Travel

10 family resorts that feel like summer camp for all ages

Capture the Magic of Summer Camp

No matter your age, the allure of summer camp activities—horseback riding, archery, swimming, crafts, and roasting s’mores under the stars—remains irresistible. Resorts like The Resort at Paws Up in Montana and Sundance Resort in Utah bring this magic to life, offering a wide array of activities for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family resort, or a multi-generational vacation spot, these destinations promise fun and adventure.

Barnsley Resort, Adairsville, Georgia

Nestled on 3,000 acres of pristine meadows, lakes, and forests, Barnsley Resort offers traditional lodge-style accommodations, standalone cottages, and entire vacation homes, catering to couples, friends, and families alike. Activities include ax throwing, sport clay shooting, archery, horseback riding, arts and crafts, and evening whiskey tastings. With a golf course, swimming pool, spa, and locally sourced cuisine, Barnsley stands out as a top Southern destination resort.

The Resort at Paws Up, Greenough, Montana

Known for its luxurious glamping tents, The Resort at Paws Up combines comfort with the great outdoors on a 37,000-acre working cattle ranch. Activities include ATV tours, horseback riding, fly fishing, mountain biking, geocaching, go-karts, an aerial adventure park, and cow croquet. For a unique culinary experience, book a treehouse or glass house in The Green O, where a James Beard-recognized chef crafts an eight-course dinner nightly.

Brasada Ranch, Powell Butte, Oregon

Located in the high desert and surrounded by mountains, Brasada Ranch offers beautiful views and pleasant weather year-round. The resort features traditional rooms, bungalows, and cabins for groups of all sizes. Activities include an upscale spa, year-round golf, horseback riding, fishing, indoor and outdoor pools, a waterslide, a lazy river, crafts, and a kids’ clubhouse. The sunsets are particularly spectacular.

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Florida

After extensive renovations following Hurricane Ian, The Ritz-Carlton Naples reopened in summer 2023 with a new Vanderbilt Tower, nine eateries, and the largest Ritz-Carlton club lounge outside Dubai. Families love the Ritz Kids program, which offers cooking classes, scavenger hunts, and more. The oceanfront resort features cabanas, plush lounge chairs, kayaking, parasailing, and three pools for families, adults, and spa guests. A shuttle service connects guests to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburon, for additional activities like golf, tennis, and waterslides.

Carneros Resort and Spa, Napa, California

Carneros Resort and Spa, a perennial best wine country hotel winner, appeals to both kids and adults. Cottage-style rooms and standalone homes offer privacy for romantic getaways or families. The resort features two pools: an adults-only pool with sweeping valley views and a family pool. Activities include pickleball clinics, live music, wine blending, saberage demonstrations, kids’ club, outdoor movie nights, garden tours, and scavenger hunts.

Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

Located in Lake Geneva, Grand Geneva Resort and Spa offers diverse activities each season, ensuring a different vacation every visit. Local activities include skiing, a climbing wall, two golf courses, disc golf, indoor and outdoor pools, archery, an arcade, mini bowling, and the Timber Ridge Lodge Indoor/Outdoor Water Park, voted one of the best indoor water parks by 10Best readers.

Adventures on the Gorge, Lansing, West Virginia

Adventures on the Gorge is ideal for exploring New River Gorge National Park. Lodging options include camping, glamping, various cabins, and vacation homes to suit different budgets and styles. Activities are the main draw, with options like white water rafting, kayaking, ziplining, rock climbing, fishing, paintball, obstacle courses, and jetboat tours.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort, Stateline, Nevada

One of the only resorts on Lake Tahoe’s shores, Edgewood Tahoe Resort features a private beach, lawn games, and Adirondack chairs for relaxing with a view. The resort also boasts one of the best public golf courses in the country, hosting the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament every July. Summer camp-like experiences include nightly s’mores, movies on the lawn, crafts, astronomy tours, ice skating, a ski shuttle in winter, a year-round heated outdoor pool, a spa, and luxury boat rentals.

Tanque Verde Ranch, Tucson, Arizona

Live like a “Yellowstone” character at this Arizona dude ranch. Activities at Tanque Verde Ranch include horseback riding, guided hikes, swimming, yoga, fishing, spa treatments, and kids’ day and overnight camps. The all-inclusive package offers lodging, three daily meals, horseback riding, nature programs, and supervised kids’ activities for a comprehensive ranch experience.

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