If you’ve decided your kiddo is ready for some more independence, check out the best sleepaway camps in Texas and send them off on an adventure they’ll talk about for years to come.
Texas has a camp for just about everyone, from kids with special needs or who are looking to build a stronger relationship with their dad to those wanting an action-packed week or who are interested in honing a new language skill!
Keep reading for the 9 best Sleepaway camps in Texas:
What is A Sleepaway Camp?
Usually located away from the hustle and bustle of the city in more woodsy locations, the best sleepaway camps in Texas provide a place for kids to experience the natural beauty and activities that the great outdoors has to offer. Kids pile atop bunk beds, sleep in cabins altogether with an experienced camp counselor, and get to escape the watchful eyes of mom and dad for a week (or more if they’re lucky!).
Each camp has its unique features and activities, but they all share one similarity: They allow kids to grow in responsibility and social-emotional maturity, traits that will certainly help them navigate social situations later in life.
It’s no wonder why many adults still reminisce about their time at summer sleepaway camp!
Is Sleepaway Camp Worth It?
When paying the bill to send your kiddo to camp, you may wonder if sleepaway camp is actually worth it. While it can be expensive, many parents feel the growth they see in their children makes it well worth the investment.
Here are some benefits of sleepaway camp:
- Teaches valuable life lessons. Getting along with others, teamwork, and how to manage as an individual within a larger group can be quickly “caught” (instead of “taught”) in a camp environment.
- It increases personal responsibility. Many kids start keeping their rooms cleaner or helping out around the house after they return from camp (and all the moms rejoice!).
- Encourages campers to try new things. Facing fears and learning new skills help kids discover new abilities.
- Allows children to think and act independently. This may be a scary idea for parents, but it is so important in the process of growing up.
High Adventure Treks for Dads & Daughters/Dads & Sons
Founded by a father-daughter duo, High Adventure Treks (HATS) is one of the best sleepaway camps in Texas because it allows sons and daughters in grades 4-9 to engage in high adventure experiences while growing their relationship with dad.
Beginning campouts introduce the program and provide an opportunity for dads and their kids to work together. From there, each campout is grade—and gender-specific and features a unique activity like hiking with dinosaurs, canoeing, or rock climbing. Older kids and their dads have the opportunity to engage in more challenging experiences like bushwhacking and whitewater kayaking.
With our busy schedules, the lure of technology, and an endless list of distractions, it’s challenging to strengthen family relationships intentionally. HATS tackles that problem and gives dads the chance to be a valuable influence in their kids’ lives. Personally, I cannot wait for my husband and daughter to start their adventure with HATS!
Camp La Llanada
Camp La Llanada’s sleepaway camp in Valley View, Texas, is designed for campers aged 7 to 16. The program, which is conducted 100% in Spanish (although counselors can speak English if needed), highlights Latin traditions and culture through seasonal themes and delicious food.
Whether your camper is sporty, intellectual, artsy, or a blend of all three, Camp La Llanada relies on experiential learning and healthy competition to expose each child’s strengths and challenge them to leave their comfort zone. All activities, games, and songs are conducted in Spanish, which motivates campers to practice the language in a fun and natural way.
Throughout the camp sessions, Camp La Llanada counselors encourage self-confidence, perseverance, coexistence, and teamwork so campers learn to accept their unique qualities and realize personal improvement.
Charis Hills Camp
An hour north of Fort Worth, Texas, Charis Hills is one of the most unique sleepaway camps in Texas.
A Christian summer camp for kids ages 7 to 18, Charis Hills helps those with learning challenges and social difficulties improve social skills, boost self-esteem, and learn about their faith.
At Charis Hills, campers with ADD, ADHD, Autism, or other special needs have access to traditional camp activities like horseback riding, archery, boating, and arts and crafts. With only 50 campers per session and a 1:3 staff-to-camper ratio, each camper’s experience can be tailored to their particular needs and interests.
Charis Hills is clearly a special place, and campers leave with a greater ability to experience success and fun in daily life and an understanding that their differences are neither uncommon nor debilitating.
Beloved and Beyond
Beloved and Beyond was born in 2020 out of a desire to spread the word of Jesus to people with differing physical and intellectual abilities.
Through their newly purchased 350-acre camp facility in central Texas, 7-—to 25-year-olds can have a real sleepaway camp adventure in a safe and loving environment.
Two things that make Beloved and Beyond unique are:
- Camper-to-counselor ratio. Beloved and Beyond is committed to a 1:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, so both parties are able to experience tremendous growth and bonding throughout their week together.
- Sibling weeks. Sibling weeks allow siblings without special needs to attend camp with their special needs brother or sister. This enables siblings to bond with one another and with others who share a similar family dynamic (and gives their parents some much-needed time “off”!).
Sky Ranch
One of Texas’ premier sleepaway summer camps, Sky Ranch offers exciting activities infused with Christ-centered character-building initiatives. Impromptu dance parties, thrilling activities, and epic water balloon battles create lasting memories for campers, while mentor-minded counselors serve as Godly role models for years after camp is over.
A major advantage for families is how Sky Ranch breaks down their camps by grade level and gender while still being located at the same facility. Aimed at students in grades 1-11, the programs build on each other, and with each new camp level, campers get to experience new activities and traditions.
A few more things to note about Sky Ranch:
- Camps for grades 1-9 are all located in Van, Texas.
- Older students in grades 10, 11, and 12 have the opportunity to expand their horizons at camps in Colorado.
- Specific horse-focused camps are also held in Van, Texas, for grades 2-7 and 7-11.
Collin County Adventure Camp Jamboree
Part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas and located in Anna, Texas, Collin County Adventure Camp takes its popular day camp to the next level with Jamboree.
At Jamboree, campers spend seven days experiencing all of the traditional sleepaway camp activities. They also get to swim at the pool EVERY DAY, throw down in epic lip sync battles, and engage in fierce team competitions. The bravest of souls can even tackle a climbing wall or soar down a zipline. And, of course, campfires with songs and skits cap off each night.
One of the coolest things about this camp is their belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience camp.
Because of that, they offer generous scholarships to families who serve the community, including:
- 20% scholarship to children of active police and fire members
- 25% scholarship to kids of active duty military and veterans
- Although the camp is for kids ages 7-15, Collin County Adventure Camp also hosts a separate, all-teen Jamboree for campers ages 12-15.
Camp Grady Spruce
Two hours west of Dallas, on the shores of Possum Kingdom Lake, lies Camp Grady Spruce.
Known for its awesome waterfront, Camp Grady Spruce boasts water activities like no other. Paddleboarding and being launched into the lake off a giant inflatable pillow are favorites. Campers will, of course, canoe, fish, sail, and swim to round out their week.
Another offering of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, Camp Grady Spruce, features eight uniquely themed weeks of overnight camp. Campers can choose whether they’d like to enter a world where the likes of wizards and Greek mythological characters roam, don their hats and boots for a Texas-inspired rodeo and some line dancing, or take home the gold in an Olympic-style week of competition.
Equestrian Programs
With 35 horses and almost 400 acres of land, some of which is along the including miles along the beautiful Possum Kingdom Lake, the Equestrian Program at Camp Grady Spruce is one of the best in the state.
Nelson Girls Soccer Camp at SMU
Girls looking to improve their soccer skills, especially those considering a collegiate career, must participate in the Nelson Girls Soccer Camp at SMU.
A three-night immersive experience geared toward girls ages 10-14, Nelson Girls Soccer Camp offers players fun and challenging daily training designed to develop their technical skills and tactical knowledge. In the evenings, campers apply their new skills while competing in nightly matches.
What athlete wouldn’t love the opportunity to hone their skills in a beautiful Division 1 college stadium?
Camp Hoblitzelle
Camp Hoblitzelle is a traditional 5-night sleepaway camp for kids ages 7-14 in Midlothian, Texas.
Owned and operated by The Salvation Army, Camp Hoblitzelle provides Biblical teaching and outdoor adventures, including one of the most epic ropes courses I’ve ever seen.
In addition to summer camp, Camp Hoblitzelle offers a unique Music & Arts Conservatory residential program for musicians ages 12-17. Campers have a choice between Brass, Drama, Dance, Piano, or Guitar major tracks, and they spend two hours each day receiving focused instruction.
Students can also participate in choir, theory, private lessons, and a host of electives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sleepaway camps for kids in Dallas, Texas?
Nelson Girls Soccer Camp at SMU and YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ Jamboree are two of the best sleepaway camps in Dallas, Texas. Camp La Llanada, Charis Hills, High Adventure Treks, and Sky Ranch are all within a 1.5-hour drive of Dallas.
What are the most affordable overnight camps in Texas?
By far, the most affordable overnight camp in Texas is Collin County Adventure Camp through the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. Their six-night sleepaway camp in Anna, Texas, is a mere $575.
Are there any free day sleepaway camps for kids in Texas?
The Salvation Army offers free sleepaway camps for kids in Texas and throughout the United States. Their Hoblitzelle Summer Camp is a traditional 5-night sleepaway camp for kids ages 7-14 in Midlothian, Texas. Owned by The Salvation Army, Camp Hoblitzelle provides Biblical teaching and outdoor adventures that are age-appropriate for each camper.
