12 Best Overnight Summer Camps Near Los Angeles for 2027

Looking for an unforgettable overnight summer camp for your kids or teens near Los Angeles for 2027? From traditional camps to epic marine science adventures, we hand-picked twelve of Southern California’s most incredible sleepaway camps within driving distance of Los Angeles that are sure to give your kids the best summer ever. Want more options? Browse all overnight camps in California. 🌞

Camp	Location	Age Range
AstroCamp	Idyllwild, CA	8-17
Camp Ocean Pines	Cambria, CA	7-17
Camp Brave Trails	Nearby LA	12-17
4-H Summer Camp	Crestline, CA	8-18
Amplify Arts Sleep Away Camp	Ojai, CA	8-17
Camp Woodcraft	Big Bear Valley, CA	7-13
Catalina Sea Camp	Avalon, CA	8-17
Jameson Ranch Camp	Glennville, CA	6-16
River Way Ranch Camp	Sanger, CA	7-16
The Model UN Institute	Los Angeles, CA	11-17
SOCAPA Los Angeles	Los Angeles, CA	14-18
Endless Summer Surf Camp	Agra, CA	11-18

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AstroCamp – Idyllwild, CA

Nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains, AstroCamp is the ultimate playground for thrill-seeking and curious kids. More than just a science camp, AstroCamp is an adventure where building rockets and gazing through state-of-the-art telescopes happens alongside rock climbing and mountain hiking. The vibe is unapologetically “nerd cool,” creating a haven for kids who might feel out of place at a sports-centric camp. If your child loves STEM but still craves the thrill of the outdoors, they will thrive here, surrounded by peers who share their passion for the cosmos.

📍 ~2 hours from Los Angeles

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Camp Ocean Pines – Cambria, CA

Camp Ocean Pines is an eco-focused, coed overnight camp perched on the pine-covered cliffs of Cambria overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Offering 6- and 13-day sessions for ages 7–17, this screen-free camp features small cabin groups, hand-crafted organic meals, and an inclusive community. Campers build self-reliance and environmental curiosity through sea kayaking, archery, tidepooling, marine science, target sports, and campfire traditions along California’s Central Coast.

📍 ~4 hours from Los Angeles

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Camp Brave Trails – Nearby LA

Brave Trails is more than a summer camp; it’s a leadership institute disguised as a joyous outdoor escape for LGBTQ+ youth. With a mission to build the next generation of changemakers, the program blends traditional fun like archery and stargazing with workshops on activism, drag, and queer history. It’s the ideal fit for teens seeking a deeply affirming space where they don’t have to explain their identity. If your child needs a community where they can celebrate who they are while learning how to lead, Brave Trails offers a life-changing “home away from home.”

📍 Nearby Los Angeles

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4-H Summer Camp LA – Crestline, CA

4‑H Summer Camp is an affordable weeklong overnight camp for ages 8 to 18 in the San Bernardino National Forest. Hosted at Camp Seely, this traditional camp experience offers kids days filled with fun, friendship, and hands-on activities like hiking, swimming, crafts, sports, and team‑building challenges. The vibe is welcoming, down‑to‑earth, and community‑oriented, with kids coming from all over California and beyond. It’s a great fit for families seeking a low-cost, screen‑free camp that blends outdoor adventure, creativity, and personal growth in a supportive environment.

📍 ~1.5 hours from Los Angeles

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Amplify Arts Sleep Away Camp – Ojai, CA

Amplify Arts is an empowering music and creative arts sleepaway camp for girls and non-binary youth in grades 3–12. Campers choose a specialized major—such as rock band, songwriting, vocals, music production, filmmaking, photography, or skateboarding—and spend 2 or 4 weeks mastering their craft alongside professional mentors. Balanced with daily pool time, creative electives, and a final live showcase, Amplify builds artistic skill, self-confidence, and lasting community on a scenic campus in Ojai.

📍 ~1.5 hours from Los Angeles

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Camp Woodcraft – Big Bear Valley, CA

Founded in 1922, Camp Woodcraft is one of California’s oldest overnight camps. Led by trained youth workers and naturalist, they offer a classic, nature‑immersive experience in the forests of Big Bear Valley. This inclusive camp blends hiking, archery, swimming, ropes courses, creative arts, and outdoor skills with a strong focus on community and personal growth. Campers unplug, explore, and build confidence while forming tight‑knit friendships in a warm, supportive environment. It’s a great fit for families seeking a traditional SoCal camp with deep roots and a welcoming, down‑to‑earth vibe.

📍 ~2 hours from Los Angeles

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Catalina Sea Camp – Avalon, CA

Located at Toyon Bay on Catalina Island, this camp turns the ocean into a daily classroom and playground. It offers a rare mix of marine biology labs and high-adventure water sports like sailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Campers don’t just swim, they explore kelp forests and learn environmental stewardship. The perfect fit for the water-obsessed kid or aspiring marine biologist who wants to literally dive deep into adventure. If your child is ready to trade a cabin for the coast and a backpack for a wetsuit, this is their dream camp.

📍 ~30 minutes from Los Angeles

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Jameson Ranch Camp – Glennville, CA

Jameson Ranch Camp is a traditional 300-acre working ranch camp nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, offering 2- to 8-week sessions for ages 6–16. Operating for over 90 years, this completely screen-free, open-air camp empowers kids to choose their own daily schedule from horseback riding, rock climbing, animal care, sailing, woodworking, and gardening. Sleeping in open-air shelters under the stars, campers learn responsibility, independence, and stewardship in a close-knit, rustic community.

📍 ~3 hours from Los Angeles

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River Way Ranch Camp – Sanger, CA

River Way Ranch Camp is a modern take on the traditional overnight camp experience. With top-notch facilities, amazing staff, and a strong emphasis on personal growth, River Way is for kids who want to do it all. This high-energy camp has over 75 activities, from watersports and horseback riding to arts and adventure. Their family-like atmosphere allows kids to make friends, build confidence, and gain life skills in a supportive and safe environment. 1- or 2-week sessions, can be combined up to 8 weeks.

📍 ~4 hours from Los Angeles

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The Model UN Institute – Los Angeles, CA

The Model UN Institute is an academic sleepaway camp for middle and high school students passionate about public speaking, diplomacy, and global affairs. Hosted on campus at UCLA, campers step into the shoes of world leaders through daily debate workshops, UN procedure simulations, and expert mentorship from top collegiate delegates. It’s an empowering 1-week program where ambitious students build confidence, hone critical thinking skills, and connect with peers from around the world.

📍 Located in LA

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SOCAPA – Los Angeles, CA

Hosted at Occidental College, the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA) is less “camp” and more summer intensive. It’s designed for serious teen artists dedicated to pursuing their passion in filmmaking, acting, dance, or photography. Days are spent in rigorous workshops with hands-on learning, mimicking a real-world production environment. Nights and weekends are filled with fun summer activities and adventures around LA like theme parks, live tapings, and more. SOCAPA is perfect for creative teens who want to find their artistic crew and level up their craft.

📍 Located in LA

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Endless Summer Surf Camp – Agra, CA

Set on the sands of San Onofre State Beach, Endless Summer is a specialty surf camp for teens. Days are spent in the water with professional instructors, followed by nights around a campfire and sleeping under the stars. Perfect for active kids who want to learn to surf or refine their cutback in a chill, supportive environment. If your child is happiest in a wetsuit and doesn’t mind sand in their sleeping bag, they’ll love it.

📍 ~1 hour from Los Angeles

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Want more camps near Los Angeles? ⛺

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