A Parent's Guide to New Jersey Summer Sleepaway Camps: 2026 Edition
Designed for children and teens, these NJ overnight resident camps provide a nurturing environment for exploration, creativity, and personal growth.
Campers enjoy a wide range of activities tailored to their interests and developmental needs, from outdoor adventures and team sports to arts and leadership-building opportunities.
Guided by experienced staff, each camper embarks on a journey of discovery, forging lifelong friendships and developing essential skills for the future.
Whether it’s building confidence or cultivating independence, New Jersey camps are the perfect place for a healthy, memorable summer filled with fun and learning.
Northern New Jersey overnight summer camps kids actually rave about (mountains, lakes, big outdoor energy)
Northern New Jersey has that “real camp” feel fast, piney air, cooler nights, and lakes that make kids forget screens exist. These nj overnight camps tend to attract families who want unplugged fun, big nature, and a strong cabin community. If you’re comparing new jersey kids overnight camps, pay attention to how each camp supports first-timers and how they handle communication back home.
YMCA Camp Bernie (Port Murray, Warren County)
Set in the hills of Warren County, Camp Bernie is classic sleepaway energy with a friendly, confidence-building vibe. Expect a broad mix, from hiking to team games to a climbing tower style challenge. It’s a strong fit for kids who want a welcoming camp community and parents who like the YMCA’s steady structure.See YMCA Camp Bernie details
YMCA Camp Ralph S. Mason (Hardwick Township, Warren County)
Camp Mason sits near the Delaware Water Gap area, with room to roam and lots of outdoor discovery baked into the week. It’s known for traditional camp activities plus that “try something new every day” momentum. For summer 2026, Camp Mason has published overnight dates and rates on its site, see Camp Mason’s overnight camp details and confirm openings early.
Fairview Lake Camp (Newton, Sussex County)
Fairview Lake has strong lake life, swimming, boating, and that end-of-day glow you only get after being outside for hours. The setting feels removed in the best way, which helps friendships form fast. The best fit is an active kid who wants a nature-heavy week with a real sense of tradition (and parents who don’t mind a more unplugged feel). You can get a sense of the property and camp options at Fairview Lake YMCA Camps.
Trail Blazers Overnight Camp (Montague area, Sussex County)
Trail Blazers is for kids who want camp to feel like an adventure story, campfires, skills, independence, and steady, supportive challenges. Many families like the emphasis on community and the way confidence grows in small steps. It’s a great match for adventurous campers who do well with clear routines and fewer distractions (often with limited or no electronics). Start with the program basics at Trail Blazers overnight camp.
YMCA Camp Linwood MacDonald (Sandyston, Sussex County)
In a forested setting near the Stokes area, Linwood MacDonald blends outdoor time with creative choices, so the week doesn’t feel one-note. Think trails, water features like streams or ponds, and lots of space for imagination. It suits kids who like nature but don’t want nonstop intensity, especially thoughtful campers who prefer a calmer pace. See YMCA Camp Linwood Macdonald details
JCC MetroWest Camp Deeny Riback (West Orange area, Essex County)
Inspiring Jewish values, Deeny Riback open to all children with a welcoming community warmth, organized programming, and a schedule that balances arts, swim, and outdoor fun. Families often like the emphasis on belonging and communication, which can matter as much as archery or crafts. It’s best for social kids who thrive when routines are clear and adults are highly engaged. See JCC Camp Deeny Ribeck details
Camp NoBeBoSco (Hardwick, Warren County)
If your child is in Scouts, NoBeBoSco is a well-known option for a structured resident camp week with outdoor skills and badge progress. The setting in Hardwick keeps the focus on woods, water, and learning by doing. It’s a good fit for kids who like practical skills, clear goals, and a cabin group that works as a team. See Camp NoBeBoSco details
Camp Lou Henry Hoover (Middleville, Sussex County)
A residential Girl Scout Camp along the shores of Swartswood Lake, girls spend their days exploring the outdoors—canoeing, hiking wooded trails, tackling challenge courses, and building confidence through hand on adventure. What makes this camp special is its strong focus on leadership, teamwork, and empowering kids to try new things in a supportive, unplugged environment. It’s an excellent fit for children who love nature, enjoy active outdoor play, and thrive in a community oriented setting where friendships grow as fast as their skills. See Camp Lou Hoover details
New Jersey 4-H Camp (Branchville, County)
Located on Lake Shawanni, 4-H camp programs are a great fit for kids who like learning hands-on skills and jumping into a group quickly. Many 4-H experiences emphasize leadership, practical classes, and community traditions that help kids feel included early in the week. See New Jersey 4-H Camp details
Central New Jersey sleepaway camps with a strong mix of creativity, confidence, and close-to-home convenience
Central Jersey is where many families look when they want the comfort of a shorter drive but still want camp to build independence. This region also has more programs that blend enrichment and performance, which can be perfect if your child wants an nj kids summer camp experience that’s less about wilderness and more about creating something. Since formats vary a lot here, this section includes both traditional options and programs that may include overnights or resident components, parents shopping nj kids overnight camps should always confirm the exact stay structure.
Camp Tecumseh (Pittstown, Hunterdon County)
A Christ-centered camp set on beautiful wooded grounds, the camp stands out for its mix of traditional activities—like swimming, archery, boating, crafts, and nature exploration—paired with a warm, community‑driven atmosphere that feels like a second home. It's an ideal fit for children who thrive on hands on adventure, love being active outside, and enjoy a supportive environment where they can unplug, try new things, and grow socially and emotionally. See Camp Tecumseh details
Kiddie Keep Well Camp ( Edison, Middlesex County)
The camp is designed to support children who benefit from an affordable, nurturing environment where they can explore nature, swim, play sports, create art, and build confidence in a supportive setting. It's best for families seeking a welcoming, low pressure camp where kids can unplug, make friends, and enjoy a traditional summer camp atmosphere without the high cost. The camp's emphasis on health, wellness, and social development makes it especially great for children who thrive with structure, encouragement, and plenty of outdoor time. See Kiddie Keep Well Camp details
iD Tech Camp @Princeton University (Princeton, Mercer County)
A leading tech camp offering programs in STEM-based blended learning experience available to kids and teens. Programs feature coding, game development, robotics, and design for kids and teens. Campers will get a taste of collegiate life this summer! Your child will work alongside new friends and learn from expert tech mentors, while taking breaks in between to enjoy outdoor playing fields for ultimate frisbee, capture the flag, kickball, board games, and more! See ID Tech Camp @ Princeton University details
JCC Camp Ruach (Bridgewater, Somerset County)
Inspiring Jewish values, Camp Ruach open to all children has a welcoming community feel and a schedule that can include arts, swim, and special activities for older campers. For details on the program’s structure, see JCC Camp Ruach.
Southern New Jersey overnight camps in the Pine Barrens and beyond (big nature, classic camp vibes)
South Jersey has a special kind of quiet, tall pines, sandy trails, and warm nights that feel made for campfires. If your child wants a classic cabin week with plenty of outdoor time, this region has strong nj kids sleepaway camps, especially around the Pinelands.
YMCA Camp Ockanickon (Medford, Burlington County)
Camp Ockanickon for boys leads the way in camping, character, and connection. It's a traditional sleepaway camp in the Pinelands with a broad activity mix that goes beyond any single theme. It’s a strong fit for boys who want a classic camp community, outdoor skills, and a structured day with variety. For 2026 planning, see the YMCA Camp Ockanickon site for details
YMCA of the Pines, Camp Matollionequay (Medford, Burlington County)
Camp Matollionequay for girls brings a similar Pine Barrens setting with a community-centered approach and lots of chances to try new skills. The vibe is supportive and tradition-heavy, which helps new campers settle in. If your child wants big friendships, outdoor fun, and a steady daily rhythm, it belongs on your shortlist. See Camp Matollionequay details
Camp Haluwasa (Hammonton, Burlington County)
Camp Haluwasa is a Christian overnight camp option with a values-forward culture and a balanced week that mixes games, nature, group time, and classic camp fun. It’s a good fit for families who want faith as part of the experience, without a competitive sports focus. Their site states summer 2026 registration is open, see Camp Haluwasa’s 2026 schedule details
Vanguard Theater Company Summerstock (Elmer, Salem County)
Vanguard’s Smmerstock Camp programs attract kids who like movement, improv, and learning by doing. The days can feel like a creative workout, in a good way, with lots of group collaboration and supportive coaching. It’s a strong match for kids who want performing arts without heavy competition. See Vanguard Theater Summerstock details
Camp Pine Hill Scout Reservation (Pine Hill, Camden County)
Camp Pine Hill is a South Jersey Scout reservation that offers resident camp weeks with outdoor skills, learning areas, and strong group supervision. It’s a great fit for Scouts who want that “earn skills, make friends, sleep in a cabin” experience close to home. See Camp Pine Hill details
Appel Farm Arts and Music Center (Elmer, Salem County)
A community of creative, welcoming artists exploring music, theater, dance, visual arts, photography, video, recording arts, creative writing, sports and swim. Professional artists and arts educators will guide your child's development based on his or her skill level and interests. See Appel Farm Arts Camp details
Conclusion
The simplest way to choose from the best New Jersey overnight summer camps is to match the setting to your child’s personality. Mountains and lakes can be perfect for kids who want big outdoor days, the Pine Barrens can feel calm and classic, and Central Jersey programs can offer a close-to-home first step. Then check age fit, session length, and confirm the program is truly overnight.
Before you put down a deposit, ask a short set of questions: counselor ratios, health center staffing overnight, swim testing and waterfront rules, phone policy, visiting days, and the refund policy. Camps fill quickly, especially for summer 2026, so start early, book a tour (or a virtual info session), and keep a backup week in mind if your first choice sells out.
