
Cactus Day Camp
Private
Traditional day camp in Paradise Valley offering more than 20 activities including swimming, archery, a rock wall, team sports, gymnastics, dance, crafts and model rocketry, with a camp-wide special event each Friday. It runs full days, five days a week, in sessions of 2, 4, 6 or 8 weeks. The camp operates on the Paradise Valley Montessori Academy campus with Camelback Mountain as its backdrop, using two pools, an art studio, classrooms, playgrounds and a shaded sport court. Established in 2007 and accredited by the American Camp Association.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Cactus Day Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
Google Reviews
Powered by GoogleWhile visiting family in Arizona many summers ago, both of my daughters had the most amazing experience attending Cactus Day Camp. Coming from the North East, Cactus Day Camp lives up to the true “traditional” day camp. The camps owner Karyn, was so welcoming to my girls, making sure that they felt at home at camp. The staffs professionalism and outgoing personalities made this experience so memorable. Although the girls were just visiting Arizona for a few weeks, the fun activities, camp songs, and friends they made, still hold a special place in their hearts. My older daughter made it her mission to return to Cactus Day Camp a couple of years ago as a CIT. The CIT experience did not disappoint! It provided her with excellent training and growth opportunities as a teenager. I highly recommend this camp whether you’re local or from out of town.
Cactus Day Camp is the absolute best. My 3 kids look forward to spending their summers there all school year. The bonds they develop with counselors and campers is more than I could even imagine. They sing camp songs nonstop and talk about activities they did and will be doing next! There are so many options from archery, art, Gaga, water slide, bungee, gym games, and let’s not forget about campers choice and Friday specials. The atmosphere there is so positive and the smiles on their faces when talking about camp says it all!! We love CDC!!
I cannot say enough amazing things about cactus day camp! It’s a true camp experience with some of the most enthusiastic and caring leaders! This was our first year at cactus and we will be back every summer. My daughter woke up everyday ready to see what camp had in store for her. So grateful for this camp and bringing so much joy to so many kids!
I can’t begin to explain the impact that Cactus Day Camp has had on both my children. They both began their camp journey with attending Cactus Day Camp. Karyn Miller, the founder & Director, has truly dedicated her life to giving kids the experience of a lifetime. She has created a community that builds lifelong friendships and helps children build character and confidence. From singing silly songs altogether, or hitting your first bullseye at archery. The greatest gift you can give to your children is sending them to Cactus Day Camp. My son has now worked as a counselor for the past two summers and my daughter was part of the Counselor in Training program, which is proof of what kind of impact Cactus Day Camp has had on them, that they now want to be part of the magic that they felt when they were younger campers. Thank you Karyn & Cactus Day Camp Family for the best informal education any parent could ask for!! ❤️
My daughter absolutely LOVES going to Cactus Day Camp! When camp ended last summer she was already counting down the days to return! Every day she is at camp, she is creating lifetime memories. The days are filled with continuous excitement including morning and afternoon pep rallies, archery, rock climbing, swimming every day, gymnastics, arts and crafts, and much, much more. The staff at Cactus Day Camp are exceptional! They go above and beyond to make sure each child has an amazing camp experience! Karyn hires the best of the best counselors and staff each year. She looks for staff members who are outgoing, energetic, helpful, kind-hearted, and caring to spend the summer with the outstanding children at CDC! I know my daughter is well taken care of and having a blast each day with the amazing staff. Cactus Day Camp is definitely the best go to choice for amazing summer fun! Karyn Miller has such passion and vision for her camp. She is amazing with the children and with the staff. If you want an excellent adventure for your children this summer, you should definitely check out CACTUS DAY CAMP!!!!!




