A Favorite Among Summer Camps In The Carolinas Is One Of ‘America’s Best’
Summer camp is a rite of passage for kids all across the country. And, a favorite among summer camps in the Carolinas is one of ‘America’s Best’ according to Newsweek. Plus, it’s a legendary spot in South Carolina that campers first enjoyed more than 80 years ago. Of course, we’re talking about Camp Thunderbird on Lake Wylie.
So, Camp Thunderbird holds a special place in the hearts of our family in particular. My husband’s grandparents had a home right on the lake for decades. And, he and his cousins spent many summers water skiing that lake. Also, his dad actually attended Camp Thunderbird all those years ago. Eventually, our son, who is now 22 also joined in the Camp Thunderbird fun multiple summers.

Our son posing by his bunk in a cabin at Camp Thunderbird on drop off day.
Plus, because it sits so close to the North Carolina border, Camp Thunderbird is convenient for so many families in both states. It’s a mere 30 minutes from Charlotte. And, I remember how excited our son was to attend his first adventure at an overnight camp. So, I’m happy that he had that experience at one of the best summer camps in the Carolinas.
And, while plenty of kids might have some nerves about the first time away from home, our son always arrived happy and eager for us to drop and go. So, that’s how I knew it was a positive experience for him. He learned to water ski and sail in addition to golfing clinics and so much more. At one point, he even discussed returning as a counselor when he got older.
Therefore, when I saw Charlotte Parent publish a guide for summer camps in the Carolinas, I took a walk down memory lane. Their list has amazing suggestions for every camper’s preference. So, you find everything from outdoor adventure at all levels such as water sports, hiking and soccer to chess, art, music and dance.
However, no matter what your child chooses, encourage them to have fun and make wonderful memories at any of the wonderful summer camps in the Carolinas.
23 Overnight Summer Camps To Send Your North Carolina Kids To In 2023
It’s time to start making summer plans. Are you going to let your kids just stay home all summer? Or do you want them to have the experience of a lifetime? What about sending them to camp? There are tons of overnight camps in North Carolina. I’ll never forget my first experience with camp. After spending a weekend at some with my dad for what is now called Y Guides, falling in love with the movie The Parent Trap, and hearing about my friend’s experience I knew I wanted to try it. So this shy little 8-year-old went to camp for a week and fell in love. That week-long session turned to two weeks, to a 4-week stint as a Counselor in Training, and finally 4 years of the best job ever.
Full disclosure I made my choice because it was the camp my friend went to (she ended up going somewhere else a couple of years later). The other deciding factor was that I liked the food. Maybe not the best metrics, but I never once regretted that decision. I spent 13 summers at camp and in total almost a full year of my life. And I’m not going to lie doing the research for this list made me a little homesick for those times. I’m a fierce advocate that it’s something every kid should experience at least once. In fact, I regularly donate to a campaign that helps send kids to camp that otherwise can’t afford it. Because it’s not cheap to house, feed, and entertain your child for an extended period of time. But if you have the financial ability to give the experience to your child I promise you it’s worth it.
I could talk forever about how camp changed my life and turned that tiny, shy 8-year-old into someone she could have never pictured. From the opportunities, the goals, the failures, the successes, the friends, the friends, and counselors, and the new experiences it truly made me who I am today. No matter what you are looking for there is an overnight camp nearby that can fit the needs of your child.
Some are co-ed others are all-girl or all-boy. Maybe a small intimate experience fits best for your kids. While a large camp was just what this only child needed. Some offer a more rustic experience others have cabins and buildings with air conditioning. You can choose to be deep in the mountains, on the coast, or on a lake somewhere in between. Many offer similar activities and schedules. Each place has something that makes it unique whether that’s a rich history or a new story your child can help write.
There are many more camps I could have put on this list, but here are a few to get you started. Some I have attended for a weekend, one I still go back to for alumni events. Others are ones I have friends that attended and some I was just introduced to today.
23 Overnight Summer Camps To Send Your North Carolina Kids To In 2023
Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.