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YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake

★★★★ 4.113 reviewsWard, CO

Private

YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake is a traditional lakeside camp on 300 acres near Ward, about 20 miles from Boulder in the Indian Peaks area, serving ages 7-17. It runs both day camp and overnight camp: an Explorers mini camp for first-time campers, traditional overnight sessions, and teen expedition and leadership programs. Campers hike, mountain bike, climb, paddle on the lake, shoot archery, make art and gather at campfires. The YMCA of Northern Colorado bought the property in 2024 after 18 years leasing Camp Santa Maria, ran day camps there in 2024 and launched overnight camp in 2025.

The practical details

Environment
Indoor/Outdoor
Operator
Private
Before you register

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 Tumbleson Lake directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.

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★★★★★Emily Menkis

My kids have been coming to this camp for a few weeks a year since it was Camp Santa Maria. My son especially has grown & thrived enormously through this experience. This has become his sanctuary every year & it's the thing he looks forward to the most. The counselors are incredibly kind & caring & fun & silly & understanding. Even cooler is many are from other countries so my son has learned a lot about those other countries over the years as well. And the leadership cannot be beat & we love them beyond words. They are open, kind, communicative & completely understanding. The camp itself is so much fun with so much to do (including an amazing obstacle course on the lake!) & the whole experience teaches kids independence, accountability, respect for others, responsibility for themselves, & all the things to help them grow. I cannot say enough good things, you will never regret sending your kids here.

★★★★★Ryan Hughes

Our daughter had an incredible time during her week at YMCA Camp Tumbleson Lake! Amazing counselors from all over the globe, incredible setting on a small lake in the Rockies, and tons of fun activities. My daughter really loved the food, always had fun activities to do, and especially loved the impressive floating obstacle course. Having the counselors from all over the world was really neat for the kids. We just had a blast at one of their family days this Saturday; they open up the place to families a few times each summer. It was awesome to get to have the whole family enjoy the lake, canoes, paddle boards, archery, and the obstacle course. We were treated to a tasty bbq lunch, and had a chance to meet the camp director, Shelby. She was really great, welcoming, and enthusiastic about the camp. Really special place with friendly staff in a beautiful setting!

★★★★★Jenny Bisha

Wow! What an awesome week of summer camp! This was our family's first experience with YMCA summer camps and it was awesome. Camp Tumbleson Lake Day Camp was the perfect introduction to the joy of summer camp in the woods. From the big, exciting events, like zip lining and the water obstacle course, to the little things, like "I have a dirt tan from mountain biking!" and "I made a house for a cicada with my new friends," the week was more than we could have ever expected. Our children will well cared for, practiced a new level of independence and autonomy, and had an absolute blast. They are already excited to try overnight camp next year. We attended a "Fun Day" in advance and it helped our first time day campers feel ready for the new adventure. Thank you, to the counselors, bus driver, director, coordinator, and all of those behind the scenes who made this such a special week! If we could change one thing, we would love the option to buy lunch in the mess hall during day camp. Otherwise, 10/10!

★★★★★Charesa Zahlen

My 10 yr old son had a great experience. First time away from home and doing something like this. They had great camp counselors who were very informative and I felt safe leaving my son with them.

★★★★★Tuda Bruner

O.M.Gosh! Took the family to one of the TumbleFun Days and it was a blast! I really hope they do more of these family day events, we would definitely do them again. Arts & crafts, biking, and canoeing were just a few of the activities they had available. I am exited to see what else they have when they are fully open. Thank you Ms. Coker for organizing!

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