Los Angeles Sleepaway Camps 2026

Editor's curated guide to the best overnight summer camps for kids and teens from the L.A. area — including coastal and mountain camps, Catalina Island, marine science programs, and a Hawaii destination camp owned by Los Angeles locals.

Quick answer: This is our editor's selection of 13 standout overnight summer camps serving Los Angeles families in 2026. Programs cover traditional camp experiences in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains, Catalina Island, marine biology, sports, Jewish camp life, and even a Hawaii sleepaway operated by Los Angeles owners. Sessions range from 4 nights to 7 weeks, with pricing from $550 (Camp Hollywoodland) to $3,000+ per week (private specialty camps).

Most popular camps open 2026 registration in September-November 2025, with top sessions filling up by late winter. Early-bird discounts typically expire by December or January.

About this page: This is our editor's selection of standout sleepaway camps with detailed listings, photos, and contact info. For the complete searchable database of all Los Angeles overnight camps with filters by age, location, and program type, visit our full L.A. sleepaway camp directory.

Jump to a camp on this page:

• Aloha Beach Camp Hawaii
• AstroCamp
• Camp Hess Kramer & Gindling Hilltop Camp
• Camp Hollywoodland
• Camp Mountain Chai
• Camp Osito Rancho
• Camp Ramah in California
• Catalina Island Camps
• Catalina Sea Camp
• iD Tech Camps
• JCC Maccabi Sports Camp
• Ocean Explorers Channel Islands Liveaboard Camp
• Pali Adventures

What is a Sleepaway Camp?

A sleepaway camp (also called overnight camp or resident camp — all three terms describe the same thing) is one where children live on-site for the duration of their session, sleeping in cabins, dorms, or other camp housing rather than going home each evening. Sessions typically run from 4 nights to several weeks, with most weekly sessions running 6-8 days.

For many families, sleepaway camp is a rite of passage — kids learn independence, make friends from outside their usual circles, and try new activities in a structured environment away from screens and home routines. For L.A. parents specifically, sleepaway camps offer the chance for kids to escape the city heat, experience nature, and build resilience that translates back to school and life.

Quick Reference: All 13 Camps

Camp	Focus	Location	Ages
Aloha Beach Camp Hawaii	Beach & Adventure	North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii	Ages 7-17
AstroCamp	STEM & Adventure	Idyllwild (San Jacinto Mountains)	Ages 8-17
Camp Hess Kramer & Gindling Hilltop Camp	Traditional & Jewish	Malibu / Ventura County (administered from Wilshire Blvd Temple)	Grades 2-10 plus specialty programs
Camp Hollywoodland	Traditional	Hollywood Hills (Griffith Park)	Girls ages 6-17
Camp Mountain Chai	Jewish	Angelus Oaks (San Bernardino National Forest, near Big Bear)	Grades 2-12
Camp Osito Rancho	Traditional & Girls	Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino Mountains)	Girls grades 1-12
Camp Ramah in California	Jewish	Ojai (Ventura County)	Rising 3rd-11th graders
Catalina Island Camps	Beach & Adventure	Howlands Landing, Santa Catalina Island	Grades 1-10 (Leadership program for 10th graders)
Catalina Sea Camp	Marine Science	Toyon Bay, Santa Catalina Island	Ages 8-17
iD Tech Camps	STEM & Technology	Multiple California universities (Stanford, UCLA, Caltech, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, and more)	Ages 7-19
JCC Maccabi Sports Camp	Sports & Jewish	Menlo College, Atherton, CA (Bay Area)	Grades 3-11
Ocean Explorers Channel Islands Liveaboard Camp	Marine Science	Channel Islands National Park (departs Santa Barbara)	Coed ages 11-17
Pali Adventures	Adventure & Specialty	Running Springs (San Bernardino Mountains)	Ages 8-16

Featured Sleepaway Camps for 2026

Each camp below has been verified for the 2026 summer season. Click "Visit Website" to register directly with the camp. Listings are alphabetical.

Aloha Beach Camp Hawaii

Beach & Adventure · North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii · Ages 7-17

Aloha Beach Camp Hawaii is a uniquely Los Angeles overnight summer camp — literally. Owned and operated by L.A.-based Eric and Teri Naftulin (founders of Aloha Beach Camp's popular Malibu day camp since 1999), this Hawaii sleepaway program flies kids and teens to the magical North Shore of Oahu for one- or two-week sessions at Camp Mokuleia, a stunning 40-acre beachfront site just 45 minutes from Honolulu. With intentionally small enrollment (only 25-30 campers), every kid gets meaningful time with surf, snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, alpine tower, hiking, and Hawaiian cultural activities. 2026 marks the program's 18th summer. Most camp directories don't even know this exists — but for an L.A. family looking to give their kid an unforgettable summer adventure, this is in a category of its own.

• 2026 Dates: July 27 - August 8, 2026 (1- or 2-week sessions)
• Address: Camp Mokuleia, 68-729 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791
• Phone: (818) 932-4600
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

AstroCamp

STEM & Adventure · Idyllwild (San Jacinto Mountains) · Ages 8-17

AstroCamp is a Southern California overnight camp in the pine forests of the San Jacinto Mountains, about 2 hours from L.A. Campers spend their days in 60+ activities mixing hands-on STEM (rocketry, astronomy, lab experiments, physical science) with outdoor adventure (rock climbing, zip lining, ropes courses, mountain biking, hiking) and traditional camp fun. ACA accredited and operated by the nonprofit Guided Discoveries since 1995, AstroCamp also offers Specialty Weeks like Geek Week (D&D, LARPing, cosplay) and Camp CHOP (culinary). One- and two-week sessions; sister camp to Catalina Sea Camp.

• 2026 Dates: Six sessions June 6 - August 1, 2026 (1- or 2-week)
• Address: 26800 Saunders Meadow Rd, Idyllwild, CA 92549
• Phone: (951) 659-6062 or (800) 645-1423
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Camp Hess Kramer & Gindling Hilltop Camp

Traditional & Jewish · Malibu / Ventura County (administered from Wilshire Blvd Temple) · Grades 2-10 plus specialty programs

For 75 years, Wilshire Boulevard Temple Camps have been one of L.A.'s most beloved Jewish overnight camps. Camp Hess Kramer (since 1952) and its sister camp Gindling Hilltop (since 1968) sit on a 187-acre site between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Devastated by the 2018 Woolsey Fire, the camp community rebuilt and returned to its scenic Malibu/Ventura County coastal home. Programs include separate experiences for elementary (grades 2-6) and teen (grades 7-10) campers, plus specialty programs in surfing, ocean exploration, Israel travel, and a CIT program. Reform Jewish values, beach setting, deep camp traditions.

• 2026 Dates: Summer 2026 — see website for session dates
• Address: 3663 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (admin office)
• Phone: (213) 835-2196
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Camp Hollywoodland

Traditional · Hollywood Hills (Griffith Park) · Girls ages 6-17

Camp Hollywoodland is the most truly Los Angeles overnight camp on this page — located on a 55-acre site in Griffith Park, literally below the Hollywood sign. Operated by the City of L.A. Department of Recreation and Parks and running since 1926, this ACA-accredited girls' camp offers 4-night weekly themed sessions with swimming, rock climbing, hiking, arts and crafts, outdoor living skills, and weekly field trips (Universal Studios, Disneyland, Soak City). Cabin counselor-to-camper ratios run 1:6 (young) to 1:12 (older). Fees of just $550-$650 per week make this one of the most affordable sleepaway camps anywhere. Boys ages 7-14 can attend the sister Griffith Park Boys' Camp ([email protected]), founded 1925.

• 2026 Dates: Weekly 4-night sessions, June-August 2026
• Address: 3200 Canyon Dr, Hollywood, CA 90068
• Phone: (323) 467-7193
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Camp Mountain Chai

Jewish · Angelus Oaks (San Bernardino National Forest, near Big Bear) · Grades 2-12

Camp Mountain Chai is a pluralistic Jewish overnight camp in the San Bernardino Mountains, 30 minutes from Big Bear and about 2.5 hours from L.A. — with chartered bus transportation directly from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other regions. Set at 7,400 feet elevation near Jenks Lake, CMC welcomes campers from across Southern California for sessions of 1, 2, 4, 5, or 7 weeks. Activities include a 40-foot climbing tower, high and low ropes course, archery, swimming, canoeing, fishing, ceramics, theater, and Israeli dance. Kosher kitchen, heated cabins with indoor bathrooms. Special programs include the older-camper Atid trips to Yosemite, Sedona, and similar destinations, plus the Kavanah teen leadership program.

• 2026 Dates: Multiple sessions June-August 2026 (1, 2, 4, 5, or 7 weeks)
• Address: Angelus Oaks, CA (San Bernardino National Forest, 7,400 ft)
• Phone: (858) 499-1330
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Camp Osito Rancho

Traditional & Girls · Big Bear Lake (San Bernardino Mountains) · Girls grades 1-12

Camp Osito Rancho is a girls-only overnight camp owned by Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (open to ALL girls, not just Scouts). Located on 160 acres at 7,500 feet elevation in the San Bernardino Mountains overlooking Big Bear Lake, Osito has been welcoming campers for decades. The six 6-day summer sessions feature horseback riding, archery, a high adventure course (high and low ropes, two zip lines, rock climbing), canoeing on a private lake, hiking, outdoor cooking, and arts and crafts. The camp's girl-planned program gives campers genuine leadership and decision-making opportunities. ACA accredited.

• 2026 Dates: Six 6-day sessions, summer 2026
• Address: 1801 Osita Camp Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
• Phone: (213) 213-0123
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Camp Ramah in California

Jewish · Ojai (Ventura County) · Rising 3rd-11th graders

Camp Ramah in California is the largest Jewish overnight camp on the West Coast, drawing hundreds of L.A. families to the Ojai Valley each summer. Operated under the Conservative Movement since 1956 (recently transformed with major facility upgrades), Ramah Ojai offers a classic overnight camp experience infused with Hebrew language, Israeli culture, Jewish learning, and Shabbat traditions. Programs include Gesher for rising 3rd-5th graders and full sessions for grades 4-11. The Tikvah Program serves campers with learning, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Activities span aquatics, sports (basketball, soccer, volleyball, tennis, all-camp Maccabiah), media production, arts, hiking, ropes course, drama, Israeli dance, and Jewish music. Hotel-style rooms with A/C plus traditional cabins and tents on a transformed campus.

• 2026 Dates: Multi-week sessions, summer 2026
• Address: 385 Fairview Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
• Phone: (310) 476-8571 (winter) / (805) 646-4301 (camp)
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Catalina Island Camps

Beach & Adventure · Howlands Landing, Santa Catalina Island · Grades 1-10 (Leadership program for 10th graders)

Catalina Island Camps has been welcoming L.A. families since 1922 — over a century of summer tradition at a private beachfront cove on the protected, mainland-facing side of Catalina Island. The 22-mile ferry from San Pedro becomes part of the adventure. ACA-accredited and run as a nonprofit, CIC operates one- and two-week sessions for boys and girls in grades 1-10, with a Leadership Training program for 10th graders. Activities include sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, water-skiing, tubing, wakeboarding, archery, riflery, ropes course, climbing wall, and ocean swimming. Wooden cabins with canvas doors, buffet-style outdoor dining, vegetarian and special diets accommodated. The camp is also home to the Jean-Michel Cousteau Family Camp each August.

• 2026 Dates: Five sessions June 9 - August 3, 2026 (1- or 2-week)
• Address: Howlands Landing, Santa Catalina Island, CA 90704
• Phone: (626) 296-4040
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Catalina Sea Camp

Marine Science · Toyon Bay, Santa Catalina Island · Ages 8-17

Catalina Sea Camp is one of the most distinctive overnight camps in California. Tucked into a private cove at Toyon Bay (2.5 miles by water from Avalon), this 40+ year program turns the Pacific Ocean into a classroom, playground, and living science lab. Campers ages 8-17 snorkel through kelp forests, kayak, sail, and learn marine biology hands-on with labs, aquariums, and touch tanks. The 2.5-week teen sessions offer scuba certification. Operated by the nonprofit Guided Discoveries (also runs AstroCamp and Catalina Island Marine Institute), Sea Camp is ACA accredited. Dorm-style housing with bathrooms inside, on-site dining hall, and a waterfront dive deck.

• 2026 Dates: Multiple sessions June - August 2026 (1- or 2.5-week)
• Address: 1 Toyon Rd, Avalon, CA 90704
• Phone: (909) 625-6194
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

iD Tech Camps

STEM & Technology · Multiple California universities (Stanford, UCLA, Caltech, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, and more) · Ages 7-19

iD Tech runs both day and overnight summer camps at over 30 university campuses across the country, with several California options for L.A. families: Stanford, Caltech, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Berkeley, USC, and more. Overnight campers stay in real university dorms with full college campus access, while learning skills like coding (Python, Java, JavaScript), video game design (Unity, Roblox, Minecraft), AI/machine learning, robotics, app development, video production, cybersecurity, and esports. Sessions are week-long with small instructor-to-camper ratios. Founded 1999, iD Tech is the largest tech-focused summer camp operator in the U.S.

• 2026 Dates: Week-long sessions June-August 2026
• Address: 910 E. Hamilton Ave #300, Campbell, CA 95008 (HQ)
• Phone: (888) 709-8324
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

JCC Maccabi Sports Camp

Sports & Jewish · Menlo College, Atherton, CA (Bay Area) · Grades 3-11

Located outside San Francisco at the beautiful Menlo College campus, JCC Maccabi Sports Camp is one of the few Jewish sports-focused overnight camps in California. While the camp itself is in the Bay Area (not L.A.), it draws Southern California families looking for high-level coaching combined with traditional Jewish camp culture. Campers in grades 3-11 train daily in their chosen sport (baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, softball, dance, flag football, running & fitness, lacrosse) while enjoying Shabbat, Israeli dance, song sessions, and Maccabiah (color war). Coaches are professionals who work year-round in their sport. Co-ed program, welcoming campers from 35 states and 7 countries.

• 2026 Dates: One-, two-, and four-week sessions, summer 2026
• Address: 1000 El Camino Real, Atherton, CA 94027
• Phone: (415) 997-8844
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Ocean Explorers Channel Islands Liveaboard Camp

Marine Science · Channel Islands National Park (departs Santa Barbara) · Coed ages 11-17

The only liveaboard summer camp on the West Coast. Campers ages 11-17 join a team of naturalists and ecologists for 5 days on a custom-built expedition vessel, sleeping on board and exploring Channel Islands National Park — Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, Santa Barbara, and Anacapa Islands. Activities follow the weather: snorkeling expansive kelp reefs, swimming with sea lions, kayaking and swimming through massive sea caves, surfing sand dunes, fishing, hiking, and observing whales, dolphins, and other marine life. Three gourmet meals daily. Run by Paddle Sports Center with 20+ years of Channel Islands expertise. A 'micro semester at sea' for kids passionate about the ocean.

• 2026 Dates: Five 5-day sessions, July-August 2026
• Address: Departs from 301 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
• Phone: (805) 770-9772
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Pali Adventures

Adventure & Specialty · Running Springs (San Bernardino Mountains) · Ages 8-16

Pali Adventures sits high in the San Bernardino Mountains, just 90 minutes east of Los Angeles. Campers ages 8-16 build their own custom summer by choosing one specialty each week (27+ options including Secret Agent Camp, Hollywood Stunts, Flying Trapeze, Rockstar, Film Making, Culinary, Live Action Role Play, and Action Sports) plus three afternoon electives daily (70+ choices including paintball, ATVs, jet skis, high ropes, and ziplines). Multi-week stays let campers pick new specialties each week. Eight-day, seven-night sessions include all activities, meals, and lodging — no extra fees. ACA-accredited with extensive staff training. Average staff age 23, all trained in CPR, First Aid, and homesickness support.

• 2026 Dates: Nine one-week sessions June 7 - August 9, 2026
• Address: 30778 Highway 18, Running Springs, CA 92382
• Phone: (909) 867-5743
• Email: [email protected]
• Visit Website →

Looking for Even More L.A. Sleepaway Camps?

These 13 listings are our editor's selection of standout overnight camps. For the complete searchable database of every Los Angeles area sleepaway camp — filterable by age, location, session length, and program type — visit our full L.A. sleepaway camp directory.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between sleepaway camp, overnight camp, and resident camp?

All three terms describe the same thing — a camp where children stay overnight in cabins, dorms, or other on-site housing rather than going home each evening. Camps use these terms interchangeably. Sessions typically run anywhere from 4 nights to several weeks.

What age should a child be to attend overnight summer camp?

Most Los Angeles area sleepaway camps accept children starting at age 7 or 8, though some begin as young as 6 (Camp Hollywoodland) and a few start at rising 2nd grade or 3rd grade. The right age depends on your child's individual readiness — comfort being away from home, ability to manage basic self-care, and willingness to try new experiences matter more than the number itself.

How much do Los Angeles sleepaway camps cost in 2026?

Sleepaway camp pricing in the L.A. area varies widely. The most affordable option is Camp Hollywoodland at $550-$650 per 4-night week (City of L.A. Recreation and Parks). Most private camps run $1,800-$3,000 per week. Some specialty programs (marine science, university-based tech camps, Hawaii) cost more. Many camps offer early-bird discounts (typically by January or February), sibling discounts, and financial assistance — always ask.

When should I register my child for sleepaway camp?

Most popular Los Angeles sleepaway camps open 2026 registration in September-November 2025, with early-bird discounts expiring by December or January. Top sessions at popular camps (Pali Adventures, AstroCamp, Camp Ramah) can fill up by late winter or early spring. If you're planning for summer 2026, register now.

How do I know if my child is ready for overnight camp?

Most kids are ready for a first sleepaway experience between ages 8 and 10. Signs of readiness include comfort spending nights at relatives' or friends' houses, ability to handle basic personal care (showering, dressing, brushing teeth) independently, and showing curiosity about camp rather than dread. Starting with a shorter session (4 nights or 1 week) often works better than committing to multiple weeks on the first try.

Are there sleepaway camps near Los Angeles within easy driving distance?

Yes. Several camps on this page are within 1-2 hours of L.A.: Pali Adventures (90 min in San Bernardino Mountains), AstroCamp (~2 hours in Idyllwild), Camp Osito Rancho and Camp Mountain Chai (Big Bear area, ~2 hours), Camp Hess Kramer (Malibu/Ventura County, under an hour), Camp Hollywoodland (inside L.A., in Griffith Park), and Camp Ramah in California (Ojai, ~90 minutes). For families wanting the adventure of travel, options on Catalina Island and in Hawaii are available too.

What should I pack for sleepaway camp?

Most camps provide a packing list after registration. Common essentials: clothing for warm days and cool nights, swimsuit, sturdy closed-toe shoes and water shoes, sleeping bag and pillow (or sheets depending on the camp), toiletries, sunscreen, water bottle, flashlight, and a small backpack. Avoid expensive electronics, valuables, and excess money. Stationery and stamps are a sweet touch for camps that allow letter writing home.

Do Los Angeles sleepaway camps provide transportation?

Some camps offer organized bus or van service from L.A. — Camp Mountain Chai has buses from LA, Orange County, and other regions; Camp Ramah and others arrange transportation. For camps requiring travel (Catalina Island, Channel Islands liveaboard, Hawaii), the camps coordinate ferry, boat, or flight arrangements. Most local camps in the mountains rely on parent drop-off and pickup. Confirm transportation logistics during registration.

Are these camps ACA accredited?

Most of the camps listed are American Camp Association (ACA) accredited, including AstroCamp, Pali Adventures, Camp Ramah, Camp Hess Kramer, Camp Osito Rancho, Camp Hollywoodland, Catalina Island Camps, and Catalina Sea Camp. ACA accreditation means the camp meets up to 250 health, safety, and programming standards verified by independent inspection. It's a strong baseline for trust, though not the only marker of a great camp.

How do I choose the right sleepaway camp for my child?

Start with three filters: (1) interest fit — does the camp focus on what your child cares about (marine science, sports, traditional camp, technology, Jewish life)? (2) age and session length match — first-timers do best with shorter sessions, while seasoned campers can handle 2-4 week stays; (3) location and travel logistics — closer is easier the first time. After narrowing down, attend an open house, talk to the director by phone, and connect with current camp families. The summer camp expo at L.A. Camp Fair 2026 is a great way to compare many camps in person.

Meet Camps in Person at L.A. Camp Fair 2026

Want to talk to camp directors face-to-face before committing? L.A. Camp Fair 2026 is the region's biggest free summer camp expo, with seven convenient dates and locations across Los Angeles County: UCLA, Harvard-Westlake Upper School, Crossroads School in Santa Monica, Pasadena City College, Thousand Oaks High School, Irvine Great Park, and Ken Miller Recreation Center in Torrance.

Hundreds of camps on display, free admission, and a great way to compare sleepaway and day options side by side.

2026 L.A. Camp Fair Information →