10 East Coast Camps Defining the Summer of 2026
Summer 2026 on the U.S. East Coast brings hundreds of overnight camps across Maine, New York, and New England. Many are planned beside private lakes or in wooded mountain areas such as the Berkshires and Catskills. More than 300 camps accredited by the American Camp Association continue this long-standing summer tradition.
Laurel South
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Each day of the four weeks at Laurel South follows a structured six-part program covering athletics, waterfront, adventure, arts, tennis, and equestrian activities. The camp is located on Crescent Lake in Maine, which supports swimming and boating. Campers rotate through activities under the guidance of trained staff.
Camp Wah-Nee
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Camp Wah-Nee has been running for nearly a century in Connecticut’s Berkshire Mountains. Campers stay in modern bunks and follow a structured daily schedule filled with activities, including time at the private lake for swimming and waterfront programs. The camp is about two hours from both New York City and Boston, so it’s easy for families to reach.
Camp Watitoh
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Since 1937, Camp Watitoh has kept its small size intentional, which means campers and staff know each other by name. The camp is located on Center Lake in Massachusetts, and it organizes daily life around shared routines, group activities, and cabin responsibilities. This structure allows consistent interaction across age groups and supports a steady sense of belonging throughout the session.
Camp Mah-Kee-Nac
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Boys arriving at Camp Mah-Kee-Nac step into a program focused on athletics, waterfront activities, and creative arts on the shores of Stockbridge Bowl. The Massachusetts location provides lake access and large sports facilities. Daily schedules encourage teamwork and skill development. As for the single-gender setup, it supports confidence-building through structured activities designed specifically for boys in a supportive environment.
Camp Birchmont
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Adjusting to life away from home is part of the routine at Camp Birchmont in New Hampshire. Campers manage their personal belongings, follow daily schedules, and participate in cabin chores alongside sports and creative activities. The program emphasizes independence through shared responsibilities.
Camp Med-o-lark
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At Camp Med-o-lark, campers design their own schedules from a wide list of arts-focused electives. Located in Maine on a lake, the camp offers performing arts, fine arts, and crafts, alongside sports and waterfront activities. This format allows campers ages 8 to 16 to focus on their creative interests through daily camp life.
Camp Danbee
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The schedule at Camp Danbee in Massachusetts centers on helping girls set and reach goals through structured activities. Sports, arts, and group challenges fill each day. The program supports long-term friendships formed through shared cabin experiences. The daily routines reinforce confidence as campers take on responsibilities and push through new challenges together.
Timber Lake West
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Timber Lake West in New York offers two four-week programs in place of a full summer stay. Campers still follow structured schedules that include sports, arts, and waterfront activities. This format works well for first-time campers and allows them to experience overnight camp while keeping flexibility for other summer plans and family travel later.
Camp Laurel
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Spread across 160 acres in Maine’s Belgrade Lakes region, Camp Laurel operates on the shores of Echo Lake with a focus on structured development. Campers live in cabin groups and follow daily schedules that include athletics, arts, and waterfront time.
Brant Lake Camp
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Brant Lake Camp in New York has been running since 1916 and still follows many of the traditions built over more than a century. The boys’ camp follows a structured daily schedule, with a strong focus on sports and teamwork. Activities are organized by age group so they match each stage of development. Many staff return year after year, which helps keep routines and traditions consistent for campers who come back each summer.