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Sure, summer in New York is full of free concerts, food festivals and drinks on boat bars, but it's not all just fun in the sun. It's also means sticky subway rides, sweaty casual walks and baking street garbage. So why not make your next summer getaway a wild, booze-filled, adventure in nature? Relive your childhood with epic games of kickball, mid-afternoon dips in the lake and s'mores by the campfire at these adult summer camps that are still open for registration.
As an all-inclusive experience with outposts across the U.S., Camp No Counselors has all the elements necessary for an unforgettable weekend. All of your favorite classic camp activities are accounted for: arts and crafts, water sports, archery and camp-wide competitions like "Color Wars." Of course, this is better than the camp you remember, because here there's an open bar serving up sugary liquor-filled drinks and ice cold beer. Also, the stellar DJs spinning at the nightly themed parties will make it near impossible not to ask that cute co-ed to dance. Paradox Lake, New York (campnocounselors.com). Various weekends May 18-September 17; $525-$599 per person including food and lodging.
Hop aboard a camp bus to the Poconos for adventure, new friends and relaxation. This three-day camp (go ahead and take off work one Friday—you've earned it) has activities for every kind of camper. Active big kids can play kickball, soccer or basketball, go on night hikes and explore the water by canoe, kayak or stand-up paddle boards. More artsy participants might like workshops in friendship bracelets, plant prints, terrarium building, poetry, freestyle rapping or to participate in sing-alongs and talent shows. Take a break to swing on one of the hammocks or hang with some beers by the fire. Lake Owego Camp, Pennsylvania (campbonfire.com). June 16-18, September 8-10; $349-$500 per person including food and lodging.
Not only does this 300-acre campsite include all the traditional water sports and group activities you'd expected from summer camp, it also has some of the best options for big thrills. Rock climbing, mountain biking, trapeze, zip lines, bungee trampolines and giant swings are just a few of the exiting options open to campers looking to trying something new. For campers looking for a more refined experience, try taking a salsa class or a sparkling conversation with bubbly wine at supper. Don't worry if you're not much for roughing it—the rustic cabins can include air conditioning and private bathrooms. Kent, Connecticut (clubgetaway.com). Various dates May 19-October 15; $425 and up, including food and lodging.
At the annual OutdoorFest you can enjoy acres and acres of nature, without even technically leaving city limits. Bring your tent (no cabins) to Staten Island's Greenbelt for a full day and night of non-stop al fresco fun. Activities include fly fishing, a six-mile hike, yoga, storytelling workshops and campfire building. When the sun goes down, strap on your sneakers for a 5k night trail run lit entirely by the runners' headlamps followed by cold beers and a celebratory concert featuring Brooklyn-based trio Bandits on the Run. Your general admission ticket includes registration for the fun, beer and breakfast. Henry Kaufman Campgrounds, Staten Island (outdoorfest.com). June 3; $50-$90 per person.
Part summer camp, part music festival, this annual getaway organized by Wild Honey Pie in the Berkshires is the perfect weekend for those who want their outdoor frolicking to come with an amazing soundtrack. Activities like classic outdoor sports (think volleyball, kickball and tennis) and relaxing ways to hang with friends (stargazing, morning cartoons, ice cream socials) keep you busy between great sets by indie bands. Camp Lenox, Massachusetts (welcomecampers.thewildhoneypie.com). September 8-10; $125-$200 per person including bunk lodging and meals
So you want to survive a zombie apocalypse? Lucky for you, these experts have the knowledge you'll need to avoid (and kill) the undead. During this weekend camp forget singing "Kumbaya" by the fire, and learn how to build shelter, shoot a crossbow and start knife throwing. After this camp none of your friends will deny you're the Rick Grimes (or Michonne) of the group. Pine Barrens, New Jersey (zombiesurvivalcamp.com). June 2-4; $450 per person.