Guide to Day Camps 2026

Camp is where children gain confidence, responsibility and independence, not to mention great new friends that can last a lifetime. Camp offers a safe and appropriate environment where they can learn new skills, experience decision making, and relish in the joys of summer!

In and around New Jersey, we have many great options for general day camps or traditional day camps, many of which provide a broad general camp experience with an excellent array of activities. Many of these camps are located outside in the wooded mountains or among acres of recreational fields and nature grounds; many are equipped with water sports, maybe even a lake, full athletics capabilities as well as arts and stem programs. Others may be located in a school or college campus, and still provide a wide range of activities, including a nice mix of academics intermingled within a fun setting. You'll find a full staff ready to provide a safe and nurturing environment.

Here are some of the best general day camp options for 2026.  Many are coming to the camp fairs. Don't miss out. Check out the camp directory listings to find out which fair they will be attending.

New Horizons Day Camp

New Horizons Day Camp is New Jersey's premier, fully customizable camp program! Your camper can experience something new, take a deep-dive into an existing interest, or mix-and-match 100+ activities to create THEIR perfect summer! PreK through 9th Grade! Attend one of our Monthly Open Houses to learn about NHDC, tour our campus, and meet our staff! Spots are filling fast for Summer 2026! Enroll today! Camp is located in Florham Park NJ. NewHorizonsDayCamp.com

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Jockey Hollow Camp in Mendham, NJ
Lake Rickabear Camp in Kinnelon, NJ
Discover Girl Scout camps where girls in grades 1-11 thrive in the great outdoors. At both camps, activities: swimming, riding horses, zipline, archery, explore nature, arts & crafts, earn badges, tennis, pickleball, make new friends. 1, 2, or more weekly sessions. CIT program available. ACA accredited. gsnnj.org

Neil Klatskin Summer Camps

For campers ages 2+ to grade 9. A home away from home where we invite everyone to be a part of our summer family! We offer children choices and unique opportunities to participate in a diverse range of activities based on their interests. Everything we do, every relationship we build, is rooted in Jewish values. We encourage and support every camper to stretch their talents, create lifelong friendships, and develop a love of the outdoors! 21-acre property. Campus features three heated pools, a water park and splash pad, sports fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, zipline, and multiple playgrounds. Camps for children and teens with disabilities too. CIT program available. Our camp is located in Tenafly NJ and is ACA accredited. jccotp.org

Steve & Kate’s Camp

Since 1980, Steve & Kate’s has put kids in charge of their own experience. Kids choose from a variety of activities including sewing, coding, crafts, baking, sports.  As kids try, fail, and learn on their own, they learn to trust their own judgment, and tackle the challenges of the world with creativity and confidence. Buy any number of days, to use at any time–no weekly reservations required. Camper ages 4-12. Lunch, snacks, and all hours (8am–6pm) included. Locations in Hoboken, Jersey City, Montclair, Princeton. SteveandKatesCamp.com

Alpine Day Camp

A co-ed day camp open to scouts and non-scouts, boys and girls entering grades 1-7. Alpine Day Camp offers an unforgettable summer on 500 acres of woodlands with swimming pool, indoor and outdoors sports facilities, and more! The Alpine Day Camp is operated by the Greater New York Councils, Scouting America. AlpineDayCamp.org

Camp Deeny Riback (JCC MetroWest)

Premier Jewish day camp in Morris and Essex counties. Choose 2,3,4,5,6,7 or 8 weeks. 40 acre wooded campus in Flanders NJ, boating on Budd Lake, 25+ activities including fine arts, sports, adventure, and instructional swim. Central bus transportation available. Camp Friends Inclusion Program provides campers ages 3.5 yrs to 4th gr with different abilities the support in a traditional day camp setting. June 22, 2026 - August 14, 2026. jccmetrowest.org

Camp Mirage in Wayne NJ

Camp Mirage proudly offers over 40 summer day camp options for kids aged 5 to 14. With an impressive 25-year track record, our customizable schedules, unique programs, and exceptional staff ensure that our campers return year after year. From sports to science, arts to adventure, we create unforgettable summer experiences. Camp Mirage day camps are designed for kids going into 2nd- 8th grade. CampMirage.com

Champions Great Outdoors Camp NJ

Summer day camp for children ages 5-12, focused on outdoor play, adventure, friendship, and personal growth. Campers take part in activities such as hiking, sports, nature exploration, and group challenges that build confidence and leadership skills. Exciting field trips to nature preserves and outdoor destinations. DiscoverChampions.com

Day Camp in the Park

A camper’s paradise of summer fun 30 minutes from NYC in beautiful Harriman State Park. Campers get to experience the great outdoors while making memories and friendships that last a lifetime. Swimming, sports, arts & crafts, drama, music, dance, boating, and more! Children ages 4-13 are welcome. Located in Southfield NY, and ACA accredited. dcitp.com

Deer Mountain Day Camp

Traditional day camp for children ages 3-15. Take part in many activities such as sports, swimming, outdoor adventure, performing arts, fine arts, nature, and more! Campers will have a blast this summer! Nursery program and CIT program available. ACA accredited, located in Pomona, NY (Rockland County). DeerMountainDayCamp.com

Deerkill Day Camp

Deerkill Day Camp is a very popular camp option among Northern NJ families. We're located on a wooded 15-acre site and brings a community feel to the summer camp experience for campers age 3 through 15. Program activities include swim instruction, athletics & sports, arts and crafts, ceramics, woodworking, dance, music, theater, and more! DeerKillDayCamp.com

Eagle’s Landing Day Camp

Eagle’s Landing celebrates another amazing summer at camp and the best is yet to come! We are proud to call Eagle’s Landing home to so many campers ages 3-15 from Central New Jersey. Summer enrollment is underway with returning and new families who will be joining us this summer. We hope you will join us for the summer of 2026! Feel free to call our camp office and we will answer any questions to help prepare you and your camper for the best summer experience possible! Come stop by the camp at any time, we love visitors! ACA accredited. June 29, 2026 - Aug 21, 2026. Located in North Brunswick, NJ. EaglesLandingDayCamp.com

Future Stars Day Camps

Choose from Traditional Day Camp, All Sports Camp, Sports Jr, STEAM Camps, Fine Arts, Drone Academy, Makerspace, Swim Programs, and more! Locations: County College of Morris, Randolph, NJ; Raritan Valley Community College, Branchburg, NJ; St. Elizabeth University, Morristown, NJ. FutureStars.com

Gate Hill Day Camp

For campers ages 3 years to entering 10th grade, Gate Hill offers sports, swim, arts and other exciting activities — zip lining, rock-climbing; a first rate, 33 acre facility, 4 heated pools, splash park, water slides and varied programs including unique programs for S.T.E.A.M., and early childhood campers, and included services like meals, transportation. 8 weeks of camp with flexibility. Our camp is located in Stony Point, NY and we’re ACA accredited. GateHillDayCamp.com

Girl Scouts Heart of NJ Day Camps - The Oval

The Oval in Maplewood is a traditional day camps for kids in kindergarten through grade 10. Adventure, excitement, and unforgettable memories await at Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey summer camps! Our action-packed days are full of exploration, challenges, and fun! Unleash your creativity, make lifelong friends, and experience how curiosity meets courage. gshnj.org

Harbor Hills Day Camp

Why Harbor Hills? The moment you step on the grounds, you’ll know It’s the people, it’s the place, it’s the program. It’s people who really care. It’s a place where kids feel comfortable instantly. It’s the program designed to understand the uniqueness of each individual camper. We start the summer as friends and we end as family. Friends. Family. Camp. We provide door-to-door transportation. Activities offered: Sports, Swim, Arts, Rock climbing and Ropes Course, Boating & Fishing, Horseback Riding, and Playgrounds! For campers in Pre-K to 8th Grade, ACA accredited, in Mendham NJ. HarborHillsDayCamp.com

HealthBarn USA Summer Camp

The only camp where you can eat, plant, cook and play! Summer Camp (ages 4-5, 6-8 and 9-12) and Summer Seedlings (ages 3-5). Campers learn to master organic gardening, culinary, nutrition and life skills - all while having a fun time! Each week offers campers a new wholesome experience to learn firsthand where their food comes from and why eating fresh is best for their bodies and the environment as well. HealthBarnUSA.com

Jeff Lake Camp

Camper ages 3 1/2 through 15 years of age, ACA Accredited, Traditional Day Camp in Stanhope NJ. For 60+ years, this family-owned camp has offered a diverse range of activities tailored for every age and personality. From arts and crafts to sports, fishing, performing arts, adventure activities, and a variety of opportunities typically found only at overnight camps, there’s something for everyone. Plus a comprehensive swim program across 5 heated pools and a lake with exciting features: inflatable playground, paddle boats, kayaks and sailboats. The dedicated staff creates a safe, supportive environment where campers can connect with peers, embrace challenges, and learn new skills. JeffLakeCamp.com

Morristown Neighborhood House Summer Camp

Our Summer Camp is the perfect place for children to learn, grow, and have an unforgettable summer of fun! Designed for preschoolers ages 3–5 and school-age students in 1st–6th grade, our program offers a safe, engaging, and enriching environment where every child can thrive. Campers enjoy healthy, nutritious meals and snacks each day, exciting field trips, and a variety of on-site entertainment and enrichment activities. Children enjoy outdoor adventures and active play, along with hands-on creative art projects. CornerstoneFamilyPrograms.org

Nature Place Day Camp

For nearly 40 years, we’ve created magic with our campers on our beautiful 200-acre Rockland County campus. Dive into nature with camping, hiking, swimming, and outdoor skills; foster creativity through farming, cooking, earth art, drama, music, and dance. Sessions are 4, 5, or 6 weeks. Unplug and connect with nature. Campers form lifelong bonds in a nurturing environment. With a dedicated staff and progressive programming, we prioritize exploration over a rushed schedule. Join us for a journey of discovery, personal growth, and cherished memories. We are ACA accredited. theNaturePlace.com

Ridgewood YMCA Camp Woods

Sun’s out, fun’s out! Our goal at Camp Woods is to encourage social development and teach interpersonal life skills aligned with the YMCA’s four core values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—all while having FUN! Each week of camp boasts a different theme and is packed with field trips, special events, crafts, sports, and more!  RidgewoodYMCA.org

Surf and Turf Camp

Adventure day camp and overnight adventure camp for boys and girls ages 9-15. Campers head out to different activities and explore the outdoors. We hike, bike, swim, tour, and boat everywhere at an adventurous speed. Kids aged 9-11 may join as Surf and Turf Juniors! SurfandTurfCamp.com

Willow Lake Day Camp

For campers ages 3-15, Willow Lake Day Camp delivers a dynamic, well-rounded summer experience. Have fun daily with small group swim instruction and enjoy afternoon free swim in one of our 4 heated pools. The 5th through 10th graders get to enjoy the new Cove Pool Complex complete with a waterfall, lounge area, sno-cones, and games. Our skill building programs utilize age-appropriately sized fields and courts, ensuring every camper is exposed to all athletic areas. We give our campers a classic “camp feel” — woods, water, tradition — what could be better. WillowLakeDayCamp.com

YWCA Northern New Jersey Summer Camps

ACA accredited camp programs provide families with a high-quality summer camp experience at an intentionally affordable price for children 5-12 years old. Our camp programs provide families with a high-quality summer camp experience at an intentionally affordable price. The ideal place to make new friends, develop new skills, and build self-confidence. All of our activities incorporate language arts and math to support campers academically. Easy access from Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic. ywcanj.org

YMCA of Montclair Summer Day Camps

At the YMCA of Montclair, our camps offer children and teens — ages 2 to 16— a safe, exciting, and memory-making experience. Camp, like many Y programs, is about learning skills, developing character, and making friends. Our camps teach self-reliance and the development of attitudes and practices that build character and leadership, amidst the fun of sports, art, games, outdoor adventure, water activities, and meaningful relationships. Financial assistance is available for those with limited financial resources who desire to send kids to our camps. MontclairYMCA.org

West Essex Camps

Offering a wide variety of camps that provide educational, exciting and fun activities, but most importantly, build self-esteem, lasting friendships, and treasured memories. Summer Sprouts for 3-5 years, Pioneer Trails Day Camp for K-8 grades, Super Summer Day Camp for K-6 grades, Teen Adventure Camp for 7-9 grades, CIT for 9-10 grades. ACA accredited camp located in Livingston NJ. MetroYmcas.org/west-essex-ymca

Looking for General Day Camps that also offer a mix of academics?

These are located at school campuses:

The Elisabeth Morrow School Summer Exploration

Located on a beautiful 14-acre campus, offering  weekly options with half or full day programs. Innovative classes and activities in art, science, technology, drama, and sports taught by certified and experienced educators. June 22, 2026 - August 7, 2026. All enrichment classes and programs taught by certified, experienced educators. Lunch program and aftercare hours available. ElisabethMorrow.org

Camp Middlesex at Middlesex College

Located at Middlesex College in Edison, campers ages 5-17 can join us for 8 weeks of fun. Enroll for 1- week or as many as 8! Arts and crafts, chess, computers, dance, magic, music and voice, science/STEM, sports, theater and more! Middlesexcc.edu

Essex County College Summer Youth Program

The Summer Youth Program is designed to promote a positive atmosphere for learning. Our program provides educational, social and cultural enrichment activities include classes in math, literacy, writing, phonics, STEM, art, fashion, sports, video gaming/coding, and more! Variety of 2 week programs for 6 weeks. Field trips too! For students entering grades 1-8. Camp located in Newark NJ. Essex.edu

Kids and Teens Summer Learning Academy at Bergen Community College

Inspire your child’s intellect and uncover hidden talents this summer at Bergen Community College. Six weekly sessions, flexible full-day and half-day options plus before and after care. STEAM, Young Entrepreneurs, Science, Visual and Performing Arts, SAT Prep. Enroll now. Space is limited!. Bergen.edu

Morristown Beard Day Camp

For camper ages 3 1/2 - 14, Morristown Beard Day Camp, a state-licensed and ACA accredited facility, located on a beautiful 22-acre campus, is designed to help children develop skills in sports, arts and crafts, drama, swimming and science. Campers grouped by age. Our counselors work to promote good sportsmanship and self-confidence. Explore, play, and grow! Morristown NJ location. mbs.net

Oak Knoll Summer Programs

Located on the beautiful 11-acre campus of Oak Knoll School in Summit, New Jersey, our summer programs offer excitement and fun for children ages 3-17. Summer Adventures Day Camp, Summer Kindergarten Ready, Middle and High School Academic and Enrichment Programs, Summer Sports and Camps. Online registration is open! OakKnoll.org

Summer At Far Brook

Day camp for students from nursery to grade 10. Summer at Far Brook offers participants high quality, meaningful experiences that are consistent with Far Brook School’s values, extending the school’s mission beyond the academic year. These values inspire participants to fuel their passions and awaken their curiosity by creating a supportive and caring camp community that cherishes love of learning, movement, creativity, diversity, and individuality. Fun and engaging multidisciplinary day camp programs, sports instruction, outdoor exploration, and more! Far Brook is located in Short Hills NJ. FarBrook.org

Wardlaw + Hartridge Summer Adventures

Wardlaw+Hartridge in Edison NJ offers a traditional day camp for students in PreK to 12th grade, specialty camps, sports camps, and creative arts camps. Mix and match different programs for a diverse and balanced summer. Summer Academic classes are for older campers who want to review concepts and stay ahead. whschool.org

Links to Find More Camps:
2026 Camp Guide eBook
Sleepaway Camps 2026 in and around NJ
STEM / STEAM Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Sports Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Performing Arts Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Academic Camps 2026 in and around NJ
Special Needs Camps in and around NJ