This state has a wonderful tradition of summer fun that has carried through the past century and still resonates just as strongly with parents today. There are a number of camps on this list, and throughout the state, that have fostered and supported kids on outdoor adventures for over 100 years.
Pennsylvania is the 3rd biggest State for summer camps in the country, and we have over 130 exciting camps in our exclusive summer camp search.
Open inclusion, camp activities, financial aid availability, the values of each camp, and cost were all important considerations in helping us to determine the top 10 summer camps in Pennsylvania.
As we always recommend, make sure you include your kids and teens in your search for the ideal outdoor adventure this summer. If they feel included in the entire process, it’ll help them adjust to camp life and manage their expectations.
Take a look at our Summer Camp Search to see all of the possible options! In no particular ranking order, these are our selections for the best summer camps in Pennsylvania.
Summary of the Best Summer Camps in Pennsylvania
| Camp Name | # of Activities* | Gender Ages | Financial Aid |
| Camp Fitch YMCA Traditional Camp | 18 | Coed 6 to 17 | YES |
| Camp Ballibay Performing Arts Camp | 19 | Coed 8 to 16 | YES |
| Camp Cayuga Traditional Camp | 37 | Coed 6 to 16 | NO |
| Camp Lohikan Traditional Camp | 36 | Coed 6 to 15 | NO |
| Camp Nock-A-Mixon Traditional Camp | 22 | Coed 7 to 16 | NO |
| Camp Saginaw Jewish Camp | 25 | Coed 6 to 16 | YES |
| Camp Starlight Traditional Camp | 26 | Boys Only / Girls Only 7 to 15 | NO |
| Camp Tioga Traditional Camp | 26 | Coed 7 to 16 | NO |
| Sports & Arts Center at Island Lake Traditional Camp | 33 | Coed 7 to 17 | NO |
| The Susquehannock Camps Traditional Camp | 17 | Boys Only / Girls Only 8 to 17 | YES |
| Camp Poyntelle Jewish Camp | 20 | Coed 6 to 17 | YES |
| Haycock Camping Ministries Christian Camp | 12 | Coed 7 to 16 | YES |
| Camp Jaycee Special Needs Camp | 11 | Coed 7 to 18+ | YES |
The Top 10 Summer Camps in Pennsylvania
Camp Fitch YMCA is a traditional summer Camp whose mission is “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy mind, body, and spirit for all with the purpose to make children better, forever.”
Regarded as a 2nd home by many of their campers, Camp Fitch was founded in 1914. It offers 1 to 2 week sessions for 6 to 17 year olds.
As always, we love the Y’s efforts to build an inclusive program for all that offers a ton of support through camperships and tiered pricing.
The traditional activities at YMCA Camp Fitch are divided into goal-oriented activities with their instructors called “The Ropes” and exploratory activities that give the kids more freedom.
The camp features Artisan activities such as cartooning, school of rock, steampunk jewelry making, and dance. The Sports and Marksman activities include rugby, riflery, advance archery, golf, and soccer.
The Naturalist and Philosopher activities challenge the kids with outdoor survival, creative writing, outdoor cooking, and Brazilian cultural games.
Adventure is in abundance with the Voyager activities that connect campers to nature with canoeing, sailing, horseback riding, zip lines, swimming and hiking.
With their close proximity to the famed Appalachian Trail, the chance to wander on these profilic trails is taken full advantage of with their teen adventure and weekend trips.
We especially love their Farm Focus experience that places an important emphasis on growing both food and friendships. In this unique farm setting, campers will care for heritage-bred livestock that includes goats, rabbits, pigs, chickens and turkeys. They will also help tend to the garden to create a bountiful harvest of edible fruits. All the while fostering a stronger appreciation for their food!
Camp Ballibay is an expert Fine & Performing Arts Camp “for creative kids and different thinkers.” They offer a diverse, tolerant and safe camp for kids to find and unleash their inner talents. A core belief of the Ballibay philosophy is that “It’s the Journey, not the Product.”
Founded in 1964, Ballibay offers 2 to 4 week sessions for 8 to 16 year olds. The camp is located on a sprawling 174-acre campus of serene forests and creative facilities, just 3 1/2 hours from New York City.
The experienced team of multi-national staff at Ballibay guides the kids across a range of creative disciplines in Theater, Rock Music, Visual Arts, Digital Media and Dance.
A wide array of different tracks is available within each discipline that includes ceramics, photography, jazz, guitar instruction, filmmaking, musicals and more. Campers will choose their own interests with a daily schedule that has been tailored specifically for them.
Campers can also enjoy a vibrant water sports program featured at both the on-site swimming pool and their own on-campus lake. As well as the ever-popular activity of horseback riding, where qualified campers can even go on trail rides.
Something that really sets Camp Ballibay apart is their passion for food. They take great pride in their locally-sourced meals that are prepared from scratch by their own top chefs. The kitchen has a delicious menu of endless possibilities for healthy treats from their own gardens, and local farms around Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ballibay truly appreciates the important role that food plays in the overall enjoyment of camp.
Camp Cayuga is a family-owned, nonsectarian summer camp that offers a world of excitement, freedom and enrichment for boys and girls. Cayuga is nestled high within the splendor of the majestic Pocono Mountains, just under 2 1/2 hours from New York City.
Cayuga is “committed to bringing children of diverse backgrounds together in a healthy camp environment where the youngster will be given the opportunity and the help to develop artistically, athletically, and socially.”
Founded in 1950, Cayuga offers 2 to 8 week sessions for 6 to 16 year olds in a non-competitive and safe environment.
The camp is divided into 2 different campuses that sit on opposite sides of the lake, the Junior Campus and the Teen Campus. As the names suggest, the campuses are divided by age groups and are operated self-sufficiently. This allows Cayuga to give what every teen craves in their fun and social times, a sense of exclusivity.
Camp Cayuga offers almost every camp activity imaginable – an absolute monster of awesome and fun choices. Cayuga actually features more activities than any other camp in our summer camp search database for Pennsylvania.
The sheer volume of sports, wilderness adventures, horseback riding, circus, skateboarding, paintball, water sports, media arts, extreme sport jumping, tennis and performing arts would have even adults giddy with anticipation to spend time at Cayuga!
The Athletics program alone features almost 40 popular field, court, and gym sports. There are even activities for Extreme Bungee Jumping and Rugby, which would be right up my alley as a proud born-and-bred Kiwi.
For those campers seeking even more adventure, Cayuga’s Adventure & Wilderness Program offers campers the chance to explore off-site on river rafting trips, cabin overnights, and even horse packing overnights.
I think it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone at Camp Cayuga!
Camp Lohikan has been family-owned and operated for over 65 years. In that time, it has developed into a fun, nurturing camp environment whose goal is “to provide an environment of support and encouragement where children will try new things and grow outside their comfort zone.”
Lohikan can be found in the beautiful Pocono Mountains – close to the village of Lake Como and around 3 hours from New York City. Founded in 1957, Camp Lohikan offers 1 to 8 week sessions for 6 to 15 year olds.
Camp Lohikan features a monster offering of activities across Aquatics, Horseback Riding, Athletics, Adventure, Circus Arts, Creative Arts, Extreme Sports, Performing Arts, Media Arts, Culinary Arts and Teen Programs. An unimaginable scale of development and fun that is sure to keep the kids excited for years!
Over 30 staff department heads offer varying levels of expertise and experience to ensure that every camper feels supported with the highest quality instruction. Progressive skill learning is offered to every camper in every activity, regardless of whether they are beginners or advanced.
One of the most impressive programs is their Media Arts program with professional development and instruction across video production, radio broadcasting, web design, newspaper publishing, and other digital arts. These activities give campers the freedom to create and unleash their inner-creativity with some of the latest digital equipment.
Campers can also challenge themselves within the overnight trips offered in the Adventure Program. These range from a 3-day survival camp clinic to canoe trips on the Delaware River to overnight campouts.
A specialized Spy Camp experience is also featured in the Adventure Program. This unique 3-day clinic tasks the campers with a top secret mission that will require training and execution on ATVs, surveillance techniques, jet skis, paintball tactics, and more. Sounds awesome to me!
Nestled in the beautiful LeHigh Valley of Southeast Pennsylvania, just under 2 hours from New York City, is Camp Nock-A-Mixon. This summer camp’s main goal is to provide “a place where children gain independence and self confidence along with the experience of a lifetime!”
Founded in 1938, Nock-A-Mixon offers a single 7 week session for 7 to 16 year olds.
The camp is unique in offering this single 7 week session as the only option for both kids and teens. This allows the camp to run programs, such as swim lessons, athletics leagues and other activities, with a level of continuity that can ensure stronger skills development and lifetime bonds.
The core of the Nock-A-Mixon experience revolves around their belief “in a culture that promotes inclusion, respect, friendship, tolerance and kindness.” Underpinning every activity and event for the campers is a determined belief to build confidence and positive social skills that will carry with them long beyond camp.
Pics courtesy of Camp Nock-A-Mixon.
The activities at Camp Nock-A-Mixon are divided into several programs that include Adventure, Aquatics, Arts, Athletics, Drama, Evening Activities, Fitness, Nature & Outdoors, and STEM.
We especially love their Nature & Outdoors program where campers have the opportunity to care for lambs, chickens, turtles, bunnies, pigs and more at their nature den. They can also help to tend the garden whose harvest will be used to create delicious food within their cooking activities.
The Aquatics program includes 3 heated pools, giant water slides, and 2 different lakes for all kinds of summer fun in the water.
Camp Saginaw is a family owned and operated summer camp on over 300 acres of beautiful woodlands in Chester County, PA. Just 90 minutes south of Philadelphia, this summer camps mission is “to foster positive social growth in a safe and nurturing environment.”
Founded in 1927, Camp Saginaw offers 2 to 7 week sessions for 6 to 16 year olds.
The activities at Saginaw are technology-free and divided into Athletics, Arts, Waterfront, and Adventure. Tons of awesome ways for the campers to laugh, smile, play hard and learn!
Pics courtesy of Camp Saginaw.
The Athletics program features facilities for basketball, hockey, gymnastics, golf and field sports. While campers can unleash their artistic pursuits in the Arts program with a wide range of activities that include ceramics, woodworking, sewing, cooking, and dance.
In the Waterfront program, campers will have plenty of opportunities to get their feet wet with heated pools, lakefront thrills, and the chance to explore Big Elk Creek by canoe, kayak, or trail. Campers can even learn to scuba safely under close supervision in one of the on-site pools.
The Adventure program boasts the most thrills with an aerial adventure course, ATVs, dirt bikes, go-karts, zip lines, and more. Within these activities, Saginaw places a big emphasis on learning valuable skills such as trust, communication and teamwork.
Another summer camp found in the beautiful Pocono Mountains is Camp Starlight. This camp sits on 385 acres of woodlands surrounded by majestic views of the “endless mountains” of Pennsylvania. The camp operates as a brother-sister campus with separate camps that come together to share mealtimes and evening programs.
Everything at Camp Starlight revolves around their core values of growth, friendship, tradition, and fun. Starlight defines their campers as “doers” and participators” – keen and excited to try, experience, and learn new things.
Founded in 1947, Camp Starlight offers a single 7-week session for 7 to 15 year olds.
The activities at Camp Starlight are divided into Athletics, Waterfront, Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Adventure, Options, Specialty Programs, Olympics, and Out-of-Camp Adventures.
The facilities at Starlight are amongst some of the most immense that we have seen at any camp. In addition to numerous sports facilities, docks for water sports, and a massive multi-level recreational center, the camp really flips the expectations with it’s own synthetic ice rink for ice hockey and figure skating.
The real “wow” factor for me though is some of the activities available in their Options program. The camp features its own professional studios for both music recording and video production.
Within their Starlight Studios facility are almost endless options for digital creativity with editing suites, digital photography areas, a MakersSpace with all manner of STEM exploration, a “hot” set for video production, and so much more.
The camp also has a unique tradition of hosting their own Olympics event for 5 days of intense competition and fun across a range of their activities. The boys camp and the girls camp compete separately against each other for the ultimate goals of teamwork, sportsmanship, and camp spirit.
Another camp that sits gracefully within the splendor of the Pocono Mountains is Camp Tioga. Located just 3 hours from New York City, Tioga regards itself as a “summer camp with a family atmosphere that makes a positive difference.”
Founded in 1997, Camp Tioga offers 2 to 4 week sessions for 7 to 16 year olds. The heart and soul of what drives Camp Tioga can be found in their Core-4 Values of Friendship, Independence, Confidence and Inclusion.
The activity areas at Tioga are spread out across Athletics & Fitness, Swim & Waterfront, Creative & Performing Arts, Adventure, Specialty Programs & Circus Arts.
Digital arts in particular are in no short supply at Tioga with numerous ways for kids and teens to unleash their inner talents. The Filmmaking program will give the kiddos the reins in creating their own short films from script to screen.
The Chatter program is where campers will learn to create lively and entertaining podcasts with creative subject matter and an emphasis on improving speech patterns. The facilities even include a music recording studio space.
The Culinary Arts program will challenge the campers to create a variety of delicious meals from start to finish. And the entire program is led by a former participant on the popular television show, Master Chef.
Camp Tioga takes great pride in the quality of their homemade, locally-sourced dishes, and their bread is baked right on the premises. Healthy, balanced meals are always a big priority with a sprawling menu designed by a certified child nutritionist.
And did I mention that Tioga has one of the biggest water slides I have seen at any summer camp – a 150 foot long monster right into their lake!
The Sports and Arts Center at Island Lake can be found hugging the shorelines of two large lakes in a picturesque setting amongst the endless mountains of the Poconos. The goal of Island Lake Camp (ILC) is to “further your growth, independence, and sense of decision making while giving you the responsibility to create your own exciting summer.”
Founded in 1986, Island Lake Camp offers 3 to 7 week sessions for 7 to 17 year olds and is located just 3 hours from New York City.
The ILC program is all about choice for the campers. It is structured as a completely elective program where the campers choose all of their own activities that are split into “majors” and “minors.”
There’s a whole world of elective choices for kids and teens to unleash their talents! These choices are spread out across 15 different activity areas that include Sports, Circus, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Water Sports, Outdoor Adventure, Video, Science, Music and more.
Campers never have to worry about rainy days at the Sports and Arts Center at Island Lake as many of their facilities feature indoor areas for just such occasions. Campers can still ride horses, fly on the circus trapezes, explore digital arts in the media center, and “create to their arts content!”
Thrills are also in abundance at Island Lake with so many creative and high-flying ways to send yourself soaring through the air. This brings a big smile to this Kiwi’s face with opportunities to skim the water on a board, hold your stomach on a 50-foot giant swing, soar like an eagle on their zip lines, or gracefully catch the air in their massive gymnastics complex.
Island Lake Camp offers an experience unlike most camps that gives full freedom to the campers to develop their own schedules and forge their own unique journeys of progression!
The Susquehannock Camps can be found on Tripp Lake in the heart of the Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The driving force for this summer camp is their commitment to multi-sport athletic development and confidence based learning.
Susquehannock operates as brother and sister camps with completely independent programs with their own traditions.
The mission of Susquehannock Camps is to “encourage the moral, social, and physical development of campers, primarily through the medium of team and individual sports.”
Founded in 1905, Camp Susquehannock offers 2 to 7 week sessions for 7 to 17 year olds. The camp is located just over 3 hours from New York City.
Although the focus is on sports development, the camp features a whole host of other traditional camp activities as well. The activities are divided into Sports, Horseback Riding, CIT/LIT Program, Waterfront, Outdoor Adventure, Tutoring, and Creative Arts.
The Sports program at Susquehannock gives campers a wide exposure to number of exciting traditional and nontraditional sports through clinics and healthy competition. These sports include hockey, basketball, lacrosse, frisbee golf (frolf), soccer, tennis, mountain biking, martial arts and more.
We especially love the support provided in their Director’s Messages. A library of blog posts written by their camp director that explores numerous subjects ranging from confidence building to the key behaviors developed at Susquehannock that college coaches admire. It is an invaluable resource for parents in preparing their kids for Susquehannock (or really any camp anywhere).
Honorable Mentions
We also wanted to include some camps that are creating incredibly unique experiences for their particular communities.
Camp Poyntelle is an inclusive, diverse, non-movement and technology-free Jewish summer camp “where great things happen.” The camp can be found in the foothills of the beautiful Pocono Mountains; just over 3 hours from New York City.
Founded in 1947, Camp Poyntelle offers 3 to 7 week sessions for 6 to 17 year olds.
The heart and soul of Camp Poyntelle can be found in their collective commitment to their core values of Kindness, Empathy, Leadership, Responsibility and Independence. They call this the Poyntelle Difference, and it’s easy to see that confidence is soaring at this summer camp.
The activities at Poyntelle are divided into Waterfront, Athletics, Outdoor Adventure, Creative & Performing Arts, Community Service, Special Events and Trips.
The jewel of the activities would have to be their 71 acres of completely private waterfront on their own lake. An aquatic wonderland filled with waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming. And if that’s not enough, the lake also features an incredible aqua park full of inflatable slides and obstacles.
An exception to the technology-free structure can be found in their STEM exploration program, Imagineering. This activity gives kids the freedom to unleash “whatever their mind can envision” in the world of STEM. From robotics to coding to taking TVs apart to figure out how they work – the kids will embark on their own journeys of discovery.
A core belief at Poyntelle that will serve them well beyond camp is “inspiring campers to take action and become the best possible version of themselves.” With activities like the “Pawsome” puppy care and their Mindfulness program, Poyntelle takes an active role in creating a different and more positive kind of balance for the campers.
We also love how they empower their teens to take on community service initiatives to support local communities.
Amidst the rolling hillsides, farms and picturesque towns of Pennsylvania’s countryside, Haycock Camping Ministries provides a sanctuary of non-denominational Christ-centered learning.
Founded in 1962, Haycock Camping Ministries offers 1 week sessions for 7 to 16 year olds. It is just under 2 hours from New York City and just over 1 hour from Philadelphia.
The mission of Haycock is to “provide Christ-centered camping experiences that lead individuals to Jesus Christ and train them to serve Him.”
What makes the programming at Haycock unique is that they separate their camp sessions by gender and by age. This allows them to embark on different themed camps that are more age-appropriate.
Teens can have their fill of go-karts, aviation, marksmanship, paintball and high adventure with their own dedicated sessions. And the younger kiddoes get to enjoy the thrills of camp discovery within a nurturing and supportive experience.
The activities at Haycock Camping Ministries include a mix of riflery, paintball, lake sports, hayrides, archery, go-karts, zip lines and more.
Haycock is also dedicated to the development and empowerment of their male teens with specialized programs designed to align with their historical passion of “Growing Boys into Godly Men.” These include the “The STAND Discipleship Program” and the “Leadership Growth Program.”
Nestled amongst the forests, fields and streams of the majestic Pocono Mountains is a special needs camp that is creating lifelong memories, Camp Jaycee.
Camp Jaycee is a special needs summer camp for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is conveniently located around 2 hours from both New York City and Philadelphia.
Founded in 1975, Camp Jaycee offers 1 to 2 week sessions for kids, teens and adults.
The mission of Jaycee is to develop social skills, improve self-esteem, increase confidence, provide a fun environment, develop physical fitness, and establish meaningful relationships.
The activities at Jaycee are an eclectic mix of boating, music, arts and crafts, dance and movement, sports, swimming, nature, sensory, and evening activities.
Camp Jaycee features their own 2-acre, spring-fed pond, proudly considered the “centerpiece of camp.” It provides the ideal setting for fun in the water with swimming (3-feet deep area), paddleboats, and rowboats.
I especially love their Nature Hut activities where campers will be able to interact with llamas, rabbits, pigs and other animals. These are incredibly touching moments that many may be experiencing for the first time within Jaycee’s nurturing and supportive environment.
In this rustic woodlands and mountain setting, safety is of the utmost importance. Camp Jaycee features a fully equipped, on-site infirmary staffed by camp nurses who are on-call 24 hours a day to ensure the health and safety of all of the campers.
That’s A Wrap!
Thank you for joining us as we explored the best summer camps in Pennsylvania. We know it’s a tough time for parents to prepare the kiddoes, and we are here to help. There are many other camps in our exclusive Summer Camp Search. Explore more Pennsylvania summer camps right HERE!
And feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need any help reaching out to these camps. Have a great time preparing your young camper for their unforgettable camp adventures!
