There’s no place like Black Mountain, NC for summer camps and retreats

All along the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains near the charming town of Black Mountain, North Carolina, every summer comes alive with an abundance of summer camp experiences for kids and teens.

Within the rolling green forests and clearings, our home away from home provides the perfect backdrop for adventure, friendship, and personal growth. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, paddling on sparkling mountain lakes, or gathering around a crackling campfire under a star-studded sky, every moment at camp is filled with wonder and fun!

Beyond the natural beauty, attending a summer camp in or near Black Mountain is a time for kids to unplug from screens, connect with new friends, and build confidence through creative activities. No matter which camp you choose, these long-established and welcoming camp communities foster independence, resilience, and a sense of belonging, all while surrounded by one of the most picturesque landscapes in the country.

Kids don’t just make memories during their time at summer camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains. They have opportunities to discover a deeper connection to nature, to each other, and to themselves. We hope to see your kids this summer!


2025 Summer Camps

There truly is no place like Black Mountain, NC for summer camps and retreats! Check out our 2025 listing, and if we have accidentally omitted your favorite camp, please contact us so that we can add it.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts

 

Each week from July through mid-August, campers ages 3-9 enjoy music, dance, and crafts centered around different fun and educational themes. At the end of each week, campers perform a showcase of what they’ve learned on the BMCA stage.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at blackmountainarts.org/summercamp

​Cragmont Camp and Retreat Center

 

Cragmont offers seven youth summer camp weeks beginning in mid-June through the end of July. These summer camp weeks are staffed and directed by volunteers and offer Christian camp experience for those ages 9-18. Each week is unique and different, yet all are filled with instruction, recreation, worship, music and fun.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at cragmontassembly.com/wp/summercamp

Camp Grier

 

Through summer camps, adult camps, and weekend retreats, Camp Grier reconnects campers to nature with hundreds of acres filled with mountains, trails, waterfalls, a lake, and views for miles. With a focus on serving others through faith, Camp Grier fosters a sense of commitment and giving to the environment, each other, and within themselves.
Located in Old Fort, NC. Learn more at campgrier.org/summer-camps

Hollymont Camp for Girls

 

While Hollymont’s winter office is in Black Mountain, the camp itself is located in the mountains of Georgia. Campers enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, creating opportunities for campers to think and act independently within a safe and nurturing Christian community.
Located in Rabun Gap, GA (winter office in Black Mountain). Learn more at hollymont.com

Camp Lakey Gap

 

Camp Lakey Gap is a week-long residential camp for autistic campers. The camp serves both children and adults, grouped together by age and assigned to different weeks. Staff members are trained to incorporate evidence-based strategies for supporting people with autism into all elements of their program.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at camplakeygap.org 

Camp Merri-Mac

 

A Christian summer camp for girls. Merri-Mac staff pride themselves on paying attention to details, and building places where girls grow through friends and adventure.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at merri-mac.com

Camp Rockmont

 

A Christian summer camp for boys ages 7-17, Camp Rockmont focuses on growth in self-confidence, independence, leadership ability, and character. Young men come to Rockmont to have fun, make friends, and grow as individuals. Camp Rockmont is located on the site of the former Black Mountain College.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at rockmont.com

Camp Timberlake

 

A Christian summer camp for boys, Timberlake strives not only to provide a summer of fun and recreation but to develop young boys’ characters so that they will be stronger mentally, physically, and spiritually.
Located in Marion, NC (winter office in Black Mountain). Learn more at camptimberlake.com 

Crestridge

 

The aim of Crestridge, a two-week summer camp program for girls, is for campers to go home different than when they arrive. The camp draws its strength from its God-centric mission, its strong sense of tradition, a mindset focused on safety, and the development of an unbelievably fun environment.
Located in Ridgecrest, NC (office in Black Mountain). Learn more at ridgecrestcamps.com

Ridgecrest

 

The aim of Ridgecrest, a two-week summer camp program for boys, is for campers to go home different than when they arrive. The camp draws its strength from its God-centric mission, its strong sense of tradition, a mindset focused on safety, and the development of an unbelievably fun environment.
Located in Ridgecrest, NC (office in Black Mountain). Learn more at ridgecrestcamps.com

Sunshine Retreats

 

Sunshine Retreats offer adults with disabilities the opportunity to build connections with peers and others in a caring community. With the support of our trained staff, attendees enjoy a variety of activities designed to accentuate strengths and build upon emerging skills and interests.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at christmount.org/sunshine-retreats

Town of Black Mountain Summer Camp

 

Black Mountain Summer Camp (BMSC) is a day camp for rising 1st graders through rising 6th graders. We are very active and enjoy exploring our local pools, parks, walking trails, creeks and local attractions. BMSC encourages campers to enjoy adventure, to be creative, to nurture others and themselves in a safe environment.
Located in Black Mountain, NC. Learn more at townofblackmountain.org/2540/Summer-Camp

Windy Gap

 

A a resort-quality camp owned and operated by Young Life, Windy Gap offers campers a beautiful setting that includes amazing views of the surrounding mountains, lush forest, and Upper Flat Creek. To attend a camp at Windy Gap, contact your local chapter of Young Life for more information.
Located in Weaverville, NC. Learn more at windygap.younglife.org

 
 

About the Author

This blog story was written by Amy J. Schultz, an award-winning author, brand/marketing strategist, and overall creative type. She, her husband Brian, and their giant dog Bentley love their downtown Black Mountain neighborhood.

Previous
Previous

Take a walk through art history: Black Mountain College campus tours and {Re}HAPPENING

Next
Next

Top craft breweries and distilleries to visit in Black Mountain, NC