Colorado summers are basically built for camp: sunshine, mountains, water, trails, science centers, and a strong mix of day camps and classic sleepaway programs. Below is a curated “start here” list of some of the Best Summer Camps in Colorado —plus a practical checklist to help you choose the right fit for your child and your schedule.
Pro tip: Popular camps fill early. If you’re moving in late spring or early summer, prioritize waitlists and flexible week-by-week day camps.
Quick Picks: Best Summer Camps in Colorado
- Classic Colorado sleepaway: Camp Chief Ouray (Granby) • Sanborn Western Camps / High Trails (Florissant) • YMCA Camp Shady Brook (Deckers)
- Mountain + science/adventure: Keystone Science School (Keystone) • Avid4 Overnight/Expedition Camps (Evergreen/Bailey)
- Durango option (day + overnight): Colvig Silver Camps (Durango)
- Denver-metro day camps: Colorado Academy Summer Programs • Denver Zoo Safari Camps • DMNS Summer Science Camp • Butterfly Pavilion Camps • Denver Parks & Rec + Denver YMCA
- STEM/tech-forward: Tech Revolution / Lavner Camps (Denver – Auraria Campus)
Top Overnight (Sleepaway) Summer Camps in Colorado
Camp Chief Ouray (Granby)
A longtime Colorado favorite with both day camp and overnight options—great for families who want to “test drive” camp before sleepaway. Mountain setting near Rocky Mountain National Park country.
Sanborn Western Camps + High Trails (Florissant)
Two well-established programs (traditionally boys/girls) focused on outdoor skills, confidence, and classic camp life in the Rockies. Strong choice if your kid wants hiking, riding, camping, and big mountain energy.
Explore Sanborn Western Camps & High Trails
YMCA Camp Shady Brook (Deckers)
A traditional YMCA sleepaway experience with specialty and leadership programming. Located in Pike National Forest—an easy drive from Colorado Springs and doable from the Denver metro.
Keystone Science School (Keystone)
A standout for families who want a blend of science, exploration, and mountain adventure. Offers overnight programs plus day options—ideal for Summit County families and Denver newcomers who want a “mountain basecamp” vibe.
Explore Keystone Science School Camp
Avid4 Adventure (Day + Overnight/Expedition)
Adventure-sports focused (think biking, paddling, hiking, climbing) with multiple Colorado day-camp locations and overnight/expedition options near Evergreen and Bailey. Great for active kids who want to be outside all day.
Colvig Silver Camps (Durango)
A Southwest Colorado option that offers both day and overnight programs—nice if your family is closer to Durango, or you want a different corner of the state than the Front Range.
Camp Timberline (Estes Park)
A Christian sports + mountain adventure camp near Rocky Mountain National Park. Best fit for families specifically looking for a faith-based camp environment.
Best Denver-Metro Day Camps (No Overnight Needed)
Colorado Academy Summer Programs (Denver)
A “big menu” day-camp option with classic camp activities plus specialty tracks (sports, arts, adventure). A solid pick for families who want a traditional day camp structure.
Explore Colorado Academy Summer Programs
Denver Zoo Safari Camps
Ideal for animal lovers—hands-on experiences, zoo exploration, and conservation-themed learning.
Explore Denver Zoo Safari Camps
Denver Museum of Nature & Science (DMNS) – Summer Science Camp
A strong “learning disguised as fun” camp for elementary-aged kids with full-day programming and rotating themes.
Explore DMNS Summer Science Camp
Butterfly Pavilion Camps (Westminster)
Great for younger kids who love nature, science, and hands-on exploration (especially insects/invertebrates).
Explore Butterfly Pavilion Camps
Denver Parks & Recreation (citywide)
If you want budget-friendly, close-to-home options across the city, start with Denver’s programs and online registration hub.
Browse Denver Parks & Recreation Programs
Denver YMCA Summer Day Camp
Reliable day-camp option across the metro with a mix of games, outdoor time, and structured activities.
Explore Denver YMCA Summer Day Camp
Tech Revolution / Lavner Camps (Denver – Auraria Campus)
A tech-heavy option (coding, robotics, game design, digital art) for kids who want a skills-based camp experience.
How to Choose the Right Camp (Fast, Practical Checklist)
- Start with your summer reality: Need early drop-off? Late pick-up? Week-by-week flexibility? Field trips okay?
- Match the camp to your kid: Outdoors-all-day vs. STEM/arts vs. animals vs. sports. If your child is anxious, start with a half-day or weeklong day camp before sleepaway.
- Look for safety signals: Clear supervision ratios, background checks, medical protocols, and transparent communication.
- Consider accreditation: Many families use American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation as a credibility indicator.
- Plan for Colorado specifics: altitude + sun exposure + sudden afternoon storms = pack layers, sunscreen, and a water bottle every day.
- Ask about refunds/cancellations: Summer plans change fast—know the policy before you pay in full.
FAQ: What Newcomers Ask Most
What age can my child start summer camp?
Many day camps start around ages 5–6. Overnight camps often start around ages 7–9, depending on the program.
When should I register?
The best camps often open registration in winter or early spring. If you’re arriving late, prioritize waitlists and flexible week-by-week options.
Day camp or sleepaway?
Day camps are easier for new movers (routine + logistics). Sleepaway camps are great for independence and friendships—best when your child is ready for nights away from home.
How do I find more options statewide?
Use the ACA “Find a Camp” tool to filter by location, age, program type, and more.
Welcome to Colorado—now go enjoy that summer.
Moving to Colorado? Don’t forget to request your FREE COPY of the Denver Relocation Guide.
