Best Summer Camps Around San Juan Capistrano, CA

Summer is fast approaching, and you’ll want to snag a spot fast if you plan to participate in summer camps. There are several options for families to choose from in the San Juan Capistrano area. Whether your kids are itching to get in the water or crazy for horses, there’s something in the area that’s sure to delight. Check out these summer camp options and sign up for your favorites early to make sure you get a spot.

Summer Camp at Lazy W Ranch

The Lazy W Ranch offers a wide variety of summer camps that cater to kids of all ages. These faith-based camps are thoughtfully structured to help children build their relationships with God while also forming strong friendships with one another. The camps typically include prayer stations, worship groups, ropes courses, arts and crafts, swimming, gaga pits, and campfire fun. Campers stay in rustic cabins with five sets of bunk beds in each. There’s a central bath house just a short walk away.

Camps include:

• Adventure Camp (July 2 to 7, 2023): Grades seven to 10.
• Little Canyoneers (July 9 to 12, 2023): Grades one to three.
• Elementary Camp (July 9 to 14, 2023): Grades three to six.
• Junior High Camp (July 16 to 21, 2023): Grades six to nine.
• Senior High Camp (July 23 to 29, 2023): Grades nine through graduating seniors.
• Nature Camp (Dates TBD): Grades six to eight.

Camps have a minimum ratio of one staff member for every seven campers to ensure that all participants get ample attention. In most cases, the actual ratio is closer to one supervisor for every four campers. 

Location: 23852 Hot Springs Canyon Road, San Juan Capistrano.

KG Beach Camps

KG Beach Camps offer three different camp options for children aged 4 through 13. The Mini Minnows camp for kids aged 4 to 6 is a three-hour day camp that allows kids to hunt for crabs, build sandcastles, sing camp songs, do arts and crafts, and play outdoor games. Though Mini Minnows do visit the beach, they don’t yet go in the water.

Kids aged 6 to 9 can attend Beach Safari camp. This day camp lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids engage in sand sculpting, explore tide pools, and enjoy water activities. The camp even includes a catamaran excursion. Between the ages of 9 and 13, kids can attend H2O Adventure camp. This day camp also lasts from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to crafts and games, campers also get to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, rowing, and sailing. 

Each camp runs for one week, from Monday through Friday. Camps are available from June 12 through August 4.

Location: 34451 Ensenada Place, Dana Point.

Endless Summer Surf Camp

Endless Summer Surf Camp is located in the San Onofre State Park. Throughout the week, campers learn all the essentials of surfing, from paddling out and catching a wave to the proper way to stand and balance on the board. As camp progresses, attendees explore more in-depth topics such as turning techniques and wave selection. Surf safety, etiquette, and ocean awareness are covered as well.

Those attending overnight camp stay at the park campground. When overnight campers aren’t surfing, they can enjoy touring the city of San Clemente, skateboarding, ping pong, and board games. In the evenings, the Low Tide Lounge offers movies and music so everyone can unwind and prepare for the next day.

Location: San Onofre State Park Campground, Old Pacific Highway, south of San Clemente.

Bridges Horse Camps

Bridges Equestrian offers half-day and full-day horse camps for kids between the ages of 8 and 14. Each day of camp includes one 45-minute riding lesson along with horse-related clinics and hands-on horse care activities. The camp also includes mounted and unmounted games every day of the week. Children attending the full-day camp receive two riding lessons on Monday. 

The riding is primarily English style with some Western, dressage, and bareback techniques thrown in for additional entertainment. Students must bring their own meals and snacks. They may borrow boots and helmets, but these items aren’t cleaned by the staff between uses. 

Location: 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano.

Woodland Farms Equestrian Camp

Summer camps at Woodland Farms take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday. These camps include a full day of fun and activities. Participants learn how to groom, bathe, and feed horses properly. They also handle tack-up, participate in riding lessons, and go through the appropriate after-care procedures to un-tack the horse when lessons are over. Veterinary and farrier classes teach kids the importance of working with the right professionals for proper horse care.

The camp also includes plenty of playtime activities, such as arts and crafts with horses, horse-related movies and stories, and more. On the last day of camp, everyone enjoys a pizza party to celebrate their accomplishments.

Location: 26282 Oso Road, San Juan Capistrano.

CampCo Recreation

Lake Mission Viejo members between the ages of 5 and 12 can participate in summer camp at the lake. Camp lasts from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Daily activities include team-building games, arts and crafts, sports, science experiments, and nature activities. Kids can even go out on the water in party boats or have a splash swimming. Campers aged 8 and over can use pedal boats, and those aged 10 and up can use trikes and kayaks.

Each day of the week has its own theme with special competitions such as Giant Jenga, parachute games, and Thunderdome. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the camp includes catch-and-release fishing later in the evening. There are 10 weeks of camp to choose from, but spots fill up fast for this wildly popular summer activity.

Location: Lake Mission Viejo, North Beach.

Do you know other great summer camp options in and around San Juan Capistrano? Contact our team at Capistrano Volkswagen and let us know! We want all the best suggestions in the area for families who stop by our lot.