20 Best Michigan Summer Camps for Kids in 2026 (By Region and Type)

Last Updated: April 2026

Michigan summer camps fill up faster than most parents expect — some of the best overnight camps close their rosters by February, and the top arts programs at places like Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp and Interlochen can have waitlists by March. This guide covers 20 of the best camps across the state in 2026, organized by region: day camps, overnight camps, family camps, and specialty arts programs — from metro Detroit all the way up to the Upper Peninsula.

I’ve been covering Michigan family travel for years — on FOX 17 and across the state — and summer camps are one of the questions I get most from Michigan parents every spring. What I’ve learned: the difference between a good camp and a great one usually comes down to fit, not size. A 300-acre YMCA camp and a small arts camp on a northern Michigan lake can both be exactly right for the right kid. Here’s the full picture by region so you can find what fits yours.

Each camp below links directly to its official website for registration. Ages, session lengths, and costs vary — always confirm current details with the camp before booking. Michigan camps run the full range from single-week day camps to seven-week sleepaway programs, and most offer sibling discounts and financial aid.

Overnight Summer Camps in Southeast Michigan

Camp Ohiyesa — Holly, MI

YMCA Camp Ohiyesa sits on 300 acres around Fish Lake in Holly and runs day and overnight programs for kids ages 4–17 from June through August. This is one of the most complete camp experiences in southeast Michigan — horseback riding, zip-lining, archery, a waterslide, paddle boarding, a petting farm, and arts and crafts all on site. The YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, and responsibility run through every program. Transportation is available from Novi, Birmingham, White Lake, Milford, Brighton, and Whitmore Lake.

• 📍 7300 Hickory Ridge Rd, Holly, MI 48442
• 👶 Ages: 4–17
• 🌐 ymcadetroit.org/ohiyesa

PRO TIP: The YMCA operates several camps across Michigan including Ann Arbor YMCA Camp Al-Gon-Quian in Burt Lake and Camp Eberhart in Three Rivers. Check ymcadetroit.org for the full list of Detroit-area YMCA camps.

YMCA Camp Nissokone — Oscoda, MI

Camp Nissokone is one of Michigan’s most decorated overnight camps — named a Newsweek Top Camp in the USA and previously featured by Outside Magazine as a Top 10 camp for outdoor adventure. It sits on 170 acres where the AuSable River meets Lake Huron near Oscoda, surrounded by 1,000 acres of national forest. One-, two-, and three-week sessions run for youth and teens entering grades K–12, with Nissokone’s sailing and horseback riding programs among the best in the state. Transportation available weekly from Birmingham and Plymouth.

• 📍 6836 F-41, Oscoda, MI 48750
• 👶 Grades: K–12
• 🌐 ymcadetroit.org/nissokone

Michigan Summer Camps in West Michigan

Camp Greenwood — Gowen, MI

This faith-based camp north of Grand Rapids runs week-long programs for kids ages 6–17 in June and July. Camp themes range from fine arts and music to computers, science, and adventure — one of the broader program ranges you’ll find at a single Michigan camp. Water activities, archery, sports, arts and crafts, and nature activities round out the sessions. A family camp option is also available.

• 📍 13564 Macclain St NE, Gowen, MI 49326
• 👶 Ages: 6–17
• 🌐 campgreenwood.org

Camp Blodgett — West Olive, MI

Located on Lake Michigan about 40 minutes west of Grand Rapids near Holland, Camp Blodgett is one of the most affordable overnight camps in Michigan, serving Ottawa and Kent County youth ages 8–13. Five-day resident camps mix physical activities like swimming, hiking, and biking with new experiences like archery, canoeing, and workshop programming. A great option for first-time overnight campers.

• 📍 10451 Lakeshore Drive, West Olive, MI 49460
• 👶 Ages: 8–13
• 🌐 campblodgett.org

YMCA Family Camp Pinewoods — Twin Lake, MI

Just west of Muskegon in the Manistee National Forest, YMCA Pinewoods is the best pure family camp option in West Michigan. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, it’s the rare camp that’s designed for parents and kids together — hiking trails, Echo Lake swimming, a 40-foot climbing tower, zip line, archery, and ball fields, with accommodations ranging from rustic bunkhouses to a full lodge cabin or yurt. Three meals a day in the dining hall include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

• 📍 4230 Obenauf Rd, Twin Lake, MI 49457
• 👶 Ages: Family camp — all ages
• 🌐 ymcachicago.org/pinewood

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp — Twin Lake, MI

Located in the Huron Manistee National Forest, Blue Lake is internationally recognized as one of the top arts education summer camps in the country for students in grades 5–12. Programs in music, art, dance, and drama run all summer, and an international exchange program gives campers an opportunity to travel to Europe. Blue Lake also offers adult camps — check the website for details. Registration fills early, often by late winter.

• 📍 300 E Crystal Lake Rd, Twin Lake, MI 49457
• 👶 Grades: 5–12 (plus adult programs)
• 🌐 bluelake.org

Camp Newaygo — Newaygo, MI

On the shores of Pickerel Lake in the Huron Manistee National Forest, Camp Newaygo offers one of the widest activity ranges in Michigan — more than 30 activities including archery, water skiing, paddle boarding, horseback riding, synchronized swimming, pottery, and gymnastics. Girls overnight camps, co-ed day camps, family camps, and “Mom and Me” programs are all available here. A strong all-around option for families in West Michigan.

• 📍 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI 49337
• 👶 Ages: 7–17
• 🌐 campnewaygo.org

Indian Trails Camp (IKUS Life) — Grand Rapids, MI

Indian Trails is Michigan’s standout overnight camp for individuals with disabilities — a barrier-free, adaptive natural setting offering residential camping experiences for ages 5 to 80+. Most sessions follow a traditional camp program; others take a more specialized approach based on specific needs and abilities. IKUS Life’s mission is to help individuals discover potential and experience greater freedom, and the camp environment reflects that directly.

• 📍 O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49531
• 👶 Ages: 5 to 80+
• 🌐 ikuslife.org

Camp Miniwanca — Shelby, MI

Set on 360 wooded acres and a mile of private Lake Michigan shoreline, Camp Miniwanca runs programs for grades 3–12 in a stunning natural setting. The focus here is on leadership and inclusivity — Miniwanca actively honors campers and staff of all gender identities, including transgender and gender-expansive individuals. From swimming and pottery to theater, ropes courses, and yoga, the activity range is broad. One-to-six week programs available.

• 📍 8845 W Garfield Rd, Shelby, MI 49455
• 👶 Grades: 3–12
• 🌐 ayf.com/camps/miniwanca

Camp Kidwell — Bloomingdale, MI

On Eagle Lake in southwest Michigan, Camp Kidwell offers both overnight and day camps for kids ages 4–16 across 150 acres. Activities run the full classic camp range — swimming, archery, arts and crafts, drama, canoeing, nature exploration, horseback riding, sports, campfires, and more. A solid all-around option in southwest Michigan.

• 📍 39000 1st Ave, Bloomingdale, MI 49026
• 👶 Ages: 4–16
• 🌐 campkidwell.org

Sherman Lake YMCA Camp — Augusta, MI

On 365 wooded waterfront acres in southwest Michigan, Sherman Lake offers day camp, overnight camp, family camp, and horse camp. The facility is one of the most complete in the state — cabins, dining hall, a climbing tower, ropes course, and a full waterfront. The camp also hosts school and church retreats throughout the year.

• 📍 6225 N 39th St, Augusta, MI 49012
• 👶 Ages: 4–17
• 🌐 shermanlakeymca.org/camp

Michigan Summer Camps in Northern Michigan

Camp Walden — Cheboygan, MI

On Long Lake near Cheboygan, Camp Walden runs sleepaway programs for kids ages 7–16 with more than 50 activities and a camper-choice program that lets kids build their own schedule. The range here is genuinely unusual — sailing, ceramics, podcast production, lacrosse, darkroom photography, and wilderness tripping all in one place. Sessions range from two weeks to a full seven-week program. A strong pick for families in northern Michigan who want depth over breadth.

• 📍 5607 S River Rd, Cheboygan, MI 49721
• 👶 Ages: 7–16
• 🌐 campwaldenmi.com

Camp Carvela & Crystalaire Adventures — Traverse City, MI

Camp Carvela is an unplugged, camper-directed overnight camp near Traverse City where kids co-create their own days — choosing from hiking, water sports, arts, and outdoor games in a community-focused environment. Crystalaire Adventures, the sister program, takes wilderness tripping further — small-group expeditions across Michigan wilderness including Isle Royale National Park, the Manitou Islands, and other backcountry destinations. No movie nights, no computer labs. If your kid thrives with structure stripped away, this is the camp.

• 📍 33 Bass Lake Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
• 👶 Ages: 7–17
• 🌐 campcarvela.com

Interlochen Center for the Arts — Interlochen, MI

Near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Interlochen Arts Camp is one of the most prestigious arts camp programs in the world for students in grades 3–12. Music, theater, dance, creative writing, visual arts, and film programs run for several weeks each summer, with students working alongside world-renowned artists and educators. Performances and exhibitions are open to the public. Waitlists form by March in most years — register early.

• 📍 4000 J Maddy Pkwy, Interlochen, MI 49643
• 👶 Grades: 3–12
• 🌐 interlochen.org

Lake Ann Camp & Retreat Center — Lake Ann, MI

This Christian camp in northern Michigan offers six camp experiences for campers in grades 4–12, plus retreats and speaker events. A good fit for faith-oriented families in northern Michigan looking for a traditional camp environment with a clear values foundation.

• 📍 18400 Maple Street, Lake Ann, MI 49650
• 👶 Grades: 4–12
• 🌐 lakeanncamp.com

Michigan Summer Camps in the Upper Peninsula

Boy Scouts Camp Hiawatha — Munising, MI

Camp Hiawatha is the deepest wilderness camp experience on this list — 800 acres encircling Bunting Lake in the heart of Hiawatha National Forest, between Munising and Chatham. Adjacent to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the North Country Trail, Grand Island, and the AuTrain River. For scouts ages 7–16 who want backcountry Michigan, this is the answer.

• 📍 E6350 Doe Lake Rd, Munising, MI 49862
• 👶 Ages: 7–16 (Boy Scouts)
• 🌐 baylakesbsa.org

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp — Crystal Falls, MI

In Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula near Crystal Falls, Fortune Lake is a Christian overnight camp for youth ages 5–18 with swimming, canoeing, hiking, Bible study, and more. One of the few camp options in the western UP for families who want a faith-based overnight experience in a genuinely remote natural setting.

• 📍 138 Fortune Lake Camp Rd, Crystal Falls, MI 49920
• 👶 Ages: 5–18
• 🌐 fortunelake.org

Frequently Asked Questions: Michigan Summer Camps

When do Michigan summer camps fill up?

Top overnight camps — especially YMCA camps, Blue Lake, and Interlochen — often close their rosters by February. Arts programs at Interlochen and Blue Lake can have waitlists by March. For most camps, registering by January or February gives you the best selection of sessions and bunking assignments.

What is the best overnight summer camp in Michigan?

YMCA Camp Nissokone in Oscoda is widely considered one of Michigan’s top overnight camps — named a Newsweek Top Camp in the USA and a Top 10 camp by Outside Magazine for outdoor adventure. For arts-focused overnight programs, Interlochen Center for the Arts and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp are both internationally recognized.

Are there Michigan summer camps for kids with special needs?

Yes. Indian Trails Camp (operated by IKUS Life) in Grand Rapids is Michigan’s leading adaptive overnight camp — a fully barrier-free facility serving individuals ages 5 to 80+ with a wide range of abilities. Most sessions follow a traditional camp format; others are tailored to specific needs. Contact IKUS directly for current session availability.

What Michigan summer camps offer family programs?

YMCA Family Camp Pinewoods near Muskegon is the most dedicated family camp option — open Memorial Day through Labor Day with accommodations, three daily meals, and a full activity lineup for parents and kids together. Sherman Lake YMCA, Camp Newaygo, Camp Greenwood, and Camp Kidwell also offer family camp sessions alongside their kids’ programs.

What are the best Michigan summer camps for the arts?

Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake (grades 5–12) and Interlochen Center for the Arts (grades 3–12) are Michigan’s two internationally recognized arts camps. Both offer music, theater, dance, and visual arts programs, and both fill early. For West Michigan families, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts and Tibbits Opera House in Battle Creek offer shorter arts-focused day camp experiences.

How do I choose between a day camp and an overnight camp?

Day camps are a good first step for younger kids (ages 4–7) or those who haven’t been away from home before. Overnight camps typically start at age 7–8 and provide a deeper community and independence experience. Most Michigan overnight camps offer shorter 1–2 week intro sessions alongside their longer programs — a good bridge for kids who are curious but not ready to commit to a full summer.

Michigan has more than enough camp options to find the right fit for every kid and every family — the hardest part is usually narrowing it down. Start with the type (day, overnight, family, arts), then narrow by region, then check registration windows before anything else. The camps that consistently get the best reviews fill up first, and for good reason.