There is nothing quite like an old-fashioned summer camp experience — campfire stories and s’mores, sing-alongs, trying new things and running around outdoors. At a classic summer camp, kids learn independence, make friends, reconnect with nature and just relax after an action-packed school year. With stays lasting from a few days to a month and sessions for first-graders through teens, there is a camp for every kid on this list.
Camp Sealth (Vashon Island)
Camp Fire’s Classic Camp on Vashon Island offers kids choices among a variety of traditional camp activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, singing, archery, bouldering, exploring and more. Like all Camp Fire camps, tiered pricing and financial assistance are available.
Grades: 1–10
Cost: $775–$1,310
YMCA Camp Orkila (Orcas Island)
YMCA’s traditional camp at Camp Orkila gives kids a taste of the classic camp activities including swimming, arts and crafts, a ropes course, visiting the Marine Salmon Center, sleeping under the stars and much more. At least one session in each age group offers all-gender cabins. Tiered pricing.
Grades: 3–12
Cost: $795–$4,185
Sunset Lake (Wilkeson)
Sunset Lake is a nonprofit summer camp and retreat center owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Set in the foothills of Mount Rainier, the center offers a classic summer camp experience, both day and overnight. Discovery Day Camp for kids ages 6–8 includes activities such as swimming, boating, skits and Bible stories.
Kids ages 8–17 who are ready for overnight camps can attend any one of Sunset Lake’s weeklong options that vary by theme and age group each week. Horsemanship can be added to overnight camp options for an additional cost.
Ages: 6–17
Cost: $395–$855
Black Diamond Camp (Auburn)
The Christian faith-based Black Diamond Camp offers weeklong (and a few short-week) full-day camps filled with traditional camp activities. Kids can try indoor climbing, swimming, slingshots, drift trikes, rappelling and many other fun indoor and outdoor activities. Extended day options and financial assistance via their Kids 2 Camp scholarship program are available. Tiered pricing for 10 to 20 percent off.
Teens ages 15–17 can earn more than 150 community service hours and build leadership skills through the Service Team Program.
Ages: 5–17
Cost: $405
Camp Huston (Gold Bar)
At the Episcopal Camp Huston in Gold Bar, summer camp involves team-building activities as well as traditional camp activities. Each week includes a campfire, a variety show and a dance. A Mini Camp (July 13–16) for kids in grades 1–5 is perfect for younger campers who aren’t ready for a full week away from home. Tiered pricing.
Grades: 3–10
Cost: $345–$1,700
Four Winds * Westward Ho (Orcas Island)
This camp offers two monthlong sessions that feature a full program of old-school camp activities, trips and group living experiences, allowing campers to connect with nature and become comfortable in their own skin. Campers entering grade 9 or 10 can take a six-day canoeing, sailing, kayaking or backpacking trip off the camp property. Financial aid is available.
Ages: 9–15
Cost: $8,400
Camp Quest NorthWest (Samish Island)
Campers will enjoy traditional overnight camp activities such as hiking, crafting, sports and campfires during their weeklong stay on the Camp Kirby grounds, Aug. 16–22. Other activities are centered around Freethought, encouraging kids to be independent, curious thinkers who question things. Leadership track for kids ages 15 and older. Accessible pricing, camperships available.
Ages: 8–17
Cost: $900–$1,150
Camp Zanika (Wenatchee)
Camp Zanika, located on the shores of Lake Wenatchee, is owned and operated by North Central Washington Council of Camp Fire. The relaxed, traditional summer camp experience is based on themes like Color Splash and Tinker Week, and takes place in a fun and safe environment. Choose from a mini week for younger campers to extended two-week stays for experienced campers.
Grades: 1–12
Cost: $349–$1,529
Camp Kalsman (Kirkland)
Camp Kalsman, located on 300 acres near Kirkland, practices active Jewish education, incorporating Judaism into activities as campers learn new skills in athletic, aquatic, arts and nature programs. Sessions last from one to five weeks, focusing on different interests, such as kibbutz life, the arts, Hebrew immersion and outdoor challenges. Member discounts and financial assistance are available.
Grades: K–11
Cost: $890–$10,700
Nocturnal Camp (Vashon Island)
At Nocturnal Camp, young night owls get a chance to learn about the nighttime world, exploring Camp Sealth through night hikes, astronomy, night photography, night canoeing, night stand-up paddleboarding and more. Nocturnal campers will stay up late each night and sleep in every morning. Tiered pricing and financial aid are available.
Grades: 7–10
Cost: $1,295–$1,495
Canoe Island French Camp (Orcas Island)
In these two- and three-week sleepaway camps, kids will learn about French culture and speak French with native speakers, along with participating in a multitude of classic camp activities tied to the camp theme. For more information, there is a free open house for new families on June 20 (make sure you register online by June 1). Tiered pricing. Financial assistance is available.
Ages: 9–16
Cost: $2,900–$5,100
High Trek Adventures (Everett)
For the active kid who isn’t excited about competitive sports, High Trek Adventures offers day camps that run Monday–Wednesday. The program is full of vigorous indoor and outdoor activities, such as a high ropes course, zip lines,climbing wall, laser tag, mini golf, bouncy obstacle course and, for older kids, archery.
Ages: 7–15
Cost: $325 early bird price; $375 full price
Looking for more summer camp fun? Check out our editorially curated great big list of 2026 summer camps. |
Editor’s note: This list was created last year and was updated on Jan. 22, 2026, by ParentMap’s editorial team to include a thorough fact-check and new camp listings.
