Going to camp in North Georgia offers the best of both worlds: For kids from metro-Atlanta, it’s far enough away from home (most are located at least two hours away) to feel like an adventure — but close enough for any pangs of homesickness to be shortlived. Meanwhile, nearly all are set in the Blue Ridge Mountains or other ranges that make for a host of “you can’t do this often in Atlanta” outdoor activities amid breathtaking, traffic-free backdrops.
Because of their locations, most of these camps are overnight (aka “sleepaway”) camps requiring stays of at least one week (A few offer day camp options as well). So if you’re thinking about camp in North Georgia, don’t just focus on which ones offer the best activities. Think about how to handle separation anxiety as well (Among the parents, that is. The kids, we predict, will do just fine!)
Camp Blue Ridge
Hwy 441 and Playhouse St., Mountain City, GA 30562
June 12 - July 31
706-746-5491, www.blueridgecamp.com
ACA-accredited, co-ed sleepaway camp located on over 250 acres in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Some 50 different activities, ranging from dance and drama to paintball and rugby, offer campers the chance to exercise their minds and bodies. Campers get to select their own lineup of activities every three days and there are off-site trips to Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water Park in Marietta. [Find out more about Camp Blue Ridge]
Camp Fire Camp Toccoa
2 Camp Toccoa Drive, Toccoa, GA 30577
June 5 - July 30
706-886-2457, www.camptoccoa.org
A co-ed day and sleepaway camp located on some 175 acres of natural beauty such as forested trails, a lake and waterfalls. There's also a nature center, archery facilities, a state-of-the-art equestrian center, swimming pool and rope courses where campers can learn new skills while also testing themselves to "light a fire within." Day camp is for K-9 and overnight camp for youths in grades 2-12. [Find out more about Camp Fire Camp Toccoa]
YMCA Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton
685 Camp Harbour Ln, Clayton, GA 30525-3707
June 5 - Aug. 6
770-532-2267, www.ymcaatlanta.org
Operated by the Metro Atlanta YMCA, this sleepaway camp located on scenic Lake Burton and Lake Allatoona, is for boys and girls ages 7-14. Living in rustic and roomy lakeside cabins for one-week sessions, campers can take part in a general program of sporting activities like canoeing and archery, arts and crafts, horseback riding and more. There's also several more in-depth and specialized programs for ages 13-14, including water sports/water safety program and adventure camping. Additionally, a day camp offers one week sessions for boys and girls ages 6-9. [Find out more about Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton]
Camp Highland
1200 Camp Highland Rd, Ellijay, GA 30540
June 6 - July 30
(678) 393-0300, www.camphighland.com
Overnight camp offers six-day sessions in a breathtaking setting. Camp puts an emphasis on outdoor experiences and "high adventure" (rock climbing, ziplining , ropes courses and a treetop challenge course) while also encouraging campers to grow in a deeper relationship with Jesus. (A day camp for K-5 takes place in Alpharetta). [Find out more about Camp Highland]
Camp Barney Medintz
Highway 129 North, Cleveland, GA 30528-6132
June 5 - July 28
770-396-3250, www.campbarney.org
Jewish sleepaway camp for boys and girls ages 8-16 has been in existence for five decades. Located on over 500 acres, provides a range of fun and physical water activities — including log rolling and an iceberg climbing wall — and some 15 other sports, horseback riding and such high adventure undertakings as mountain biking, zip lines and rock climbing. Campers also "develop and solidify their connection to their Jewish identity." [Find out more about Camp Barney Medintz]
Athens YWCO Camp For Girls
445 Athens Y Camp Rd., Clarkesville, GA 30523-2309
June 3 - June 29
(706) 754-8528, www.athensywcocamp.com
In continuous operation since 1925, this tradition-rich camp in the hills of northeast Georgia offers one- and two-week overnight sessions for girls interested in the Horseback Specialty or a more generalized camp experience. Generalized but not run-of-the-mill: Along with arts & crafts, archery, canoeing and swimming, campers can elect to learn sign language and work on the camp newspaper. The Horseback Speciality program is for for intermediate and advanced riders, who will spend at least five hours each day at the stables. [Find out more about Athens YWCO Camp for Girls]
Dixie Camps for Boys and Girls
153 Camp Dixie Lane, Clayton, Ga., 30525-0019
678-701-3052, www.campdixie.org
Century-old camp nestled on 350 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it promotes a close, family-like feel by limiting enrollment to 70 campers between the ages of 6 and 15. Nearly 45 different activities put the emphasis on fun and learning everywhere from the great outdoors (creek-walking, fishing) and sports to individualized skills (sewing, self-defense) and one-of-a-kind events like "Christmas in July." Each activity is kept to eight campers at a time, so all will have a chance to participate. [Find out more about Dixie Camps for Boys and Girls]
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