YMCA Camp Kanata
Private
YMCA Camp Kanata is a 150-acre YMCA of the Triangle camp in Wake Forest, NC with woods, a 15-acre lake, and rustic cabins. It offers one-week overnight (sleepaway) camp and a traditional day camp for children and teens roughly ages 6-16, plus leadership programs. Activities include archery, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, creative arts, and a 75-foot double waterslide.
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 Kanata 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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★★★★★Blaker_Productions YTI went to Kanata over the summer. It was my first overnight camp and I was a bit nervous on the way there. Even as I arrived, I was a little unsure. After just 10 mins of being with the cabin mates that I would be with for the rest of that week, I felt perfectly at home. I was a bit unsure of what the staff would do with the extreme heat that week (real feel 109f), but they kept us in shade and kept everyone hydrated. The mess hall was air conditioned to what at the time felt like 45 degrees f, which felt like heaven. The chef was insane and cooked very high quality food. It is pricey, (VERY pricey), but it was well worth it. I was one of maybe 5 people at the whole camp that week who had never been there before but it was fine, no big deal. some traditions there (songs, prayers, etc) but as long as u move your lips somewhat to the tune/words, you'll catch on just fine by the end of the week! :))) I'll DEFINITELY be coming back next year!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO much more praise but I don't want to make this review any longer if you've even read this far. Hope this was helpful! :)
★★★★★Sam CollinsMy kids love this camp and it’s Celiac disease friendly. They serve Gluten Free food and it is prepared separately from the Gluten food. Very thankful they have this option.
★★★★Vinay KWow, this is a nice camp.. YMCA was doing a free day for kids kindergarten that’s how we visit.. This is located in Wake Forest a bit to Cary & Morrisville areas. Camp camp is huge lots of stuff to do. They have swimming pools, basketball courts, a lake, soccer grounds, rock climbing etc The day we went, they had only a few attractions , like kayaking, beads making & drawing.. It was a huge queue for kayaking but it was worth the wait.. we enjoyed it.. The only disadvantage is you have to walk a lot .. wish there was some kind of club cars or something to move people around.. we have to park car at the entrance and walk all the way inside.. The they has a nice cafeteria but the day we went it was closed.. Luckily we had a stroller else we would have struggled.. A place worthy for kids.. 👍👍 I am sure they have organized programs for older kids..
★★★★★Darcy KeetonThis was my son's first year (11yrs old). I can't say enough good things. He LOVED it. Everyone was kind and attentive and I felt good about my son being there. He was asking if he could go back next year before this year's stay was even over! He did riflery, canoeing, archery, swimming and more. He really enjoyed collecting the different beads you could earn for his camp necklace. Highly recommend.
★★★★★Forrest StroudI've had the opportunity to make some amazing memories at Camp Kanata with my oldest daughter through the Y Guides Fall Outing. We've loved bonding with our tribe over hiking, canoeing, swimming, archery, s'mores and much more at the camp. Cabins and facilities are in great condition -- no complaints about anything at all at Kanata.