Nothing quite captures the essence of a Texas summer like the experience of attending an away summer camp. The blazing sun, the vast open skies, the scent of pine and cedar – it’s a sensory symphony that evokes sweet nostalgia for many Texans, myself included. These overnight retreats offer more than just activities; they become a home away from home, forging lifelong friendships and shaping character. If you’re searching for enriching and memorable away summer camps in Texas, the heart of the beautiful Hill Country, particularly near Kerrville, holds a collection of institutions with deep roots and vibrant programs. Just a short drive west of San Antonio, this region’s rolling hills and clear rivers provide an idyllic backdrop for adventure and personal growth, setting them apart from options like some overnight summer camps in Austin.
Texas Hill Country: The Perfect Setting for Away Summer Camps
The unique landscape of the Texas Hill Country near Kerrville offers an unparalleled environment for summer camps. Imagine expansive canopies of ancient trees providing shade, while the sounds of nature replace city noise. The Guadalupe River meanders through the region, providing endless opportunities for water-based activities. This natural beauty isn’t just scenery; it’s an integral part of the camp experience, encouraging campers to connect with the outdoors and fostering a sense of peace and adventure away from the usual hustle and bustle. Many of these camps have thrived here for generations, becoming institutions deeply embedded in the fabric of Texas summers. Exploring the camps here reveals why the Hill Country remains one of the best places to visit in Texas, especially during the warmer months.
Heart O’ the Hills: A Legacy Among Girls’ Away Summer Camps in Texas
Heart O’ the Hills is instantly recognizable to many by its distinctive red-roofed cabins, some of which are part of a historic inn. Initially built in 1928 as lodging for parents visiting nearby camps, this structure became the heart of the camp in 1953, founded in memory of Jo Jones. While the camp has added more traditional “tepee” style cabins over the years, the inn remains a unique feature.
One fascinating aspect of Heart O’ the Hills is how Highway 39 literally runs through it. You might see campers riding horses on one side and splashing in the Guadalupe River on the other as you drive by. Beyond daily activities, Heart O’ the Hills hosts special events like Seminar Day, where campers delve into topics ranging from international cultures (Fiesta, Netball) to unique interests (Advanced Canoeing, Zip-lining, and even Harry Potter World!). It’s a place where tradition meets diverse, engaging experiences, solidifying its place among memorable away summer camps in Texas.
Camp La Junta: Boys’ Adventure at This Historic Away Summer Camp
With a history stretching back to 1928, Camp La Junta stands as a testament to enduring traditions in Texas summer camping. Its name, meaning “the gathering place,” perfectly encapsulates its mission: bringing generations of boys together. Camp La Junta focuses on challenging boys through sports and activities, teaching valuable life skills, and cultivating an appreciation for the outdoors, all while embracing the simple joys of summertime.
The range of activities is designed to offer experiences beyond the everyday, including mountain biking, trap and skeet shooting, and horseback riding. La Junta elevates the riding experience with “The Rough Riders,” a tradition since 1955. The top eight riders embark on a two-day ranching excursion, riding across miles of land, camping out, and engaging in authentic ranch work. This deep dive into Texas heritage and adventure makes it a premier choice among away summer camps in Texas for boys seeking real-world skills and unforgettable memories.
La Junta Texas summer campsA group of boys on horseback at Camp La Junta participating in the Rough Riders program during their Texas away summer camp experience.
Camp Longhorn: Inventing Fun at Texas Away Summer Camps
Since its founding in 1939 at Inks Lake, Camp Longhorn has been a beloved Texas summer institution, growing from a single location to three: Inks Lake, Indian Springs, and C3. While offering a multitude of activities, Camp Longhorn is perhaps most famous for inventing “the blob.” This massive inflatable on the water catapults campers high into the air, providing an exhilarating and memorable experience that has become synonymous with the camp.
Unlike some other camps, Longhorn emphasizes participation and leadership over pure competition. Their “Longhorn Rangers” program for 10th-grade boys exemplifies this, involving a multi-week adventure trip to Colorado and New Mexico focused on camping, fishing, rock climbing, and developing leadership skills. Upon returning, these Rangers apply their training as counselors and teachers. This blend of unique fun, outdoor adventure, and leadership development makes Longhorn a standout among away summer camps in Texas.
LonghornCampers enjoying the famous blob at Camp Longhorn, a key feature of this Texas away summer camp.
Camp Mystic: Deep Roots and Faith at a Texas Away Summer Camp
Driving along Highway 39 at night, you might spot the glowing “Mystic” sign atop a hill, a beacon for Camp Mystic campers and a symbol of a legacy dating back to 1926. Many attendees proudly share that their mothers, grandmothers, and even great-grandmothers experienced summers here. The sprawling 700-acre grounds are divided by the Guadalupe River, providing a refreshing escape from the Texas heat and a focal point for many activities.
Camp Mystic offers a wide array of sports and river activities, alongside a spirited team competition that culminates in a champion announcement each term. The camp is also renowned for its delicious food, with campers often raving about the flavorful dishes and the daily serving of Blue Bell ice cream after lunch – truly a Texas texas specialties treat! At its core, Mystic embraces a strong Christian identity, with Sundays dedicated to waterfront worship and vespers on Chapel Hill. With just over 400 campers per term, Mystic fosters a close-knit community, ideal for forming those cherished, lifelong friendships often made at away summer camps in Texas.
Mystic Texas summer campsThe iconic lit-up “Mystic” sign sits atop Sky High hill at Camp Mystic, a landmark for this classic Texas away summer camp.
Camp Stewart: Brotherhood and Specialties at This Texas Away Summer Camp
Established in 1924, Camp Stewart is the brother camp to Heart O’ the Hills, located just down the road. These two camps maintain a close relationship, even hosting brother/sister picnics for siblings attending each. Situated on over 500 acres, Stewart offers ample space for a diverse range of activities and programs.
For boys aged 13 and older, the camp provides Condor Specialty Programs, allowing teens to delve deeper into specific areas of interest through focused classes. These programs cover areas like Ranchman, Sportsman, Outdoorsman, and Campmaster. Beyond the daily schedule, Camp Stewart is known for its lively special events and traditions, such as Rodeo, Crazy Hat Breakfast, and the much-anticipated Mardi Gras Lunch. These unique traditions, combined with extensive activity options, make Camp Stewart a dynamic choice among away summer camps in Texas focused on brotherhood and skill-building.
StewartCampers participating in activities, showcasing the wide range of programs available at Camp Stewart, a leading Texas away summer camp for boys.
Vista Camps (Rio Vista & Sierra Vista): Texas’ Oldest Away Summer Camps
Holding the distinction of being the oldest camps on this list, Vista Camps have been welcoming young Texans since 1921. Comprised of Rio Vista for boys and Sierra Vista for girls, the camps share the same beautiful grounds along the Guadalupe River but operate with distinct schedules and activities, functioning more as brother-sister camps.
While offering classic camp activities, Vista Camps also feature unique options like “Just for Fun,” a dedicated free time period, and “Mega Mind,” where campers engage in science experiments. Though separate during the day, Rio Vista and Sierra Vista campers gather weekly for joint evening programs, including dances, picnics, and a carnival, fostering connection between the brother and sister camps. The profound history of Vista Camps means that generations of families have attended, sharing common memories and traditions. This deep-seated legacy makes Vista Camps a cornerstone among away summer camps in Texas. Many camps continue to build on decades of tradition, as seen in records and discussions surrounding iterations like Texas overnight summer camps 2022.
Rio Vista Texas summer campsA view of the riverfront at Vista Camps (either Rio Vista or Sierra Vista), highlighting the natural setting for these long-standing Texas away summer camps.
Camp Waldemar: Etiquette and Excellence at a Girls’ Away Summer Camp in Texas
Also nestled among the rolling hills and along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, Camp Waldemar has been a cherished summer retreat for girls since 1926. Its history is as deeply rooted as the cypress trees lining the riverbanks. From its inception, Waldemar’s mission has been to provide wholesome fun, an escape from the outside world, and to instill core values of faith, friendship, character, and self-esteem.
Waldemar is particularly well-known for its strong emphasis on etiquette and manners, especially during meals. Girls learn important dining customs, from using “please” and “thank you” to proper posture and trying every dish served. This focus on graciousness is made easier by the fact that the food preparation is overseen by a gourmet chef. Waldemar even offers its own cookbook featuring recipes from past eras, allowing the camp’s culinary traditions to live on. This unique blend of tradition, values, and refinement sets Waldemar apart as a distinguished option for away summer camps in Texas, offering a different kind of transformative summer experience.
WaldemarA group of girls enjoying an activity on the grounds of Camp Waldemar, emphasizing the community and experience at this historic Texas away summer camp.
Choosing an away summer camp in Texas means choosing an experience steeped in tradition, natural beauty, and personal growth. These Hill Country institutions offer unique programs and legacies that have shaped generations. Whether it’s the adventurous spirit of La Junta’s Rough Riders, the pure fun of Longhorn’s blob, the deep-rooted faith of Mystic, the specialized skills at Stewart, the historic legacy of Vista Camps, the refined focus on etiquette at Waldemar, or the unique setting of Heart O’ the Hills, each camp provides a distinct path to an unforgettable summer. They are more than just places to spend a few weeks; they are communities where friendships are forged, skills are learned, and the true magic of a Texas summer comes alive.