The 10 Best Summer Camps in Georgia (US) – According to a Local

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In the interest of full disclosure, my childhood camp experiences were lackluster. I’d expected the sort of adventures I’d seen in A Parent Trap or other iconic childhood classics. But what I got instead was religious camp.

We woke up early. We had to wait for everyone to gather in order for a prayer to happen before eating. There were a lot of trust fall exercises, chapel, and reminders that girls had to wear “modest” bathing suits or else swim in a t-shirt.

I wanted campfire s’mores, archery lessons, and horseback riding … and I got religious skits and team building exercises.

It’s no wonder that I wanted another shot at the true camp experience as an adult. Luckily, I found camps that include families and can now say definitively that I love summer camp. Let me tell you about some of the best ones in Georgia.

1. Camp Twin Lakes

I will always champion Camp Twin Lakes as the absolute best of the best of Georgia camps. Not only because it’s where I got my camp do-over but also because it’s the most inclusive of all the camp options in the state. It’s a therapeutic camp for children and families with special healthcare needs.

It accommodates disabilities, illnesses, and other life challenges. I discovered Camp Twin Lakes because I live near one of its locations, but I also heard about it as a mom of autistic children.

We began attending their family weekend camps a few years ago. At first, we did it because I wanted that camp do-over, but I also wanted my children to be in an accepting and inclusive family camp environment before trying a full week of camp on their own.

The experience of Camp Twin Lakes was absolutely one of a kind. I felt like I’d relaxed for the first time since my kids were diagnosed. Everyone there — from camp staff to other attendees — was kind, accepting, and friendly.

Camp Twin Lakes isn’t just accepting and inclusive. It’s also awesome! There are ropes courses for older campers, archery lessons, horseback riding experiences, hiking, swimming, campfire cooking, pottery lessons, fishing, kayaking, and more!

We signed up for different events every single day of camp, and we made lifelong friends.

2. Camp Blue Ridge

When it comes to summer camps in Georgia, Camp Blue Ridge is mentioned often and enthusiastically. This camp accommodates children ages 5 to 16. Camp activity options include sports leagues, boating, hiking, fishing, ropes courses, swimming, art, archery, rock climbing, mountain biking, music, zip lining, cooking, drama classes, photography, yoga, gaming, gardening, and more! Campers are able to customize their camp experience by choosing their activities. There are also nightly events as well as special events for campers to participate in during their stay.

3. Valley View Ranch Equestrian Camp for Girls

This girls-only summer equestrian camp in Cloudland, Georgia, is a one-of-a-kind camp experience. Valley View Ranch equestrian riding programs include English and Hunt Seat, Western Stock Seat, Barrels and Gymkhana, Trails, and Vaulting.

With 600 acres and a history of 70 years operating as a amp, Valley View is the perfect summer camp location for the horseriding enthusiast.

In addition to riding, the camp also offers eco-education programs, swimming, canoeing, crafts, pottery, archery, theater, and dance for girls ages 8 to 17. There’s even an option to bring your own horse!

4. 4-H Summer Camp

Georgia has four 4-H summer camps to offer program participants in the Peach State. For those unfamiliar with the 4-H program, it involves Head, Heart, Hands, and Health as the value system for members to develop.

This includes learning, citizenship and community service, healthy living, and making good choices. The camps available are Burton 4-H Center (Tybee Island), Fortson 4-H Center (Hampton, GA), Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Eatonton, GA), and Wahsega 4-H Center (Dahlonega, GA).

You can expect an emphasis on nature, skill-building, team building, and adventure at each of these exciting camp locations.

5. Camp TALON

Camp TALON is one of the more unusual camps making the list for the best camps in Georgia. TALON stands for Teen Adventures Learning Ornithology & Nature.

This coastal camp is geared toward students ages 14 to 19 who are interested in learning more about bird identification, songs, behavior, flight, and migration.

This specialty camp is taught by ornithologists, biologists, and environmental educators in a setting with three campers to every one instructor.

6. Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center Summer Camps

The Charlie Elliott Wildlife Center offers summer camps for ages 6 to 16. Camps tend to be based on specific interests and themes.

Fishing and wildlife management, outdoor team building and adventures, shooting sports, hunting, and wildlife conservation are all camp options.

Youth with an interest in nature and the outdoors will enjoy learning more about wildlife, conservation, and safety. Scholarships are also available for those who need financial assistance.

7. UGA Summer Academy Camp

Summer Academy at the University of Georgia offers specialty STEAM camps. STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics.

Located on the Athens, Georgia, campus of the University of Georgia, the summer academy offered camps in medicine, ocean discovery, robotics, animation, and more.

These educational camps offer students the chance to explore different potential hobbies and/or career options.

8. Camp Juliette Low

You’ll find Camp Juliette Low in Cloudland, Georgia. This Girl Scout camp focuses on building confidence and leadership skills for girls ages 8 to 17.

Camp activities include hiking, canoeing, sailing, crafts, archery, horseback riding, knot tying, wood chopping, fire-building, and more. From skill building to outdoor adventures, campers will have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, and build their self-confidence.

9. Camp Southern Ground

You’ll find Camp Southern Ground in Fayetteville, Georgia. This inclusive camp accommodates ages 7 to 17. This tech-free camp has a focus on sustainability, farming, and healthy nutrition.

Camp activities includes arts and crafts, gardening and harvesting, outdoor cooking, culinary classes, mountain biking, trail riding, fishing, music, dance, drama, adventure courses, yoga and meditation, swimming, sports, archery, and more!

This camp program welcomes students from different races, backgrounds, and abilities and also serves military and veteran families.

10. Camp Fire

Camp Fire Georgia doesn’t just have a catchy name. It’s been operating since 1923 with a mission to help support youth in developing a sense of community and leadership. This 100+ acre camp offers after school programs and day camps as well as an overnight camp at Camp Toccoa. Camp Toccoa accepts campers from ages 7 to 18 and offers archery, canoeing, hiking, climbing, arts and crafts, and environmental education.

Summer Camp Preparation

Summer camp can create beautiful lifelong memories for children and families. While it may be daunting for a child to go away to camp for the first time, here are some pro-tips for preparing for the camp experience:

• Pack sunblock, insect repellent, and anti-itch cream. Prepare to be in the great outdoors — along with the sunshine and the bugs that live there.
• Pack flipflops for showers. Bring back camp memories, not foot fungus.
• Don’t forget to bring a jacket. Evenings can get chilly any time of year.
• Pack a flashlight and a whistle. Both could be useful for navigating the dark and helping out in emergency situations. While the camp will undoubtably have their own first aid supplies, packing a first aid kit is always a good idea when going on an outdoor adventure.
• Don’t forget a water bottle. Refill and drink up often to stay hydrated.
• Don’t forget to inform the camp of any medical considerations, allergies, and medication needs.
• Parents: ask what items are acceptable for sending in a care package to help a camper adjust away from home. It’s not uncommon for young children to feel homesick in an unfamiliar environment.

Camps can be a lot of fun. For first time campers, I do recommend finding a family camp experience. It can be a great way to ease children into the concept of camp with a caretaker present. It’s also a great way to relive your great childhood camp memories or to create brand new ones.