Thinking about sending your middle schooler or teen off for a summer away? Overnight camps offer a unique space for independence, growth and forging lifelong friendships. Choosing the right camp comes down to finding a program that matches your child’s interests, maturity level and sense of adventure. From mountain retreats in Virginia to waterfront camps in Maryland, the DC area offers diverse options for older kids to unplug, build confidence and make lifelong friends.
With so many accredited camps within a few hours’ drive, families can feel confident sending their children to places that emphasize safety, growth and fun, ensuring a summer full of memories they’ll carry well beyond campfire nights. Below are some of the best residential/sleep-away summer camps within the DC metro area, with details to help you compare. Remember, always contact the camps directly for the latest information.
Virginia
Virginia Space Flight Academy
The Virginia Space Flight Academy is a premier residential aerospace camp for ages 8-16, offering immersive summer sessions and year-round STEM learning. Established in 1998, this nonprofit gives students rare, behind-the-scenes access to NASA’s Wallops Island flight facilities through a renewed Space Act agreement—plus exposure to industry partners like Rocket Lab, Science Systems and Applications and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport. Campers dive into hands-on aerospace challenges, explore cutting-edge technology and experience the excitement of real mission environments. With more than 6,000 students from 32 states served over 27 years, VASFA continues to ignite curiosity, inspire future innovators and launch big dreams into orbit.
- Address: 34200 Fulton St., Wallops Island, VA
- Phone: (757) 824-3800
Camp Brainy Ridge
Located in Northern Virginia and a winner of the Washington Parent Picks Sleepaway Camps category, Camp Brainy Ridge offers condition-specific residential summer camps for children, teens, and young adults living with chronic health conditions. A nonprofit organization, Brainy Ridge offers supportive, fun, and empowering sessions tailored to campers with autism (Level 1), heart conditions, Type 1 diabetes, neurofibromatosis, epilepsy, and more—including dedicated family programs. Their mission is to create a safe and inclusive environment where every child can thrive—socially, emotionally, and physically—while enjoying an unforgettable summer experience.
- Address: Blue Ridge School St., George, VA
- Phone: (434) 260-3315
Camp Horizons
A finalist in the Washington Parent Picks Sleepaway Camps category and an ACA-accredited coed sleep-away camp nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Camp Horizons welcomes campers ages 6-17. Activities include swimming, high ropes, arts, sports, improvs, flying drones, trips and equestrian options. The mountain setting gives campers a welcome break from the heat and noise of the city, and the program includes both traditional camp structure and specialty electives.
- Address: 3586 Horizons Way, Harrisonburg, VA
- Phone: (540) 896-7600
Camp Under the Stars
This sleep-away camp is located inside the Prince William National Forest and is geared toward ages 5-17. Camp Under the Stars offers outdoor education, kayaking, arts, hiking, mindfulness, wilderness skills and leadership training. Because it’s relatively close (for a forestry camp), it appeals to families who want the classic camp experience without extreme travel.
- Address: 5000 Scenic Drive, Dumfries, VA
- Phone: (571) 406-3031
Camp Friendship
Camp Friendship has been running for decades and offers both traditional and equestrian programs for campers ages 7-16. Offering more than 35 activity choices, high ropes, watersports, horseback riding, creative arts and customizable schedules. It’s a classic, flexible option and campers can tailor their weeks by choosing their own morning and afternoon combinations.
- Address: 573 Friendship Way, Palmyra, VA
- Phone: (434) 589-8950
DC region
Camp Rim Rock
Though a bit farther out, Camp Rim Rock is often listed among the top overnight camps accessible to the DC region, equipping girls with skills in aquatics, performing arts, sports, arts and crafts, horseback riding and more. Because it’s a single-gender camp (girls), it offers a focused environment that many parents appreciate for teen years.
- Address: 343 Camp Rim Rock Road, Yellow Spring, WV
- Phone: (347) 746-7625
Camp Riverview
Camp Riverview is an overnight (and day) camp program run by DC’s Department of Parks & Recreation exclusively for District youth. It gives kids ages 8-13 a chance to escape the city and spend immersive, nature-driven weeks in southern Maryland, combining adventure with education. Activities include horseback riding, fishing, ATV trails, environmental science projects, wildlife encounters and boat excursions on the reach of the Potomac River. Its mission emphasizes building confidence, ecological awareness and lasting friendships while providing a safe, structured, fun experience.
- Address: 4900 Cornfield Harbor Road Scotland, MD
- Phone: (202) 674-6568
Maryland
YMCA Camp Letts
This is an overnight program run by the YMCA, with a strong reputation for community, fun and growth. Offering camps for children ages 7-16, with multiple weeks available. Outdoor and aquatic programs, leadership training, camp-store experience and typical cabin life make this camp a great option. Camp Letts is especially known for combining structure and flexibility, making it a favorite for families who want a little of both.
- Address: 4003 Camp Letts Road, Edgewater, MD
- Phone: (410) 919-1410
Echo Hill Camp
A well-known rustic sleeper on the Chesapeake Bay side, Echo Hill blends waterfront adventures and land activities, offering sailing, water skiing, canoeing, arts, archery, nature study and unplugged “off electronics” philosophy. The Chesapeake Bay setting is a draw for families wanting a classic water-camp experience.
- Address: 13655 Bloomingneck Road, Worton, MD
- Phone: (410) 348-5303
Camp Airy & Louise
Located near Catoctin Mountain Park, Camp Airy has been a beloved Jewish boys’ overnight camp for over a century. It offers a mix of athletics, arts, adventure and community life designed to foster confidence, creativity and cultural identity. Campers enjoy sports, ropes courses, theater, hiking and swimming, with optional specialty tracks and leadership opportunities for older kids. Known for its strong sense of tradition and spirited Shabbat observance, Camp Airy creates a supportive environment where lifelong friendships form. Sister camp Camp Louise offers a similar experience for girls nearby.
- Address: 14938 Old Camp Airy Road, Thurmont, MD
- Phone: (410) 466-9010
Camp Accomplish
Run by Melwood Recreation Center, Camp Accomplish in Nanjemoy is a fully inclusive sleep-away and day camp serving children and teens of all abilities, ages 5–18. The camp, also a finalist in the Washington Parent Picks Sleepaway Camps category, offers horseback riding, swimming, ropes courses, canoeing, arts and a strong focus on self-confidence and independence. Campers stay in modern cabins and enjoy small-group instruction and individualized support, making it a standout for families seeking an inclusive and encouraging summer experience.
- Address: 9035 Ironsides Road, Nanjemoy, MD
- Phone: (301) 599-8000
Tips for choosing the right overnight camp:
- Age/maturity fit: Even older kids vary widely in readiness for cabin life and independence.
- Program variety/specialization: Some camps emphasize adventure and trips; others lean arts, leadership or equestrian.
- Staff ratio, safety record and accreditation: ACA accreditation and strong references are good signals.
- Visit/photo insight: Touring or seeing a map/facility video helps campers feel more comfortable before departure.
- Transportation options: Some camps arrange buses or pickups from DC or NOVA, which reduces logistical burden for families.
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