The Best Summer Camps in New Jersey

January 18, 2024

Appel Farm Arts and Music Center Collage

The latest update for The Best Summer Camps in New Jersey is written by Vinny Parisi.

Summer time is a time for vacations, staycations, and summer camp. But with so many choices, it can be tough to narrow down where to send the kids this summer. That’s why Best of NJ is happy to present our list of The Best Summer Camps in New Jersey.

This list features the state’s best summer camps in every county. This includes specialty camps for topics like surfing, equestrian, STEM, video game design, sewing, cooking, and fencing. Of course, we are also including traditional outdoor camps, athletic camps, and theater camps as well. Basically, there is a camp for every interest on this list.

Quick Click Guide: Select a Region below to find The Best Summer Camps nearby.

North Jersey

Best in Bergen County: Manhattan Fencing Center

Photo of class in session at Manhattan Fencing Center in Englewood

Where: 84 Honeck St, Englewood
Details: Manhattan Fencing Center is perfect for beginners and intermediates alike. That’s because this summer and holiday fencing camp has options for students as young as 5. Youth camps include the add-on option of chess classes as well. Saber instruction is an exclusive benefit of their NJ location, and the program has produced US National, NCAA, and Olympic Champions. It’s worth noting many of the top Universities and Ivy League schools in America have fencing programs with scholarship opportunities. Manhattan Fencing Center groups campers by weapon, age, experience, and USFA rating, and ensures each student receives individual attention. Plus, both members and non-members can take advantage of their year-round Open Bouting. Camp runs from June 24 to August 23. In addition, after-school programs are available on-site weekdays from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Why I Like it: They offer year-round coaching for both kids and adults, as well as a competitive program.

Best in Passaic County: Camp Veritans

Where: 225 Pompton Rd, Haledon
Details: Kids of all ages have plenty to look forward to at Camp Veritans. The camp offers an array of programs and activities for ages 3 through 16. From athletics to arts and crafts, kids can enjoy swimming, STEM projects, dancing, cooking, basketball, volleyball, and more. In fact, every Camp Veritans camper has an action-packed schedule tailored to their specific age group. Parents can rest easy knowing they follow the American Red Cross guidelines to ensure proper swim instruction. Aside from traditional summer camp programs, each year Camp Veritans also hosts special activities and trips. Other camp amenities include daily hot lunch and daily transportation to and from the campsite. The lunches they provide are nut-free and can further accommodate any additional dietary restrictions. With so many ways to have fun, it’s no wonder their motto is “Where Memories are Made and Friendships Begin.”
Why I Like it: Camp Veritans is celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year: That’s a lot of happy campers!

Game Camp Nation

Where: Morristown | Saddle River
Details: Game Camp Nation provides a variety of classes for aspiring game designers, programmers, and artists of all skill levels. Here, campers learn the necessary skills to turn video game ideas into reality. The programs — designed for ages 9-19 — improve STEM proficiency with a focus on creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Game Camp Nation offers both day and overnight sessions from July through August.

Musical Theatre Conservatory

Where: Livingston | West Orange
Details: Musical Theatre Conservatory’s Broadway Boot Camp is for aspiring performers ages 7-19 of all skill levels. Campers can develop their creative talents such as singing, acting, theatre dance, tap, TV acting, comedy, improv, auditioning, and more. Full-day classes for 2024 run from July 1-19. Along the way, campers meet with Broadway stars, film actors, and agents. The final show is performed at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC.

Next Step Broadway

Where: Jersey City
Details: Next Step Broadway lets campers ages 4-12 dance, sing, act, and put on one of four shows. Previous shows include Encanto, Tangled, and Shrek. Besides performing in the show, campers also make scenery, props, and signs for their musical production. Next Step Broadway offers five different two-week sessions which run from June to August . Extended-day options are also available. Besides summer camp, they have an annual September – May program.

Seaton Hackney Stables

Where: Morristown
Details: Education and fun combine at this beginner, intermediate, and advanced equestrian day camp for ages 5-17. Campers learn a variety of basic safety, grooming, tacking, and barn-management skills; all while earning daily badges across a broad range of equine topics. In addition, campers ride two to three times daily during lessons, trail rides, and lunging. Weekly sessions with half and full day options are available from June to September.

Tamarack Day Camp

Where: Randolph
Details: Tamarack allows campers ages 3-15 to enjoy a variety of activities while also gaining life skills. The 37-acre facility includes plenty of field space, a heated Olympic-size pool, and a turf sports complex. They also have a creative-arts studio, a skate park, ropes course, and ziplines. Activities include archery, mountain biking, ceramics, music, cooking, dance, photography, jewelry making, and more. Weekly sessions run from June to August.

Trail Blazers

Where: Montague
Details: Trail Blazers is a nature-focused, electronics-free overnight camp for ages 6-17. Their Outdoor Adventure program challenges campers with tasks like primitive living, outdoor skill-building, and trail expeditions. They also offer programs that hone biking, canoeing, farm and garden, or leadership skills. Two-week sessions and mini camps run from June to August. Their core philosophy empowers kids to learn through goal setting, skill building, exploration, and reflection.

VSA Future Huckleberry Camp

Where: Morris Plains
Details: Pre-K through 8th Grade campers have a lot to choose from at VSA Future Huckleberry Camp. Subjects include language arts and vocabulary, math, public speaking, and Mad Science. The camp blends educational courses and intensive academics with fun activities. Full and half days are available, along with before and after care. Campers can take advantage of multiple weeks to elevate their skills. Camp runs from late June to early September.

Central Jersey

Camp Riverbend

Where: Warren
Details: This 30-acre summer day camp on the Passaic River offers a seven-week program for kids 3-14. Activities include swimming, sports, a high-ropes course, river activities, cooking, arts and crafts, and more. In addition, teens Grades 7-9 take day trips and short overnight trips to the beach and mountains. During these trips, they take part in boating, cooking, climbing, and exploring. Camp Riverbend runs from June through August.

Rambling Pines Day Camp

Where: Hopewell
Details: Nestled in the Sourland Mountains, Rambling Pines offers camp programs for children in preschool up to Grade 9. Activities include swimming, mountain biking, arts and crafts, music, dance, horseback riding, ceramics, archery, and more. One other benefit of this camp is they provide door-to-door transportation (busing) and lunch with registration. Camp runs from June to August, and there is a two-week sign-up minimum.

Taubenslag Productions Summer Theater Camp

Where: Edison
Details: Taubenslag Productions is an award-winning summer theater camp with over 30 years in operation. The camp produces nine shows in eight weeks for students entering First through Ninth Grade. Rehearsals and performances take place in the morning, with swimming, games, and competitions in the afternoon. Campers can also focus solely on painting scenery, organizing props, or assisting with costume design. Summer camp runs from June through August.

Urban Sewciety Summer Camp

Where: Westfield
Details: This sewing camp is for kids ages 7 and up, and welcomes sewers of any skill level. This includes those who have never used a sewing machine before. Campers choose a project each week from one of Urban Sewciety’s numerous categories. Some of the choices include quilting, bag making, pillows, stuffies, and appliqué, but there are more. They also offer crochet classes. Half and full day sessions are available from June to August.

Jersey Shore

Best in Ocean County: LBI Surfing

Where: 1301 Long Beach Blvd, North Beach Haven
Details: LBI Surfing offers newcomers, beginners, and young surfers the chance to develop their skills with a variety of camps. First, their LBI Little Fish – Intro to Surf Camp program is a 2-day camp for ages 4 through 9. This intro does not require prior experience, and instructs kids in the basics of safety and surfing. Next, their popular Junior Surf Camp is a three-day, co-ed program for ages 9 to 17. During this camp, expert staff instructors coach young learners into competent, independent surfers. Besides surfing, LBI Surfing also offers skimboarding, skateboarding, bodyboarding, and bike riding lessons. They even have a kayaking course that includes an LBI Historical and Eco tour. In addition, first-time students can head to the surf shop for exclusive discounts on equipment and gear purchases.
Why I Like it: They offer equipment rentals including bikes, kayaks, surfboards, wet suits, and even chairs for the beach.

Black Bear Day Camp

Where: Millstone
Details: This 42-acre day camp for kids 3-15 allows each camper to create their own daily, personalized schedule. Activities include swimming, sports, creative arts, performing arts, laser tag, science, trampolines, gymnastics, archery, boating, and Cricut design. They also offer gaga, fishing, horseback riding, mountain tubing, pottery, rocketry, woodworking, yoga, and more. In total, they offer over 70 subjects. Camp runs from June through August.

Camp Tuscaloosa

Where: Hammonton
Details: Swimming, team sports, and summer activities are the core focus of Camp Tuscaloosa. This camp prides itself on providing safe summer fun for ages 3-and-a-half through 14. Open since 1954, the camp is a reliable option for introductory swim courses as well as a variety of sports. Available activities include Bocce, Frisbee Games, Podcasting, Science Experiments, Archery, Flag Football, Human Foosball, Tether Ball, Cooking, and more.

Ivy League Day Camp

Where: Manalapan
Details: Ivy League Day Camp is a traditional day camp for ages 2-15. Activities include aquatics, crafts, and athletics. They offer full-day, mini-day, and teen-travel programs. The 13-acre campus includes five heated pools, athletic fields, a gymnastics pavilion, and a trampoline. Other outdoor activities include a climbing tower, go-karts, bumper boats, and more. Camp runs for a full seven weeks straight beginning in June and ending in August.

NJ Audubon Summer Nature Camps

Where: Cape May
Details: NJ has three state-certified nature day camps at different nature centers across the state. One at Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, another at the Nature Center of Cape May, and a third at Lorrimer Sanctuary. These outdoor camps offer both half and full days with lots of opportunity for discovery, exploration, and outside fun. Classes include Fishing, Forest Friends, and Reptiles & Amphibians. Sessions typically run from early July through late August.

Rolling Hills Day Camp

Where: Freehold
Details: This 20-acre day camp offers three heated pools, six basketball courts, and a 24-foot rock climbing wall. But that’s not all, they also have a gymnastics pavilion, three ziplines, four hockey rinks, and two dance stages; as well as countless athletic fields and both cooking and arts facilities. Campers range in age from Pre-K through 10th Grade. Parents can select either a four-week session or go for the full eight weeks. Camp runs from June to August.

Summa Love Surf Camp

Where: Long Branch
Details: With nearly 20 years of surf camp experience, Summa Love is one of NJ’s longest running surf camps. They follow the guidelines of the National Surf Schools and Instructors Association along with being accredited through the NSSIA. This camp is appropriate for all skill levels and ages 7 to 17. Their ratios are 2-4 students per instructor with about 2.5 hours of surfing time each day. Summa Love Surf Camp starts in June and finishes in September.

South Jersey

Appel Farm Arts Camp

Where: Elmer
Details: This overnight camp for kids ages 7–17 offers connection and learning through an arts-based curriculum. Appel Farm gives campers a safe environment that fosters personal growth, community, and fun. Their program lets participants select three classes a day for six days from within ten categories. Choices include theater performance, music, visual arts, art and technology, dance, creative writing, and more. Sessions typically run from June to August.

Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge’s Go Wild Summer Camp

Where: Medford
Details: Campers ages 3 through Grade 8 can experience a one-week nature camp at Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge. Their Go Wild summer program lets kids walk in the woods, dig in the dirt, and wade in the water. Additional daily activities include various hands-on experiences and experiments, visits with native wildlife, and creative play sessions. Campers who wish to return after Grade 8 can join the Counselor in Training program. 2024 dates run from June 24 to August 16.

Tall Pines Day Camp

Where: Williamstown
Details: Tall Pines Day Camp has no shortage of activities and classic summer time fun. They offer campers options such as ceramics, creative and performing arts, arts and crafts, cooking, and woodshop. They also provide miniature golf, archery, basketball, gymnastics, boating, fishing, a ropes course, and ziplines. Tall Pines is open to children ages 3-14. The day camp organizes weekly sessions that run continuously from June through August.

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The Best Summer Camp FAQS

Where are The Best Summer Camps Near Me?

New Jersey is full of award-winning and accredited summer camps. For instance, Manhattan Fencing Center in Englewood has trained and produced US National, NCAA, and Olympic Champions. Likewise, International Ivy Summer Camp has over 50 different STEAM classes.

What Programs Do NJ Summer Camps Offer?

Summer camps in New Jersey offer a range of programs and activities. There are some that focus on specific skills such as surfing, sewing, or wellness. Likewise, many traditional outdoor camps focus on sports, swimming, and nature trails. But there is an NJ camp for just about every interest.

Does New Jersey Summer Have Specialty Camps?

Of course! New Jersey has summer camps for topics like Music, Theater, and Dance, Art, and even students with Special Needs. Even more specific topics include Equine camps, Academic & STEM/STEAM camps, and Girl Scouts camp.

Top Photo: Appel Farm Art & Music Center / Facebook
Other Photos (in Order):
Manhattan Fencing Center / Website
LBI Surfing / Instagram

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