I have decided to compile a list of some of the camps in East Texas that I have done research on for my kids to attend over the years. These are in no particular order. #10 can be just as good as #1. Some of these camps my kids have not personally attended, but because of the research I did on the camp I have added it to my list. I will not be putting the prices for each camps on this list. Some of the camps can be rather pricey, but they do offer amazing scholarships so please DO NOT let them deter from trying to send your kid to one of these camps. I also did not include Scouting Camps. (ie. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Ventures, etc.) The camps listed do not require you to be part of a certain organization to attend.
1. Sky Ranch in Van, Tx (https://skyranch.org/)
Sky Ranch is one of North America’s leading Christian camping organizations, with locations in Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma, offering programs year-round.
Sky Ranch exists to provide people with a positive, recreational, fun, and memorable experience, while being exposed to the truths of the Word of God.
The overnight camp is for kids that will be entering Grades 1st-12th.
They offer day camps at Various Texas
locations for K-4.
Scholarships are available.
2. Pine Cove in Tyler, Tx (https://www.pinecove.com/)
Pine Cove is a gospel-centered Christian camp with locations in Texas and South Carolina.
Founded in 1967, Pine Cove serves more than 30,000 campers each summer and strives to be Christ-centered, others-focused, and seriously fun!
The overnight camp is for kids that will be entering Grades 2nd-12th.
They offer day camps in the Tyler area.
Scholarships are available.
3. The Pines Catholic Camp in Big Sandy, Tx (https://www.thepines.org/)
We're a Catholic summer camp and retreat center where our youth grow in faith, fun, and friendship. Check out our video to see how lives are changed at The Pines!
The overnight camp is for kids that will be entering Grades 2nd-12th.
They also have 2 Week Sessions available.
Scholarships are available.
4. Camp Deer Run in Winnsboro, Tx (https://www.campdeerrun.com/)
Camp Deer Run is a Christian Youth Camp located in East Texas, supported by members of the churches of Christ.
We are devoted to providing young people with a place where they can have fun learning about God and building Christian relationships.
The overnight camp is for kids ages 9-17 years of age.
They offer day camps for kids ages 5-8 years of age.
Scholarships are available.
5. Allaso Ranch in Hawkins, Tx (https://allasoranch.com/)
Allaso Ranch is the perfect place for children and students to get out of their summer routines and have an adventure that will change their lives forever. From the first step through its gates, Allaso Ranch is a fun and unique experience with a strong emphasis on relational and spiritual growth. From incredible nightly worship and teaching times, to exhilarating activities, including a water park with towering water slides and a lazy river, kids from all ages will have the best week of their life!
The overnight camp is for kids that will be entering Grades 2nd-12th.
Scholarships are available.
6. Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, Tx ( https://www.gilmont.org/ )
Camp Gilmont has experienced growth and change over time, 75 years in fact, and though Gilmont is still a place of ministry, summer camps and retreats, our scope goes beyond our Presbyterian heritage in order to engage a larger Christian community.
Gilmont is developing new spiritual formation program offerings, serving special-needs campers and their families through the ministry of Circle of Friends, hosting retreats and conferences for various Christian organizations, family groups, as well as corporate and nonprofit entities providing Outdoor School which engages public and private schools in meeting their educational goals (TEKS) for students through residential and day programs,helping change lives through the camp experience. Gilmont remains a simple, beautiful site with the benefit of comfortable accommodations and a beautiful Conference/Retreat Center. The kitchen staff is committed to serving delicious meals and sees accommodating special diet needs as part of our ministry.
The overnight camp is for kids ages 6-17 years of age.
They offer a traveling day camps for kids in grades K-6.
Scholarships are available.
7. Camp Huawni in Timpson, Tx ( https://www.camphuawni.com/ )
Camp Huawni is THE summer camp of all summer camps in Texas that you will hate leaving. For over half a century, Camp Huawni has specialized in youth development and good ‘ole fashion fun. In 1965, founder Earl Adams, known around here as Daddy Earl, turned his life-long dream of starting a kids camp into a reality. As a life-long educator, Daddy Earl noticed that kids, just like you, weren’t experiencing fully the joys of “just being a kid” in the structured environment of a K-12 school. So, with some pine planks, a hammer, and a hill-top view once scattered with sugar cane, Camp Huawni was born. Now, three generations later, Camp Huawni continues to pour into the next generation.
The overnight camp is for kids grades K-12.
They also offer 2 week and Full Summer Sessions.
Scholarships are available.
8. Camp Tyler in Tyler, Tx (https://camptyler.org/ )
Camp Tyler Outdoor School provides outdoor learning experiences in a natural environment as it is critical to the totality of a child's education. At Camp Tyler, exceptional outdoor learning experiences are offered in a "classroom without walls":
Teaching critical thinking skills using nature as a teacher
Experiencing the joy of learning through discovery
Encouraging physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
The overnight camp is for kids grades 5th- 8th grade.
They offer day camps for kids grades 3rd and 4th grade.
9. Camp Fern in Marshall, Tx ( https://www.campfern.com/)
Camp Fern is definitely the place to Jump Into the Fun! We have everything you need for a summer packed with FUN! You can ride horses, water ski, climb the pamper pole, learn how to build a fire, or make something in crafts. Whatever you like to do, chances are you will be able to do it here.
Your day will be filled with lots of activities while nights are saved for special events. You might be trying your hand at some carnival games or playing war games for tribe points, but you can bet the evenings will be packed with energy an
The overnight camp is for kids grades 1st-10th.
The also offer 2 week and 4 week sessions.
10. Frontier Camp in Grapeland, Tx ( https://frontiercamp.org/ )
Frontier Camp has 50 years of camping success rooted in making disciples of Jesus by sharing God’s Word in His creation. Established in 1969, we are licensed as a youth camp by the Texas Department of State Health Services. In addition, Frontier Camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and is a member of the Christian Camping and Conference Association.
Using Christian camping and outdoor recreation as a platform, we exist to assist the local church in fulfilling the Great Commission through the evangelizing of all ages and the discipling of believers toward greater maturity in Christ. Frontier Camp has a twofold ministry. For 10 weeks of the summer, we offer a camping program for youth. Throughout the rest of the year we are a retreat facility for churches and other religious organizations of similar beliefs. In both cases, we want to facilitate exposing people to Christ and encourage their growth toward spiritual maturity through the Word and by reflecting His character in our actions. We offer top quality recreation and exciting programming for our campers, but the most important aspect of camp is the spiritual one based on the inerrant Word of God.
The overnight camp is for kids ages 7-17 years old.
The offer a week specifically for Homeschoolers.
Scholarships are available.
There are so many camps in the East Texas that are not on this list. These are just the ones that I have personally looked in to or my children have gone too. If you have any camps that are not on this that your child has gone to please comment below so that we can look in to them as well. I am always looking for new camps for my kids to go to over the summer. They love going to camp.