The 10 best family camp programs near NYC for all ages

Beaches, boating, mountains, and… fun! Seriously, YMCA Camp Hi-Rock has it all (this isn’t the first time it’s made this list). Families can enjoy a private cabin or private rooms. You don’t have to adhere to a strict schedule, either. The 90-acre lake, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and high-ropes courses mean that Hi-Rock has just what it takes to put a smile on kids’ and parents’ faces. Not to mention that it’s also been rated one of the nation’s top 50 Family Camps in Arthur Frommer’s Guide!

Location: 544 East Street, Mount Washington, MA 01258
Contact: 415-528-1227
Price: Prices vary
All ages

This is the family camp for big families. Forget about just bringing your kids. Bring your siblings, nieces, and nephews. Oh, and don’t forget your cousins! Club Getaway is the spot for large groups. You can turn your phone on airplane mode (I’m sure your family will keep you entertained just fine). The whole bunch will enjoy family races, swims in the lake, and hikes around the 300-acre adventure resort. You’ll return home with an even greater bond!

Location: 59 South Kent Road Kent, CT 06757
Contact: 860-579-1615
Price: $309+
All ages

Windsor Mountain Summer Camp has been welcoming families for more than a decade, so they know what it takes to ensure families have a good time. If you’re a city or even suburban family, escaping to rural New Hampshire might be just what you need to recharge for a bit. Get ready to call the dorms, bungalows, and cabins home as you hand over the cooking duties to a chef. OK, now it’s starting to sound like a real vacation for the parents.

Location: One World Way Windsor, New Hampshire 03244
Contact: 603.478.3166
Price: $4,395+
All ages 

Consider the Appalachian Mountain Club Family Adventure Camps camping for people who don’t really camp. Not every New Yorker wants the full summer camp experience. So, if you want a scenic trip with the luxuries of home, consider this New England retreat your destination of choice. After five days of age-appropriate family activities, you’ll leave the all-inclusive camp feeling like you got all the benefits of a summer camp without the hassle of having to live in the outdoors.

Location: HQ - Appalachian Mountain Club, 10 City Square, Boston, MA 02129
Contact: 617-523-0636
Price: Prices vary
Ages: 4+

Forest Lake Camp welcomes families of their youth campers and additional families as well. After their usual seven-week camp session is over, families have the opportunity to visit. Parents and grandparents are welcome to the camp that’s been around since 1926. Families get to spend a full week together exploring the 800-acre Aditorncack camp and private lake. It’s also a great way to “test out” the grounds if you’re considering sending your children there the following summer. The camp is requiring all staff and campers to be vaccinated.

Location: 261 Forest Lake Road, Chestertown, NY 12817
Contact: 518-623-4771
Price: Free (age 2 and under), $745 (age 3 to 5), $945 (age 6 to 15), $1,145 (16+)
All ages

All you need is a weekend to enjoy what the YMCA Fairview Lake Family Camp has to offer. The New Jersey location offers an LGBTQ+ Family Camp and a Labor Day Weekend Family Camp. Plus, they offer other non-summer options as well. Although, the dates are selling out fast. So, if you want to enjoy what Fairview Lake has to offer, make sure to book a weekend or even rent a cabin for a longer stay.

Location: 1035 Fairview Lake Rd, Stillwater, NJ 07875
Contact: 973-383-9282
Price: Prices vary
All ages

If you’re looking for a nearby trip, then Kymer’s Camping Resort is a great option for your family. You’ll have the freedom to do what you want with your trip when you rent one of their park models, cozy cabins, or luxury tent rentals. Situated on 200 scenic acres in the Kittatinny Mountains, the New Jersey camping grounds offers hiking on the Appalachian Trail, kayaking on the lake, or just the perfect place to relax by the pool.

Location: 69 Kymer Road, Branchville, NJ 07826
Contact: 973-875-3167, Kymers@NJcamping.com
Price: Prices vary
All ages

Babies, kids, teenagers, and adults are all welcome at Camp Common Ground. Every year, the inter-generational family camp welcomes a diverse group of people to a weeklong family vacation program. Families can spend time together and apart. In the morning, kids have the chance to participate in activities with other kids their age. During this time, adult classes like yoga, meditation, and pottery are offered. In the afternoon and evening, families can engage in activities together. 

Location: 473 Tatro Road, Starksboro, VT 05487
Contact: 802.453.2592, info@cgcvt.org
Prices: $50-$1,450/per person
All ages

Travel to Pennsylvania for a weekend in the mountains! Once you arrive at the camp, you can enjoy a few days where you’re not driving, on the subway, cooking, or cleaning. You can focus completely on your family. Sounds like paradise, right? “Camptivities” are scheduled throughout the day so that the parents and kids don’t have to worry about how to spend their time. Enjoy sunset hikes, mountain biking, archery, campfires, ropes courses, crafts, and more.

Location: 201 Cushion Peak Road, Reinholds, PA 17569
Contact: 610-670-2267, ycamps@smymca.org
Price: $185+
All ages

What’s better than quality family time in the great outdoors? Take some time to rejuvenate in nature at Camp Runels, located in Pelham, New Hampshire, near the Massachusetts border. You can take a relaxing swim or paddle in the waters of Little Island Pond.  You can go hiking, take part in arts and crafts, or even try archery. All activities are led by trained and certified staff. The camp encourages families to turn off mobile devices and truly enjoy the beautiful nature while at camp. 

Location: 65 Beaver St, Waltham, MA 02452
Contact: 844-306-4736; customercare@gsema.org
Price: $150
Ages: Pre-K-Adults