Best Overnight Summer Camps Near Columbus

Kelly R.:  Camp Wyandot is located on over 100 acres in the Hocking Hills, encompassing cliffs, caverns, creeks, a lake, forests, and meadows. Overnight campers stay in rustic cabin accommodations, and participate in a wide variety of activities including archery, hiking, aquatics, canoeing, fishing, field games, arts and crafts, and many other camp traditions. The focus is on making new friends, appreciating simplicity, and enjoying and exploring nature.

Kelly R.:  Camp Akita offers a Christian faith-based summer camp opportunity where kids have fun. The traditional Summer Camp involves fun and games, reflection, and community. Akita Backcountry, offered for middle schoolers and high schoolers, is an outdoor education experience where campers stay on a remote corner of the property and immerse themselves in nature.

Hannah Scott:  Marmon Valley Farm is a Christian facility that offers kids a variety of hands-on nature and animal experiences. Each of their camp options is programmed for a specific theme: Original Horse Camp, Atomic Horse Camp, Critter Camp (girls only), Horsin' Around Camp (girls only), Pure Country Camp (boys only), or Equestrian Camp. Activities include horseback riding, archery, a climbing wall, hay rides, and more.

Hannah Scott:  The Ohio Foreign Language Association created Camp OFLA to teach foreign language to youth in a fun, relaxed atmosphere. "Official" language lessons are taught in small-group settings, then practiced throughout the day through cooking, dancing, singing, sports, hiking, and arts projects. Campers can be exposed to Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Russian.

Kelly R.:  Hidden Hollow is a traditional summer camp where kids make new friends and enjoy the outdoors. Campers can participate in numerous activities including archery, arts and crafts, wood shop, drama, canoeing, horseback riding, nature hikes, sports, swimming, campfires, and a Friday night dance.

Kelly R.:  Camp Willson's focus is on helping kids build friendships, character, and a sense of community through shared experiences. Kids enjoy numerous activities that may include row boating and swimming in lake Mac-O-Chee, outdoor sports, horseback riding, outdoor living skills, creative arts, and hiking. Choose from a variety of camp categories including traditional, ranch, teen, and specialty camps.

Kelly R.:  The Wilds is the Columbus Zoo's 9,000 acre open range habitat for species from around the world, right here in Ohio. Overnight campers stay in Mongolian-style yurts and enjoy days filled with a mix of outdoor fun and learning alongside naturalists and scientists. A variety of camp themes are offered for different age groups, and activities can include horseback riding, canoeing, archery, and ziplining.

Kelly R.:  Camp Carl is a Christian-based camp that encourages kids to have adventures and build relationships while discovering their potential in a fun and safe environment. Activities vary by age and can include bible study, skits, tubing, swimming, zip lining, indoor and outdoor climbing, horseback riding, lake inflatables, and more.

Gina I.:  Although it's not your typical summer camp experience, The Road Less Traveled offers wonderful life changing travel opportunities for middle school and high school students. Students can go many places inside the United States or can travel internationally! From community service and language programs to scuba diving and summer adventures, there are lifelong memories to be made at every destination!