Summer camps in our nature preserves

Send your curious kids off to learn in your neighborhood wilderness

Mecklenburg County offers several weeklong summer camps in its two biggest nature preserves, Latta Plantation Park on Mountain Island Lake and McDowell Nature Preserve on Lake Wylie.

Here are some great opportunities for your children to learn about nature while having a great (and relatively affordable) time close to home. One camp even includes adults!

Camps fill up fast, so call the park office at the two preserves to see if the program you have selected still has openings. Park staff will explain how to register.

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve: 6211 Sample Road, Huntersville; 704-875-1391

McDowell Nature Preserve: 15222 York Road, Charlotte,; 704-588-5224

Summer Camps at Latta Plantation Park

Outdoor Survival Camp

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve can provide everything we need to survive and during this fun- filled weeklong camp campers will learn how to survive in the outdoors. They will learn about water survival as we canoe, wild edibles and medicinal plants as we hike, how to build shelters, cook in the outdoors, and make emergency hiking kits. This will all culminate in an overnight camping experience at McDowell Nature Preserve.
Ages: 10-12

Cost: $150
Program number, dates and times:

#30841 – Aug 6-8, 9 – 3 pm, and Aug 9-10, 9-10 a.m.

L.A.N.D. Camp: Animal Olympics

Michael Phelps, who? At 68mph, Sailfish are 15x faster than this famous Olympic swimmer! There are amazing animals all over the world that can run, swim, and jump better than the best athletes. Each day campers will investigate a new “Animal Olympian” with games, crafts, and more!
Ages: 4-6

Cost: $75
Program times: 9 a.m.-noon Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#30829 – Jun 25-29
#30830 – Jul 2-6
#30831 – Jul 9-13

L.A.N.D. Camp: Tree Soup

What are the “ingredients” for a tree? Just like us, these forest giants need specific things to grow and thrive. Through hands-on activities, crafts, and more, campers will investigate the stages in a tree’s life and learn the “ingredients” for tree soup. They will also learn to indentify a different tree species each day.

Ages: 4-6

Cost: $75

Program times: 9 a.m.-noon Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#30825 Jul 16-20

#30826 Jul 23-27

#30827 Jul 30-Aug 3

#30828 Aug 6-10

Young Explorers Camp

Not sure if your child is ready for a full day at camp? Then this half-day version of our ever-popular Outdoor Adventure Camp is just what you’re searching for! Each day will focus on a different outdoor recreation activity. Campers will explore the nature preserve by going canoeing, using a map and compass, hunting for hidden treasure, and more.

Ages: 6-7

Cost: $75

Program times: 9 a.m.-noon Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#30832 June 18-22

#30833 June 18-22

#30834 Aug 13-17

#30835 Aug 13-17

Outdoor Adventure Camp

Campers will explore Latta Plantation Nature Preserve as they have never done before! Canoeing, fishing, geo-caching, shelter building and hiking are just some of the fun activities we will enjoy during this weeklong day camp. This camp will culminate with a field trip adventure to Crowder’s Mountain State Park.
Ages: 7-10

Cost: $150

Program times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#30836 Jun 25-29

#30837 Jul 9-13

#30838 Jul 30-Aug 3

Camp H20

Kids will have a splash at our water-themed camp! We will investigate everything from aquatic animals to water quality with cool, water-based activities and games. Some highlights of the week will include canoeing, stream explorations, and even a visit to Ray’s Splash Planet.

Ages: 8-11

Cost: $150

Program times: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#30839 Jul 16-20

#30840 Jul 23-27

McDowell Nature Preserve

Insect Mania!

What has six legs, three body parts, and can be found just about everywhere you look? Insects! Bring your child out to discover insects as we investigate different areas of the nature preserve including the forest, gardens, streams, and meadows. Each day will be packed full with fun activities, crafts, stories, and much more!

Ages: 4-6

Cost: $75

Program times: 9 a.m.-noon Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#31371 Jun 18-22

#31373 Aug 13-17

Program times: 1-4 p.m. Mon-Fri

Program number and dates:

#31372 Jun 18-22

#31374 Aug 13-17

Outdoor Explorers Camp

Summer is a great time to spend time outdoors recreating and enjoying nature! Let your child spend a week exploring the nature around them through kayaking, fishing, hiking and other outdoor recreation opportunities. As always, animal encounters, crafts, games and lots of fun are included.
Ages: 7-9

Cost: $160
Program times: Mon-Fri
Program number and dates:

#31383 Jun 25-29
#31384 Jul2-6
#33297 Jul 16-20
#31387 Jul 23-27
#31386 Jul 30-Aug 3

Adventure Camp

Develop your kayaking skills, learn basic survival skills, and explore nature at night! The week will be spending time in the outdoors, exploring and interacting with their environment, all while developing important life skills. The week will sum up with an Exciting Day at the National Whitewater Center followed by an overnight camping experience! Camp ends at 10 a.m. on Friday following the overnight campout.

Ages: 10-1

Cost: $175

Program times: 9 a.m.-4 pm Mon-Wed; 9 a.m. Thu-10 a.m. Fri

Program number and dates:

#31389 Jul 9-13

Family Adventure Camp

Looking for some quality family time in the great outdoors for the whole family? Learn essential skills such as fire building, fishing, kayaking and campfire cooking. Then cap it off with a campout where we will sing songs, roast S’mores and take a nature-at-night hayride before falling asleep in a private tent with your family. All gear and meals are provided (Lunches Weds-Fri and Dinner Friday night), and additional adults are welcome for the campout. (At least 1 adult from each family is required to be registered)
Ages: All ages

Cost: $65/person
Program times: 9 a.m.-4 pm Weds-Thu; 9 a.m. Fri-10 a.m. Sat

Program number and dates:

#31076 Jun 13-Jun 16