Best Nature & Environment Camps in Portland, OR (2026)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At Tryon Forest Adventures, campers connect with nature through hands-on science, hiking, and creative expression. As Portland's longest-running nature day camp, they foster a sense of community and respect for the forest. Children will explore the trails, learn about local flora and fauna, and build lasting friendships in a supportive, inclusive environment.

At Southwest Parent-Child Collective, children will immerse themselves in a nature-based summer camp experience held entirely outdoors, rain or shine. This cooperative program offers one-week camps each summer month, where learning and exploration are guided by the natural world. Families participate in the collective by taking on one shift during the summer, fostering a strong sense of community. It's a unique opportunity for children to connect with nature while parents are actively involved in their child's camp experience.

At Hoyt Arboretum's Nature Day Camp, your child will immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. Through a partnership with Portland Parks & Recreation, this camp offers a unique opportunity for kids to explore a vast and beautiful arboretum. Campers will engage in hands-on nature activities, learn about local flora and fauna, and develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. After-care is available for working families.

At Portland Parks Nature Day Camp, young adventurers will explore the wonders of the natural world through hands-on activities and outdoor exploration. Each week features a different theme, such as "Marvelous Mammals" or "Wonders of Water," where campers engage in experiments, games, and craft projects to learn about ecosystems and wildlife. This camp fosters a love for nature by encouraging curiosity and discovery in a fun and supportive environment, with programs like "Science Explorers" and "Ladybug Nature Walks" for the little ones.

At Ohdaka Day Camp, your child will embark on a week-long outdoor adventure at Gresham's beautiful Oxbow Regional Park. Guided by the principle of OHDaka (Outdoor Happiness Deepens Awareness, Kinship, and Adventure), campers will explore the natural world through structured, group-based activities. This program fosters a respectful and engaging environment where children can connect with nature and their peers, building both confidence and lasting friendships.

Hillsboro Parks & Recreation offers a diverse range of summer camps to suit every child's interests. From exploring the natural world in Eco-Explorers to unleashing creativity in Summer Arts Camp, there's something for everyone. Campers can also make a splash at the Splash & Dash Day Camp, or develop athletic skills in a variety of sports camps. With a focus on fun, learning, and community, these camps provide a positive and inclusive environment for kids to grow and make new friends.

Right At School (RAS) Camps offer a dynamic summer experience with ten themed Adventure Weeks, each packed with unique activities like building mini-golf courses and creating tie-dye sun hats. Campers engage in a variety of daily favorites, including arts and crafts, sports, and team-based challenges, fostering creativity, friendship, and confidence. With a focus on hands-on exploration and community building, RAS Camps provide a memorable and enriching summer for every child.

At Mt. Hood Meadows, your child can have an unforgettable summer adventure in a stunning mountain setting. Younger campers in the Mountain Scouts program will enjoy a mix of structured play, art, and STEM projects, all while making new friends. Older kids in the Mountain Explorers program will take on action-packed days of hiking, scenic chair rides, and team-building activities. Both camps foster a love for the outdoors, creativity, and friendship, with the unique option for parents to work remotely from the lodge.

Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District offers a diverse summer camp experience for children to explore the great outdoors. Campers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including adventure games, nature exploration, outdoor art projects, and sports. The camp's philosophy focuses on providing a fun and engaging environment where children can learn new skills, make friends, and develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. With a wide range of programs, there is something to spark every child's interest and creativity.

At Portland Forest School, children are immersed in nature, fostering a lifelong connection to the outdoors. Campers in the WILD program explore forests, streams, and wetlands, developing resilience and leadership skills through hands-on discovery. The Love of Literacy camps combine nature exploration with reading and writing, guided by a certified literacy specialist. In this supportive and inclusive environment, kids are encouraged to be their authentic selves while learning, playing, and collaborating with their peers.