Planning your child’s summer adventure? Virginia’s overnight camps are an exciting and enriching way for kids to grow in confidence, make lifelong friendships, and explore new interests. Whether your child is into sports, nature, the arts, or outdoor adventures, there’s a sleepaway camp near Charlottesville that fits the bill.
This guide highlights some of the best overnight camps in Virginia and beyond. Use this as a helpful resource as you plan for a summer full of discovery!
Why Choose a Sleepaway Camp?
Overnight (or sleepaway) camps offer far more than just fun—they’re powerful experiences that build independence, resilience, and social-emotional growth. Campers step outside their comfort zones, try new things, and learn valuable life skills in a supportive environment.
Many families find that sleepaway camps help kids:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Develop teamwork and problem-solving abilities
- Unplug from screens and reconnect with nature
- Form meaningful friendships with peers
- Try out new hobbies or deepen existing interests
Top Overnight Camps to Consider for Summer 2025 from A to Z
Blue Ridge School Sports Camp – St. George, VA
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp: Set on a picturesque private school campus in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this sports camp gives boys the opportunity to train with expert coaches in basketball, soccer, and more. It’s perfect for young athletes looking to boost their skills while enjoying the camaraderie of overnight camp life.
Residential Camp Location: Riner, VA
Find out more about Camp Carysbrook
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Established in 1923, we’re Virginia’s oldest overnight camp for girls, located in the picturesque New River Valley just south of Roanoke. Our campers unplug from technology. Immersed in nature, they cultivate resilience and a deeper connection to the world around them. Our camp offers an enriching summer experience filled with adventure, personal development, and memories. With a variety of activities, including horseback riding, archery, rock climbing, canoeing, and more, our camp provides a safe, enriching environment. We’re a place where girls can develop confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. Our dedicated, female-led staff fosters personal growth and leadership skills, ensuring each girl feels valued and empowered.
Equestrian Camp – Ages 9-16 (girls)
Family Camp – All ages
Residential Camp Location: Palmyra, VA
Find out more about Camp Friendship
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Camp Friendship, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, has over 55 years of experience working with children and their families. We take pride in being an American Camp Association accredited camp and are active leaders in the camping industry. We never settle and always strive to create the best environment possible for each and every child. Campers make choices on a daily basis and achieve great independence from doing so. With over 35 fun activities to choose from, we encourage exploration and offer a wide range of possibilities for rich and meaningful experiences including adventure, aquatics, arts, sports, and horseback riding.
In all our activities and interactions, Camp Friendship focuses on supporting and encouraging each child’s development. Many campers grow with us and return year after year to reunite with friends and try new things. A child-centered philosophy is combined with high-caliber programming to make the summer camp an experience like no other.
Highlights – Traditional Camp campers choose their own activities and receive an individualized schedule focused on their interests. There are also Equestrian Camp, Family Camps, Tennis Programs, Women’s Weekends, and private customized events.
Ages: boys ages 7-16
Residential Camp
Location: Brevard, North Carolina
Find out more about Camp High Rocks
All about this Sleepaway Camp:
Camp High Rocks is the perfect place for boys to grow, explore, and develop lifelong skills in a fun, supportive environment. Nestled in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, this overnight camp offers adventure, personal growth, and camaraderie. With activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, paddling, and mountain biking, boys build confidence and resilience while having a blast!
The experienced staff fosters independence, leadership, and teamwork, ensuring each camper feels valued and empowered. High Rocks emphasizes outdoor exploration, helping boys disconnect from screens and connect with nature. The friendships and memories made here last a lifetime, shaping young men into confident individuals. If you’re looking for an enriching summer experience that blends adventure, personal development, and fun, Camp High Rocks is an excellent choice for your son.
Find out more about Camp Horizons
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Camp Horizons is a traditional sleep-away summer camp. Each program is defined by age ranges and structured to provide greater independence in activity choices and greater skill development as our campers progress through the programs.
Whatever their passion, we offer a variety of activities to make this the summer of their dreams. Our wonderfully and highly trained camp counselors help connect with campers and guide them through a wide selection of activities and cabin life.
Highlights – Traditional Camps, Equestrian Camp (Ages 9-16), Adventure Camp (Ages 13-17), Leadership Camp (Rising High School Seniors), and Family Camp.
Camp Rim Rock – Yellow Spring, WV
All about this Sleepaway Camp: Just a few hours from Charlottesville, Camp Rim Rock is a beloved girls’ camp offering horseback riding, drama, dance, and adventure sports. With a strong emphasis on friendship and self-expression, it’s ideal for girls looking to build confidence and have fun in a rustic, empowering setting.
Camp River’s Bend – Millboro Springs, VA
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:This Christian overnight camp offers riverfront adventures, nature hikes, crafts, and classic camp fun in a peaceful setting along the Cowpasture River.
All about this Sleepaway Camp:
Our Mountain Stewards summer camps are expedition-style programs with a strong stewardship focus, welcoming participants from grades 1–12 and all experience levels. As we journey together, each group takes part in age-appropriate service projects and adventure activities, fostering a deep sense of empowerment and accomplishment.
Camp isn’t just for kids—we offer exciting options for adults too! Whether you’re into running, backpacking, or simply seeking a new adventure, we’ve got something for you. Explore our programs, and feel free to reach out with any questions—we’d love to help find the perfect fit for your family.
Ages: All ages
Day & Evening Camp
Location: Various camps in Virginia
Find out more about Girl Scouts of VA Skyline Summer Camps
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Girl Scout camps offer a wide range of outdoor activities and camps from day programs to weekend overnights. There’s a camp and outdoors experience for every girl grades K-12—from stargazing and discovering wildlife to splashing in the cool waters and archery. In Crozet, Sugar Hollow Day Camp runs week-long day camp with two weeks to pick from in July of each summer. There is daily bus pickup in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Girl Scout camps are also in Harrisonburg/Rockingham Co. (3 camps). Whichever adventure she chooses, she’ll return home with a lifetime of memories—and more courage, confidence, and character than ever. Get outside with Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline summer camps for fun & friends! Camp is open to non-Girl Scouts, too. Sign-up and try out Girl Scouting for FREE at camp this summer: www.gsvsc.org/join
Ages: Elementary, tweens, teens
Day & Residential Camp
Location: Charlottesville
Find out more about Oakland School Summer Day & Overnight Camp
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
At Oakland School, we offer a unique summer experience backed by over 75 years of fostering academic growth, confidence, and personal development. Our program blends honed academic instruction with classic camp fun—horseback riding, swimming, and engaging outdoor activities that spark curiosity and resilience.
Designed for elementary, middle, and early high school students, our five-week program supports those who learn differently, need an academic boost, seek a challenge, or simply want an unforgettable summer adventure. With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a focus on both intellectual and physical development, campers gain skills and self-assurance that not only prepare them for the upcoming school year but also leave a lasting impact for years to come.
Passages Adventure Camp – Charlottesville, VA
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp: Offered by the Charlottesville-based Passages Adventure Co., this overnight experience gives middle and high schoolers the chance to immerse themselves in rock climbing, caving, kayaking, and outdoor survival skills—all led by experienced guides.
Ages: 6-15, Elementary, Middle School & High School Students
Charlottesville Day Camps and Residential Camp
Location: Variety of Virginia locales
Find out more about Virginia Outside Summer Day Camp
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Get outside and play with us this summer!
For over 15 years, Camp Virginia Outside has been running summer camps, teaching youth about the great outdoors and creating lifelong memories for both campers and staff members. Our Outdoor Adventure Camp is designed for the adventurous kiddos who are looking for variety! This camp offers a taste of all the wonderful outdoor recreation activities that Charlottesville has to offer!
Camp Virginia Outside specializes in fishing and outdoor adventure camps for kids ages 6–15 in day and overnight options in Charlottesville and Richmond. From farm pond fishing to river tubing and kayaking, every day of camp is a new adventure with Virginia Outside. Adventure Fishing: Ages 9 – 14;
Fish n’ Fun: Ages 6 – 8; Young Adventurers: Ages 7 – 9; Outside Adventure: Ages 9 – 14; Fly Fishing Camps.
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp:
Adventure, faith, and friendship come together in an unforgettable summer camp experience at Westview on the James. Nestled along the James River in Virginia, this Christian camp provides a welcoming and uplifting environment where kids can grow spiritually, build confidence, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Campers take part in exciting activities like canoeing, archery, zip-lining, and campfire gatherings, all while forming lifelong friendships. Through fun challenges and meaningful worship experiences, Westview encourages personal growth, leadership, and a deeper connection with God and nature. With a caring staff and a strong sense of community, campers leave feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take on new adventures.
Wilderness Adventure at Eagle Landing – New Castle, VA
All about this Virginia Sleepaway Camp: This outdoor adventure camp specializes in multi-day wilderness treks, team-building, and outdoor education. With activities ranging from mountain biking to rappelling and backpacking, it’s a fantastic option for teens seeking a physically engaging and transformational experience.
Tips for Choosing the Right Overnight Camp
When selecting an overnight camp, consider your child’s personality, interests, and readiness. Here are a few helpful questions to guide your decision:
- What activities excite your child the most?
- Do they thrive in structured or flexible environments?
- Are you looking for a faith-based program, academic enrichment, or outdoor adventure?
- Is the camp ACA accredited and does it have strong safety practices in place?
Final Thoughts on Sleepaway Camps
Summer camp can be one of the most rewarding parts of childhood. Whether your child is trying camp for the first time or returning to a beloved program, the benefits of overnight camp are lasting and profound. Explore the CharlottesvilleFamily Summer Camp Guide for even more great options and get ready for an unforgettable summer 2025!
Looking for the perfect summer camp experience? Virginia Summer Camp is your guide to local day camps, sleepaway camps, and more. Don’t forget the parent’s guide to how to plan for camp, is your child ready for sleepaway camp?, and all the event details for the popular annual CharlottesvilleFamily KidFest & Camp Expo!
Keep the ideas coming—subscribe to our free CharlottesvilleFamily e-Mag for weekly and monthly updates. And remember to support the great local partners who strengthen our community.
CharlottesvilleFamily Editors are locals who care deeply about family and community. We are almost all parents who serve alongside our readers in the PTO and band boosters, coaching sports teams, helping with school fun fairs, and more. Our insider perspective, combined with great research and expert input from our wonderful CharlottesvilleFamily Advisory Panel, helps us to provide you with trustworthy advice as you raise the next generation of brilliant and compassionate kids.