Even though we are experiencing cool temps outside, many summer camps are making plans to open for the summer. Sleepaway camp really hearkens back to a simpler time, doesn’t it? Besides being a place where kids go screen free in favor of splashing in lakes and singing around campfires, there’s a real community feeling at overnight camp that allow kids to forge bonds that often last a lifetime. Luckily, you don’t have to drive far to get your kiddo settled at a fantastic sleepaway camp near Des Moines.
For additional summer camp opportunities be sure to check out our Summer Camp Guide.
Note: This is a working list, so check back often for new listings. If you know of a sleepaway summer camp that you would like to have included on this list, please email the listing information to nicole@dsm4kids.com or leave a comment below.
dsm4kids does NOT host any summer camps. Please contact the specific venue or organization hosting the camp for additional information and to register.
Read on for some of our favorite sleepaway camps that are located in the Des Moines area:
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa
Camp Fire Heart of Iowa offers a wide variety of programs throughout central Iowa fitting the needs of overnight campers. Whether you like creek stomping, bugs, or sports, they’ve got a summer of fun waiting for you! Programs are offered for kids in 1st – 12th grades. 2024 Registration is open.
Camp Tanager
Located in Mount Vernon, IA Camp Tanager provides several overnight camp programs including a Free Campership Program, Summer Sleep-Away Camp, and special medical camp programs for kids with Diabetes and Hemophilia. Camps are available for kids ages 6-11 years. 2024 Registration is open.
Catholic Youth Camp
At CYC, campers leave behind the distractions of daily life and trade technology for a week on Lake Panorama. Catholic Youth Camp is a traditional sleep away summer camp and that means tons of fun activities. Campers will also be immersed in sacraments, scripture, prayer and enjoy daily mass. Three to five-day camps are offered to kids entering 3rd-12th grades. 2024 Registration is open.
Central Iowa Bible Camp
Central Iowa Bible Camp is nestled in the woods near Earlham, IA. The woods offer opportunities to see wildlife while hiking as well as an ideal opportunity to find some time for fellowship with Jesus. Campers enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Programs are offered for kids in K – 12th grades. 2024 Registration is open.
Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside
Children and adults with and without disabilities enjoy all Easter Seals Iowa Camp Sunnyside has to offer including canoeing, an animal farm, horseback riding, archery, nature trails, the Variety Club Rec Center, an accessible indoor pool and the Meredith Tree House. At night campers sleep in new, air-conditioned lodges or in tents under the stars. Sessions are held at Camp Sunnyside for campers age four and older. Week-long and day camps are offered during the summer. 2024 Registration is open.
Iowa Conference – United Methodist Church Camps & Retreats
Iowa United Methodist Camps offer many different activities at each of their sites at Lake Okoboji, Pictured Rocks, and Wesley Woods Camp and Retreat Centers. Your child will have the best week ever with their caring staff to guide them. Every camper can find something that they’ll enjoy. 2024 Registration is open.
Lakeview Camp
Lakeview is a Christian camp located in Pella. They offer summer camps for all ages including day camps, overnight camps and grandparent/grandchild camps. 2024 Registration is open.
Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp
Located in Story City, Riverside offers a wide range of summer programs from half week sessions for their youngest campers, to full week programs for campers entering 3rd grade all the way through high school. Riverside also has a beginner and intermediate ranch camp program as well as an adventure camp focused on growing in faith. 2024 Registration is open.
Wesley Woods
Wesley Woods is a United Methodist Church camp and retreat center located just outside of Indianola. They offer both summer day camps and overnight summer camp opportunities for kids of all abilities. Overnight stays can be as short as one-night, half-week and a full week for kids ages 5 to 18. 2024 Registration is open.
YMCA
Traditional overnight camp is the mainstay of Y Camp’s summer camp program. It is a great opportunity for kids to experience the many programs and activities that Y Camp offers. Campers are part of a cabin of similarly aged peers, with whom they deliberate and decide on what their week will entail. The Y offers a wide variety of overnight camps and activities for kids ages 7 to 16. 2024 Registration is open.
Additional Places to Find Sleepaway Camps near Des Moines
Many youth organizations such as 4-H, Boys Scouts, and Girl Scouts offer overnight camp opportunities. If your child already participates in one of these programs, be sure to check out what summer camps and classes that they offer.
What’s your favorite summer sleepaway camp for Des Moines kids? Let us know!
