The best summer camps for adults in the US

Summercamp in Massachusetts is inspired by – you guessed it – summer camp. The area surrounding the 95-room property was a former 'camp' hotspot for the Methodist Church. Today, the boutique hotel is chock-full of fun and nostalgia-inducing touches like a canteen (Cracker Jacks and Dreamsicles, anyone?), vintage games (Twister), hanging chairs in the lobby, and a sprawling porch. You can also expect plenty of colorful accents, too. Meanwhile, the rustic- and retro-inspired interiors – some of which come complete with bunk beds to truly drive the summer camp theme home – are another highlight.

Camp No Counselors offers an all-inclusive, adults-only summer camp experience at actual summer camps across New York, California, and Florida. Participants can enjoy an array of activities and events, including themed soirees plus plenty of live music. You can also expect a slew of camp traditions like Olympics and talent shows, along with lip sync battles and slip n’ slide flip cup. All in all, the options are seemingly endless: Try your hand at rock climbing, enter a dodgeball tournament, show off your creativity at arts & crafts, head to yoga with a cocktail in-hand, or simply lounge out by the pool.

Adventure awaits at the 240-acre Sorrel River Ranch in Moab in  the form of horseback riding, off-roading, hot air balloon rides, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and so much more. Alternatively, keep things simple – and far more relaxed – by opting for a massage at the on-site spa or picking veggies in the Sorrel Garden. All sorts of classic lawn games, from pickleball and bocce ball to cornhole to croquet, can be enjoyed here, too. Lastly, end your day by the bonfire – or a nightcap at Epic Bar, which has its own roaring fire – before retreating to your rustic-chic suite, complete with a private porch and postcard-worthy views.

Ever played volleyball while naked? Well, now’s your chance at this members-only, clothing-optional LGBTQ+ getaway. At The Woods, couples and singles can mix it up between lake activities, hiking, and hot-tubbing. The clubhouse is the nighttime gathering spot, with deejayed dance parties and a bonfire area just out back. Also, be sure to come prepared: special themed weekends include everything from naked foam parties or mass skinny-dipping. Are you up for the thrill?

Big Cedar Lodge calls itself 'America’s Premier Wilderness Resort' and it’s easy to see why. The property, which is located in the Ozark Mountains, spans 4,600-plus acres alone. 'Campers' of all ages will especially love the 50,000-square-foot activity center, which boasts underwater-themed bowling, laser tag, an arcade, bumper cars, and a golf simulator, to name just a few. You can also choose from all sorts of other activities like water sports, shuffleboard, volleyball, bonfires, pickleball, horseback riding, guided hiking, biking, mini-golfing, fishing, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and, of course, relaxing on the sandy beach. 

Okay, so you don’t technically launch into the stratosphere, but everything else about Space Camp is pretty damn cool. Here, you can channel your inner Sally Ride and train on astronaut simulators, including a gravity chair and that multiaxial doohickey you always see in the movies. You’ll also help build and launch a model rocket and immerse yourself in the history of the US space program. Be warned: You’ll not only train like an astronaut, but sleep and eat like one, too, which means dorm-like facilities and cafeteria-style food await.

Think of The Green O as a hotel-within-a-hotel since it’s part of the 37,000-acre Resort at Paws Up. This smaller, adults-only property is perfect for those searching for seclusion sans-sacrificing luxury accommodations or amenities. Accommodations here are called hauses and there are just 12 of them, some of which are suspended above the ground. However, each offers plenty of natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows, plus a fireplace and plenty of outdoor space for taking in the tranquil forest views. Craving even more adventure? Sign up for horseback riding, fly-fishing, boating, hiking or climbing excursions. 

Woodwinds, strings, percussion, and brass come together at the Michigan arts institution for an intense week of full orchestral rehearsals interspersed with sectional retreats, master classes, and private lessons. Adult Band Camp concludes with a performance open to the public, and, considering that Interlochen attracts artists and musicians from all over the country, the pressure is definitely high. Luckily, the bucolic 1,200-acre campus, bookended by two lakes, will help you hang onto your zen mindset and counteract any stage fright that may come your way.

Once a Latvian church camp, Wandawega has been transformed into a hip haven for the Midwest creative class: Chefs, artists, brewers, and architects have all gathered at the lakeside grounds for private unplugged retreats. Bygone activities abound, from canoeing and dock fishing to shuffleboard and archery. No food or drink is included, but outdoor grills and smokers mean you can indulge in multiple barbecues a day. Accommodations, which range from tents to vintage cabins, to renovated homes, are bookable through Airbnb.

Most summertime art projects are not made to last. A wooden boat, however, is forever. At this sleepover retreat in coastal Maine, you’ll get to build the boat of your dreams – a sea skiff, a dinghy, maybe even a wooden kayak – using traditional plans and building methods. At night, retire to a shared student house on the school’s gorgeous 60-acre 'saltwater campus' and wake up to the rocky harbor views. Alternatively, those who prefer doing to making can explore the myriad overnight sailing and kayaking programs.

Spanning 73 acres along the banks of the Hudson River and surrounded by forests and hills, this Hudson Valley hideout is perfect for grown-ups seeking some good ol’ fashioned summer fun. On-site activities abound, from guided nature walks, archery, yoga and happy hours spent around the fire pit. Wellness-seekers will especially enjoy the waterfront saunas, while gourmands will also appreciate the decadent breakfast or brunch offerings delivered straight to your doorstep. The River Pavilion, helmed by chef David Silverman, offers mouthwatering bites inspired by local treasures, such as house-smoked Hudson steelhead trout, wild mushroom stew and even the local farm's green salad.

For long weekends throughout the summer, fun-loving adults, many from NYC, gather at Club Getaway for team sports like basketball and softball, water activities such as kayaking, waterskiing and water trampolines, plus adventurous retreats, including rock climbing, trapeze and plenty of on-site festivities. The upscale, rustic-inspired cabins – which include AC, memory foam mattresses, daily housekeeping and private baths – offer views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Cedar Lakes Estate spans a whopping 500 acres, which means you’ll have plenty of room to stay and play. And play they shall: All guests here gain access to the sprawling grounds, including the use of lakes, pools, hiking and biking trails, bonfire pits, and tennis and basketball courts. Additional activities include boating, movie screenings under the stars, and guided yoga classes. The fairytale-worthy wooden cottages offer rustic-chic decor like animal hide rugs and antler chandeliers and some even offer stone fireplaces or patios equipped with an outdoor grill for summer BBQs.

For a secluded summer hideaway, look no further than Hidden Pond in Maine. The dynamic property is surrounded by 60 acres of tranquil forest; however, this isn’t your typical rustic retreat. Instead, fun-loving guests can enjoy luxury amenities like two outdoor swimming pools and an adults-only treetop spa. Accommodations range from multi-bedroom cottages complete with fireplaces and furnished patios to contemporary two-person bungalows outfitted with marble bathrooms. When you’re not relaxing in your room, take advantage of the many on-site activities, including yoga, guided nature walks, berry picking at the on-site farm, biking, and more.