YMCA Camp Lakewood is an overnight summer camp on 5,200 wooded acres with a private lake near Potosi, in Missouri's St. Francois Mountains. Campers ages 6-17 choose traditional and specialty overnight sessions ranging from a 3-night first-timer experience to a classic 5-night stay, with activities including archery, horseback riding, zip-lining, swimming, rock climbing and crafts. Operated by the nonprofit Gateway Region YMCA.
Camps
| Camp | Dates | Ages | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counselor in Training (CIT) | Sessions 1–3Register → | Jun 7 – Jun 26, 2026 | 6–17 | $695 | Past season |
| Canoeing Rangers | Session 1Register → | Jun 7 – Jun 12, 2026 | 13–16 | $1185 | Past season |
| Equestrian Explorers | Session 1Register → | Jun 7 – Jun 12, 2026 | 11–12 | $1395 | Past season |
Tier 1: $1,185 Tier 2: $985
Availability shown as of Aug 14, 2026.
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 Gateway Region YMCA directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
Camps nearby
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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★★★★Pete LarsonAmazing scenery and opportunities here. Food is good. Lodging could be updated at the cabins but new yurts going up now
★★★★★Jason MoonsmithBeautiful scenery. Very caring staff. Amenities close by if not provided. They even know a local place that delivers rental golf cars to them. Relaxing has never been so easy.
★★★★★Geoffrey CrowleyI loved coming here as a kid and now my kids do also. We talk about my memories on the drive to camp. Old man I guess. The kids love coming here and can’t wait every summer. It is also nice to have a week without them. They have many activities like horse back riding, swimming, canoeing, and the love the spaghetti dinner with no utensils. Send your kids here if you can.
★★★★★Dave O'BlackMy son attended camp in summer 2020, summer 2021, and winter 2021. It was a great experience all three times. He does have an IEP but we did not have any problems with being 'cut' from camp as another reviewer mentioned. Because of covid concerns parents are not allowed in the cabins. You do not get updates other than seeing pictures posted, which are delayed, unless something is wrong or there is a notification about someone in the camp testing positive for covid. The campers can not contact their parents or have a cell phone, but parents can send postcards and emails (which get printed) daily to their kids - make sure to send these ON TIME so they are delivered the day you intend. My son did have a medical issue with some type of bug bite getting infected - the camp handled everything and kept me updated, took him to the doctor, picked up a prescription, got him ice cream, and returned to camp. The east camp cabins do not have AC, but there is power so they can bring a fan. The bathrooms/showers for east camp are in a central building. For the 13-16 age group this is similar to an outdoor camping experience. There is a significant amount of walking / hiking for the older kids, especially in the ranger camps, so I'd recommend getting your camper accustomed to this ahead of time. Overall this camp is a great opportunity for kids to unplug from electronics, bond with animals, become more independent, learn new skills, and have fun. The activities are much different than what we do during the school year and a good change of pace. My son is excited to get a token this year that is given out after 3 years of participation and attend the leaders in training session. I would recommend the equestrian camp for kids who enjoy horses, my son enjoyed learning to ride.
★★★★★Tony ChienThe place was beautiful. My kid absolutely loved her camp at this location. She came to this summer camp twice in 3 years. They provided transportation to and from south county family YMCA with a fee. Staff were friendly. There were lots of activities at this camp. They took a lot of pictures during the camp. I was able to access those pictures in my computer. No cell phone was allowed during camping.