Portland, OR

Portland Summer Camps 2026

Your complete guide to summer camps in Portland

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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 mountainsβ€”all 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.

Portland Summer Camps: FAQs

Most popular Portland summer camps open registration in January or February, with many filling up by March. We recommend starting your research in December and being ready to register as soon as your preferred camps open. Some camps, like Trackers Earth, fill within hours of opening.
Portland summer camp costs vary widely. Day camps typically range from $200-400 per week, while specialty camps (tech, outdoor adventure) can run $400-600 per week. Overnight camps cost $500-1,200 per week. Many camps offer sibling discounts, early bird pricing, and need-based scholarships.
Many Portland camps accept children starting at age 4 or 5 for half-day programs. Full-day camps typically start at age 6. By ages 8-10, kids are ready for more specialized programs and overnight adventures. Consider your child's comfort with new environments and their interest level when choosing.
Yes! Several excellent overnight camps operate within 1-2 hours of Portland. Options include camps at Mt. Hood, the Oregon Coast, and the Columbia Gorge. Many Portland-based programs like Trackers Earth offer overnight options at their Sandy property.
Many Portland camps offer scholarships, sliding scale fees, or payment plans. Portland Parks & Recreation has a scholarship program for city-run camps. Non-profits like Trackers Earth and Camp Fire have dedicated financial aid. Ask each camp about their assistance options when registering.
Portland offers an exceptional variety of summer camps reflecting the city's diverse interests. Outdoor and adventure camps take advantage of nearby Mt. Hood, Forest Park, and the Willamette River for hiking, kayaking, and wilderness skills. STEM camps at OMSI and local tech organizations teach coding, robotics, and science. Arts camps cover everything from music production and theater to ceramics and glassblowing. Sports camps range from traditional team sports to skateboarding, climbing, and martial arts. Specialty camps focus on cooking, language learning, academic enrichment, and unique experiences like blacksmithing or game design. Most camps offer programs for ages 4-17, with many providing progressive skill development as kids grow.
Start by considering your child's interests and personalityβ€”do they thrive outdoors, love creating art, or get excited about technology? Think about practical factors like location, schedule (half-day vs. full-day), and whether you need before/after care. Read reviews and talk to other parents, but remember that every child is different. Many Portland camps offer open houses or trial sessions in springβ€”these are invaluable for helping kids (and parents) get a feel for the program. Consider your child's comfort with new situations; younger or more cautious kids may do better starting with shorter programs or camps where they already know other children. Trust your instincts about camp culture and staff quality.
Transportation and extended care options vary significantly by camp. Portland Parks & Recreation camps typically don't include transportation but many offer extended hours for working parents. Private camps like Trackers Earth sometimes offer bus pickup from central locations. Some specialty camps, particularly outdoor adventure programs like OMSI Camp Gray, include transportation from Portland to their locations (in OMSI's case, to the Oregon Coast). For camps without built-in options, many families coordinate carpools through parent Facebook groups or neighborhood networks. When comparing camps, factor in the total time commitment including drop-off and pickup logisticsβ€”this can significantly impact which camp works best for your family's schedule.

Portland Camp Registration Timeline

Portland summer camp registration follows a predictable annual cycle that savvy local parents learn to navigate. Portland Parks & Recreation campsβ€”among the most affordable options in the cityβ€”open 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 openβ€”we recommend setting calendar reminders for each camp you're interested in.

1
Research Season
November - December: Browse camp options, read reviews, note registration dates for your top picks
2
Portland Parks Opens
Late January: PP&R summer camp registration opensβ€”set a reminder and register immediately
3
Premium Outdoor Camps
Early February: Trackers Earth, THPRD, and similar programs begin registration
4
STEM & Nature Camps
Late February - March: OMSI, Audubon, and educational camps open enrollment
5
Private & Specialty
March - April: Art, theater, and private specialty camps accept registrations
6
Waitlist Season
April - June: Check waitlists regularlyβ€”spots open as families' plans change

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Mt. Hood & Forest Park accessStrong maker/DIY cultureOutdoor education focusVibrant arts sceneEnvironmental stewardship
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Find the perfect summer camp for your child from 75+ programs across 13 categories in Portland, OR