The best family camps in the USA for a throwback summer vacation

Have you ever watched Dirty Dancing and wished you could spend the summer in a delightful mountain resort with your family – but also escape from them (with or without a young Patrick Swayze) whenever you want? Lucky for you, the perfect multigenerational resort — aka family camp — does exist. A handful of standout camps across the USA are truly turning heads and luring families back summer after summer. And that’s the true joy of these often retro-inspired resorts: They encourage you to build a tradition with your family, returning again and again, because once you arrive, staying there is just so easy.

These throwback camps are heavy on amenities and light on forethought. Whether you're craving a rustic retreat in the wilds of Montana or a simple stay within driving distance of New York City, there's a family-friendly camp for your taste and adventure level. So pick one from this list, book your summer stay, and then just show up. These family camps will take care of the rest.

1. Ofland Escalante, Utah

Best for the Old West

Ofland is exactly what it sounds like: of the land. This remote desert oasis combines retro Western with minimalist design — complete with an on-site drive-in movie theater permanently populated with classic cars where you can cuddle up in front of the big screen. Ofland is ideal for families who want southern Utah’s wilderness with high-quality amenities (hello, luxe private outdoor showers). Plus, the food from Ofland’s general store and food truck is phenomenal — we went back for the same portobello burger two meals in a row.

What you’ll do: When you’re not relaxing by the fire, at the drive-in or eating in the chic community dining area, explore the world-famous hiking trails and spooky slot canyons of Grand Staircase–Escalante National Monument. Vendors in the town of Escalante provide equipment rentals and guided tours, including horseback riding, fishing and via ATV.

When to go: Ofland Escalante is ideal in spring and fall, when temperatures are more temperate. (It’s closed during the winter.) Book in advance, especially during peak seasons, as this is a popular destination for both families and those seeking solitude.

Getting there: It ain’t easy to get to Ofland, but it’s worth it. You’ll need to fly into Las Vegas, NV, or Salt Lake City, UT, then rent a car. It’s a scenic 5-hour drive from either airport to Escalante. Yes, it’s a long time in a car, but it’s a road trip through some of the most beautiful landscape in the USA. And when you come around the bend after dark and see Ofland twinkling in the desert, you’ll feel like you just found paradise.

2. The Graham & Co, New York

Best for a boutique feel

A fan favorite for Brooklyn hipsters and out-of-state families, The Graham & Co offers a laid-back but always curated retreat in Phoenicia, in the Catskill Mountains. It’s a design-forward renovated motel — summer camp meets boutique hotel — and I have loved it since I first stayed there right after it opened in 2013.

What you’ll do: Hiking, biking and river swimming make building core memories easy during the warm Catskill summers – just like Baby! The Graham has an outdoor pool, yoga, a cozy fire pit for s'mores and live music some evenings. Don’t miss kayaking on the nearby Esopus Creek and high-end comfort food at Phoenicia Diner.

When to go: Visit in late spring or summer for warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, or aim for winter if you’re a ski fiend. The most important time to book early is during peak fall foliage season; this is the Catskills after all.

Getting there: Fly into Albany, NY, which is 90 minutes away, or for a wider flight selection, pick a New York City airport (JFK or LaGuardia) and drive 2.5 hours to Phoenicia. There’s also Amtrak train service to nearby Rhinecliff, NY, and bus service from NYC’s Port Authority. A car will be helpful for getting around the area, but it’s not 100% necessary — I’ve done multiple trips to The Graham by bus.

3. Canyon Lodge & Cabins, Wyoming

Best for nature

If you’re looking for a family-friendly vacation that’s immersed in nature, you can’t beat staying inside the protected wilderness of Yellowstone National Park. At Canyon Lodge & Cabins, you’ll have history (and bison and osprey and bears, oh my) right on your doorstep. The resort is rustic but comfortable, with a no-frills, authentic feel and a convenient on-site cafeteria.

What you’ll do: Canyon Lodge is the ideal base camp for exploring Yellowstone’s geothermal features, like the Old Faithful geyser. My family went with local tour company Austin Adventures for guided hikes, tours of the geysers and animal spotting at dawn in Hayden Valley. Kids can also participate in educational programming to become a Junior Ranger, which was my son’s favorite part of the entire trip.

When to go: Summer is peak season; visiting in late spring or early fall offers fewer crowds and more affordable rates.

Getting there: You can fly into Bozeman, MT, and rent a car to drive 2.75 hours through incredible scenery to Yellowstone. But I actually recommend flying into Billings-Logan International Airport. It adds an hour to the drive but is a much more affordable starting point — both for flights and fun add-on nights in surprisingly cool Billings, MT.

4. Camp Fimfo, Texas

Best for amenities

For Southern charm with a family-friendly atmosphere, head to Camp Fimfo in New Braunfels, which merges KOA-style camping with elevated amenities, plus a lively water park, in Texas Hill Country. Rent a cabin, an RV or a very affordable tent site, and get access to all the playful conveniences this resort has for kids of all ages.

What you’ll do: You can’t possibly do all the activities available at Camp Fimfo — from the water park and tubing on the Guadalupe River to zip-lining and gem hunting. There's also a mini-golf course, basketball courts, and a bar, restaurant and pioneer-themed coffee cart.

When to go: Summer is the peak season, thanks to the Texas heat and all those water activities, but spring and fall offer milder weather and fewer crowds.

Getting there: Fly into San Antonio, TX, and rent a car for the easy 45-minute drive to New Braunfels.

5. Sandy Pines Campground, Maine

Best for glamping

Situated in a tranquil salt marsh in Kennebunkport, Sandy Pines is a “glampground” where nostalgic Maine summer vibes meet pretty accommodations – with air-conditioning. Family campers can mingle at the retro general store; everything is available for purchase here, from alcohol to lobster roll fixings. There’s also a heated saltwater pool, seriously clean bathhouses and a modern lounge space with board games and a fireplace for those chillier coastal nights.

What you’ll do: Biking, hiking, arts and crafts — you name it, Sandy Pines has got it. Your family can go fishing, go paddleboarding or just relax by the pool and splash pad. There’s a private beach for swimming, kayaking and beach games. The campgrounds are bordered by the seaside towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, both of which are brimming with boutiques, excellent seafood spots and, of course, sandy beaches like Goose Rocks. You can even try a lobster boat or whale-watching tour; it doesn’t get much more Maine than that.

When to go: Summer is the peak time to aim for, but spring and fall are also lovely (and more affordable).

Getting there: Fly into Portland, ME, about 30 minutes away. You can take a rideshare straight to Sandy Pines, but renting a car is recommended to get around the area.

6. Paws Up, Montana

Best for cowboys

Paws Up is a sprawling 37,000-acre ranch in Montana’s wilderness that does a glamorous take on cowboy culture. Multiple generations of your family will feel at ease here, since there’s something for high-energy outdoor lovers and sit-by-the-fire-pit relaxers alike.

What you’ll do: Everything or absolutely nothing. Horseback ride through expansive meadows, go on a hot-air balloon ride, tackle white water rafting, or chill out in the Tree Haus. There's also an exciting kids’ camp where littles can explore nature, do arts and crafts, and learn outdoor skills. In the evenings, enjoy a family BBQ under the stars or attend a Western-style cookout.

When to go: Book during summer months for the best weather and activity selection, though Paws Up also offers winter picks like snowshoeing and dogsledding.

Getting there: Fly into Missoula, MT, about 35 minutes from the resort in Greenough. A car is needed to reach the property, though Paws Up can arrange airport transfers if you like.

7. Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

Best for sustainability

You’ve likely heard of Sundance, thanks to Robert Redford’s famous institute and film festival, but you can retreat here when it’s not ski season too. At the foot of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, the Sundance Mountain Resort blends Western-inspired architecture with a focus on sustainability and the arts. It’s chill, outdoorsy and a bit bohemian – wood beams, fireplaces, morning mountain views. Expect a peaceful escape with an emphasis on environmental stewardship.

What you’ll do: Sundance is renowned for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing in winter, but warmer months mean hiking, mountain biking, fly-fishing, zip-lining and wildlife watching. The resort has hands-on workshops — from pottery to painting — in its on-site art studio and gallery.

When to go: Really, you can and should visit Sundance year-round (and book early no matter what). December to March is ideal for skiing, and June to August is for that perfect summer gathering.

Getting there: Fly into Salt Lake City, about an hour’s drive from the resort. Renting a car is recommended for flexibility and scenic drives through the mountains.