Whether your child is seeking adventure, skill development or simply a fun-filled summer, these Iowa summer camps provide the perfect opportunity for children to disconnect from screens, connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Camp Tanager
Mount Vernon
Since 1926, Camp Tanager, located in Mount Vernon, has provided an exciting summer camp experience focusing on nature exploration, team building and personal growth. With a wide range of activities, including hiking, swimming and arts and crafts, Camp Tanager offers a supportive and inclusive environment where campers can build friendships and create lifelong memories. An assortment of programs are available to suit the needs of each camper, including an overnight program, sports program, day camps and medical camps for campers with bleeding disorders and diabetes. Each program has dates ranging from June 9 to Aug. 9, with prices starting at $250. For more information, visit tanagerplace.org.
Camp Courageous
Monticello
Located in Monticello, Camp Courageous is an Iowa summer camp offering respite for individuals with disabilities. Camp Courageous features a wide range of outdoor activities, including horseback riding, fishing and canoeing and provides campers with opportunities for independence and personal growth in a supportive and inclusive environment. An assortment of programs has been designed to suit each camper, including weeklong sessions, respite weekends and team-building sessions for groups. Prices vary depending on the program selected for your camper but begin at $650 for a week-long program (includes a $200 deposit). All ages are welcome at Camp Courageous. For more information, visit campcourageous.org.
Camp Foster YMCA
Spirit Lake
Situated along the scenic shores of East Okoboji Lake in Spirit Lake, Camp Foster YMCA offers a friendly environment for campers designed to help them create friendships, discover new activities and build life skills. Programming is broken up by age, with sections for ages 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 16. Activities depend on age, but each features indoor and outdoor recreation like archery, hiking, kayaking and workshops centered around character development, teamwork and leadership skills. Select overnight camp sessions are available, though there are waitlists for those looking for different dates and experiences. These open sessions include dates between June 9 and Aug. 7. Prices vary depending on the camper’s age and the date but start at $400. For more information, visit campfosterymca.com.
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa
Des Moines
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa understands that growing up is hard and aims to help young campers ease the discomfort by connecting them with friends, the great outdoors and themselves. The Iowa summer camp focuses on programs offering outdoor adventure, environmental education and leadership development through fun-in-the-sun activities like rock climbing, swimming, drama, crafts, games and more. This seasonal destination provides both day and overnight camps for kindergartners to high school seniors. Prices range depending on age, date and choice of overnight camp or daytime adventure, but start at $355 for overnight camp and $192 for daytime camp. Each experience offers dates from June 10 to Aug. 16. For more information, visit campfireiowa.org.
Camp Wapsie
Coggon
Just outside of Cedar Rapids, Camp Wapsie is a YMCA camp in Coggon. This Iowa summer camp offers both a traditional overnight camp and daytime adventures. Both camps provide summer fun on over 182 acres of scenic land, including canoeing, ziplining, archery, outdoor sports, rock climbing, swimming and much more. Additionally, Camp Wapsie offers team- and character-building exercises as campers create everlasting friendships and confidence in themselves. Summer programming is broken into day camp and overnight camp, with prices varying depending on age (ranging between first and 12th graders), date and duration of stay. These rates start at $617 for overnight camp and $334 for day camp for first- to fourth-graders. For more information, visit crmetroymca.org.
Frogwarts Academy
Dubuque
Step into a magical world at Frogwarts Academy, a unique Iowa summer camp experience located in Dubuque. Inspired by the beloved Harry Potter series, Frogwarts Academy offers campers the chance to explore the wizarding world while making friends, building life skills and creating everlasting memories. This fantasy camp is a role-playing site where even the counselors channel a wizard persona. Registration is currently open for week one (July 7 to July 13) and week two (July 14 to July 20). The cost per week is $595 per child, with discounts available for siblings. For more information, visit frogwarts.org.
Loras All-Sports Camp
Dubuque
For young athletes looking to enhance their skills and have fun during the summer, Loras All-Sports Camp in Dubuque offers a variety of sports focusing on archery, baseball, bowling, lacrosse, softball, biking, dancing, ultimate frisbee and more. Led by experienced coaches and instructors, Loras All-Sports Camp provides campers with opportunities to improve their game, build teamwork skills and make new friendships. Tuition rates for this Iowa summer camp vary depending on whether you opt for the day or overnight camp. These prices start at $695 for day campers and $845 for overnight (resident) campers. This sports camp takes place over four weeks, from June 16 to July 19. For more information, visit lorasallsportscamps.com.