Why AstroCamp?
What is AstroCamp?
AstroCamp is a one- and two-week overnight summer camp in Southern California for kids and teens ages 8–17. Here, campers discover Adventure & Growth, Curiosity & Discovery, and Community & Belonging through hands-on STEM learning and outdoor adventure in the San Jacinto Mountains—a one-of-a-kind experience that’s inspired young explorers for over 45 years.
Programs That Fit Every Camper
One-Week Camp (ages 8–13): Outdoor adventure, hands-on activities, and classic camp fun.
Two-Week Camp (ages 12–17): Campers create their own schedule from 40+ activities, discovering new skills and passions.
Specialty Week: A “choose-your-own-adventure” experience where campers dive into themed tracks like Arts & Imagination, Mountain Explorer, Geek Week, and more.
Camp CHOP (ages 10–17): A culinary-focused overnight camp where young chefs explore cooking and baking in a hands-on food lab, guided by professional chef
Learn more about upcoming sessions on our Dates & Rates page
A Mountain Camp Like No Other
Located in the scenic San Jacinto Mountains, our 100-acre camp provides a safe, natural setting for exploration, challenge, and friendship. Campers stay in comfortable dorms, enjoy delicious meals in our lodge-style dining hall, and unplug from screens to reconnect with nature and each other.
Growth Beyond Summer
At AstroCamp, campers don’t just try new things, they grow. Through adventure, teamwork, and problem-solving, they gain confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging. The friendships formed here often last far beyond camp. Parents often tell us they see the difference long after camp, like: new confidence, curiosity, and friendships that last well beyond summer.
Staff Who Care
Our passionate, highly trained counselors and instructors create a welcoming community where every camper feels safe, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Meet the team behind the magic on our Staff Page.
Why Families Choose AstroCamp
AstroCamp gives campers the space to explore, create, and grow through hands-on science and outdoor adventure. From launching rockets to stargazing in the San Jacinto Mountains, every moment inspires confidence and curiosity. Explore our STEM Summer Camp Guide to see why families call AstroCamp one of California’s most trusted and inspiring overnight camp experiences.
Questions Families Often Ask
Parents often have questions about what life is like at AstroCamp—how our programs work, where we’re located, and what makes our community so special. Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions about our STEM-focused activities, outdoor adventures, and supportive camp environment.
What makes AstroCamp one of the best overnight summer camps in California?
For over 45 years, AstroCamp has inspired curiosity, confidence, and connection through hands-on STEM discovery and outdoor adventure. Located in the San Jacinto Mountains of Southern California, our accredited program blends science, exploration, and classic camp fun—earning recognition among California’s best overnight summer camps for kids and teens.
What ages can attend AstroCamp?
AstroCamp offers one- and two-week overnight summer sessions for campers ages 8–17. Each program is designed to meet campers where they are—encouraging independence, creativity, and personal growth in a safe, supportive environment.
Where is AstroCamp located?
AstroCamp is located in the mountain town of Idyllwild, CA about two hours east of Los Angeles. Our private campus is surrounded by beautiful pine forests and granite peaks—an ideal setting for hands-on science experiments, outdoor challenges, and stargazing under some of California’s clearest skies.
What makes AstroCamp different from other STEM or science camps?
AstroCamp combines science and adventure like no other program. Campers don’t just learn—they launch rockets, explore the stars, and challenge themselves on ropes courses and climbing walls. Our instructors bring STEM to life through interactive labs and real-world experiments that make learning unforgettable.
Is AstroCamp safe for first-time campers?
Absolutely. Safety and community are at the heart of everything we do. Our staff-to-camper ratio, accredited safety standards, and experienced counselors ensure every camper feels supported and cared for from the moment they arrive. Many first-time campers return year after year for new adventures and lifelong friendships. Learn more about camper saftey and support.
Ready to Launch Your Adventure?
Give your child the space to explore, create, and grow this summer. View Dates & Rates →
