The whole point of camp is to get outdoors, right? These camps focus on the heart of camping — enjoying the great outdoors and learning about the environment. Whether your kid wants to be flung into the wilderness or just get a taste of nature, you should check out these outdoor summer camps in Marin. Looking for something else? We also have seven other lists for Bay Area summer camps.
Adventure | Animals | Backpacking | Environmental Education | Garden | Nature | Recreation
— Adventure —
Audubon Summer Adventure Camp
Tiburon
At the Audubon Summer Adventure Camp children build friendships as they explore, investigate and enjoy the great outdoors.
Ages 4–7, 415.388.2524
Avid4 Adventure
Oakland, Menlo Park, Peninsula
Avid4 Adventure summer programs offer day camps, expeditions, and overnight camps that all explore the outdoors in a safe and fun environment.
Ages 3.5–14, 720.249.2412
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Sausalito
On the bay at Fort Baker, kids can discover nature, the outdoors and the joy of science in groups of their peers. Let their imagination run wild with the hands-on activities and lessons that mix art and discovery at Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Ages 3–8, 415.339.3907
Call of the Sea – Voyage Seaward
Sausalito
Call of the Sea-Voyage Seaward summer programs include sailing camps, science camps, aloft programs and voyages.
Ages 8–13, 415.331.3214
Camp Ronald McDonald
Sacramento
Camp Ronald McDonald is an accessible, residential program for kids with a variety of medical needs, economic hardship and/or physical, developmental and/or emotional disabilities.
Ages 7+, 916.734.4230
Camp Unalayee
Palo Alto
Camp Unalayee is a non-profit wilderness camp that provides meaningful outdoor experiences like boating, backpacking, making crafts and more.
Ages 10–17, 650.969.6313
Catalina Island Camps
Avalon
Catalina Island summer camp offers children the benefits of unplugging and enjoying the great outdoors with a range of activities from ropes courses, kayaking, sailing, gardening, composting, nature, arts and crafts, climbing, and so much more.
Ages 7–16, 626.296.4040
Gold Arrow Camp
Lakeshore
Golden Arrow camp is a traditional summer camp where kids get to participate in activities like wakeboarding, horseback riding, rock climbing, swimming, and more.
Ages 6–14, 800.554.2267
Dance Palace Camp
Point Reyes Station
Dance Palace Camp offers a diverse cultural education and helps kids develop positive relationships through hands-on activities in the natural world.
Ages 6–12, 415.663.1075
Echo Lake Youth Camp
Echo Lake
This camp is a week-long experience for kids to enjoy the outdoors, have fun, and make friends doing activities like hiking, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, campfires, talent shows, group games, and more.
Ages 7–14, 510.981.5140, 510.981.6903
Fairfax Cycling Camp
Fairfax
Fun days can be filled with biking through nature while learning safety, skills, and bike maintenance.
Ages 8+, 415.887.8536
Fantastical Adventures Day Camp
Tiburon
Fantastical Adventures offers camps for your child’s favorite fantasies including Lord of the Rings, Percy Jackson, Pokemon, Harry Potter Day and many more.
Ages 5–12, 415.435.4355
Marin GreenPlay Camp
Mill Valley
Marin GreenPlay camps teach kids their “ecological address” through exploring and giving back with native plant restoration projects, beach clean ups, citizen science, and volunteer activities.
Ages 5–17, 415.264.2828
Marin Horizon Summer Camp
Mill Valley
Join us at Marin Horizon’s Summer Camp for a summer of friends, fun, and academics. We have a new and engaging theme each week including: Mighty Explorers (June 20-23), Rainbow Bonanza (June 26-30), Mad Scientists (July 5-7), Dots and Circles (July 10-14), Little Chefs (July 17-21), and Imagination Station (July 24-28). Regular hours are 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Extended care hours are 8:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Ages 3–7, 415.388.8408
Marinwood Camp
San Rafael
Hiking, swimming, dodgeball, making new friends, scavenger hunts, dress-up days, tug-o-war, crafting, tie-dye, storytelling, creek walks, obstacle courses, sports, waterslides, barbecues, and more. Marinwood’s award-winning summer camp program offers all the outdoor adventure of a stay away camp in a convenient day.
Ages 3–12, 415.479.0775
Ready Set GO Therapy
Various Outdoor Locations in Marin
Friendship Explorations offers summer camps and year-round groups with a therapeutic twist! Operated by Ready Set GO Therapy and let by an expert licensed OT or Speech Therapist plus an assistant, our groups include up to 6 children and offer a 3:1 ratio. Our goal is for every child to feel successful and to have fun!
Through a combination of teaching and unstructured play, we address a wide variety of friendship and development skills such as:
- Sensory processing
- Emotional regulation
- Following directions
- Sequencing
- Play skills
- Balance and strength
- Problem solving
- Confidence building
- Independence”
Ages 4–16, 415-339-8800
River Way Ranch Camp
Greater Bay Area, Fresno, Yosemite
The River Way Ranch Camp offers a sleep away summer program with recreational and learning opportunities from culinary arts, ropes challenge course, film production, dance, horseback riding, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, waterskiing, wave runners and so much more.
Ages 7–16, 559.787.2551
Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry Camp
Stateline
On the Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry experience campers observe local wildlife, swim, cook over small camping stoves and more in beautiful lake Tahoe.
Ages 12-17, 775.298.4485
Tiburon Adventure Camp
Tiburon
Be part of the fun this summer at the Tiburon Adventure Camp! We will be hosting a variety of summer time activities to beat the heat in a fun interactive environment. Events will be tailored around weekly themes to captivate interest and keep the good times going. Highlights include swimming, movies, field trips, and special events!
Ages 2–8, 415.435.4366
— Animals —
River Way Ranch Camp
Greater Bay Area, Fresno, Yosemite
The River Way Ranch Camp offers a sleep away summer program with recreational and learning opportunities from culinary arts, ropes challenge course, film production, dance, horseback riding, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, waterskiing, wave runners and so much more.
Ages 7–16, 559.787.2551
Wildlife Camp at WildCare
San Rafael
Wildlife Camp provides children with a unique wildlife experience including live animal visits from rescued wildlife ambassadors, animal themed games, nature excursions, nature crafts and more.
Ages 4–11, 415.453.1000
— Backpacking —
Tahoe Summer Camps
Truckee
Tahoe Summer Camps, based in Lake Tahoe and Truckee, offer programs for adventurers, blacksmiths, sailors, engineers, scientists, artists and more.
Ages 4–14, 530.414.9316
— Environmental Education —
Branson Summer
Ross
Branson is located on 17 acres nestled in a small valley in the heart of Marin County. Summer programs use the full campus for experimentation, exploration and inspiration.
Ages 11–18, 415.454.3612
Camp Chrysalis
Berkeley
At Camp Chrysalis kids get to explore the natural environments of California like the redwoods, tidepools, marshes and mountains.
Ages 8–17, 510.843.6157
— Garden —
Art and Garden Day Camp
Tiburon
Art, Garden, Outdoor,
Ages 4–8, 415.435.4355
Slide Ranch
Muir Beach
Slide Ranch summer camps offer nature connection and safety with unique hands-dirty opportunities for experiential learning, growing and fun on a working ranch.
Ages 5–18, 415.381.6155
Terra Marin School
Mill Valley
The Terra Marin School summer programs have a variety of camps including earth discovery, mandarin mania, and spanish earth immersion.
Earth Discovery: Adventure through forests and coastland. Track animals. Learn ancestral skills. Use a bow and arrow. Hike, run and roam.
Terra Marin’s language immersion programs include camps in Spanish and Mandarin. Your child will learn culture and language through activities, games and stories — all conducted in a new language!
Ages 3–8, 415.906.2220
— Nature —
Angel Island Day Camp
Tiburon
Angel Island Day Camp offers a wide variety of outdoor activities from fishing, hiking, and more on Angel Island.
Ages 6–13, 415.435.4355, ext. 1000
Audubon Summer Adventure Camp
Tiburon
At the Audubon Summer Adventure Camp children build friendships as they explore, investigate and enjoy the great outdoors.
Ages 4–7, 415.388.2524
Avid4 Adventure
Oakland, Menlo Park, Peninsula
Avid4 Adventure summer programs offer day camps, expeditions, and overnight camps that all explore the outdoors in a safe and fun environment.
Ages 3.5–14, 720.249.2412
Bay Area Discovery Museum
Sausalito
On the bay at Fort Baker, kids can discover nature, the outdoors and the joy of science in groups of their peers. Let their imagination run wild with the hands-on activities and lessons that mix art and discovery at Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Ages 3–8, 415.339.3907
Call of the Sea – Voyage Seaward
Sausalito
Call of the Sea-Voyage Seaward summer programs include sailing camps, science camps, aloft programs and voyages.
Ages 8–13, 415.331.3214
Camp Chrysalis
Berkeley
At Camp Chrysalis kids get to explore the natural environments of California like the redwoods, tidepools, marshes and mountains.
Ages 8–17, 510.843.6157
Coastal Camp at NatureBridge
Sausalito
At Coastal Camp kids explore topics like marine biology, coastal ecology, conservation and cultural history while enjoying the beautiful Marin Headlands.
Ages 5–14, K–12 415.331.1548
Marin GreenPlay Camp
Mill Valley
Marin GreenPlay camps teach kids their “ecological address” through exploring and giving back with native plant restoration projects, beach clean ups, citizen science, and volunteer activities.
Ages 5-17, 415.264.2828
Marin Horizon Outdoor Adventures Camp
Mill Valley
Outdoor Adventures Camp provides a safe and supportive environment for kids to develop an appreciation and sense of stewardship for the natural world with expert instruction.
Ages 3-7, 415.388.8408
Marin Treks Science Camp
Novato
Marin Treks summer adventure camps offer a variety of fun programs that focus on natural history while exploring the tidepools, beaches, forests, and other natural wonders of Marin.
Ages 6–11, 415.250.0988
River Way Ranch Camp
Greater Bay Area, Fresno, Yosemite
The River Way Ranch Camp offers a sleep away summer program with recreational and learning opportunities from culinary arts, ropes challenge course, film production, dance, horseback riding, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, waterskiing, wave runners and so much more.
Ages 7–16, 559.787.2551
Rock Five and Rock Beyond: Outdoor Rock Climbing at Marin GreenPlay Camp
Mill Valley
At Marin GreenPlay Camp, kids learn outdoor rock climbing from AMGA certified climbing guides on all of the Bay Area’s best crags and in Tahoe.
Ages 7–18, 415.264.2828
Slide Ranch
Muir Beach
Slide Ranch summer camps offer nature connection and safety with unique hands-dirty opportunities for experiential learning, growing and fun on a working ranch.
Ages 5–18, 415.381.6155
Spaulding Marine Center
Sausalito
Our camps are week-long day camps that start and end at the Spaulding Marine Center. Campers will learn how to sail, practice seamanship and stewardship within Richardson Bay, and spend time learning to work with tools in our woodshop. Activities include kayaking, sailing, local field trips, knot tying, woodworking, and group games.
When: 6 sessions total with the first session beginning June 12th. The last session will begin July 24th. There will not be a session the week of July 4th. Sessions later in the summer will be catered towards more advanced/older campers.
Who: Kids ages 8-15, with a maximum of 12 kids per session.
Cost: $650/camper with scholarships available
Ages 11-15, 415.332.3179, [email protected]
Terra Marin School
Mill Valley
The Terra Marin School summer programs have a variety of camps including earth discovery, Mandarin mania, and Spanish earth immersion.
Earth Discovery: Adventure through forests and coastland. Track animals. Learn ancestral skills. Use a bow and arrow. Hike, run and roam.
Terra Marin’s language immersion programs include camps in Spanish and Mandarin. Your child will learn culture and language through activities, games and stories — all conducted in a new language!
Ages 3–8, 415.906.2220
Wildlife Camp at WildCare
San Rafael
Wildlife Camp provides children with a unique wildlife experience including live animal visits from rescued wildlife ambassadors, animal themed games, nature excursions, nature crafts and more.
Ages 4–11, 415.453.1000
Y Camp
Novato (Lu Sutton Elementary), San Anselmo (Wade Thomas Elementary)
Y Summer Camps offer full day programs that include STEAM, outdoor education, art, and recreation activities led by the youth and staff.
Ages 6–14, 415.662.1099
Camp Concord
South Lake Tahoe
At Camp Concord sleepaway camp, kids enjoy traditional camping activities like canoeing, kayaking, crawdad fishing, hiking, swimming, volleyball, arts and crafts, archery, camp fires under the starry night sky and more in the beautiful Lake Tahoe Outdoors.
Ages 9–14, 925.671.3006
Camp Ocean Pines
Cambria
Camp Ocean Pines summer program is a traditional camping experience that’s technology free and based on the three main goals for every camper: connect, explore, and grow in the great outdoors.
Ages 7–16, 805.927.0254
Camp Ronald McDonald
Sacramento
Camp Ronald McDonald is an accessible, residential program for kids with a variety of medical needs, economic hardship and/or physical, developmental and/or emotional disabilities.
Ages 7+, 916.734.4230
Camp Unalayee
Palo Alto
Camp Unalayee is a non-profit wilderness camp that provides meaningful outdoor experiences like boating, backpacking, making crafts and more.
Ages 10–17, 650.969.6313
Camp Wasiu II
Sierra City
The Girl Scout Camp Wasiu II offers outdoor activities like archery, forest hikes, swimming and more while allowing girls to develop a strong sense of self and positive values, build healthy relationships, seek challenges, and have fun.
Ages 5–17, 775.322.0642
Chabad Jewish Center of Novato
Novato
Camp Gan Israel is a summer program that includes field trips, swimming, sports, and crafts in Marin County and is built with innovative ideas and creative programs in a warm and vivacious environment.
Ages 3–13, 415.878.6770
Plantation Farm Camp
Cazadero
Farm camp is a traditional, coed overnight summer experience on a real working farm. Campers work to create a fun and safe environment that encourages independence and building long lasting friendships.
Ages 8–17, 707.847.3494
Skylake Yosemite Camp
Yosemite
Skylake summer camp is a classic sleepaway camp experience where kids get to develop interests and skills, experience personal growth, build friendships, develop confidence, and create happy memories while exploring the beautiful Yosemite outdoors
Ages 7–13, 559.642.3720
Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry Camp
Stateline
On the Tahoe Rim Trail Association Youth Backcountry experience campers observe local wildlife, swim, cook over small camping stoves and more in beautiful lake Tahoe.
Ages 12–17, 775.298.4485
Walker Creek Ranch
Petaluma
The Walker Creek Ranch summer programs led by naturalists are centered around outdoor education and allow campers to connect with the land, each other, and science. .
Ages 9–14, 415.491.6600
— Recreation —
Camp Strawberry
Strawberry Recreation District
At Camp Strawberry children get to explore a variety of interests, make new friends, with daily activities that balance creative and athletic opportunities.
Ages 5–11, 415.383.6494
Mill Valley Recreation Summer Camps
Mill Valley
The Mill Valley Recreation summer camp program offers splash/day camps, art, theater, sports, wellness, counselor in training (CIT), adaptive Needs and more.
Ages 3–14, 415.383.1370
River Way Ranch Camp
Greater Bay Area, Fresno, Yosemite
The River Way Ranch Camp offers a sleep away summer program with recreational and learning opportunities from culinary arts, ropes challenge course, film production, dance, horseback riding, dance, gymnastics, martial arts, waterskiing, wave runners and so much more.
Ages 7–17, 559.787.2551
Ross Recreation
Ross
The department of recreation in Ross has a wide range of summer camps from sporty girls, gone fishin’, top gun, hoops, chess, yoga, lego, nature adventures and more.
Ages 3–15, 415.453.6020
San Anselmo Recreation Department Camps
San Anselmo
The San Anselmo Recreation Department offers an assortment of summer camps including dance camps, sewing camps, sport camps, chess camps, theater camps, counselors in training programs and more.
Ages 3+, 415.258.4640
Steve and Kate’s Camp
Corte Madera, Santa Rosa
At Steve and Kate’s Camp kids choose from a variety of activities including sewing, stop-motion animation, music, sports and recreation, makers crafts, bread making, and more.
Ages 4–12, 415.604.0078
Summer Rocks! at The Gravity Vault Marin
San Rafael
At Summer Rocks summer camp, children improve their climbing, learn new skills, and build memories as well as enjoy games, yoga, slacklining, viewing climbing films, and more.
Ages 6–12, 415.472.9344
Tiburon Adventure Camp
Tiburon
Be part of the fun this summer at the Tiburon Adventure Camp! We will be hosting a variety of summer time activities to beat the heat in a fun interactive environment. Events will be tailored around weekly themes to captivate interest and keep the good times going. Highlights include swimming, movies, field trips, and special events!
Ages 2–8, 415.435.4366
Y Camp
Novato (Lu Sutton Elementary), San Anselmo (Wade Thomas Elementary)
Y Summer Camps offer full day programs that include STEAM, outdoor education, art, and recreation activities led by the youth and staff.
Ages 6–14, 415.492.9622
