girls’ camp (since 1962) offers horsemanship, riding lessons, swimming, kayaking, archery and more.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Two-week sessions from June 24-Aug. 16, 2026
- Address: 300 E. Crystal Lake Road, Twin Lake, Mich.
- Phone: 800-221-3796
- Cost: $1,875 – $1975 (varies depending on major; significant scholarships available for motivated students; discounts for siblings, Session 4, and those enrolling in more than one session)
- Best for ages: 11-18
Celebrating 60 years, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers immersive two-week summer programs for Grades 5-12 in music, art, theater, dance and writing. Located in West Michigan, Blue Lake provides an inspiring environment where students of all skill levels grow artistically and personally. Days include expert instruction, recreation and evening performances. Campers stay in rustic cabins, forming lasting friendships.
With a dedicated faculty of arts professionals and no audition requirements, Blue Lake ensures accessibility through scholarships based on merit and financial need. Join 4,000 young artists each summer for a transformative experience filled with creativity, achievement and traditional camp fun.
Camp AGQ through the Ann Arbor Y
June 14-Aug. 9, 2026
- Address: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $430-$1,715
- Best for ages: 6-16
Camp AGQ on Burt Lake offers a scenic sleepaway experience for ages 6-16, with optional sailing, horseback riding, water-skiing and more. Mini Camp eases first-time campers.
Camp Carvela
June 14-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 33 Bass Lake Road, Traverse City
- Phone: 231-299-0005
- Cost: $390-$3,295, cost varies depending on session type (day or overnight) and length
- Best for ages: 7-18 (plus Family Camp)
Camp Carvela, part of Project Foxwood, is a small, creative camp nestled on Bass Lake in Traverse City. With day, overnight, adventure trips and family camps for ages 7-18, we offer a camper-driven experience—every day is unique!
Campers choose from boating, swimming, crafts, outdoor adventures, games and performance arts, all rooted in playfulness, inclusion and collaboration. With a max of 65 campers per session, our tight-knit community ensures every child feels seen and valued. At Camp Carvela, kids explore, create and connect while making lifelong memories in the beauty of northern Michigan.
Camp Lookout
June 14-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 1310 Beuna Road, Frankfort
- Cost: $1,395+
- Best for ages: 7-17
Accessible only by pontoon, this vehicle-free retreat for ages 7-17 fosters creativity and adventure, offering beach and woodland camping in a playful, supportive environment.
Camp Walden
June 22-Aug. 8, 2026
- Address: 5607 S. River Road, Cheboygan
- Cost: $850-$13,100
- Best for ages: 7-16
This Up-North camp offers 150 acres of forest, waterfront, and trails for ages 7-16, with water sports, horseback riding and more on spring-fed Long Lake.
Camp Westminster
June 21-July. 31, 2026
- Address: 116 Westminster Drive, Roscommon
- Phone: 313-341-8969
- Cost: $840/week for overnight camp, $330/week day camp
- Best for ages: 7-17
Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake has been a beloved summer camp and retreat center in northern Michigan for 100 years! Westminster creates a welcoming community where campers gain confidence, independence and lifelong friendships while exploring faith and nature.
Campers enjoy swimming, boating, high ropes, archery, arts and outdoor skills, plus unique programs like NASA STEAM, ice cream making and Magic the Gathering. High schoolers can challenge themselves with trips and leadership programs. As a tech-free camp, Westminster helps campers unplug, be present and make unforgettable memories on the crystal-clear waters of Higgins Lake!
Crystalaire Adventures
June 21-July. 17, 2026
- Address: 33 Bass Lake Road, Traverse City
- Cost: $575
- Best for ages: 10-18
Here, older kids learn to live and work together — and get a better sense of who they are. They’ll explore caverns, backpack North Manitou, basecamp at South Manitou and more. Exciting programs for middle schoolers, too. Ask about custom programs.
Summer Academic Programs at LTU
July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, 2026
- Address: 21000 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield
- Phone: 800-225-5588
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 14-23
Help shape the future of STEM with the Marburger STEM Center’s immersive high school summer programs! Connect with a dedicated community of innovators in engineering, technology, design, and science, all united by a passion for discovery and innovation.
With expert instructors by your side, you will delve into groundbreaking advancements and tackle hands-on challenges that will inspire your next big idea.
LTU’s state-of-the-art labs and studios are where your potential comes to life — equipped with the tools and technology to turn curiosity into innovation. This is not just a summer program; it is a chance to explore, innovate, and shape the future.
YMCA Camp Copneconic
July 5-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 10407 N. Fenton Road, Fenton
- Cost: See website for details
- Best for ages: 9-17
Fantastic campfire songs are just the start with YMCA offering overnight camps. Campers take action-packed field trips, go ziplining, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing, plus enjoy weekly themes like searching for gold or building a time machine.
YMCA Camp Nissokone
June 14-Aug. 22, 2026
- Address: 6836 F41, Oscoda
- Phone: 248-887-4533
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 5-17
YMCA Camp Nissokone is a one-of-a-kind adventure where the AuSable River meets Lake Huron. Nestled in 170 acres of scenic forest, it’s a place for discovery, growth and lifelong memories. Campers enjoy exciting activities, build confidence and develop independence in a safe, supportive environment.
With over 100 years of tradition, Nissokone blends classic camp fun with new experiences, guided by expert staff and core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion. From outdoor thrills to meaningful friendships, every moment inspires self-confidence and adventure.
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
June 14-Aug. 28, 2026
- Address: 7300 Hickory Ridge Road, Holly
- Cost: $529-$1,648+
This article was recently updated on Jan. 22, 2026 by Metro Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The updates reflect the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.
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One of the best summer camps for kids is Little Bands Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Students learn guitar, piano, ukulele, bass, drums and voice. They build their own band and learn to play together, learn all of the parts and have a blast!
Little bands music.com