Adult Sleepaway Camp 101: What to Expect, Where You’ll Sleep, and What You’ll Do

Adulthood brings many wonderful experiences, but making friends easily isn't one of them. We've traded summer breaks for packed calendars and spontaneous fun for "let me check my schedule." Somewhere along the way, many of us started craving a place where connecting with people feels simple again.

That place exists. It's called Camp Social!

If you're wondering what actually happens at these adult sleepaway camps, where you'll sleep, what you'll do, and why so many women describe these retreats as "the best weekend of my year," this guide walks you through all of it.

What Is an Adult Sleepaway Camp? (And Why Women Keep Coming Back)

In all honesty, many women are burnt out from perfectly curated brunches and group chats that never turn into real plans. Adult sleepaway camps flip that on its head by giving women space to show up with a messy bun, no makeup, zero expectations, and still be welcomed instantly.

Adult retreats work like one big choose-your-own-adventure experience. Every hour, something fun is happening, be it yoga on the lawn, paddleboarding on the lake, craft tables, fitness classes, journaling circles, or lakeside lounging.

And because everyone shows up with the same intention (to meet people, relax, and have fun), conversations happen naturally. A quick "Want to walk to the lake?" can turn into spending a whole afternoon together!

Inside Camp Social: Your Three-Day Choose-Your-Own-Adventure

Camp Social takes place in Equinunk, Pennsylvania, on a lakeside property tucked among tall pines and wide open green space. It's just 2.5 hours from New York City, but the second you step onto the grounds, it feels like you've slipped into a completely different world.

Most women arrive on the official Camp Social bus, which honestly feels like the unofficial kickoff. Women chat, trade snacks, nap, and hype each other up. Even if you planned to keep to yourself, someone will ask where you're from before you've hit the Lincoln Tunnel.

Once you check in and drop your bags, you're free to explore.

That's when you'll spot one of the most exciting parts of the sleepaway camp: the giant activity board posted in the center of everything. Every hour, something different begins somewhere on the property.

We know some introverts might feel a little nervous reading that. But the beauty of these camps is that you set the pace.

Some campers bounce from activity to activity with a full-speed-joy vibe. Others keep it slow and cozy. Either way, you're surrounded by hundreds of women doing whatever makes them feel most like themselves!

Daytime at Camp Social: Wellness, Water, Creativity, Repeat

Start slow or start strong, there's space for both!

Wellness and restoration

• Morning yoga by the lake

• Pilates, barre, and sculpt classes

• Meditation sessions

• Guided journaling

• Mindfulness mini-workshops

• Book club gatherings

• Cozy indoor + outdoor lounge spaces for quiet time

Creative and nostalgic fun

• Friendship bracelet making (the sacred Camp Social classic)

• Tie-dye

• Vision boarding

• Paint & sip sessions

• Arts & crafts

• Candle or mocktail making

• Creative prompts + craft classes

Lake life and outdoor adventure

• Paddleboards

• Kayaks

• Canoes

• Swimming

• The iconic giant waterslide

• Beach volleyball

• Pickleball

• Tennis courts

• Ropes course

• Archery

• Miles of hiking trails

• Hammocks + lakeside hangout spots

Nighttime at Camp Social: Where Core Memories Are Made

When the sun goes down, the energy settles for a bit - then picks right back up.

Evening essentials

• Dining hall dinners with 300+ women dancing between tables

• Mocktail + cocktail happy hours

• Sponsor surprises (food service like charcuterie boards, themed drinks, and more)

• Group conversations that start with small talk and end with laughter

Signature nighttime events

• Outdoor movie nights under the stars

• DJ dance parties

• Talent shows

• Themed parties

• Pajama parties

• Lip-sync battles

• Live music or local live bands

• Fireside hangouts

• Surprise activities we never spoil early (but trust us, they’re iconic)

Where You’ll Sleep (And Why the Bunks Are the Best Part)

This is where a lot of women either get excited or immediately nervous about sleepaway camps.

Not in Camp Social! Here are the options.

Shared bunks (the heart of Camp Social)

Each cabin houses 8 to 10 women around your age, so you're instantly surrounded by grown-ups in a similar life stage. It's less "random dorm assignment" and more "handpicked group of women who might just feel like sisters by Sunday."

These bunk cabins come with:

• Bathrooms and showers

• Linens

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash

• Outlets everywhere for hair tools, phone chargers, and your Stanley

Plus, everything on the property is just a short walk away!

Private Rooms (a quiet recharge option)

Camp Social also offers a limited number of private rooms for women who want a quiet space to land at the end of a busy day.

Private rooms offer:

• A peaceful place to unwind

• A door you can close when you’re ready to recharge

• The same amenities and steps-away access to all activities

Just know that there's a limited number of spots, and they go fast!

How to Get to Camp Social (And What the Journey Feels Like)

Getting to Camp Social is easy, whether you’re coming from across the river or across the country.

If you're flying in

Half of our campers fly in from around the country (and the world), so you’ll be in excellent company.

Here's the smoothest route to your home-from-home:

• Fly into EWR (Newark) or JFK (New York)

• Grab an Uber, Lyft, or a cab straight into Manhattan

• Check into one of our official Camp Social hotel partners, like The Frederick Hotel

• Pro tip: tons of our guests stay here, so you’ll start making friends before camp even begins

From there, you can meet the official Camp Social bus in the morning and ride in together.

The official Camp Social bus

Every returning camper will tell you that the bus ride is the first activity of the weekend.

Expect:

• A whole bus full of women arriving solo

• Ice-breaker energy without the awkwardness

• Conversations that start with "Where are you from?" and end with "Want to find our bunks together?"

Round-trip bus tickets are available as an add-on when you book your camp spot, and seats fill up fast.

Driving yourself

Prefer your own playlist and a good old-fashioned road trip? You can drive here directly and park for free on-site. The route is scenic, and as the lake comes into view, you’ll probably roll down the windows and smile because it finally feels real.

What to Pack (And What You Can Happily Leave Behind)

At adult sleepaway camps, no one is judging your shoes, your hair, or whether your outfit “matches.” You’re here to connect and be fully yourself.

The essentials

• Comfortable activewear (you’ll wear this more than anything)

• Leggings, bike shorts, or joggers

• A swimsuit for lake time and water activities

• Sneakers + sandals

• A cozy outfit or hoodie for cooler nights

• Pajamas (bonus points if you join the themed pajama party!)

• Sunscreen + bug spray

• A tote or small backpack for daytime wandering

• A reusable water bottle or your trusty Stanley

Fun optional extras

• A disposable or film camera

• Your favorite book for lakeside reading

• Fun accessories for dance parties

• A notebook or journal

• A comfy hat or visor

• A little flair for theme nights

What you can leave behind

You can totally skip the heavy makeup bags and the fancy outfits!

Camp Social is beautifully low-pressure. You'll spend most of the weekend in leggings, lake hair, and your best "I'm actually relaxed" smile.

Is an Adult Sleepaway Camp Really Worth It?

Yes, and Camp Social is where it actually feels worth it. Women show up for the fun, but leave talking about the friendships and the reset they didn't even know they needed.

Even The Independent called it "Worth the price tag."

If you're craving something that genuinely shifts your social life, this is the place. 

Join our waitlist!

An All-Inclusive Weekend Getaway That Stays With You

Adult sleepaway camps give women space to breathe, play, and reconnect with who they are. And Camp Social? Well... we don't like to brag, but waking up by the lakeside with your new girls, coffee in hand, feels like the kind of magic adulthood rarely offers!

FAQs

Is Camp Social really an adult sleepaway camp NY women can go to alone?

Absolutely. It's one of the best summer camps for anyone craving connection (99% arrive solo and leave with new friends). It's the true adult summer camp built for your inner child, not the stressed-out adult version of you.

What makes this different from the summer camp I remember as a kid?

No musty bunk beds, no awkward cafeteria lines. Instead, you get comfy beds, great meals, options for private rooms, and a fully all-inclusive program offering everything from campfires and lawn games to creativity and exercise. You get the summer camp experience, just... upgraded.

Is Camp Social completely tech-free?

You can use your phone, but most campers naturally unplug. When your adult summer camp weekend is full of crafts, adventure, and laughter, screens suddenly feel optional.

What if I haven’t done summer camp since I was a kid?

That's perfect! You don't need experience, fitness, or even confidence. Only curiosity. You show up as an adult, but the child in you gets permission to play again.