Outdoor & Survival Camps

Are you looking for a camp that will take your kid outdoors to explore or teach them survival skills? Here are the outdoor and survival summer camps available in Upstate, SC. Your outdoor loving little one is sure to have a blast at one of these camps.

outdoor survival summer camps

For even more summer camps see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Camp in Greenville.

Find more summer camps in Upstate, SC

YMCA of Greenville

TITLE SPONSOR 864.412.0288 | Various Locations, Upstate, SC

YMCA_SummerCamp

Summer day camp at the Y is more than just fun – it’s a launchpad for lifelong memories. It’s where kids from all backgrounds come together to build confidence, try new things, and form friendships.

Whether your child enjoys sports, arts & science, dance, swimming, or a full-day camp experience, the YMCA of Greenville is ready to help you have the best summer ever! Each and every camp week, counselors work hard to instill the Y’s core values of respect, caring, honesty, responsibility, and faith all in a safe and fun environment.

Each of the family Y branches offers different specialty camps and enrichment experiences, so be sure that your desired camp is offered at your local Y.

Camp Kanuga

SPONSORED 828.233.2840 | 130 Kanuga Chapel Drive, Hendersonville, NC

Just a short drive from the bustle of Greenville lies a sanctuary in the Blue Ridge Mountains where kids can truly be themselves. Camp Kanuga is an ACA-accredited, co-ed Episcopal residential camp that has been welcoming campers since 1931.

We believe summer is for more than just staying busy—it’s for intentional growth. Our unplugged environment allows campers to trade screens for 1,400 acres of forest, mountain trails, and our private lake. Whether they are soaring on the zip line, working in the blacksmithing shop, or singing songs around a campfire, your child will find a community built on connection, kindness, and belonging.

We offer programs for ages 6–15, ranging from our 6-day “Starter Camp” for first-timers to our traditional 9-day and 13-day sessions.

Is Kanuga the right fit for your family? If you value a community that fosters independence, celebrates the outdoors, and nurtures the soul, we invite you to explore our 2026 sessions.

Find your place in the mountains. Discover Camp Kanuga.

Christ Church Episcopal School Summer Encounters

SPONSORED 864.299.1522 ext. 1242 | 245 Cavalier Dr, Greenville, SC

Summer Encounters 2026 camps will begin May 27!

Dive into another unforgettable summer adventure at Christ Church Episcopal School’s award-winning day camps in Greenville, SC. Summer Encounters hosts a comprehensive, diverse, and exciting collection of summer camps that provide meaningful opportunities for any child in grades (rising) K4 to 12.

Summer Encounters camps are designed for curious kids who love to explore new interests, dive deeper into favorite activities, and discover all the fun that summer has to offer. With hundreds of engaging options—ranging from sports and outdoor adventures to science, art, technology, creativity, leadership, and beyond—there truly is something for every child.

Summer Encounters Camps would be honored to invite your family to join us for an exciting summer of new discoveries, friendships, and lasting memories. Registration is open now and camps fill up fast. If you have questions or need assistance in any way, please contact Beth Campbell at campbellb@cces.org or 864.299.1522.

Greenville Martial Art Center

SPONSORED 864.881.1397 | 425 Feaster Road, Greenville, SC

Join us for an action-packed 11 weeks of Summer Camp!

Our all- day camps run from May 26th – August 7th, with our days spanning from 7am to 6:30pm.

We welcome children ages 5 to rising 8th graders.

Together we’ll explore a variety of opportunities, take field trips, learn Taekwon-Do, and grow into confident leaders. Here at Greenville Martial Art Center we focus of play, creativity, teamwork, and our core Tenets: Courtesy, Integrity, Self-Control, Indomitable Spirit, Perseverance, and Loyalty.

Early enrollment ends soon, so we look forward to hearing from many of our local families.

Our link to registration is: https://greenvillemartialartcenter.com/greenvillemartialartcenter-summercamp.html

YLI Camps

SPONSORED 864.878.1103 | 2 locations, Upstate & Lowcountry, SC

YLICamps

One Summer. Endless Returns.

Your search for an overnight camp experience that blends learning with real adventure ends here. YLI Camps offers a full spectrum of camp experiences, with five distinct programs across two breathtaking South Carolina locations, so every camper can find their perfect fit.

From a first overnight camp experience at 4-H Camp to hands-on marine science at Camp Sewee and personalized shooting instruction at Camp Wildlife, the Lowcountry offers a wide range of experiences to match any camper’s interests.

In the Upstate, campers can explore STEM-focused learning at Camp Voyager or take on high-adrenaline mountain excursions at Adventure Camp, designed to challenge and excite thrill seekers of all levels.

YLI Camps provides a clear pathway for every interest and every stage of growth. Campers do more than try new things. They push boundaries, build confidence, and discover what they are capable of in environments intentionally designed to foster independence and personal growth. Each YLI Camp is rooted in intentional fun, immersive learning, and meaningful connection, all within a safe, energizing setting led by experienced, caring staff.

Since 1934, YLI Camps has created unforgettable adventures that build character, spark curiosity, and form lifelong friendships, giving parents peace of mind and campers experiences that last far beyond summer.

Asbury Hills Camps & Retreat Center

SPONSORED 864.836.3711 | 150 Asbury Dr, Cleveland, SC

Are you ready for the summer of a lifetime? Give your child an unforgettable week of adventure by exploring the great outdoors at Asbury Hills Summer Camp!

Each summer, we explore what living out your faith looks like through outdoor activities like archery, canoeing, climbing, community-building, daily devotions, & engaging worship!

Located in Cleveland, SC, with 300 beds and 2,000 acres with beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails. Our summer camp is second to none! Established in 1961, our mission has been to serve all people for Christian birth, growth, & renewal.

We have a variety of programs for rising 2nd graders through rising 12th graders; you choose what is best for your camper. We offer 10 sessions of camp; programs vary based on the session.

Visit our website to learn more about the magic of Asbury Hills, and register today for Summer 2026!

Camp Griffin at Spartanburg Day School

SPONSORED 864.582.7539 | Spartanburg Day School, 1701 Skylyn Drive, Spartanburg, SC

Camp Griffin brings the spirit of Spartanburg Day School to life each summer through immersive, hands-on experiences designed for campers ages 2 through rising 9th grade. Open to families across the Upstate, Camp Griffin offers nine weeks of dynamic programming that encourages campers to explore new interests, create boldly and expand their thinking through meaningful, real-world experiences.

Led by SDS instructors and coaches, each camp is built around the philosophy of Learning Lived, helping children grow in curiosity, confidence and skill while having an unforgettable summer.

With a wide variety of themed camps each week, families can customize their child’s experience to match their interests and schedule. Camp Griffin also makes summer simple and stress-free with one convenient drop-off and pick-up location, lunch and snacks included, flexible scheduling options, and accessible pricing.

Whether your child joins for one week or the entire summer, Camp Griffin offers a safe, engaging environment where friendships are built and new passions are discovered.

Valley Forest School usually offers summer camps that involve outdoor adventure and play
Ages: 3 and older (camps vary by age).
Most camps- 9 am until 2:30 or 3:30 pm.

TBD for 2026

Conestee Nature Preserve

Conestee Nature Preserve will offer a Conservation Camp involving outdoor play
This full-day summer camp gets kids outside exploring nature through hands-on activities, environmental learning, and outdoor adventures at Conestee Nature Preserve.

Dates:
• June 22–26, 2026
• July 6–10, 2026

Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Ages: Rising 3rd–5th grade
Cost: $250 (discounted rate for Friends)

Perfect for kids who love being outdoors and learning about conservation.

Hatcher Garden Discovery Camp

| 820 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg, SC

Hatcher Garden Discovery Camp offers children a fun, educational experience, with hands-on activities, exploring plants, animals, and nature through interactive learning.

Ridge Haven

828.862.3916 | 215 Ridge Haven Road, Brevard, NC

A gospil centered, outdoor camp summer camp in Brevard, North Carolina.
Overnight camp
Ages: Rising 3rd grade – 12th grade.

Find more information in the 2026 Ridge Haven Summer Camp guide.

Camper scholarships are available.

Walking in Wellness at Earthganic Farm

978-201-3509

A forest/farm school for 3-11-year-olds focused on teaching personal and environmental wellness through mindfulness lessons & reviving old-fashioned homesteading skills.

Camp Fellowship

| 457 Camp Fellowship Road, Waterloo, SC

Camp Fellowship provides unique summer programs for children & youth of all ages (grades entering K-12).
Day camp and specialty (art, fishing, leadership) camps available
They strongly believe camp is for everyone and work diligently to create exceptional programs that engage campers in faith formation, community building, personal growth and development, and loads of outdoor fun!

2026 Camp Fellowship Summer Camp Registration is now open.

Super Summer Camp: City of Greenville Parks, Recreation, & Tourism

Super Summer Day Camp (Ages 6–12)
Super Summer Camp offers a fun, enriching summer filled with games, arts and crafts, educational activities, and exciting field trips around Greenville.

Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026 (No camp July 3)
Hours: Monday–Friday | 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Ages: 6–12 years

Locations:
Bobby Pearse Community Center
David Hellams Community Center
Nicholtown Community Center
West Greenville Community Center

Weekly Themes 

Cost (Activity fee included):
City Residents: $475 – $575
Financial Aid (City Residents Only): $300

Registration Opens: February 16

Field Trips & School Programs: The South Carolina Botanical Garden at Clemson offers 45-60 minute school programs intended to support your curriculum and grade level. Homeschool groups can visit as well. Fee is $5 per student. They also offer classes that are perfect for homeschooling families.

Summer Camp Offers: The SC Botanical Garden at Clemson offers week-long summer camps in June and July for kids aged 6 – 12 (8:30 – 3)
2026 Summer Camps in June and July TBD

Camp McCall

803.227.6028 | 108 Ambassador Road, Sunset, SC

Offers: Adventure and recreation camps for boys, rising 1st-12th grade.

Camp McCall offers Lad Camp, Alpha Camp, Crusader Camp, and Adventure Trip Camp
June and July offerings
$170-$350 per camp

Girl Scouts of South Carolina - Mountains to Midlands

800.849.4475 | 1107 Williams Street, Columbia, SC

The Girls Scouts of South Carolina- Mountains to Midlands offers programs to girls scouts of all abilities and backgrounds.

They offer special events, camps, cookie sales, and so much more! Upstate, SC troops are available for ages Kindergarten and up.

Summer Camp: You will also find some amazing Girls Scouts of South Carolina- M2M Summer Camp options!

Camps in Spartanburg, Columbia, and an overnight Camp WaBak in the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains are available.

AO Farm School (grades K-12) offers education rooted in faith, academics & agriculture, bridging the freedom & flexibility of homeschooling with the support of the school experience in a like-minded campus community.

Summer Camp: Farm-based summer camp for ages 5-17, rain or shine
June & July
Week-long camps
9 am – 2 pm

The Wilds

864.268.4760 | 1000 Wilds Ridge Road, Brevard, NC

Offers youth camps and family/adult camps in Brevard, NC. Camps provide a Christian background along with outdoor adventure for grades 7 – 12.

2026 Summer Camp runs weekly
June, July, and August camps
Overnight camp: Check in on Monday and programs ending on Saturday mornings.
Registration is now open.

 

Full-day nature-themed day camp.
Creek play, pottery, cooking, crafts, exploring, games, hiking, and much more! 8-5:30 daily throughout the summer.
June 1st – July 31st, 2026
Ages: 6 – 12
Pricing: $135/wk or $25/day

Wired Minds Tutoring

864.244.2420 | 1271 S Suber Road, Suite B, Greer, SC

Wired Minds offers an academic summer camps, with LEGO, Coding, cooking, and more!.

Ages: rising 3rd through 8th graders
Schedule: Monday through Friday
Full day camps
Price:
$260-$325

  • LEGO Summer Camp (July 20–24, 2026)
  • Coding Camp (July 6–10, 2026)
  • Master Chef Jr. Camp (June 30–July 2, 2026)
  • Video Game Camp (June 1–5, 2026)

 

 

Ellaberry Llama Farm

| 4178 Clear Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC

Ellaberry Llama Summer Camp: Kids will learn to care for llamas, groom, and enjoy hikes with llamas.
Offers: Ages 6–13;
Llama interaction and showing, creek activities, painting, needle felting, and hands-on crafts
Months: June 8–12, 2026; 9:00 am–3:00 pm
Pricing: $425 per week with a $150 deposit required

Falling Creek is a Christian summer camp for boys, located on 900+ private acres in western North Carolina. 1-4 week sessions for rising 1st-12th graders.

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