Adult sleep-away camps across the US are experiencing a surge in popularity as grown-ups seek nostalgic, alcohol-infused experiences reminiscent of their childhood. Yelp reports that searches for adult summer camps have increased by nearly 350 percent this year, driven by a desire for community and a break from burnout, with a Moodle poll indicating over 66 percent of people feel burnt out at work.
Camp Getaway in Kent, Connecticut, has been hosting adults aged 21 and over on weekends for almost 50 years. Owner David Schreiber told CBS News that the recent doubling of programs may reflect a growing need to disconnect from reality. “Things are complicated right now. There is a simplicity that comes here,” he said. Camper Shamia Brisco added, “I did overnight camps when I was younger... Why not do that with some alcohol?”
Activities at these camps include traditional experiences like guided hikes, archery, and arts and crafts, alongside adult-oriented excursions such as wine tastings, cooking classes, and social events. The average cost for a weekend is $800, according to CBS News, citing camps from California to Connecticut.
Camp No Counselors, which bills itself as “the world’s largest summer camp for adults,” sold out all four of its weekends this summer, including locations in New York, California, and Texas. The camp features live bands, campfires, foam parties, and a “legendary” camp Olympics. Camps Social, a women-only camp in Pennsylvania, is also popular on TikTok, with 99 percent of attendees arriving solo.
Content creator Ashleigh Carter, who attended Camps Social in 2024, shared glimpses of morning hikes, cold plunges, and paddleboarding. “It felt like freshman year of college when everyone is just dying to make friends,” she said. The camp’s website promises, “100 percent leave as friends.”
