We’re nearing the end of March so for the kiddos that means 2–3 more months of school. (Schools out for the summer, anyone?🎶). But for parents, it means it’s time to start making those summer camp plans.

Asheville + the WNC area, has no shortage of options. My first Asheville memories start in 6th grade when I started coming to Lutheridge every summer from my hometown of Hickory. (Any bass clarinet-ers out there?)

We’re nearing the end of March so for the kiddos that means 2–3 more months of school. (Schools out for the summer, anyone?🎶). But for parents, it means it’s time to start making those summer camp plans.

Asheville + the WNC area, has no shortage of options. My first Asheville memories start in 6th grade when I started coming to Lutheridge every summer from my hometown of Hickory. (Any bass clarinet-ers out there?)

Here are 20+ WNC programs to pick for your child, organized in Day Camps + Overnight camps.

Day Camps

Asheville Creative Arts: Theatre Camp | Asheville | Ages 8–11 | $275 | June 25-29
- Acting, creative drama, writing + puppetry with other local artist providing technique lessons. “Campers will have an opportunity to use each of these techniques across the week when they collaboratively adapt, enact and modernize a folktale to be presented on the final day of this unique camp.”
Asheville JCC: Camp Ruach | Asheville | Grades 1st–8th | $45–398 | 9 sessions between June-August
- Days filled with swimming, sports, creativity + crafts, nature + gardening, dance, music + more. “We are a true community, creating unity from diversity, making unforgettable memories.”👩‍🌾
YMCA: Full + Half Day Camps | Asheville | Grades K-12th | $$ vary by program | Dates vary by program
- Probably the most comprehensive program available, the YMCA offers a dozens full day + half day camp options, including Discovery Camp, Adventure Camp, Basketball Camp + so many more. We wish we could go to Extreme Adventure Camp. ⛰
- Looking for their overnight camp? Check out YMCA Camp Watia.
Asheville Museum of Science Half Day + Full Day | Asheville | Grades K–7th | $150 for half, $300 for full | June-July
- Future rocket scientist or arborist? Look no further. With two programs to choose for the half-day camp and four to choose during the full, all which focus on problem-solving + science creativity. Programs include Engineering Exploration, Space Investigators, Earth Ambassadors, Makers United, and more. 🚀
River Link: River Camp | Asheville | Grades 3rd–8th | $225 | June-July
- This week-long day camp is perfect for the next generation of watershed stewards. Campers will engage in hands-on environmental education, river recreation + service-learning projects. “Our campers investigate local stream ecosystems, hike to waterfalls and headwaters, explore state and national parks and fish hatcheries, create river-inspired art and poetry, work on volunteer service projects, and of course have adventures on the river by canoe, kayak, raft and tube!”🛥
The Academy at Terpsicorps | Asheville | Ages 3–10 | $150 per week | June-July
- Pre-School level, Discover Dance, and Petite Muses classes all offer a daily dose of hip-hop, ballet, contemporary + tap choreographic lessons. Plus, there are opportunities for summer classes + summer internships for the older dancers. 👯‍
ABYSA Soccer Camps | Asheville, Hendersonville + Mars Hill | Ages 4–14 + higher level camps available | $130 for half, $225 for full | June-July
- Each day your camper will work on their fundamental soccer skills, play games + spend time at the pool. For your higher level athlete, check out these advanced camps. ⚽
Evergreen Summer Adventures | Asheville | Grades K–9th | $225+ | June-August
- Think of this as all things discovery + fun. From enrichment classes, nature basics, outdoor sports to water activities, your child will have a full day of excitement. 🎾
The NC Arboretum: Discovery Camp | Asheville | Grades Pre-K–8th | $225+ | June-August
- Forests, mountains + ponds, oh my!! Your kiddo will spend their days engaging in everything outdoors. The Arboretum offers several different programs so that your child will have the greatest experience possible. 🌳
Sunny Truth Farm | Mars Hill | Ages 5–10 | $100 per week | June-July
- This summer camp is based on the idea that children need the opportunity to learn + play in an outdoor setting. That is why, depending on the week, your child will interact with farm animals, Appalachian plants, aquatic life + more.🐑
LEAF Arts & Parks | Asheville | Grades 1st–5th | July-August | Join the waiting list here
- This day camp follows LEAF’s mission of building community, connecting cultures + enriching lives through the arts both locally and globally. This joint partnership between LEAF Schools & Streets and Asheville Parks & Recreation is committed to equity, inclusion and sharing the history of the neighborhoods that the Camp is occupying (Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center).
- Your child will learn about “global cultures, friendship and performing arts by stepping into the magical world of LEAF Cultural Arts in a week of curated activities, including – dance workshops, healing arts, face painting, drumming, circus arts and much, much more!” Sounds like a dream. 🥁
Elevate: Life and Art | Asheville | Ages 5–11 | $55+ | June-August
- Each day your child will participate in activities such as sports, swimming, team building, weekly field trips + more, located in West Asheville. 🏊‍
WNC Nature Center | Asheville | Grades Pre-K–7th | $85+ | June-August
- With three grade levels to choose from, your child will learn science + nature skills as well as basic themes on animals and outdoor recreation. 🔭
ACT: Tanglewood | Asheville | Ages 5–15 | $300-500 | June-July
- Asheville Community Theatre camp explores the world of theatre so that you child can improve their acting and performing arts skills. 🎭
Franny’s Farm Camp | Leicester | Ages 7–16 | $200+ | June-August
- Offering hands-on fun and learning with furry friends on the farm, campers will also learn gardening + nature techniques. 🌻

Overnight Camps

Camp Henry | Lake Logan | All ages | $300 - $1,250 | June + July
- "We believe strongly in the power of being in nature, surrounded by new and old friends, while trying new things and enjoying the outdoors through creativity and inclusion." Bonus: They help host Cold Mountain Music + run a leadesrhip school.
Camp Pinnacle | Flat Rock | Grades 1st–9th | $3,095+ | June-August
- This sleepaway camp offers 13 day sessions through 5 week sessions based on your child’s age and camp experience. Your child will participate in whitewater rafting adventures, rock climbing, overnight camp out, mountain summits + more. 🏕
Lutheridge | Arden | Grades Pre-K–12th | $98-644 | June-August
- Lutheridge is a Christian camp providing four different age group programs and several week-long themes to choose from. Outdoor activities such as swimming, rope course, hiking campfires + more. 👟(Also: Music Camp). 🎶
Timberlake Camp| Black Mountain | Grades 1st–11th |$650-3,725 | May-August
- From learning to roll in kayaking or playing guitar, this Christian, all-boys camp is the perfect place for your son to grow stronger mentally, physically + spiritually.
Merri-Mac | Black Mountain | Grades 1st–11th |$650-3,725 | May-August
- Christian, all-girls camp that encourages girls to strengthen their faith + make lifelong friends. ⛪
Fox Mountain Guides & Climbing School | Brevard | Ages 13–18 | $1,100-1,300 | June-July
- Perfect for the beginners or pros, this climbing camp teaches the basics of rock climbing as well as perfects those who are already trad climbers. 🧗
AMOS Space Camp | Asheville | High School Ages | Price provided during application | July 22-28
- Perfect for those who are already interested in space + satellites, your high schooler will use “remote sensing data for an applied project and present their results to current and past NASA and NOAA employees.” 🛰