Summer Camp Costs 2026: Real Prices by Type, Region & What's Actually Included
We analyzed pricing data from over 500 camps to give you an honest picture of what summer camp actually costs—and what you're really paying for. No vague ranges or outdated numbers. Just real data to help you budget.
💰The Quick Answer: What You'll Pay in 2026
If you're looking for a quick answer before diving into details:
- ✓Day camps (local, no overnight): $200–$700 per week
- ✓Traditional overnight camps: $800–$1,800 per week
- ✓Specialty camps (arts, adventure, sports): $500–$2,500 per week
- ✓For a 2-week overnight session: Budget $2,000–$4,000 total (including extras)
But those ranges only tell part of the story. A $1,500/week camp might actually be a better value than an $800/week camp depending on what's included, the staff-to-camper ratio, and your child's specific needs. Let's break it down properly.
📊Costs by Camp Type: The Full Breakdown
We categorized camps into 9 primary types and analyzed the pricing distribution for each. Here's what our data shows—with context on why some types cost more.
Day Camps
Most AffordableWhy the range: Municipal recreation day camps sit at the low end ($200-300), while private day camps with specialized programming (STEM, arts, sports) reach $500-700. Location matters—suburban areas trend 20-30% higher than rural programs.
Traditional Overnight Camps
Most PopularWhat drives cost: Staff ratios (typically 1:4 to 1:6), property size, facility quality, and session length. Camps with waterfront, horses, or extensive specialty equipment trend toward the higher end. Nonprofit camps average 15-20% less than for-profit equivalents.
Sports & Athletic Camps
Price factors: University-affiliated camps and those with former professional athletes as coaches command premium prices. Day-only sports camps ($500-800) cost significantly less than residential programs ($900-1,400). Multi-sport camps average less than single-sport intensive programs.
Arts & Music Camps
Premium TierWhy arts camps cost more: Professional artist/musician faculty, expensive equipment (instruments, recording studios, theater facilities), smaller class sizes for individual instruction, and often premium locations. The $2,000+ camps typically include private lessons and professional-grade materials. However, many offer substantial merit scholarships for talented students.
Adventure & Outdoor Camps
The cost spectrum: Wilderness programs with multi-day expeditions run $1,500-2,200 due to transportation, equipment, and required certifications for guides. Property-based outdoor camps with climbing walls and challenge courses average $850-1,200. Equipment-heavy activities (mountaineering, sailing, backcountry skiing) push costs higher.
Faith-Based Camps
Best ValueWhy they're more affordable: Most faith-based camps operate as nonprofits with significant subsidy from religious organizations. Many rely on volunteer staff or ministry-focused workers. Facilities are often owned outright (no mortgage costs). Scholarship funds are typically well-established. Quality varies widely, so research carefully.
Academic & STEM Camps
Pricing note: Most academic/STEM camps are day programs, which explains the lower cost range. Residential STEM camps at universities run $1,500-3,000+ per week. Robotics camps with high-end equipment and coding camps with 1:1 laptop programs trend higher. Many offer early-bird discounts of 10-15%.
Special Needs Camps
Important context: Many specialized camps for children with serious illnesses (cancer, rare diseases) are completely free—funded by foundations and donations. Camps for children with developmental or physical disabilities typically have higher staff ratios (1:1 or 1:2) which increases costs, but many offer sliding-scale fees or full scholarships.
📦What's Actually Included in Tuition
Understanding what's included helps you compare camps fairly. A $1,200/week camp that includes everything might be cheaper than a $900/week camp with $400 in add-ons.
🏕️Overnight Camp Tuition Usually Includes:
- ✓ Lodging (cabins, tents, or dorms)
- ✓ All meals and snacks
- ✓ Core activities and programming
- ✓ 24/7 supervision
- ✓ Basic supplies and equipment
- ✓ Camp t-shirt or swag
- ✓ On-site medical care
🌅Day Camp Tuition Usually Includes:
- ✓ All activities during camp hours
- ✓ Snacks (usually morning and afternoon)
- ✓ Basic supplies
- ~ Lunch (sometimes included, often not)
- ✗ Transportation usually NOT included
- ✗ Extended care usually extra ($50-150/week)
🗺️Regional Price Differences
Where you live (and where you're willing to send your child) significantly impacts pricing. Our analysis of camps across all 50 states reveals consistent regional patterns:
Northeast (NY, MA, ME, NH, VT, CT)
Highest concentration of established camps
+20-35% above national median
Long tradition, premium facilities, high demand
West Coast (CA, WA, OR)
Specialty and adventure-focused camps
+10-25% above national median
Higher labor costs, prime outdoor locations
Mountain West (CO, MT, WY, UT)
Adventure and outdoor programs
+5-15% above national median
Premium wilderness experiences
Midwest (MN, WI, MI, OH)
Traditional and faith-based camps
At or 5-10% below national median
Strong value, excellent lake access
Southeast (NC, TN, GA, FL)
Diverse mix of camp types
5-15% below national median
Lower operating costs, strong faith-based presence
Texas & Southwest
Ranch and outdoor programs
At or slightly below national median
Good value, unique ranch experiences
Note: These are general trends. Individual camps vary significantly within each region.
💚Financial Aid & Scholarships: Real Options
Don't assume camp is out of reach before exploring financial aid. Approximately 25% of ACA-accredited camps offer need-based financial assistance, and many families qualify who assume they wouldn't.
Types of Financial Assistance
Camp-Provided Scholarships
Many camps set aside 5-15% of enrollment for scholarships. Apply early—funds are limited. Some offer work-study programs where a parent works during the session in exchange for reduced tuition.
External Funding Sources
- • American Camp Association - Campership programs through local chapters
- • Fresh Air Fund - Free camping for NYC-area children
- • SeriousFun Children's Network - Free camps for children with serious illnesses
- • Elks Lodges, Rotary, Lions Clubs - Local service organizations often sponsor campers
- • Religious organizations - Churches, synagogues, mosques may have camp funds
- • Employer programs - Some companies offer camp subsidies as benefits
Payment Plans
Most camps offer payment plans (3-6 monthly installments) at no extra cost. Some offer early-bird discounts of 5-15% for registering by December/January.
How to Apply for Camp Financial Aid
- 1Ask early. Contact camps in fall/winter about aid availability. Don't wait until spring.
- 2Be honest. Most camps use a simple application asking about income and family size. Some use FAST or similar services.
- 3Apply to multiple camps. Aid availability varies. Your second-choice camp might have more funding.
- 4Check local organizations. Service clubs, religious groups, and community foundations often have underutilized funds.
🤔Is Camp Worth the Investment?
This is the real question. Let's be honest about the value proposition:
What Camp Provides That's Hard to Replicate
- ✓ Extended time away from screens and parents (independence)
- ✓ Deep friendships formed through shared intense experiences
- ✓ Trying new activities without fear of judgment from peers at home
- ✓ Adult role models outside the family
- ✓ Unstructured play and outdoor time (increasingly rare)
- ✓ Learning resilience by handling challenges without parental rescue
When Camp Might Not Be Worth It
- ✗ Your child is genuinely not ready (not just nervous)
- ✗ It would cause significant financial stress for your family
- ✗ You're sending them to "fix" behavioral issues (camps aren't therapy)
- ✗ Your child has strong local summer opportunities they prefer
- ✗ The specific camp doesn't match your child's interests or needs
The research: Studies from the American Camp Association show that children who attend camp report gains in self-confidence, social skills, and independence. But these outcomes depend heavily on camp quality and child-camp fit—not just attendance. A well-chosen $600/week camp can be more beneficial than a poorly-chosen $2,000/week camp.
💡Smart Budgeting Tips
Register Early
Early-bird discounts (5-15%) are common for registrations before January. Plus, popular sessions fill up—registering early ensures you get your preferred dates.
Consider Shorter Sessions
A one-week session often costs more per day than a two-week session, but the total outlay is lower. For first-time campers, a shorter session reduces risk if it's not a good fit.
Sibling Discounts
Many camps offer 5-15% off for second or third children from the same family. Always ask.
Returning Camper Discounts
Loyalty discounts of 5-10% are common. Some camps offer larger discounts for campers who commit to multiple summers upfront.
Use FSA/HSA for Medical Camps
Camps specifically designed for children with medical conditions (diabetes camps, etc.) may qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement. Check with your plan administrator.
Buy Used Gear
Camp trunks, sleeping bags, and other gear are available used for 50-70% less than new. Check Facebook Marketplace, camp parent groups, and consignment shops in spring.
The Bottom Line
Summer camp costs range from $200/week for day camps to $2,500+/week for premium specialty programs. The median overnight camp costs about $1,200/week. But price alone doesn't determine value—a well-matched, well-researched camp at any price point can provide transformative experiences. Start your search early, ask about financial aid, and focus on finding the right fit for your child.