Unplug and Unwind — Adult Summer Camps Where You Can Be a Kid Again Kate Andriola August 8, 2016 Travel Guide This post was last updated on June 6, 2023. Almost anyone who grew up going to sleepaway camp will say they couldn’t imagine spending their summers anywhere else. Most adults would give anything to go back and relive the fun with their friends down by the lake. Fortunately for us, time travel is no longer needed! In recent years, adult-focused camps have sprung up across the country, selling experiences to adults eager to be campers again — even if it’s just for the weekend! Check out our top-picks for camps especially geared toward grown-ups. Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp — Los Angeles Created by David Fishof, the man behind the Monkees reunion and Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band tours, Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp is a four-day experience in Los Angeles. Campers have the opportunity to play, write, and record music in a recording studio alongside music industry professionals. The main event takes place on the last night, when attendees perform their sets live on stage. Headlining celebrity guest stars rotate each year. And hey, all your stories from the weekend can actually start with, “This one time at rock camp …” The Culinary Institute of America Boot Camp — Hyde Park, NY CIA Boot Camp brings together participants of all different skill levels to bond over their love for food and cooking. Chef instructors divide campers into teams to work on creating delicious menu items and recipes. Classes take place at the CIA’s campuses in New York, Los Angeles, and Texas. Top-of-the-line culinary equipment is provided — and an awesome chef’s uniform! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included in the meal plans in most locations. As you can imagine, this is not your typical college meal plan. Meals include a first course, entrée, and dessert — plus wine, of course — at one of the incredible restaurants located right on campus. Zombie Survival Camp — Pine Barrens, NJ Yes, this is a camp where you learn to take on the undead! With a fully equipped training facility and private shooting range, Zombie Survival Camp teaches participants how to prepare for all sorts of disasters. Activities include self-defense, crossbow, firearms training, and advanced first aid classes. The full package includes all class sessions, training, and meals, as well as sleeping arrangements. The highlight of the camp comes on the final day, when campers are forced to put their new skills to the test with a simulated zombie outbreak featuring instructors in full zombie makeup and lots of fake blood! Whether you’re a huge fan of The Walking Dead, or just want to learn some cool new skills, Zombie Survival Camp is sure to be tons of gory fun. Soul Camp — New York/California Located in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains on the East Coast, as well as Wonder Valley on the West Coast, Soul Camp is the perfect weekend escape from the stresses of everyday working life. Leave your phone behind and unplug for the weekend. Campers can enjoy soulful activities like yoga classes, organic farming, meditation, and sunset swims on the lake. Forget greasy sloppy joes — Soul Camp is partnered with Healthy Cooking Camp and provides options like kale salad, sweet potato falafel, tempeh, and an array of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options. You Might Also Enjoy: 8 Campgrounds Close to America’s Biggest Cities Camp No Counselors — Various Locations Featured on Shark Tank, Camp No Counselors is the perfect chance to relive the past by participating in all of your favorite camp activities — only with a more adult-friendly twist! Swap talent shows for epic themed parties, juice for alcohol, and waterfront time for bikini volleyball and you have yourself a weekend of non-stop fun with old and new friends. Not to worry — camp classics like dodgeball, ultimate frisbee, arts and crafts, lip sync, and color war are still in the mix. No counselors, no problem! Oh, and did we mention there’s an open bar? The Woods Campground — Lehighton, PA Located on 100 beautiful private acres of land, The Woods Campground is a co-ed LGBTQ+ campground for anyone 18 and older who is interested in enjoying a relaxing weekend in a beautiful, nature-filled setting. About half of the participants bring a partner, while the other half come solo. Whether enjoying water activities on the four-acre lake or exploring the stunning nature trails in the surrounding woods, campers will find peace and serenity in a welcoming environment. The Woods community comes together nightly to enjoy stargazing and bonfires by the pool and patio. The dance floor in the clubhouse is another popular option after dark, where campers can party the night away with DJs and live music. Accommodations include campers, trailers, motor homes, and cabins. Have you been to any of these camps? Tell us about your experience below!
