YMCA Camp Ernst is an overnight and day camp on 365 acres in Burlington, Kentucky, operating since 1928 with a 26-acre spring-fed lake. Campers ages 6-15 attend week-long Sunday-to-Saturday overnight sessions, with half-week and intro-to-overnight options for ages 5-9. Activities include ropes courses, archery, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and a 100-foot water slide.
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 Ernst 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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★S BRecently this establishment called the police on an animal rescue, that was there to rescue domestic ducks that would die from the cold and ice or predator attacks. The rescue got a ticket because of This YMCA, and the ducks were not rescued. If they die, this is at he hands of this YMCA. So much for "community outreach"! If they don't care about ducks, they don't care about you either!
★★★★★Casie StaffMy kids loved going to YMCA Camp Ernst. Drop off and pick up was smooth. Great communication from the camp. My kids made life long friends! Would definitely recommend and we’ll be back next year!
★★★★★ChristyWe just picked up our 11-year old daughter from a week of overnight camp. She had a new joy and confidence about her than when we dropped her off, and she chattered on the entire drive home and then some about all the fun activities she did, the friends she made, the great food, the new experiences and even things she learned about herself! This was monumental for her, and we couldn't be happier with this experience. Her counselors were also really caring and kind. The camp director responded very quickly to a few emails I sent at the beginning of the week. This was just phenomenal all around, and our daughter can't wait to return next year. So grateful!!!
★★★★★Chris TellingGreat combination of active, challenging programs for our girls' troop - from Burma Bridge, zip line to horse riding and just "creeking".
★★★★★Brian BrumfieldAWESOME....AWESOME Fun Filled Camp. This is a great camp for you to bring your kids to. They have lots of fun and creative activities for all ages to enjoy. My girl has been to this Camp Ernst for 3 years now and is looking forward to getting back again this coming August. She goes there with the Camp Carrol, it's for the Military Veteran kids to enjoy a week of camping and connecting with new friends. Abby loves the pool, lake, ropes course, giant swing and gaga pit is probably her favorite. All the Staff and Support personnel are wonderful with interacting with all the kids. The food is great, and they aslo get food delivered from outside in the evening. Thanks for all that you (Camp Ernst)do for our (Veterans) kids. We always recommend to all to get a chance to get out to this camp.