13 Best Sleepaway Summer Camps in Colorado
Summer is coming and it makes the best time for adventure! Perhaps you’re able to find an affordable family vacation, or tropical escape to Mexico. But for those in Colorado, there is plenty of adventure to be had this summer even if you aren’t heading on vacation with sleepaway summer camps in Colorado.
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I’ve researched some of the best, most fun overnight summer camps in Colorado. Find fun, friends, and adventure at these cool summer camps for your kids this year!
Table of Contents
13 Best Overnight Summer Camps in Colorado
Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash
Traditional Sleepaway Camps in Colorado
1. Camp Granite Lake– Sleepaway Summer Camps in Colorado
- Located West of Boulder
- 4.9 star rating on Google (31 reviews)
- 3 Week or 5 Day camps offered
Camp Granite Lake is located about 30 minutes from Boulder, CO, where the activities are endless! This seems like a great, fun sleepaway camp for kids in Colorado.
Kids can choose from plenty of land activities like climbing, ecology, circus tricks, geocaching, hiking, and more. Or they can cool of at the lake with stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, and sailing.
While outdoor adventure is always popular, if your child is more into the arts there is plenty of opportunity there as well. Camp Granite Lake offers music, theater, ceramics, and more! There is always something fun to choose from.
Kids will really grow in their social skills and friendships as they build confidence. They’ll get to sleep in cabins with new friends as they challenge themselves to new adventures. It’s the best of everything at this summer camp in Colorado.
*Mini-camps (5 days) are for those who have completed 1st grade and through 4th grade
Check Camp Granite Lake’s website for more info and pricing.
*3-week sessions are for kids who have finished 2nd grade and through 10th grade.
Photo by Kyle Smith on Unsplash
2. Avid4Adventure Resident Camps
- Located in Bailey (Camp Windy Peak) or Evergreen (Camp Blue Sky) (location dependent on grade level)
- Rated 4.6/5 on Facebook from 94 reviews
- Camps are 1 to 2 weeks
Avid4Adventure is a fun, typical summer camp-style program. It’s all about outdoor adventure, building friendships, and typical camp-style fun.
1st through 5th graders spend their overnight camps (and sleeping in cabins) in Evergreen, while 6th through 12th graders will be in Bailey.
Each overnight summer camp session is based on grade level, so 1st and 2nd grade will be together; 3rd and 4th grade will be together; etc.
Some fun activities the younger groups participate in are biking, climbing, skits, kayaking, ziplining, and more.
Middle grades will enjoy backpacking, biking, archery, games, ropes courses, and more.
High schoolers will find high adventure during a 3 night backpacking trip, ropes courses, kayaking, rock climbing, and the other typical camp activities. Older high schoolers can also apply for training courses to become a staff member for camps.
Some of the main values of Avid4 include inclusivity (with trained staff who are compassionate and caring), building confidence, and highly trained staff ready to give your kids a great experience.
Want something more for your camper?
Avid4 also offers Expedition camps, where older children get into nature even deeper with tent camping. Expedition camps are run with smaller groups and still include many fun outdoor adventure activities.
Check out all Avid4 has to offer for Colorado overnight camp options.
3. Cheley Colorado Camps
- Located in Estes Park
- Rated 4.8 stars on Facebook (459 Reviews)
- Camps vary from 5 nights to 3+ weeks
Cheley Colorado Camps are all about building character, resiliency, and having great experiences. It’s easy to create great experiences when you wake up each day to the background of a national forest and national park.
There are 3 different Cheley camps in Estes Park, covering over 1400 acres of Cheley owned property.
That plenty of space to ride nearly 150 horses, try a challenge or ropes course, play basketball, archery, soccer, or participate in arts and crafts. There’s even a pond to fish in! And that is nowhere near exhaustive of the list of activities you’ll find at Cheley!
Cheley offers shorter sessions to younger campers ages 7-10 (5 nights).
Term options are around 27 days of camp.
If you need an all summer long camp in Colorado, you can sign up for a full-season, which runs mid-June into August.
Check out this beautiful summer camp in Colorado at their website for more info and pricing.
4. Colvig Silver Camps– Overnight Camps in Colorado
- Located in Durango
- Rated 4.0 Stars on Google (26 Reviews)
- Camps are just about 2 weeks
Colvig Silver Camp is a fun overnight summer camp in Durango, Colorado at the foot of the beautiful San Juan mountains. They offer day camps as well, but the sleepaway camps run just short of 2 weeks each.
The camps are co-ed, with the exception of 5th thru 7th graders, as they feel it is important for that age to really focus on improving their own self worth (and we know that age can get distracted, right?)
The mission of Colvig Silver Camp is to really build caring, thoughtful, and responsible people. While the camp is full of fun activities, the focus is on building relational skills.
What I love about this Colorado sleepaway camp as a parent is that the ratio of staff-to-camper is 1:3, making sure your child is well cared for!
Activities include (but are very much not limited to) sports, lake activities, horses, climbing, biking, campfires, star gazing, and more. (Some activities are age-specific, of course.)
Check out Colvig Silver Camp’s website for more info and pricing.
5. Camp Geneva Glen
- Located in Indian Hills
- Rated 4.8/5 from 71 Google reviews
- Camps are 3 days to 2 weeks
Camp Geneva Glen’s mission includes building responsibility, understanding, and courage.
Depending on age, the time you’ll stay at camp varies. The youngest of campers have 3 day sessions while kids in 3rd grade and up can choose a camp up to 2 weeks.
Each group has a different theme they go by. The youngest “seedlings” have carnival-type themes. Then there’s pirate and dragon themes, all the way up to knighthood themes where they learn about Merlin or King Arthur.
Beyond activities centered around each theme, campers will also enjoy a wide variety of activities. These include horseback riding, crafts, drama, shooting, swimming, a large variety of sports, ropes courses, and more. There is an activity for any interest at Camp Geneva Glen!
See more details about Camp Geneva Glen
Specific Interest Sleepaway Camps in Colorado
6. Camp Telaphiba– Sleepaway Dance Camps in Colorado
- Located in Copper (in the mountains)
- Rated 5 Stars on Google (37 reviews)
- Camps vary from 5-12 nights
Are you looking for a summer dance camp in Colorado? It doesn’t get better than Camp Telaphiba.
Camp Telaphiba has plenty of the typical camp activities: hiking, campfires, swimming, etc.
But your child will also get plenty of dance classes in many dance genres. They’ll participate in 4-6 dance classes a day and have classes in each genre, from ballet to musical theater. That’s a well-rounded dance education!
They’ll have opportunities to perform, and families can attend in-person or online to watch the performance.
This camp focuses on fun and connection, to make sure your child has a great experience and creates memories that last a lifetime.
You can choose from camps that last 5 nights or 12 nights.
Check out Camp Telaphiba’s Website for more info on this cool summer sleepaway camp in Colorado!
7. ADTC Overnight Summer Dance Camp in Colorado
- Located in Boulder
- Rated 5/5 from 13 Google Reviews
- Camps are 1 week
ADTC is another great option for a overnight summer camp in Colorado if your child loves to dance!
There are actually a few of these sessions run across the country, but the one in Colorado is located in Boulder with 2 different week-long sessions this summer.
At ADTC, your dancer will practice jazz, hip hop, and contemporary each morning. Then, they’ll get to pick from a couple other styles of dance for their “elective.”
After that, the day is filled with fun and activities or even other elective classes.
Some activities include hiking, climbing, painting, movies, or just hanging out. The free time is all about what your dancer wants to do.
By evening, dancers will have an opportunity to perform for “Dance Idol” or tech night.
ADTC brings in world-class choreographers to run the camps. Some are from the Rockettes, TV dance shows, and even Broadway. And while they are highly trained in dance, they are trained in the fun non-dance stuff too.
Find out more about American Dance Training Camp (ADTC)
Don’t forget the essentials for camp!
8. Keystone Science School Summer Camps
- Located in Keystone
- Rated 4.2 out of 63 reviews on Google
- Camps are 1 or 2 weeks
Have a child that is especially interested in science? This is the overnight summer camp in Colorado for them!
At Keystone Science overnight camps in Colorado, they’ll get a great mix of both typical camp adventure and science.
While the camp mainly takes place at Keystone Science School, campers have plenty of opportunities to get off campus. They’ll participate in an overnight backpacking adventure, adventure activities around Summit county, hikes, and a variety of other activities depending on the week they attend (rafting, horseback riding, etc.)
The main camp programs are for kids in grades 2 through 8. Once in high school, they can participate in a leadership program.
Accommodations include dorms in the lodge (all grades) or canvas tents (available for grades 4-6).
Details and pricing of Keystone Science School camps
Special Needs Overnight Summer Camps in Colorado
9. Colorado Lion’s Camp
- Located in Woodland Park
- Rated 4.6 Stars on Google (56 reviews)
- Camps are 5 nights, Sunday-Friday
Lion’s Camp began with just 5 campers, each visually impaired, back in 1964. They soon expanded, secured land in Pike National Forest, and grew to a camp that hosts over 400 campers each year. The campers have various abilities, but are all welcome and find enjoyment at Lion’s Camp.
Lion’s Camp is an amazing sleepaway summer camp in Colorado, and it is open to kids age 8 and up to adults.
This sleepaway camp near Colorado Springs is accredited by the American Camp Association. They really focus on inclusion and make sure that no matter your ability or development, they’ll have great activities for you.
From the Lion’s Camp Website: “Our campers are individuals age 8 to a senior adult who have the following: Down syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Asperger’s Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorders, Developmental Delays, Intellectual Challenges, Blind or Visual Impairments, Deaf or Hearing Impairments, Physical Disabilities, and Mental Disorders.”
Fun activities at this summer camp near Colorado Springs include cooking, arts & crafts, studying nature, music, dance, hiking, drama, games, and more.
Check out the website for Lion’s Camp for more info on this summer camp in Colorado.
10. Roundup River Ranch- for Kids with Serious Illness
- Located in Gypsum
- Rated 4.9/5 from 51 Google Reviews
- Camps are 5 days
This overnight summer camp in Colorado is wonderful. They are all-inclusive, meaning they make sure every child has a chance at enjoying a summer camp experience.
At Roundup River Ranch, campers who have serious illness are invited to attend. Mom and dad can rest assured that they not only are being taken care of, but that they are having fun and experiencing what every kid deserves to experience!
With a team of medical experts present, kids will get to enjoy typical camp activities. Spend time doing some arts and crafts, take the kayak out, practice archery, or try the canoe.
As families probably have enough expenses and things to worry about, there’s no burden here…Roundup River Ranch is FREE.
How? Roundup River Ranch is part of the Serious Fun Children’s Network, which was founded by Paul Newman. He believes that kids with serious illness should be able to “kick back and raise a little hell.”
Camp sessions are open to those age 7 and up for the 5 day sessions. Ages 5 and up are welcome to Family Camp sessions, which are 3 days.
Find more information on Roundup River Ranch
Photo courtesy of Eagle Lake Camps
Christian Overnight Summer Camps in Colorado
11. Eagle Lake Camps
- Located off Rampart Range Rd in Colorado Springs.
- 4.8 Star Rating on Google (84 Reviews)
- Most Camps are 5 nights: Sunday – Friday. Some excursion camps are longer.
(You can actually choose whether you’d rather attend a day camp or overnight camps at Eagle Lake Camps. Here’s some info on the overnight camps.)
Eagle Lake Camp is a Christian camp, which offers plenty of activities all day long, as well as Bible studies and discussions. Eagle Lake focuses on discipleship, where their highly qualified staff go through intensive training to meet kids where they are at spiritually and give them personalized attention through intentional spiritual conversations.
The official goal at Eagle Lake Camp is to inspire “Christ-centered love and commitment through counselor relationships in the midst of exciting outdoor experiences.”
Kids aged 8-17 can find the right fit at Eagle Lake Camp with kids of their own age in each camp.
One reason this makes the list of best sleepaway summer camps in Colorado is the customizable options for kids.
REZident Camp Option
The first option “(REZ)ident Camp” accepts kids ages 8-14 and focuses on fun and activities. Rezident camps have new themes each year.
Campers move through large team games like Capture the Flag, Campfire Nights, and a relay Maximus, through small team activities like Archery Tag and Tie Dye, and through free time activities like beach time with our Blob and other large water inflatables, Ziplining across our lake, playing Gaga ball, and more.
Excursions Camp
The second, “Excursions Camp” is open to kids 12-17 and really takes in the outdoors through kayaking, backpacking, and other wilderness fun.
Excursions programs are scaffolded and build on each other, becoming increasingly difficult as campers progress. They also offerrock climbing, mountain biking, and white water rafting. Additionally, they have a Dad/Teen program to foster relationships between dads and their teens.
Crew Camp
The final option, “Crew” is for the older kids 15-17. Their emphasis is on service and building bonds through working together.
Crew is a 5-week intensive discipleship and service program, where campers work shifts thatallow camp to run and participate in Bible studies and spiritual growth programs.
Overview of Eagle Lake Camps
This 5-night program offers kayaking, arts & crafts, campfires, swimming, capture the flag, ziplining, and so many more activities for your child to connect, grow, and have FUN!
To ease your mind, a full-time registered nurse in always on staff, as well as student nurses when needed. Staff go through multiple interviews, screenings, and background checks, and receive an intensive two week training before camp and ongoing trainings during the summer.
Check Eagle Lake Camp’s website for more info and pricing.
12. IdRaHaJe- Christian Summer Camps in Colorado
- Located in Bailey
- Rated 4.5 Stars on Google (102 reviews)
- Camps are 3 to 6 nights
IdRaHaJe is another of the Christian sleepaway summer camps in Colorado. There are many selections to choose from for camp, and they are divided by age group.
The youngest of campers (ages 6-8) will take fun hayrides, go on hikes, swim, make pottery, and more, all while being led by excited and thoroughly trained leaders.
As you get to the older camper selections, you’ll find activities like rock climbing and whitewater rafting.
While prices vary depending on which camp you select, it does seem to be one of the more affordable camps.
See IdRaHaJe’s Website for more info and pricing.
13. Sky Ranch at Horn Creek Family Camp – Christian Camp
- Located in Westcliffe
- Rated 4.6 stars of 36 Google Reviews
- Camps are 1 week
What’s unique about this overnight summer camp in Colorado?
The whole family can come!
Horn Creek is located a bit west of Pueblo in central-south Colorado (and only 2 hours from Great Sand Dunes National Park!)
Horn Creek does offer child-only camps, but for 10th and 11th grade only.
Otherwise, the whole family joins this summer camp. This all-inclusive experience runs for an entire week and is packed with activities like ziplining and tubing.
You’ll also get themed-nights to enjoy with the family. But if mom and dad need a little kid-free time, they can find some R&R on parent’s night out while the camp counselors hang out with the kids.
As a Christian family camp, you’ll also get age-specific bible studies throughout the week.
All meals are providing in the dining hall, and coffee is always available 🙂
See Horn Creek’s Website for more info
Map of Overnight Summer Camps in Colorado
Here is an approximation of where each camp mentioned is located to give you an idea! (These are not exact)
Sleepaway Summer Camps in Colorado
There are a lot of sleepaway summer camps in Colorado to choose from. If you want a traditional, adventurous summer camp for your child, one of the first three are perfect! If you’d like something more specific to meet your child’s needs (like dance, abilities, or Christian camps), there are great choices for that too.
I hope this has helped you in your search to find the best overnight summer camp in Colorado for your child this year.
Related: 10+ Awesome Sleepaway Summer Camps in Utah
Don’t forget these essentials for summer camp!
A Water bottle– Colorado is at high elevation, so it’s even more important to stay hydrated!
Bug Spray– This less-toxic spray works great for us
Hat- the sun is intense in Colorado. Make sure you bring a hat for protection. And of course Sun Screen.
A journal– to make sure you keep these memories forever
Sweatshirt– Even when it’s hot, it cools down at night in Colorado.
Want More Adventure while you’re in Colorado? Check out
10 Best Things to do in Breckenridge in Summer
Best Hikes for Families in Rocky Mountain National Park
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What a great informational post about summer sleepaway camps in Colorado. This will be a great guide for parents.
Thank you! It was fun learning about the different options 🙂
It’s interesting to read about what’s on offer in terms of kids summer entertainment in Colorado. Sleepaway camps are very much an American concept (we went to camp with our school as a kid in NZ). I would’ve loved something like this as a child!
What a great guide for Parents for Summer Camps for kids and it’s not too early to start thinking about them!
My boys went to Boy Scout summer camp every year. It was always an awesome experience for them and I enjoyed the week “off”, but I always felt sad when I put them on the bus and then missed them by day three.
I can totally see why kids would love all of these! What a fabulous way for them to spend the summertime. 🙂
I never did this kind of thing as a child, but they look like a blast!
I remember sharing summer camp stories when I was young. They’re really so much fun!
I used to love camp as a kid! These sound fun
Lots of great camps to choose from in Colorado! This will help a lot of parents decide I’m sure.
Sleepaway camps in Colorado sound amazing!
Summer camp was a formative time of my life so it was fun to read about other camps. This is an excellent resource for parents who are looking for a camp. I liked the variety of options and accessibility that you provided about the camps.
I loved summer camp as a kid! So fun
Wow so many great camps in the perfect setting too with all the great outdoor settings in Colorado. They need to offer state exchange programs where parents can ship the kiddos off for the summer for an experience. I know the mom’s here would jump all over that, money is no oject.
That would be so fun for kids. I know they have to have those somewhere… I think the summer camp in The Parent Trap was 8 weeks, haha! So I know they exist!
Great guide here! I’m sure parents will love all these options of sleepaway summer camps!
I was looking for some great summer camps and found this list! What a great option for kids!
I’m glad you found it! I love that there are the general summer camps, but also interest-specific camps. Really something fun for everyone!