YMCA Camp Carson
Private
YMCA Camp Carson is an overnight summer camp on 300 acres with a private lake near Princeton, about 40 minutes north of Evansville, serving youth since 1940. Campers design their own activity schedules, choosing from waterfront options such as canoeing, sailing, kayaking, swimming and water zip lines, plus horseback riding, motorized dirt bikes, archery, marksmanship, climbing and high ropes, pottery, nature and sports; skill development is tracked from summer to summer. The camp is accredited by the American Camp Association and hires international staff, typically representing 8-10 countries each summer. Financial assistance, foster-care scholarships and two weeks reserved for children of military families are available.
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 YMCA Camp Carson directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Brenda ChinnMy boys, 13 & 11, were at camp last week and said it was the best camp they have been to so far, by far, and they were definitely going back next year. This is a big change for my 13 year old who was not too excited about going this year. They previously went to camp Lakewood (another ymca camp in MO) and camp cub Creek (also in MO), both were fine, but they this one much better. I will say the cabins and facilities are beautiful, and even though the cabins are not air conditioned, each bunk has an outlet, shelf, and light. The camp suggests bringing a fan, and they also have a large attic type fan built into the roof of each cabin. They had a tone of activities, more than I have seen at other camps. And, my younger son did their dirt bike program, which involves 20+ comprehensive lessons on how the bikes operate and basic service and plenty of riding time. He loved it! After this, he will be able to attend regular camp and choose dirt bike rides as part of an activity. As a parent, I can say my interactions with the staff here have been nothing short of delightful, and I was more comfortable leaving my son here, who has severe eczema, allergies, and asthma, then I have ever been. Also, several of my boys friends ended up signing up as well after my boys registered (5 other boys from three families), and every one of them wants to go back next year. Overall, A++ camp!!
★★★★★Richard JonesMy 7th graders had a ball! The staff were awesome and friendly and helpful with my kiddos. The cabins were spacious and clean.
★★★★★Kameron KreinbrookLove this place! Have been attending this camp for over 12+ years at this point and the magic gets better and better every time! Send your kids here for the summer!
★★★★★Adrienne JonesVisited for archery events. Beautiful, pristine facility. Fun community events. Great 3d Genesis bow archery fun shoot with mix of familiar and unusual targets.
★★★★★Sarah MyersStayed in big cabins on west side of lake. Beautiful. Perfect retreat location. Great resource of firewood! Thank you!