Best Outdoor & Nature Summer Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

Nature & Environment · Multiple locations across Portland

At Portland Parks & Recreation's summer camps, your child can embark on a new adventure every week. With a wide array of options, from sports and nature exploration to traditional camp fun, there's a perfect fit for every interest. Campers journey in small, tight-knit groups of 10-12, fostering close friendships and a sense of community. This structure allows for personalized attention and shared experiences, and you can even request to have your child grouped with a friend to double the fun.

Nature & Environment · 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203

At Champ Camp's Great Outdoors program, your child will embark on an unforgettable summer adventure right on the University of Portland campus. Campers explore the natural world through hands-on activities, nature hikes in the iconic Forest Park, and exciting weekly field trips to places like the Oregon Zoo and OMSI. With a focus on outdoor exploration and making new friends, this camp offers a perfect blend of learning and fun in a beautiful setting overlooking the Willamette River.

Nature & Environment · 18880 SW Martinazzi Ave, Tualatin, OR 97062

At the City of Tualatin's summer camps, your child will enjoy a summer of fun, friendship, and exploration. Younger campers in the Explorers program will enjoy themed weeks with crafts, games, and a weekly splash pad visit. Older campers in the Voyagers program will take their adventures to the next level with exciting weekly field trips to destinations like the Oregon Zoo and Enchanted Forest. Both camps culminate in a special all-camp activity on Fridays, creating lasting memories for all.

Nature & Environment · 5151 NW Cornell Road, Portland, OR 97210

At Bird Alliance of Oregon's SWIFTS Nature Camp, your child will embark on a nature-based adventure, combining art, science, and outdoor exploration. With a holistic, student-directed approach, campers learn by doing, seeing, and touching, allowing their passions to guide their discovery of the natural world. Whether exploring the 172-acre Nature Sanctuary or venturing to new locations, each week-long camp fosters a culture of care and respect for the Earth, creating lifelong memories.

Horseback Riding · 12233 Brick Rd SE, Turner, OR 97392

At Fantasy Farms, young riders will build lasting memories while learning essential horsemanship skills. Campers receive instruction in English, Western, and jumping styles, tailored to their experience level from beginner to advanced. In addition to daily riding on show-quality horses, children learn about horse care and management in a supportive and fun environment. This camp is perfect for any child who dreams of spending their summer with horses.

Adventure · 10300 SE Camp Namanu Rd, Sandy, OR 97055

At Camp Namanu, your child will immerse themselves in a classic summer camp experience on 552 acres of beautiful forest along the Sandy River. Since 1924, Camp Namanu has been fostering confident leaders and community stewards through outdoor adventures like hiking, swimming, and archery. Campers are empowered to shape their own experience by choosing their activities each week, from arts and crafts to high ropes challenges. It's a place to unplug, connect with nature, and build lasting friendships.

Cycling · 10301 NE Glisan Street, Portland, OR 97220

At MTB Coach Robbie's Gateway Green Children's Summer Camp, young riders of all skill levels can build their confidence and mountain biking abilities. With a low 8:1 rider-to-coach ratio, campers receive personalized instruction from Coach Robbie and his team. The camp focuses on skill development through fun and engaging activities, with opportunities for more advanced riders to tackle black features and even get private airbag lessons. On Fridays, the adventure moves to Sandy Ridge or Timberline for a full day of trail riding.

Adventure · 22960 Highway 36, Cheshire, OR 97419

At Camp Lutherwood, children and teens explore their faith while enjoying a classic summer camp experience. Campers participate in a wide range of activities including hiking, swimming, archery, and even sleeping under the stars. The camp fosters personal growth and resilience through programs like Confirmation Camp and Leaders in Training. With a focus on community and adventure, Camp Lutherwood provides a supportive environment for kids to build lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories.

Adventure · 19030 Pacific Ave, Rockaway Beach, OR 97136

Escape to Camp Magruder, a scenic haven nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Smith Lake. Here, in a supportive Christian community, your child will build confidence and forge lasting friendships. Campers are encouraged to explore their faith and develop new skills through activities like surfing, beach ecology, boating, and hiking. The camp's philosophy emphasizes personal growth over competition, with experienced counselors fostering a relaxed and nurturing atmosphere for learning and fun.

Nature & Environment · 6704 SE 122nd Ave, Portland, OR 97236

At Leach Botanical Garden's Nature Camp, young adventurers will immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through engaging programs like Plant Explorers and Jr. Botanists, campers will cultivate a love for science and nature by investigating the garden's diverse plant life. Creative expression is encouraged in the Garden Art program, while Forest Friends fosters a connection with the local ecosystem. This camp offers a unique opportunity for children to learn, create, and play in a beautiful botanical garden setting.

Nature & Environment · 5151 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97210

At Portland Audubon Society's Nature Camp, young adventurers will explore the wonders of the natural world. Through engaging programs like Bird Explorers and Wildlife Watchers, campers develop a deeper appreciation for local ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. Jr. Naturalists and Eco-Artists programs encourage hands-on learning and creativity, fostering a lifelong connection with nature in a fun and supportive environment.

Nature & Environment · 9727 SW Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219

At Champions' Champ Camp Great Outdoors, your child will embark on an unforgettable summer adventure right from the campus of Riverdale High School. Campers explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest through hands-on nature activities, with easy access to the forest trails of Tryon Creek State Natural Area and Marshall Park. Each week features exciting field trips to destinations like the Oregon Zoo and OMSI, fostering a fun, educational, and friendly environment where kids are always on the move and making lasting memories.

Farm / Agriculture · Various locations in Portland, OR area

At Everyone Outside's Farm & Forest Summer Camp, children connect with nature through hands-on activities at Fire Ring Farm and the Palmer-Taylor Preserve. Younger campers in the Sprouts program (ages 5-6) and older campers in the Seedlings program (ages 7-12) will explore the farm and forest, learn about agriculture, and develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. Teens can also develop leadership skills through the Mentor in Training program. This camp offers a unique opportunity for children to learn and grow in a supportive, nature-based environment.

Nature & Environment · 11321 S Terwilliger Blvd, Portland, OR 97219

At Friends of Tryon Creek's Forest Adventures Summer Camp, children will immerse themselves in the wonders of nature through hands-on, themed weeks. Campers will explore the forest, build solar-powered ovens, test water quality, and create nature-inspired art. With a focus on environmental stewardship and community, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to learn, play, and grow in an urban forest setting, all while being mentored by experienced environmental educators.

Nature & Environment · Multiple locations - Gales Creek, Forest Grove, Hillsboro OR

At WildRoots Collective, children are invited to explore the natural world through a variety of hands-on activities and adventures. With programs like Forest Ninjas, Wild Chefs, and Wilderness Warriors, campers develop real skills in archery, tracking, and survival. The camp's philosophy emphasizes inquiry-based learning and a deep respect for the environment, all within a supportive and inclusive community. Whether it's through art, science, or play, WildRoots provides a unique opportunity for kids to connect with nature and each other.