7 Best Overnight Summer Camps Near Cincinnati for 2027

Looking for an unforgettable overnight summer camp for your kids or teens near Cincinnati for 2027? From traditional camps to thrilling faith-based camps, we hand-picked seven of the Tri-State area’s most incredible sleepaway camps within driving distance of Cincinnati that are sure to give your kids the best summer ever. Want more options? Browse all overnight camps in the Greater Cincinnati area. 🏕️

Camp	Location	Age Range
YMCA Camp Ernst	Burlington, KY	6-15
Cathedral Domain Camp	Irvine, KY	7-18
YMCA Camp Kern	Oregonia, OH	7-17
AICL Summer Enrichment	Berea, KY	8-18
Woodland Lakes Christian Camp	Amelia, OH	8-14
YMCA Camp Campbell Gard	Hamilton, OH	7-17
YMCA Camp Willson	Bellefontaine, OH	6-16

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YMCA Camp Ernst – Burlington, KY

YMCA Camp Ernst is the largest YMCA camp in the Midwest, located just outside Cincinnati. With 360 acres of lakes and forest, a state-of-the-art high ropes course, horseback riding ranch, and 30+ traditional camp activities, it’s built for kids who want the ultimate camp experience. It’s also impressively affordable for families. Flexible 1-week sessions can be combined for up to 9 weeks, while Half Week Camp and 24-Hour Intro Camp make great first-time options. Founded in 1928, Camp Ernst blends adventure, friendship, and personal growth in an energetic, values-driven community.

📍 ~30 minutes from Cincinnati

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Cathedral Domain Camp – Irvine, KY

The Cathedral Domain is an Episcopal overnight camp nestled in the foothills of the Daniel Boone National Forest. With weeklong sessions for grades 1–12, campers spend their days rock climbing, rappelling, archery, swimming, and hiking scenic mountain trails. Blending outdoor adventure with Christian faith formation, Cathedral Domain encourages kids to step outside their comfort zones, unplug, and connect with both nature and community.

📍 ~2.5 hours from Cincinnati

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YMCA Camp Kern – Oregonia, OH

YMCA Camp Kern, founded in 1910, is one of the Midwest’s premier overnight camps. Campers ages 5–16 spend their days horseback riding, ziplining, swimming, creating art, and exploring the outdoors alongside new friends. With specialty programs, strong traditions, and a focus on character and leadership, Camp Kern blends high-energy fun with YMCA values to create transformative summer experiences.

📍 ~40 minutes from Cincinnati

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AICL Summer Enrichment Camp – Berea, KY

Hosted by the Appalachian Institute for Creative Learning on the Berea College campus, AICL is a unique academic sleepaway camp for curious thinkers and creative minds ages 8–18. Featuring 1-week sessions, campers customize their schedules with imaginative, hands-on classes spanning science, writing, theater, coding, and the arts. Designed for motivated learners who love to explore new ideas, AICL provides a welcoming, judgment-free space where creative kids build confidence and connect with peers who share their passions.

📍 ~2 hours from Cincinnati

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Woodland Lakes Christian Camp – Amelia, OH

Woodland Lakes Christian Camp is a faith-based overnight camp near Cincinnati where campers spend their days horseback riding, swimming, boating, tackling ropes courses, and building lifelong friendships. Weeklong sessions blend outdoor adventure with Christian discipleship, creating an encouraging environment where kids grow in confidence, leadership, and faith.

📍 ~30 minutes from Cincinnati

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YMCA Camp Campbell Gard – Hamilton, OH

Set along the Great Miami River, YMCA Camp Campbell Gard offers weeklong resident camp programs where campers enjoy the comfort of modern air-conditioned cabins alongside activities like horseback riding, canoeing, high ropes courses, target sports, and swimming. Rooted in the core YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility, Campbell Gard fosters independence, self-reliance, and lifelong friendships in an accessible, family-style environment.

📍 ~45 minutes from Cincinnati

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YMCA Camp Willson – Bellefontaine, OH

Operating since 1918, YMCA Camp Willson is a classic screen-free overnight camp centered around beautiful Lake Mac-O-Chee. Campers spend their days horseback riding, climbing, archery, paddling, and learning outdoor skills before gathering with friends for campfires under the stars. Camp Willson emphasizes character, confidence, and community while delivering the timeless summer camp experience families love.

📍 ~2 hours from Cincinnati

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Want more camps near Cincinnati? ⛺

Browse all overnight summer camps in the Greater Cincinnati area. Filter by activity, age, gender, and more to find the perfect fit for your kid or teen in summer 2027.