Let’s play a little game. How far into your kids’ summer vacation do you think you’ll have to be before you tell them (or want to tell them) to go jump in a lake? Days? Hours? Minutes? Sign your kids up for any of these summer camps near Bergen County NJ offering a lake experience and you can say it on the first day you send them off to camp!
Day Camp In The Park – Situated on 500+ acres of nature preserve in Harriman State Park in Rockland County, Day Camp In The Park offers a superior camp experience to kids from Rockland, Bergen, Westchester and Manhattan. Campers at DCITP can swim, boat, fish or sail on the lake or, they can take advantage of the water bikes, the water inflatables or the water slides. They’ll never want to leave! (6 Kendall Drive, New City, NY 845.638.2515)
Spring Lake Day Camp – This terrific camp, located in Ringwood, NJ, gives kids an opportunity to test their open water chops on a 5-acre spring fed lake that includes rocks and sand. Campers can boat, fish and zip line over the water. Best of all, their wholesome daily lunch is served overlooking the lake, providing a welcome respite from the activities of the day. (234 Conklintown Road, Ringwood, NJ 973-831-9000)
YWCA Bergen County – Visit Camp Ma-Kee-Ya, the YWCA summer camp located in Darlington County Park in Mahwah, and you’ll be sure to get your fill of lake time. Kayaks, canoes, daily American Red Cross swim lessons and Aqua Adventures, a structured free swim under the guidance of certified waterfront staff, are just a few of the many water activities campers will enjoy at this fun and affordable camp. Or, your camper can just relax and play with friends on the lake’s spacious sand beach. (Camp Ma-Kee-Ya, 600 Darlington Dr., Mahwah, NJ 201-444-5600 x.352)
Camp Ramaquois – A traditional camp set on a 5-acre lake, Camp Ramaquois is set up for lakeside fun. With a water trampoline, aqua glide and iceberg, kids will love the variety of their lake time activities. Best of all for parents, junior campers’ swimming suits are laundered nightly and fresh towels are provided for each water activity. (30 Mountain Road, Pomona, NY 845-354-1600)
Deer Mountain Day Camp – Set into the 25 acres this mountainside location, complete with spring fed lake, features boating, fishing and, best of all, the beloved aqua track floating obstacle course. That’s right, your kid can channel their inner ninja warrior at camp rather than on the sofa in your living room! (63 Call Hollow Road, Pomona, NY 845-354-2727)
Deerkill Day Camp – One of the smaller private camps in the area, Deerkill, situated on 15 acres in Suffern, NY and beloved for its committed, friendly staff, features a pond for boating activities. (54 Wilder Road, Suffern, NY 845-354-1466)
Blue Rill Day Camp – Safety is first at Blue Rill Day Camp so extra staff is added when your camper hits the water. Kids will boat and fish under the watchful eye of counselors as they enjoy everything the beautiful lake has to offer. (444 Saddle River Road, Airmont, NY 845-352-3521)
