Nature Camp
Private
Nature Camp is a private, nonprofit, co-ed residential summer camp specializing in natural history and environmental science education, on land in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest near Vesuvius, Virginia. Operating since 1942, it runs four two-week sessions for campers in grades 5-12 (plus a short adult session). Unplugged from phones and computers, campers take hands-on outdoor classes in botany, ornithology, herpetology and related fields.
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 Nature Camp directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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★★★★★Evelyn WayIt's been countless years, but, I loved every single moment of Camp and counted down the days until I could apply again tor the following year.
★★★★★Jesse PWe were here for a wedding and it was beautiful. Was not sure what to expect as I have never been to a wedding at a nature camp before. It is a rural and quiet area with limited cell service. Closest groceries stores are out 20-30 minutes away. It is secluded for sure. The entrance is well marked and there is one way in, one way out. It is well taken care of a clean. There is a mess hall with full industrial equipped kitchen, separate bunk houses for girls and boys and bathroom / shower buildings for each as well. There is a ton of history here and it’s cool seeing the earliest framed names of “best camper” in the mess hall start as early as 1942 to present day. There is a caretaker who lives on the property and he keeps it very clean. The creek behind the mess hall is relaxing and beautiful. I love our the entire campground is covered by a canopy of trees and I never had to wear sunglasses for the weekend. I did not stay on the property and used a local air b&b but most attendees stayed in the bunk houses and said they were fine and comfortable. The stone alter and bell tower were so cool. I do not have any experience with the actual kids camp but I’m sure it is a blast as this place is taken care of and has been around awhile.
★★★★★Brian RodrigueSecond child went to Nature Camp this year, both said it was the finest experience of their life. They described it as informative, active, supportive, and the best part was the people. I went almost 40 years ago, and it's great to see that Nature Camp continues to teach young people how to understand the world around them.
★★★★★BRIAN S WOODSI was a camper for several years in the early-80's (during the era of Col. John H. Reeves). It was a beneficial and lasting experience. My understanding is that today's Nature Camp continues its historic format of a two-week engagement in the natural sciences via classroom, field study and events (there are adult sessions of different time/length).
★★★★★Mary KateThree generations of my family have had the good fortune to partcipate in this wonderful camp experience. Our lives have been forever changed because of this beautiful place. It has not only taught us respect for our environment but also the effect our contributions have on the world around us. Hopefully future generations will be able to continue this tradition.