Best Summer Camps for Kids with Autism near San Diego (2022)

Kids on the spectrum are unique, and they deserve summer experiences as interesting and diverse as they are. As you read our guide to the best summer camps in the San Diego area for kids with autism, be sure to reach out to the camp that’s right for your family directly for registration information and procedures — spots fill up fast! Scroll on to find the best summer camp for your child on the spectrum, and give them a summer as amazing as they are.

 

Beach Camps:

We can’t think of a better way to take advantage of San Diego’s beautiful landscape than to host summer camp right on the beach — that’s why we’re breaking out our flip flops and sunscreen for these oceanfront camps. Each camp is operated and designed specifically for kids with special needs, enabling them to safely make those lasting summer memories on the water.

 

 

Bridge to the Beach | Website | San Diego, CA

 

Why we love it: The Autism Tree Project Foundation (ATPF) partners with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Junior Lifeguards to bring kids on the spectrum a truly tailored water-loving experience. During this one-week beach camp, your child will enjoy boogie-boarding, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking, all with the assistance of their one-on-one trained junior lifeguard buddy. Bridge to the Beach enables children with autism and their families to participate in water sports in a safe, structured environment, while still having lots of fun and making friends. ATPF’s family beach camp allows you to enjoy the water with your child(ren), their trained and supportive staff, and other neurodiverse families.

 

Pricing Information: Free! (For this reason, admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.)

 

Perfect for: All Ages｜1:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Day Program | Whole Family | Non-Summer Programs Available

 

Important to note: Bridge to the Beach currently only accepts ATPF members, however, membership is free. For more information, check out their membership page here.

 

 

Camp Able | Website | Coronado, CA

 

Why we love it: Camp Able at Coronado is all about fostering safe, aquatic fun for differently-abled children and adults. They’re committed to creating an atmosphere of respect and compassion for all campers, which makes their sun-loving summer camp a solid choice for children on the spectrum. Located directly on the beach in Coronado, your child will partake in a variety of aquatic adventures, including surfing, sailing, swimming, and more. But the fun doesn’t stop there! With toes in the sand, kids will also enjoy arts and crafts, campfires, sing-alongs, and games. Camp Able’s program is an inclusive effort in partnership with many agencies in San Diego County to support those with disabilities, so their well-trained staff is adaptive and knowledgeable in how to best cater to your child’s unique needs.

 

Pricing Information: $425 (full rate) or $175 (scholarship rate) per one-week session. The scholarship rate is made available through sponsors and donors, but campers are encouraged to pay the full rate if they can.

 

Perfect for: Ages Kindergarten — Adult｜3–4:1 or 1:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Day & Half Day options available | Summer Only

 

Important to note: If you feel your child will require 1:1 support, please contact Camp Able. Families are responsible for providing a 1:1 aide for their camper, but Camp Able may offer financial aid to help with the cost associated.

 

 

Surf Camp｜Website｜La Jolla Shores, CA

 

Why we love it: Surf Camp is a beach-centric camp that includes water sports, arts and crafts, beach activities, and most importantly — fun! Surf Camp is an annual program championed by The Autism Society of San Diego, so you know your child will be in capable hands. This surf-filled 4-day camp has been designed specifically for individuals on the spectrum, providing them with the safety and guidance of a one-to-one surf instructor for each camper. The Autism Society of San Diego has been creating and innovating activities and awareness for neurodivergent individuals for many years, so we trust that this camp will be a fun and spectrum-friendly experience you won’t want your child to miss out on.

 

Pricing Information: $500 for one week

 

Perfect for: Ages 5+｜1:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Day Program

 

Important to note: Campers must be residents of San Diego county and current Autism Society members. Membership information can be found here.

 

Traditional Camps:

For a classic summer program or a traditional camp experience, look no further than these two parent-approved camps!

 

 

Easterseals Camp | Website | Big Bear, CA

 

Why we love it: If your child’s idea of the perfect summer includes classic images of singalongs by the campfire, ropes courses, swimming, canoeing, hiking, storytelling, and more, the fully-accessible Easterseals camp is their perfect match. For over 40 years, Easterseals of Southern California has been hosting this traditional, week-long, overnight camp experience at the YMCA’s Camp Oakes, with the promise to make classic summer fun possible for youth with special needs. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of Big Bear’s scenic forests and lakes, your child will have the time of their lives feeling supported, having fun, and making lasting memories.

 

Pricing Information: $1,248 for the week-long camp. “Camperships” are available; please contact Camp Director Amanda for more information here.

 

Perfect for: Ages 14+｜2:1 or 1:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Overnight

 

Important to note: Campers must have the ability to communicate in some way, so this camp may not be the best fit for non-communicative kids on the spectrum.

 

 

Camp I CAN｜Website｜San Diego & Carlsbad, CA

 

Why we love it: Camp I CAN (Including Children with Autism NOW) is a parent-recommended summer camp created in a dynamic partnership between the San Diego Autism Society and YMCA. This program is available at two YMCA locations in San Diego County: the Ecke YMCA Gymnastics in Carlsbad, and the Toby Wells YMCA in San Diego. While at camp, children will participate in classic summer activities such as arts and crafts, games, and playtime at the YMCA’s well-appointed facilities. At Camp I CAN, your child will feel just that — they can! They can make new friends, they can play, and they can feel accepted and included. Camp I CAN is the classic YMCA summer program experience, made accessible and personal to your autistic child.

 

Pricing Information: $250 for one week

 

Perfect for: Ages 5–17｜1:1 or 2:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Day Program

 

Important to note: Campers must be residents of San Diego county and current Autism Society members. Membership information can be found here.

 

Niche Camps:

Is your child obsessed with comic books, superheroes, storytelling, or graphic novels? Do they love animals? With these creative and specialized camps, your child will receive plenty of hands-on time in their areas of interest.

 

 

Ivey Ranch | Website | Oceanside, CA

 

Why we love it: Does your child love horses? Do they want to become a veterinarian when they grow up? Ivey Ranch Park offers a week-long, equine-focused camp for your animal-enthusiast. Campers will get hands-on with horses, including tacking, grooming, riding lessons, vaulting, training, and more! Ivey Ranch Park is an organization that provides neurodivergent families, and those with special needs, respite care (planned breaks), equine therapy, and other services. Their small-group program is a fantastic way to engage your child’s love of animals and nature while keeping them safe and supported by experienced staff.

 

Pricing Information: $250 per week-long session.

 

Perfect for: Ages 7–17｜6:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Half-Day | Afterschool, Respite, & Non-Summer Programs Available

 

Important to note: Campers with a special needs diagnosis are required to submit a medical packet completed by the child’s doctor.

 

 

Little Fish | Website | San Diego, CA

 

Why we love it: Is your child obsessed with comic books, superheroes, storytelling, or graphic novels? They’re sure to go wild for Little Fish Comic Books Studio’s creative summer camp! Whether they’re a budding artist or just a fan of the medium, Little Fish’s passionate, patient, and accepting staff will guide your child through a week-long journey of creating their very own comic book. After learning everything from character creation to inking, drawing, and coloring techniques, your child will have a complete 3-page comic story to take home at the end of camp. Little Fish Studio is proud to welcome and celebrate neurodiversity; they’ll do their best to ensure your child’s unique needs are met — including plenty of breaks, decompression, alone time, or whatever they need to feel comfortable and creative.

 

Pricing Information: $295 per session; early bird discount available. All materials are included in the cost of the camp.

 

Perfect for: “Kidz Camp” Ages 7–11; “Teenz Camp” Ages 12–17 | 7:1 Camper to Counselor ratio | Non-Summer Programs Available

 

Important to note: While Little Fish’s comic book camp is not specifically for kids with autism, Little Fish’s instructors are experienced and comfortable working with individuals on the mild end of the spectrum/those with low support needs.

 

So many amazing camps, right?! Which one should you pick? Check out our guide on choosing the right summer camps for autistic children!