DC Summer Camps with Bus Transportation
Picture this: It's 8:15 AM on a Tuesday in July. You're already running late for work, and you're stuck in traffic trying to get your kiddo to summer camp across town. Sound familiar?
Here's the good news: there are a handful of summer day camps in the DC area offer convenient bus transportation that pick campers up in the District. No more impossible morning commutes or scrambling to leave work early.
And here's the funny part: sometimes it's the bus ride itself that becomes the highlight of your kiddo's day.
Yes, Kids Love the Camp Bus
Ask any camper what they loved most about summer, and "the bus ride" often makes the top three. There's something magical about those thirty minutes with friends, counselors leading sing-alongs, and the anticipation building as you get closer to camp.
For Parents, it’s The Ultimate Convenience
Let's be honest about what bus transportation really means:
No traffic stress: Drop off at a nearby location at 8:00-8:30 AM
Consistent schedules: Afternoon pickups typically 4:00-5:00 PM
Work flexibility: No need to leave the office early
Multiple locations: Most camps offer multiple pickup points throughout the DC area
DC Area Camps with Bus Transportation
Barrie Camp (Silver Spring, MD)
Ages: Entering K - Grade 8
Bus Stops: Montgomery County & Washington DC
Transportation: Weekly and drop-in rates available
Features: 45-acre campus, Olympic pool, horseback riding, archery, sports
Website: barrie.org/camp
Calleva (Poolesville, MD & McLean, VA)
Ages: 6-16
Bus Stops: Chevy Chase, Tenleytown DC, Virginia locations
Transportation: Included in weekly tuition
Features: Outdoor adventure, including kayaking, rock climbing, paddleboarding, mountain biking
Website: calleva.org
Valley Mill Camp (Darnestown, MD)
Ages: 4-14
Bus Stops: Over 20 pickup/drop-off locations throughout Montgomery County, DC, and Northern Virginia
Transportation: INCLUDED in camp tuition
Features: 60+ acres with spring-fed lake, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, rock climbing, archery, horseback riding
Website: valleymill.com
Summer at Sandy Spring (Sandy Spring, MD)
Ages: Entering PreK - Grade 12
Bus Stops: Bethesda, Tenleytown, Brookland, Colesville Road, Fulton/Laurel, Kensington, Rockville, Takoma Park Metro
Transportation: $199/week (round trip), $120/week (one-way)
Features: Progressive Quaker camp, Friends Camp, specialty workshops (STEM, arts, sports, adventure), enrichment programs, SAT/ACT prep
Website: summeratsandyspring.org
Bretton Woods Recreation Center (Germantown, MD)
Ages: 3.5 - 13
Bus Routes: Two main routes serving DC-area locations
Transportation: Approximately $130/week
Features: 280+ acres, traditional day camp, adventure camp (zip lining, kayaking), STEM
Website: bwrc.org
What to Expect (generally)
Morning: Buses depart 8:00-8:30 AM. Arrive 5-10 minutes early (buses can't wait). Bus counselors take attendance and lead songs and games.
Afternoon: Pickups 4:00-5:00 PM. Traffic may cause 5-15 minute delays. Bus counselors wait with kids until parents arrive.
Safety: Camps use certified drivers and camp counselors on their bus routes. Be sure to confirm for extra peace of mind.
Summer camp with bus service can really transform the experience for both parents and kids. While you're reclaiming hours in your day and peace of mind in your schedule, your children are building their independence, making friends, and probably singing songs at the top of their lungs somewhere between DC and Germantown.
Most camps open registration in late fall or early winter and fill up quickly, especially for popular weeks and convenient bus stops. For the most current pricing, routes, and availability, visit each camp's website directly.