Portland Summer Camps 2026
Your complete guide to summer camps in Portland
Complete Guide to Portland Summer Camps
Portland families have access to an exceptional range of summer camps that reflect the region's distinctive outdoor culture, creative spirit, and commitment to environmental stewardship. From wilderness survival programs in Mt. Hood's foothills to rock band camps where kids write original music, Portland's camp scene is as diverse as the city itself. What sets Portland apart is the emphasis on experiential learning and connection to nature. Many camps take full advantage of the region's incredible access to forests, rivers, and mountainsβall within an hour of downtown. Whether your child dreams of kayaking the Willamette, learning to throw pottery, or building robots, there's a camp that fits. The Pacific Northwest's relatively mild summers create ideal conditions for outdoor activities that would be uncomfortably hot in other parts of the country. July and August temperatures typically hover in the 70s and 80s, with long daylight hours perfect for extended outdoor adventures.
Outdoor & Adventure
Nature & Environmental
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Writing & Literary
Music
STEM & Tech
Academic & Language
Sports
Overnight & Sleepaway
Specialty & Niche
Special Needs & Inclusive
Leadership & CIT
Portland Summer Camps: FAQs
Portland Camp Registration Timeline
Portland summer camp registration follows a predictable annual cycle that savvy local parents learn to navigate. Portland Parks & Recreation campsβamong the most affordable options in the cityβopen registration in late January and often fill within the first week. Premium outdoor programs like Trackers Earth and Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation (THPRD) camps typically open in early February and are known to fill within hours. OMSI camps and Portland Audubon nature programs follow in late February to early March. Private specialty camps (art, theater, STEM) generally have rolling registration starting in March. The key to Portland summer camp success is knowing your target camps' registration dates and being ready to register the moment they openβwe recommend setting calendar reminders for each camp you're interested in.
Never miss a deadline
Get reminders when registration opens for Portland camps
Ready to plan your summer?
Join thousands of families using our free tools to organize summer activities.
Track Registrations
Keep all camp bookings organized in one place
Deadline Reminders
Never miss when registration opens
Family Calendar
Share schedules with the whole family
Browse All Portland Summer Camp Categories
Find the perfect summer camp for your child from 75+ programs across 13 categories in Portland, OR