- Top Camp Lists
Looking for an unforgettable overnight summer camp for your kids or teens near San Francisco for 2027? From traditional camps to specialty sports camps, we hand-picked ten of the most incredible sleepaway camps within driving distance of the Bay Area that are sure to give your kids the best summer ever. Want more options? Browse all overnight camps in California. 🌞
| Camp | Location | Age Range |
|---|---|---|
| YMCA Camp Campbell | Boulder Creek, CA | 7-17 |
| Camp Mendocino | Fort Bragg, CA | 8-17 |
| Camp Go Beyond | Livermore, CA | 7-17 |
| Carmel Valley Tennis Camp | Carmel Valley, CA | 10-18 |
| Jam Camp West | Loma Mar, CA | 10-17 |
| The Model UN Institute | Berkeley, CA | 11-17 |
| Avid4 Adventure Camp | Menlo Park, CA | 10-17 |
| Two Rivers Soccer Camp | Cromberg, CA | 7-17 |
| Cloverleaf Ranch | Santa Rosa, CA | 7-17 |
| Camp Via West | Cupertino, CA | 7-17 |

YMCA Camp Campbell is a coed resident camp nestled among the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Offering weeklong overnight sessions for youth, the camp emphasizes character development, leadership, and outdoor exploration. Campers unplug to enjoy high ropes courses, climbing walls, swimming, arts, and environmental science programs, all within a supportive community rooted in core YMCA values.
📍 ~1.5 hours from San Francisco

Camp Mendocino is a traditional coed residential camp set on over 2,000 acres in the heart of the Jackson Redwood State Forest. Operated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, this camp offers 1-week sessions for ages 8–17 focused on youth development, environmental education, and outdoor adventure. Campers unplug and dive into swimming, archery, high ropes, kayaking, and arts, all within a supportive, cabin-village community that encourages personal growth.
📍 ~3.5 hours from San Francisco

Camp Go Beyond is a free, week-long residential summer camp designed specifically for children and teens living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Set in the scenic Livermore hills, the camp offers a safe, medically supported environment where kids can just be kids. Campers enjoy classic outdoor activities like high ropes courses, zip lines, rock climbing, arts, swimming, and more. All while building deep friendships and confidence alongside peers who truly understand their journey.
📍 ~1 hour from San Francisco

Family-owned for over 50 years, Carmel Valley strikes a precise balance between rigorous tennis training and traditional camp fun. Campers get hours of daily instruction and match play, but also enjoy classic camp activities like swimming, archery, arts, and high ropes courses. CVTC helps student athletes see real improvement while also offering the bonding of a screen-free, bunk-style summer camp.
📍 ~3 hours from San Francisco

Jam Camp West is an inspiring music and performing arts sleepaway camp for kids and teens ages 10–17. Nestled in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, this weeklong immersive program welcomes kids of all skill levels. Hosted at Redwood Glen, campers explore jazz, rock, vocal performance, and hip-hop dance under the guidance of accomplished professional artists. Alongside daily jam sessions, campers enjoy swimming, nature hikes, campfires, and open mics, creating an inclusive and joyful community.
📍 ~1.5 hours from San Francisco

The Model UN Institute at UC Berkeley is an academic sleepaway camp for middle and high school students passionate about global affairs, public speaking, and diplomacy. Hosted on campus at UC Berkeley, participants step into the shoes of international delegates through interactive workshops, negotiation simulations, and mentorship from top collegiate leaders. It’s an intensive 1-week residential program designed to build real-world leadership skills, critical thinking, and lifelong academic friendships.
📍 ~30 minutes from San Francisco

Avid4 Adventure’s residential camp programs bring immersive outdoor education to Northern California youth, helping campers build lasting confidence in the outdoors. Combining comfortable lodging with expert instruction, kids dive into multi-sport adventures like mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship and teamwork, Avid4 empowers campers to safely take on new outdoor challenges.
📍 ~45 minutes from San Francisco

Two Rivers Soccer Camp is a premier specialty sleepaway camp dedicated to comprehensive soccer training combined with traditional summer camp fun. Set in the Sierra Nevada mountains, players of all skill levels receive expert coaching focused on technical skills, tactical awareness, and sportsmanship. Off the pitch, campers unwind with swimming, campfires, cabin bonding, and recreational games, making it the ultimate destination for young soccer enthusiasts.
📍 ~4.5 hours from San Francisco

Cloverleaf Ranch is a historic, family-owned western ranch camp spread across 168 oak-studded acres in Sonoma County. With 1- and 2-week sessions, the camp centers around an exceptional equestrian program. Every camper gets daily riding lessons and horse care experience, alongside activities like swimming, arts and crafts, and sports. Cloverleaf offers a warm, down-to-earth community.
📍 ~1.5 hours from San Francisco

Camp Via West is a specialized overnight camp for children and adults with developmental and physical disabilities. Supported by a dedicated, highly trained staff, campers enjoy fully adapted activities like swimming, arts and crafts, music, sports, and outdoor exploration. Set on a scenic campus in the Cupertino, Via West provides a safe, joyful, and empowering camp experience.
📍 ~1 hour from San Francisco
Browse all overnight summer camps in California. Filter by activity, age, gender, and more to find the perfect fit for your kid or teen in summer 2027.
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