Planning summer activities for children often begins months in advance, and Texas families have a wide range of camp options to consider for 2026. From traditional overnight experiences in the Piney Woods to academic day camps at universities, the state offers programs that fit different ages, interests, and budgets. This guide covers notable overnight and day camps operating in Texas during summer 2026, including Christian camps, traditional coed camps, and specialty programs.
Overnight Summer Camps in Texas for 2026
Overnight camps give children a chance to build independence and form lasting friendships. Texas has dozens of resident camps, many located in the Hill Country, East Texas, and near major lakes. Below are several well-established options with confirmed 2026 sessions and key details drawn from official sources.
Christian Overnight Camps
Several of Texas’s most popular overnight camps operate on Christian principles and offer faith-based activities alongside traditional recreation.
Pine Cove provides Christian summer camps for grades 2 through 12 at locations in East Texas, Central Texas, and Northeast Georgia. The organization is licensed by the State of Texas under the Camp Safety Act. Its Silverado camp for boys in grades 2 through 5 offers week 1 from May 24 to May 30, 2026. The original price for that session was $1,699, currently reduced to $1,499. Pine Cove also runs other camps for older age groups, including special programs for middle school and high school students.
Camp Cho-Yeh is a Christian summer camp and retreat center located in East Texas, approximately one hour from Houston near Lake Livingston. Established in 1947, it offers a traditional camp experience with a Christian emphasis. Specific 2026 session dates and prices are not listed in the research pack, so families should visit the camp’s official website for the most current information.
Camp Balcones Springs is an overnight camp in the Texas Hill Country, about 40 miles northwest of Austin. Founded in 1993 on Christian principles, the camp serves children ages 6 to 16. It is owned by Christine Baskin, a camp parent. The camp offers sessions of varying lengths, including 10-day, 1-week, 2-week, and 3-week programs. Availability for 2026 is limited, so early registration is recommended.
Traditional Overnight Camps
Families seeking a non-denominational or inclusive environment will find several traditional overnight camps operating in Texas for 2026.
Camp Huawni is a traditional coed summer camp situated in the Piney Woods of East Texas, operating continuously since 1965. The camp offers first-time camper discounts for the 2026 season. As of the research pack, the camp is filling up, so interested families should act promptly.
Camp Olympia is a coed overnight camp on Lake Livingston in East Texas. It offers tech-free 1-week, 2-week, and 3-week sessions. The camp’s focus on screen-free activities appeals to parents who want their children to disconnect and engage in outdoor play.
Other traditional overnight camps listed for 2026 include:
- Camp Champions (Marble Falls, ages 5-17)
- CYJ Texas (Woodcreek, ages 6-17)
- The Pines Catholic Camp (Big Sandy, ages 7-17)
- Squad STX (Glen Rose, ages 10-18)
- Camp Eagle (Rocksprings, ages 6-17)
- Texas Arts Project (partial)
These camps appear on third-party curated lists for 2026. Camp Champions is located in Marble Falls in the Hill Country. CYJ Texas is in Woodcreek, near Austin. The Pines Catholic Camp is in Big Sandy, East Texas. Squad STX operates near Glen Rose, close to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Camp Eagle is in Rocksprings, southwest Texas. Texas Arts Project offers arts-focused programming, though specific details were not available in the research pack.
Specialty and Short-Term Overnight Camps
Some camps offer a short overnight experience or focus on a specific theme such as STEM or college orientation.
Camp Texas, run by the Texas Exes alumni association, costs $300 for a three-day, two-night session at Camp Buckner. This fee includes meals and transportation. It is designed for incoming or current University of Texas students or their families, providing a taste of college life.
Texas A&M University offers several day camps through its Aggie Camp Finder, but also some overnight options. For example, Sharks & More runs from May 31 to June 6, 2026, and Aggie STEM Day Camp runs June 1-5, 2026. While day camp is the primary format, these programs are listed here because they are university-sponsored and may offer residential options; families should confirm directly with Texas A&M.
Day Camp Options Across Texas
Day camps allow children to enjoy summer activities while returning home each evening. Many Texas day camps run from late May through mid-August.
The YMCA of Central Texas operates its Outdoor Day Camp from May 26 to August 17, 2026. Specific start and end dates vary by location, so families should check with their local YMCA branch. YMCA camps are faith-based but inclusive and typically serve children ages 5 to 12, though exact age ranges were not confirmed in the research pack.
Texas A&M University also offers day camps for 2026, including the Aggie STEM Day Camp (June 1-5) and Sharks & More (May 31-June 6). These programs focus on science, technology, engineering, and math, and are open to children in certain grade levels. Exact eligibility ages were not provided in the research pack.
How to Choose a Summer Camp in Texas for 2026
Selecting the right camp involves balancing location, cost, session length, and the child’s interests. The table below summarizes key features of camps mentioned in this guide, based on available research.
| Camp Name | Location Region | Type | Ages / Grades | Session Lengths | Price (Notable) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pine Cove | East Texas, Central Texas | Christian | Grades 2-12 | 1-week, some 2-week | $1,499 (Silverado week 1) |
| Camp Cho-Yeh | East Texas | Christian | Not specified | Not specified | Check website |
| Camp Balcones Springs | Hill Country (near Austin) | Christian | Ages 6-16 | 10-day, 1, 2, 3-week | Not specified |
| Camp Huawni | East Texas | Traditional | Not specified | Not specified | First-time discount |
| Camp Olympia | East Texas | Traditional | Not specified | 1, 2, 3-week | Not specified |
| Camp Texas | Camp Buckner (location not specified) | Short-term | Not specified | 3 days, 2 nights | $300 |
| YMCA Central TX | Central Texas | Day camp (faith-based) | Typically ages 5-12 | May 26 – Aug 17 | Not specified |
| Texas A&M Camps | College Station | Day/STEM | Not specified | 5-6 days | Not specified |
When narrowing down choices, consider the child’s age and maturity level. Overnight camps like Pine Cove and Camp Balcones Springs have separate programs for different age groups. Location is another factor: families in Houston may prefer East Texas camps such as Camp Cho-Yeh, while those near Austin might choose the Hill Country options. Parents should also verify whether the camp aligns with their values regarding faith or specific philosophies.
To explore additional summer camp options across Texas cities including Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, families can use After School Hub’s free searchable directory. The platform allows parents to filter by city and category, making it easier to find programs that fit their schedule and budget. Camp providers can also claim or list their program to reach local families looking for 2026 camp options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I register for summer camp 2026 in Texas?
Many camps begin accepting registrations in late 2025 or early 2026. Popular overnight camps like Camp Huawni and Camp Balcones Springs fill quickly, so checking official websites by January or February is advisable. Early registration may also qualify for discounts.
What is the typical cost of an overnight summer camp in Texas?
Costs vary widely. Pine Cove’s one-week Silverado session is $1,499 after a discount, while Camp Texas is $300 for a three-day program. Most overnight camps range from $1,000 to $2,500 per week. Day camps are generally less expensive, often $100 to $400 per week depending on the program.
Are there any non-religious overnight camps in Texas?
Yes. Camp Huawni and Camp Olympia are described as traditional (non-denominational) camps. Additionally, sleepawayz.com lists camps like Camp Champions and CYJ Texas, which may not have an explicit religious affiliation. Parents should review each camp’s mission statement or contact them directly.
Can I find summer camps near major Texas cities?
Yes. East Texas camps such as Camp Cho-Yeh and Camp Olympia are within an hour of Houston. The Hill Country offers options like Camp Balcones Springs and Camp Champions near Austin. For Dallas-Fort Worth families, Squad STX in Glen Rose is a short drive. City-specific day camps are also abundant in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio.
What activities do overnight camps in Texas offer?
Most camps provide swimming, canoeing, archery, ropes courses, arts and crafts, and team sports. Christian camps also include chapel and Bible study. Specialty camps focus on specific areas like STEM (Texas A&M) or arts (Texas Arts Project). The research pack did not include full activity lists for every camp, so checking each camp’s website is recommended.
With careful planning and early registration, Texas families can secure a memorable summer camp experience for their children in 2026. Whether choosing an overnight adventure in the Piney Woods or a day camp closer to home, the options are varied and plentiful.
