Summer Camps for Food Allergic, Gluten-Free and Vegan Kids

Updated for 2025! Sending a child to camp for the first time can be a scary proposition for any parent, let alone the parent of a little one (or teen!) with special needs. Fortunately, there are now enough food allergy camps, gluten-free camps, and even vegan camps to warrant this pretty lengthy list. And unlike many other lists of food allergy camps out there, we aren’t just focused on nuts! We have notes for dairy-free campers throughout, as well as commentary on other top allergens. If there are any we’ve missed, kindly leave a comment below!

Photo from Camp Interlaken (below).

Summer Camps for Food Allergic, Gluten-Free and Vegan Kids

Children with milk allergies, lactose intolerance, or diet-related conditions like Celiac disease require special care in the camp kitchens, dining halls, and anywhere food is involved. Several of the camps listed below have emerged with programs specifically designed to create a safe environment for free-from tots.

Always check with the camp to ensure that they can accommodate your child or teen. This list is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon for safety needs. It is up to you to verify the current camp facilities, food policies, and all other essentials.

Camp Blue Spruce

• Website: www.campbluespruce.org
• Location: Banks, OR

Camp Blue Spruce is a “worry-free camp for kids with food allergies”, according to their website and information provided. It’s a 5-day, sleep away camp for kids ages 10-14 that promises all of the traditional camping activities, such as hiking, campfires, swimming, field games, and arts & crafts. But unlike “ordinary” camps, Blue Spruce only cooks up meals and snacks that are free of the top allergenic foods. Their cooks prepare most of the food from scratch, using fresh ingredients. All of the manufactured products at Camp Blue Spruce are carefully vetted and will mostly come from allergen-aware companies. Plus, a professional team of medical staff is on hand for 24 hours a day throughout the camp session.

Camp TAG

• Website: www.foodallergyawareness.org/camp-tag/camp-tag-the-allergy-gang
• Location: Lebanon, OH; Nashville, TN

Camp TAG is back! These 5-day food allergy camps for kids ages 4-13 are now run by FAACT, but their mission holds true. They were created as a safe place specifically for children with food allergies, eosinophilic disorders, asthma, and non-allergic siblings. They describe it as a “bonding and empowering” 5-day camp for kids and their parents with “95% fun and 5% educational” activities. For safety, each camp has full-time nurses on staff, and the curriculum was designed and reviewed by FAACT’s Medical Advisory Board. Teens, ages 14+, can serve as volunteer counselors and receive about 35-40 community service hours for the week. Camp TAG also has a special Teen Retreat in early fall.

Camp Emerson

• Website: www.campemerson.com
• Location: Berkshire Mountains, MA

Wow, I wish camp looked like this when I was a kid (see photos at the top of this post). For the full blown summer experience, Camp Emerson looks like the place. Though it is a somewhat “traditional” sleep away camp (if by traditional you mean tennis, waterskiing, and martial arts classes are par for the course), Camp Emerson is described as “The Food Allergy Specialist”. They support dairy, nut, wheat, soy, egg and fish allergies, and gluten free foods are always available. They even have a full time Registered Dietitian who works with each food allergy family to prepare their child’s own menu for camp.

Camp IHC (Indian Head)

• Website: www.campihc.com
• Location: Equinunk, PA

Shared by Dee Dee below:

Their entire camp was just certified tree nut and peanut free by Kitchens with Confidence, and they also have a “Gluten Free” certification for part of their kitchen space, also by Kitchens with Confidence. Their kitchen staff also received Allergen and Gluten Training by AllerTrain, an ANSI accredited Allergen and Gluten Awareness program.

And they state on their website:

Indian Head employs two special chefs who handle any and every dietary restriction (celiac disease), allergy (gluten), or food sensitivity (dairy). Just let us know what your child’s restrictions are and we’ll find a way to make sure they’re always full, and always happy. Additionally, Indian Head Camp has been a nut free facility for the better part of two decades!

Camp Wingate*Kirkland

• Website: www.campwk.com
• Location: Cape Cod, MA

This is a is a co-ed, overnight camp with long sessions that range from 2 to 7 weeks for kids ages 7-15. And they actually contacted us to share their allergy-friendly policies:

We are a peanut, tree nut and sesame-free camp located on Cape Cod, MA. We easily accommodate other food allergies as well including, dairy, egg, soy and wheat.

Camp Interlaken

• Website: www.campinterlaken.org
• Location: Eagle River, WI

This is a Jewish sleepaway camp, and according to an article I read on camps for food allergies, they are nut-free. This isn’t stated directly on their website, so I would contact them directly to clarify. They are probably able to accomodate other food allergy issues, particularly milk, since some camp attendees may keep strictly kosher. Again, contact them directly to find out.

Camp Manitou-Lin

• Website: www.grymca.org/camp/camp-manitou-lin
• Location: Middleville, MI

Margaret of MI Gluten Free Gal let us know about this YMCA camp. According to Margaret, it’s a peanut-free camp, and they accommodate dairy, soy, and egg allergies and anything else you can think of. They’ve even catered to olive oil, cranberry and celery allergies. They also have dedicated gluten-free prep space, utensils and pans. Gluten-free campers eat in a separate room where gluten is not allowed during the week. I’m not sure if food allergies are handled in the same manner, but you can contact them for their current policies.

Camp Celiac – California

• Website: www.celiaccamp.com
• Location: Livermore, CA

Camp Celiac serves up three gluten-free meals a day while offering traditional camp activities. Their activities include things like a ropes course, rock climbing, ziplining, boating, swimming, archery, arts and crafts, skit night, and outdoor sports. As for other dietary needs:

There are dairy-free and nut-free alternatives at every meal and ingredient lists are posted for all menu items; campers sensitive to other foods need to review the lists for their additional dietary restrictions. Nuts and nut flours are used at Camp; we do not operate a nut-free facility.

Camp Celiac – Rhode Island

• Website: www.campceliac.org
• Location: N. Scituate, RI

As the name implies, this is a sleep away camp catering specifically to kids with Celiac disease. Therefore their entire menu is gluten-free, and they can accommodate lactose-free needs. However, the camp no longer caters to other food allergies (including milk allergies) or sensitivities. It seems that was a bit too overwhelming for them. But if gluten- and lactose-free are your child’s needs, then they can handle it.

Camp Common Ground

• Website: www.cgcvt.org
• Location: Starksboro, VT

This unique camp is for kids of ALL ages! Yes, it is a family camp that welcomes wee little ones, teens, and adults. Expect a plethora of camp-style events in addition to some unique and relaxing activities, and of course, good food. The camp focuses on local and organic food, and the menus are vegetarian. They have an abundance of vegan offerings (dairy-free and egg-free), and also have gluten-free options for every meal. Their kitchens are “nut aware”, meaning they do not serve any peanuts or tree nuts, but contact them to discuss potential cross-contamination issues.

Camps Kenwood & Evergreen

• Website: www.kenwood-evergreen.com
• Location: Wilmot, NH

This is a peanut-free and tree nut-free overnight camp that is “Proudly Welcoming Gluten Free & Dairy Free Eaters.” In fact, for almost a decade they’ve happily provided safe and tasty meals for kids with various food allergies. Camp Kenwood is for boys, and Camp Evergreen is for girls, but both are located in the same area. Ansd here are some specifics they provide on their food allergy protocols:

Through our forward-thinking food distributor we are able to purchase brands like Boar’s Head, Kinnikinnik, Andrea’s, Udi’s, Divvy’s, Annie’s and more! We have dedicated appliances and surfaces in our kitchen to prevent issues like cross contamination, and a refrigerator in the center of our dining hall so that campers can keep their personal condiments safe and accessible. Whenever possible our special meals look and taste just like what everyone else is eating. Our posted menus clearly mark what may contain gluten, egg or dairy so that campers have the opportunity to eat what is being served to each table. And when a bunk has a party on a special occasion the Amy’s pizza arrives at the same time as the other slices!

Lake Of The Woods & Greenwoods Camps

• Website: www.lwcgwc.com
• Location: Decatur, MI

Lake of the Woods is for girls, Greenwoods if for boys, and both are nut-free, peanut-free camps with food allergy-friendly policies. They do not serve any food in their dining hall that may contain peanuts or tree nuts. They also have a gluten-free bar at every meal, and non-dairy milk options, including soy and rice milk. There is a designated chef who prepares allergen-free meals for campers with soy, dairy, egg, gluten or multiple food allergies. And they have multiple nurses present on the campgrounds.

Camp Sabra

• Website: www.campsabra.com
• Location: Rocky Mountain, MO

This is a kosher camp that offers activities like sailing, water-skiing, wake boarding, ropes courses and videography alongside education on Jewish traditions. And in terms of food, they are quite accommodating:

We serve our campers three well-balanced meals (and snacks!) each day with plenty of options to accommodate all of our campers’ tastes and dietary needs. All food is prepared on site. Even our bread is baked in our kitchen daily.

Camp Sabra is Kosher under the guidance of Vaad Hoeir of St. Louis, and peanut, tree nut and sesame seed free. For other allergies, please contact the Camp Sabra staff. If your child has special dietary needs, our Camp Director will gladly work with you to ensure that they are met. If possible, we will accommodate any allergy request we can.

Camp Sloane YMCA

• Website: www.campsloane.org
• Location: Lakeville, CT

Viewer Mary emailed this recommendation:

This post for food allergy camps prompted me to finally bite the bullet and contact the summer camp director at the YMCA camp where my older two non allergic children are going this summer. It is a sleep away camp (with day camp as well) in the Berkshires in Lakeville, CT and also happens to be the place where I met my husband. It is an incredibly special, positive place and I have been so afraid to find out whether my youngest could ever go.

I heard back from the camp director tonight with a wonderful response letting me know that the camp has been entirely nut free since 2009 (!!!!!). And they do not allow any products with nuts or risk of cross contamination into camp!!! I’m so happy that my kiddo will have this option but also wanted to share in case anyone is looking for a nut safe camp that happens to be about the most special place on earth.

The handbook at Camp Sloane also states:

We can accommodate most food allergies, and encourage parents to contact camp if their camper has special dietary needs.

Challenge Camp

• Website: challengecamps.com
• Location: Rye, NY

My friend Cheryl sent us this recommendation:

I had an amazing experience with a chef who totally ‘got it’ for my son, at Challenge Camp in Westchester County. The camp supported the chef (who has worked at the camp for years) in her amazing approach. And when I say supported, I mean that she was authorized to order top-8 free blueberry pops for the WHOLE camp because it was the only option that worked for both my son AND several campers with celiac disease. Frankly, that’s impressive!

According to the camp’s website:

If your child has a food allergy(s) or concerns please let us know and Chef Carrie will ensure that a meal consistent with your child’s dietary restrictions is available. Challenge Camp is a Nut Free camp, and can accommodate most dietary requirements. Our caterer will work directly with concerned parents to ensure we can meet your camper’s needs.

Camp Sweeney

• Website: www.campsweeney.org
• Location: Gainesville, TX

This camp has evolved quite a bit in recent years. The Children’s Medical Center for Food Allergy previously hosted a camp at Camp Sweeney. They no longer have a food allergy specific camp, but the folks at Camp Sweeney said their diabetes camps can accommodate campers who have food allergies in addition to diabetes. They are a well-equipped camp, and state the following:

Medical management is enhanced by instruction in meal management and nutritional aid. A registered dietician plans meals according to the American Diabetes Association Exchange List so campers can maintain a constant carbohydrate diet. At every meal, each camper has a tray specifically prepared for them by our kitchen staff, considering food allergies, preferences and supplying exact caloric needs.

Camp Woodbrooke

• Website: www.campwoodbrooke.org
• Location: Richland Center, WI

This is a Quaker-based camp for youth of all ages that includes an emphasis on community service, cooperative decisions, and fun. This family run camp is mostly vegetarian (meat options are available on request, with several dairy-free and vegan choices. Many of the meals use produce from the camp garden and are made from scratch. They also reportedly cater to special diet requests, including food allergies.

Camp Sealth

• Website: www.campfireseattle.org
• Locations: Vashon Island, WA

They’ve been heavily involved with the gluten-free community in the past, and also work to accommodate other dietary needs during their sessions. They state the following:

Camp Sealth is 100% peanut-free – we do not serve or allow any peanut products in camp; we check all the food served to ensure it was made in a peanut-free facility. Nearly all food allergies can be accommodated; the kitchen staff can prepare alternatives for any food being served. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives are regularly prepared and available for those who need it, as well as dairy-free options. Options that do not contain gluten are available, however, we are not a gluten-free establishment. Camp Sealth offers a week of summer camp for kids who are gluten-free, with meals prepared by the Gluten Intolerance Group.

Camp Kanata

• Website: www.campkanata.org
• Locations: Wake Forest, NC

This camp is well known for their gluten-free week, but they also offer gluten-free options throughout the season, and seem capable of handling other dietary needs. But please note that milk is served with every meal, and their strength is primarily with gluten awareness. They shared the following details.

The Camp Kanata food service staff is dedicated to meeting the needs of all campers, including those with dietary restrictions. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available at every meal, and staff take all of the necessary steps to accommodate campers with food allergies. There is a board that lists each meal with their potential dietary restriction (including gluten, soy, nuts, etc.) and we now have a dedicated staff member in the Dining Hall who is specifically assigned to ensure gluten intolerant campers get their correct meals in a timely manner.

NJY Camps

• Website: www.njycamps.org
• Location: Milford, PA

This information was sent to us directly from the camp:

Located in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, NJY Camps are able to work with almost every food allergy and food allergy combination. With a dedicated GIG (Gluten Intolerance Group) certified kosher kitchen, NJY Camps offers children the opportunity to go to camp with their non-allergic friends. Meals are matched to the main kitchen menu and campers eat at their bunk tables with their friends. The kitchen is supervised by a celiac mom and every staff member, whether food service staff, bunk staff or head staff, is trained in working with campers with food intolerances.

There is a full medical staff including eight nurses and three doctors on staff full time to ensure the health and safety of all of our campers and staff. NJY has several camps that offer a variety of options for attendance from one week to full summer. There are also family weekends in which the whole family can come and enjoy playing outside!!

Point O’ Pines Camp

• Website: www.pointopines.com
• Location: Brant Lake, NY

Point O’ Pines is another nut-free camp, but it’s just for girls. They also work with parents of children with other food allergies before and during camp, and provide direction to their kitchen to provide fresh and nutritious food for all campers. They reportedly have a chef dedicated to campers with dietary restrictions, and use color-coded utensils and cutting boards while cooking to avoid cross-contamination. Once prepared, the food is covered, labeled and stored in a separate location. We’ve also read that they have a doctor and four nurses are staff during their camps.

The Center for Courageous Kids

• Website: www.courageouskids.org
• Location: Scottsville, KY

The Center for Courageous Kids® is designed specifically for children living with medical challenges who cannot attend a traditional camp. Their 168-acre campus includes a Medical Center and helipad, Equestrian Center, Bowling Alley, Indoor Swimming Complex, Gymnasium with Climbing Wall, Lodges, Dining Hall and Theater, and more. They have special weekends for kids and their families (parents attend too!) with autism, diabetes, asthma, and various other conditions. Plus, their application form for all camps includes providing information about food allergies.

The YWCA / AAIA Outdoor Education Center

• Website: www.ywcayowochas.org
• Location: Edmonton, AB

In partnership with Alberta Allergy Information Association, the YWCA center used to host one sleepaway camp a year for children with severe food allergies. Unfortunately, that specific camp was discontinued, but for all of their camps they still reportedly run a nut aware facility. Their kitchen does not use any products that have nuts and “we avoid food suppliers who list that their products may contain any nuts.” As a result, they have many children who are anaphylactic to nuts attend their summer camp and have a great experience. They also accommodate the health and safety of other food allergies and special diets when given notice.

Picking Other Celiac or Food Allergy Camps Near You

If the locations above aren’t accessible to your family this year, consider your options locally. Many summer camps, whether day or overnight, can accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and special diets. For helpful tips on how to safeguard your child while allowing them to enjoy the interactions of summer camp see the following articles: How to Pick a Summer Camp for your Food Allergic Child.