Awesome Overnight Camps for DFW-Area Kids

Starting to plan out Summer 2022?

If your summer is looking like mine, it's already got dates blocked off for Camp Thurman and summer family travel. I've got pages saved on Facebook to revisit next week when the kids are in school and am trying to figure out what else my time and budget allows for.

My girls go to overnight camp at Sky Ranch each summer. The love it there! The water activities, campfire songs and general camaraderie bring them back year after year. They enjoy making new friends, learning new skills and enjoying a week away from mom and dad with their peers.

The glow after dropping your kids at camp for a week for the time of their lives! 

But Sky Ranch 2022 is almost booked up for Summer 2022! We've already secured our dates, but it has me wondering what other camps are out there that could be fun for kids. 

I highly, highly recommend overnight camp for kids. I went every summer as a kid from the age of 8 until 18 and some of my best friends and favorite childhood memories are from my weeks of overnight camp in southern Wisconsin.

If you are looking for overnight camp for kids in the DFW area, check out these 10 great camps for kids. (And if the financial piece is a concern, contact the camp director! Oftentimes there are scholarships and grants available for those who qualify. There are also payment plans at camps such as Sky Ranch, which make it a little less intimidating to shell out overnight camp for your kids.)

10 overnight camps for kids within driving distance of DFW

Practicing for overnight camp around a "campfire."

Sky Ranch (Van, TX)- Located less than two hours from Arlington, this Christian overnight camp in East Texas runs from Sunday- Saturday. Kids swim, craft, participate in theme nights and so much more. Older kids can also learn to horseback ride. Kids can start staying here after they finish kindergarten, and a week of camp starts at $1199. 

Pine Cove (Tyler, TX)- After kids finish first grade, they are eligible to start their Pine Cove journey. From Sunday until Saturday, kids will swim, play, explore and much more at Pine Cove. This Christian-based overnight camp is about two hours from Arlington and a week of camp starts at $1199. 

Camp El Tesoro (Granbury, TX)- Started in 1934, Camp El Tesoro is an overnight camp in Hood County for kids in first grade and beyond. At this camp, kids can participate in water sports and campfire fun as well as craft, hike and much more. Sessions start at $780 per child and typically run from Sunday- Friday.

Camp Carter (Fort Worth, TX)- Northwest Fort Worth is home to Camp Carter, a YMCA-owned camp open to kids ages 7-17. Overnight camp runs from Sunday- Saturday and is $800 for non-YMCA members ($700 if you are a member). At this camp, kids will sing campfire songs, swim, craft and much more. 

Camp Grady Spruce (Graford, TX)- Possum Kingdom Lake is the backdrop for Camp Grady Spruce, a YMCA-owned camp about 75 miles west of Arlington. This camp, for kids ages 6-16, has a climbing wall and zipline as well as a plethora of outdoor activities to keep kids excited and happy all week long. Camps run Sunday- Saturday and each week has a different theme. Camp is $740 for YMCA-members and $840 for non-members. 

Camp Huawni (Timpson, TX)- Another East Texas gem, Camp Huawni is located near the Texas/Louisiana border and offers overnight camps for kids after they have completed first grade. Since 1965, this summer camp as offered a fun escape for Texas kids each summer. About three hours from Arlington, this spot offers camp from Sunday- Saturday and starts at $1,495 per week. 

Camp Olympia (Trinity, TX)- This Houston-area summer camp is about three and a half hours from Arlington and endless fun for kids. Pack your bags and plan a getaway for you and your SO while your kids enjoy a week of fun in southern Texas. Kids age 6-16 are in for sun, fun and adventure. Week-long camps run Sunday- Sunday and start at $2,000. (14 & 21-day camps also available)

Camp Twin Lakes (Cedar Park, TX)- Texas' Hill Country is the backdrop for this YMCA-owned camp that is three hours from Arlington. Kids ages 6-16 can swim, hike, zipline, canoe and more at this Sunday- Saturday camp. Camp is $725 for YMCA members and $800 for non-members. 

Camp Balcones Springs (Marble Falls, TX)- Kids in first grade and beyond can plan to spend a good portion of their summer having fun at this overnight outside Austin that offers two and three-week terms to campers. Engage in all kinds of outdoor activities three hours from Arlington at this traditional summer camp. One week sessions run Saturday-Saturday and start at $1,850 per child.

Camp Sherwood Forest (McDade, TX)- Um, can I go to this camp?! Kids can spend a week traveling back in time and learning all about Medieval history. From blacksmithing to archery, kids will experience a one-of-a-kind week at this Austin-area camp about three hours from Arlington. Kids ages 7-16 are welcome, and camps run Saturday- Saturday and start at $949 per child. 

If you book your kids at any of these camps, please let me know! I'd love to hear your experiences!