About the Guide
Summer planning starts here. The 828newsNOW Summer Camp Guide is a roundup of day camps and overnight camps across Asheville and Western North Carolina, organized by category so families can quickly find the right fit. You’ll see options for arts and crafts, faith-based programs, outdoor adventure, sports camps, STEM camps, and more, with each listing linking directly to camp details and registration.
Presenting Sponsor: Flat Rock Playhouse
Flat Rock Playhouse is North Carolina’s State Theatre and a year-round destination for live performances in Henderson County.
Support from our sponsors helps make this free guide possible.
Arts & Crafts
Looking for art camps near Asheville? This list includes hands-on arts and crafts camps across Western North Carolina, from painting and pottery to theater, music, dance, and creative workshops. Each listing links to dates and details so you can see what fits your kid’s age and schedule.
Faith-Based
These faith-based summer camps are located across Asheville and Western North Carolina, with options that mix camp activities with values-based programming. If you’re looking for a church camp, Bible camp, or a faith-centered day camp, start here for dates and registration links.
Outdoors & Adventure
For kids who want to be outside all day, these outdoor and adventure camps around Asheville focus on things like hiking, nature programs, climbing, paddling, and hands-on outdoor skills. Listings include locations and session dates, with links to camp details.
Overnight
Want the classic sleepaway camp experience without going far? This section includes overnight summer camps in Western North Carolina and nearby mountain communities. You’ll find locations, session dates, and links to camp websites so you can compare options.
Sports
These sports camps around Asheville include skill camps, clinics, and multi-sport programs across Western North Carolina. If your kid wants to stay active this summer, this list is a good place to start for locations, dates, and registration info.
STEM
STEM camps in the Asheville area cover science, technology, engineering, and math, with many programs focused on coding, robotics, and hands-on projects. This list includes camp locations and session dates, plus links to details and registration.
FAQ: Planning and choosing a summer camp in Asheville and WNC
When should families in Asheville and Western North Carolina start looking at camps?
Earlier than most people think. Many popular camps start filling spots well before spring, so February is a good time to research options and narrow down what works for your schedule.
What’s a simple timeline to follow for camp registration?
Use a three-step rhythm: February (research, budget, and plan around vacations), March (watch for registration dates and get paperwork or online accounts ready), and May/June (look for welcome emails, supply lists, and any orientations).
What questions should parents ask before enrolling in a summer camp?
Start with the basics: the camp’s history, who is eligible to attend, staff training and experience, what a typical day looks like, and how much physical activity is built in.
How can families compare camps quickly when everything sounds good online?
Ask camps to walk you through a typical day (schedule, activities, supervision, and policies). It’s one of the fastest ways to see whether a camp feels like a good fit for your child.
What are a few real benefits parents look for in summer camp?
Locally, families often prioritize the practical wins: kids stay social when school is out, they try new activities, and they spend more time outdoors instead of sitting inside all summer.
My child does fine during the school year, but summer feels long. Can camp help with routine?
Yes. Camp can add structure to summer days without feeling like school, which can be especially helpful when the usual school-year routine disappears.
Do we really need to think about camp that early?
If you want specific weeks or popular programs, yes. Many camps cap enrollment, and the timeline article notes that competition for spots can be significant.
What’s the one thing parents should double-check before paying?
Policies and logistics: confirm dates, what the camp requires for registration, and any refund or cancellation policies so there are no surprises later.
More camp tips
Questions to ask before enrolling in a summer camp
Three benefits of attending summer camp in Asheville and WNC
Summer camp sign-ups timeline for Asheville and WNC families