Camp Illahee

★★★★★WNC Reviewer

I was a camper here over 20 years ago. It was one of the best and most impactful experiences of my life. Thank you, Camp Illahee ♡

★★★★★Julie Young Sudduth

Not enough words to describe the positive, loving, fun, and caring place that is Camp Illahee. Over four summers, our daughter has made the best friends, had exceptional counselors, and experienced the very best that any camp could offer. Highlights of camp include trips kayaking on beautiful rivers around camp, fun lake activities, hiking with friends in the mountains and even ‘Illahee Olympics’ - our daughter’s team won for the session and enjoyed a beautiful invitation to tea at the owner’s home. Outdoor movies, Rainbow Tag, cabin trips to Sliding Rock and Dolly’s are a blast. Perhaps most important are the incredibly kind and caring camp directors and counselors who work tirelessly to make each summer at Camp Illahee so full of joy. It’s a place where kids can really enjoy childhood and make special memories while gaining independence and pursuing activities they love. We are so grateful for Camp Illahee.

★★★★★Nerre S

We love this place - it is very special. The owners are wonderful people who really care about your children. My daughter looks forward to her time at this camp ALL YEAR. They offer a wide variety of activities, including many group games, fireside get-togethers and rest time in the cabins. The location is gorgeous and a little cooler in the mountains during the hot summers. Also, the girls rave about the food. It's a great time for your child to learn responsibility and get exposed to so many new experiences and skills.

★★★★★Dawn Jolly

There is nothing more special than Camp Illahee! My daughter just completed her second year and is already counting down the days until Summer 2024. Pretty sure our daughter would live at Illahee year round if we let her (and they offered a school)! The first year, my daughter stayed one week and literally cried at pick up because she loved it so much. My husband and I were impressed with the amount of independence and confidence she brought home, along with hilarious funny camp stories. This past summer she spent two weeks and the amount of personal growth was even more. Throughout the year the gentle reminders of camp like her asking to buy french toast sticks at the store and sprinkle them with powder sugar, dancing in the rain, or even coming home after school to a handwritten letter from a camp friend, keep her longing to return to Illahee! Seeing some of the older Illahee girls at school brighten her day. The bond between these girls is something special that words cannot describe. The staff are very supportive, encouraging, and responsive. Sending your only child to camp over nine hours away knowing she is surrounded by so many positive, Christian role models gives us a peaceful calm. The amount of love and attention poured into every individual camper during every activity and aspect of camp is incredible. A great opportunity for what I call a time to "just be a kid and take a screen detox." I could go on and on about our love for Illahee! I highly recommend you check out this heavenly world!

★★★★★Kristen Jerome

My daughter has spent two sessions at Camp Illahee and I believe she is a lifer! She has made incredible friendships, has had opportunities to participate in very cool activities and - most importantly to me - she has gained confidence and independence that carries her through sports and school year round. I’m so proud of the person she’s becoming, and so grateful for Camp Illahee’s influence on her young soul. She had the pre-camp jitters going into this year’s session, but was so sad to leave at the end. She still feels “camp-sick” from time to time. 🫶