Instead of spending the summer perfecting the art of being a couch potato, overnight summer camps in Michigan give kids the opportunity to try out new activities — think archery, kayaking, rock-climbing, hiking and more.
Plus, there’s the opportunity to make new friends from across the state while enjoying all the fun that the outdoors can offer. The skills and memories campers will gain often stick with them for years to come, too — among the many other benefits of camp.
Looking for more summer camps? Check out our ultimate guide to find the best summer camps for Metro Detroit kids.
Featured overnight camps in metro Detroit
In this section, Metro Parent’s advertising partners share their top camp offerings.
Project Foxwood – Camp Carvela
June 15-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 33 Bass Lake Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685
- Phone: 231-299-0005
- Ages served: 7-18
- Number of students: Not provided
- Type: Overnight Camp
- Cost: 3-Night Sessions: $995. 1-Week Sessions: $1,545. 2-Week Sessions: $3,295. Teen Leadership Program: $3,795.
Camp Carvela is a vibrant overnight camp and day camp where curiosity leads the way and every camper gets to shape their own adventure. Nestled in the beautiful forests of Northern Michigan, Camp Carvela blends classic camp fun with a modern, choice-based approach that helps campers grow in confidence, creativity and connection.
Each day, campers choose from a wide range of activities, including arts and crafts, sports and games, nature exploration, waterfront fun and imaginative group challenges. This emphasis on choice empowers campers to follow their interests, try new things at their own pace and discover what they truly love.
Whether a camper thrives on creative expression, active play or quiet moments in nature, there’s space for everyone to feel successful and included.
At the heart of Camp Carvela is a strong sense of community. Our caring, enthusiastic staff focus on building positive relationships, encouraging teamwork and creating an environment where kindness and belonging come first. Campers leave not only with muddy sneakers and art projects in hand but with new friendships, increased independence and memories that last long after summer ends.
Camp Carvela is a place where kids can be kids, one unforgettable summer day at a time.
YMCA Camp Nissokone
June 14-Aug. 22, 2026
- Address: 6836 F41, Oscoda, MI 48750
- Phone: 248-887-4533
- Ages served: 5-17
- Type: Day camp, overnight camp, sports camp
- Cost:
- Overnight camp = $779 per week
- Day camp = $299 per week
Nissokone is a place like no other: a spectacular natural environment in which the majestic AuSable River meets the shores of Lake Huron. For over a century, this jewel of the YMCA has been Michigan’s premier destination for summer camp experiences, where spectacular natural beauty becomes the backdrop for extraordinary growth.
Named one of Newsweek’s Top Camps in the USA, Nissokone offers unforgettable experiences for kids entering grades K-12. Nissokone is perfect for getting out in nature for adventure and play, offering a wide variety of age-appropriate activities. Our 100+ acres of forest and pristine waterfront offer endless possibilities from sailing and horseback riding to ziplines, paintball and wilderness expeditions.
Here, friendships forge lifelong bonds, confidence flourishes and young people discover their limitless potential within a caring community. Our experienced camp counselors guide every adventure, grounded our core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility and inclusion.
Welcome to Nissokone where nature inspires, challenge transforms and memories last forever. Camp Nissokone is accredited by the American Camp Association.
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa
June 8-Aug. 28, 2026
- Address: 7300 Hickory Ridge Rd., Holly
- Phone: 248-887-4533
- Ages served: 5-17
- Number of students: Not listed
- Type: Day camp, overnight camp, sports camp
YMCA Camp Ohiyesa is a historic camp located in Holly, Michigan, providing youth with a safe, inclusive and values-based camp experience for over a century. Nestled on the shores of Fish Lake, Camp Ohiyesa helps youth build confidence, independence and lasting friendships through outdoor adventure, skill-building activities and intentional community living. Our programs include day camp and overnight camp with activities such as swimming, archery, climbing, waterslide and horseback riding. As part of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Camp Ohiyesa’s programs are guided by the YMCA’s core values of honesty, caring, respect, responsibility and inclusion. Camp Ohiyesa creates meaningful experiences that support personal growth, character development and connection, helping young people thrive long after their camp experience ends.
More overnight camps in metro Detroit
This section includes additional camp options for families to explore. These listings are added separately from our paid listings.
Black River Farm and Ranch
June 14-Aug. 15, 2026
- Address: 5040 Sheridan Line Road, Croswell
- Cost: $1,365-$6,916
- Best for ages: 6-16
A “paradise at the end of a dirt road,” this family-owned girls’ camp (since 1962) offers horsemanship, riding lessons, swimming, kayaking, archery and more.
Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp
Two-week sessions from June 24-Aug. 16, 2026
- Address: 300 E. Crystal Lake Road, Twin Lake, Mich.
- Phone: 800-221-3796
- Cost: $1,875 – $1975 (varies depending on major; significant scholarships available for motivated students; discounts for siblings, Session 4, and those enrolling in more than one session)
- Best for ages: 11-18
Celebrating 60 years, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp offers immersive two-week summer programs for Grades 5-12 in music, art, theater, dance and writing.
Camp AGQ through the Ann Arbor Y
June 14-Aug. 9, 2026
- Address: 220 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: $430-$1,715
- Best for ages: 6-16
Camp AGQ on Burt Lake offers a scenic sleepaway experience for ages 6-16, with optional sailing, horseback riding, water-skiing and more. Mini Camp eases first-time campers.
Camp Carvela
June 14-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 33 Bass Lake Road, Traverse City
- Phone: 231-299-0005
- Cost: $390-$3,295, cost varies depending on session type (day or overnight) and length
- Best for ages: 7-18 (plus Family Camp)
Camp Carvela, part of Project Foxwood, is a small, creative camp nestled on Bass Lake in Traverse City. With day, overnight, adventure trips and family camps for ages 7-18, we offer a camper-driven experience—every day is unique!
Camp Lookout
June 14-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 1310 Beuna Road, Frankfort
- Cost: $1,395+
- Best for ages: 7-17
Accessible only by pontoon, this vehicle-free retreat for ages 7-17 fosters creativity and adventure, offering beach and woodland camping in a playful, supportive environment.
Camp Walden
June 22-Aug. 8, 2026
- Address: 5607 S. River Road, Cheboygan
- Cost: $850-$13,100
- Best for ages: 7-16
This Up-North camp offers 150 acres of forest, waterfront, and trails for ages 7-16, with water sports, horseback riding and more on spring-fed Long Lake.
Camp Westminster
June 21-July. 31, 2026
- Address: 116 Westminster Drive, Roscommon
- Phone: 313-341-8969
- Cost: $840/week for overnight camp, $330/week day camp
- Best for ages: 7-17
Camp Westminster on Higgins Lake has been a beloved summer camp and retreat center in northern Michigan for 100 years! Westminster creates a welcoming community where campers gain confidence, independence and lifelong friendships while exploring faith and nature.
Crystalaire Adventures
June 21-July. 17, 2026
- Address: 33 Bass Lake Road, Traverse City
- Cost: $575
- Best for ages: 10-18
Here, older kids learn to live and work together — and get a better sense of who they are. They’ll explore caverns, backpack North Manitou, basecamp at South Manitou and more. Exciting programs for middle schoolers, too. Ask about custom programs.
Summer Academic Programs at LTU
July 13-17, July 20-24, July 27-31, 2026
- Address: 21000 W. Ten Mile Road, Southfield
- Phone: 800-225-5588
- Cost: Varies, see website for details
- Best for ages: 14-23
Help shape the future of STEM with the Marburger STEM Center’s immersive high school summer programs! Connect with a dedicated community of innovators in engineering, technology, design, and science, all united by a passion for discovery and innovation.
YMCA Camp Copneconic
July 5-Aug. 14, 2026
- Address: 10407 N. Fenton Road, Fenton
- Cost: See website for details
- Best for ages: 9-17
Fantastic campfire songs are just the start with YMCA offering overnight camps. Campers take action-packed field trips, go ziplining, tubing, kayaking, canoeing and sailing, plus enjoy weekly themes like searching for gold or building a time machine.
This article was recently updated on Jan. 22, 2026 by Metro Parent’s writer, Sarah Knieff. The updates reflect the latest information. Questions? Please reach out to editor@metroparent.com.
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