50 All-Star Family Camps

Remember summer camp? The fun doesn't have to stop just because you've grown up. You and your kids can make s'mores and go fishing, all without spending heaps of money--for a family of four, some camps cost less than $1,000 for an entire week

By David LaHuta, March 2006 issue  |  Subscribe to the magazine

WASHINGTON

Camp Burton, Vashon Island

Twelve-mile-long island accessible by ferry. Non-denominational Christian camp with Bible study, crafts, kickball, campfire singing, storytelling, boating. ACA accredited. Lodging: Carpeted wooden cabins sleep 10 on twin and bunk beds, with private bathroom. Food: Three family-style meals daily in dining hall. Dates: July 2-7. Price: $600. 206/463-2512, campburton.com.

WEST VIRGINIA

Camp Alleghany, Lewisburg

On 180 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. Reachable by boat. Arts and crafts, archery, riflery, tennis courts, low ropes course, canoeing. ACA accredited. Lodging: Platform tents sleep five on cots; shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets daily in dining hall; two cookouts under the apple tree. Dates: Aug. 5-13. Price: $1,225. 540/898-4782, campalleghany.com.

WISCONSIN

Camp Brosius, Elkhart Lake

Mainly for Indiana University alumni, staff, and families. Pontoon rides, paddleboats, sailing, fishing. Water carnival, scavenger hunt, golf nearby, day trips to outlet malls for adults, day care. Lodging: Cottages sleep eight, with private bath and screened porch; hotel-style rooms sleep four, with sink and shared bath; cabins sleep four on bunks, with electricity and shared bathhouse. Food: Three buffets served daily in dining hall. Dates: June 18-Aug. 5. Price: Cabins $1,600. 317/278-2015, campbrosius.com.

Camp Nebagamon, Lake Nebagamon

Southeast of Duluth. Windsurfing, sailing, tennis, softball, archery, and riflery. ACA accredited. Lodging: Twenty-eight cabins with electricity and shared bathhouse sleep 12 on bunks; 12 lodge rooms. Food: Buffet breakfast and lunch; family-style dinner; one waterfront barbecue. Dates: Aug. 15-21, fills quickly. Price: $1,400. 763/476-7676, campnebagamon.com.

North Star Camp, Hayward

On a peninsula with over two miles of shoreline. Waterskiing, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, tubing. Archery, zipline. ACA accredited. Lodging: Cabins sleep 12 on singles, doubles, and bunks; shared bathhouse. Food: Three family-style meals in dining hall; coffee and fruit throughout the day. Dates: July 12-18, fills quickly. Price: $1,700. 715/462-3254 (summer), 520/577-7925 (winter), northstarcamp.com.

YMCA Camp Nawakwa, Lac Du Flambeau

On a Chippewa reservation. Fishing, talent show, water carnival, triathlon, ice cream social. Weekly potluck dinner. Lodging: Modern cabins sleep eight, with kitchens; some with bathrooms. Food: No food service. Dates: June 3-Sept. 4. Price: $525. 715/588-7422, nawakwa.com.


Watch the family camps video
Did you see BT on the Today show? Watch Editor Erik Torkells discuss last year's list of the best family camps with host Ann Curry. If you don't already have it, you will need MSN Video Player, a free (and easy!) plug-in, to watch the video
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