Benton, IL

The midwest’s newest residential summer camp for 2nd-9th graders at Rend Lake, IL about 90 minutes from St. Louis

Fun is at the heart of SNC! In our beautiful natural setting, we combine adventure, learning, and kindness to support each camper’s growth. Our nurturing community helps first-time campers feel confident, make friends easily, and try new activities. At SNC, every child is encouraged to be their true selves—maybe that’s why 92% of our campers return each summer. It’s a place where joy and belonging come naturally.

Photo 1: Swift-Nature-Camp Photo 2: Swift-Nature-Camp
Chicago, IL

Camp Dogwood is a camp for you and your dog. A place where your dog can be a dog. We offer a variety of dog related activities as well lectures and demonstrations on dog related topics.

Multiple Locations, NY
Other

MODELING CAMP invites all new models to come 'discover the model you' this summer! Explore the world of modeling and fashion at this empowering camp. Each day, campers learn about the business from leading industry professionals, top models and top agencies!

Photo 1: Modeling-Camp Photo 2: Modeling-Camp
Camp Dean
Big Rock, IL

Camp Dean is an ACA-accredited resident camp for girls located on 160 pristine acres of woodland and prairie 50 miles west of downtown Chicago.

Camp Tapawingo
Metamora, IL

Camp Tapawingo is a traditional, rustic camp with a focus on Horseback Riding, Challenge Courses and Leadership.

Vedic Heritage Youth Camp
Hinsdale, IL

Timeless Values (Topics from Ramcharitmanas and Bhagavad-Gita) & Dashavatara (Inspiring Values through stories of incarnations of Lord Vishnu)

NBC Camps
Auburn, Missoula, Spokane, Anchorage, Billings, Portland, Olds, Red Deer, Redding, Napa, and More, WA

NBC Camps offers residential basketball, volleyball, and soccer camps for kids age 9-18. NBC Camps encourages athletes to achieve excellence on and off the court.

Camp Adler
Libertyville, IL

Held on the historic estate of architect David Adler, Camp Adler is an encouraging environment where young creative people can explore multiple artistic styles and mediums.

Knotty Pine Farm - Horse Camp
Wonder Lake, IL

Week long day camps introduce kids to the everyday workings of a stable.

Camp Kupugani
Leaf River, IL

Less than two hours west of Chicago, Camp Kupugani--in separate girls-only and blended (intentionally co-ed) sessions--provides a multicultural sleepaway camp that is intentionally challenging, intentionally empowering, intentionally diverse and intentionally fun!

Camp Ondessonk
Ozark, IL

Camp Ondessonk is the Premier Adventure Destination of the Midwest. Our camper fees are extremely competitive and unlike many other summer camps, Ondessonk does not charge additional fees for horseback riding or senior camper electives.

New Traditions Riding Academy, LLC
Palos Hills, IL

This is a horseback riding camp that caters to beginner to advanced riders of all disciplines with emphasis on show or pleasure riding.

C & A Robot Factory Summer Camps
Libertyville, IL

Week long day camp sessions. Experience a variety of fun projects daily challenging the imagination and advancing understanding and creative inspiration.

Taylor YMCA Day Camp
Elgin, IL

The YMCA provides children with summer adventures that promote a healthy spirit, mind and body. Children will spend their time outdoors as experienced staff lead campers in a wide variety of activitites each day.

Lake County Forest Preserves Summer Camps
Libertyville, IL

Lake County Forest Preserve Summer Camps are designed for summer fun and learning. Camps are led by our professional educators. Our trained staff is experienced in supervision, safety techniques, and activity development.

EIU English Studies Summer Camp for High School Students
Charleston, IL

The EIU English Studies Summer Camp is a unique program that allows students to select two sessions from a range of offerings in creative writing, literature, professional/academic writing, media studies, and more.

The Road Less Traveled
US & International Destinations: Company Based in, IL

The Road Less Traveled is a life-changing teen travel and service program for 6th - 12th grade students. Our 1 - 3 week summer programs combine exciting outdoor adventure activities, impactful community service work, authentic cultural immersion, and meaningful travel experiences. Our mission is to provide impactful and transformative experiences for teens that foster personal growth in those who travel with us.

Lake Springfield Baptist Camp
Chatham, IL

Lake Springfield Baptist Camp is summer youth camp and year-round retreat center located between Springfield and Chatham, Illinois on the edge of Lake Springfield.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago Multi-Arts Camps and Middle School Programs
Chicago, IL

In SAIC's Middle School and Multi-Arts Camps, kids learn to discover, explore, and imagine inside the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago museum.





General Notes About Camps in the State of Illinois

Illinois enjoys warm, sunny summers that are ideal for a range of outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures are perfect for hiking, swimming, and sports, while cooler evenings make for enjoyable campfire gatherings, storytelling, and group games. The state's varied climate allows for the perfect blend of outdoor fun and comfortable nights, whether participating in water sports, nature programs, or more adventurous activities. Illinois’ summer weather provides the right conditions for an engaging and exciting camp season.

Illinois’ landscape is diverse, offering everything from forests and rolling hills to lakes and rivers. With natural parks like the Shawnee National Forest, campers can explore stunning vistas, while the many lakes and rivers throughout the state provide ample opportunities for water-based activities. The state’s geography supports a variety of outdoor pursuits, from canoeing on the Illinois River to hiking the trails of the Great River Road. Whether surrounded by the vast prairies or near the lakeshores, Illinois offers numerous opportunities for exploration and adventure.

The diverse ecosystems in Illinois make it an excellent location for environmental education camps. The state’s mix of wetlands, prairies, forests, and urban areas provides rich opportunities for campers to learn about ecology, wildlife conservation, and environmental stewardship. Many camps in Illinois integrate these ecosystems into their programs, allowing children to experience hands-on learning about the importance of conservation and sustainability. Whether it’s birdwatching in the forests or studying aquatic ecosystems near one of the many lakes, Illinois’ natural environment plays a key role in many summer camp experiences.