Camp · Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 8–16 · $1,675/week
Directory · United States · Alabama · Mentone
▌ Overnight/Sleepaway · Ages 8–16

Camp DeSoto

Mentone, AL · $1,675/week

A Christian summer camp for girls on Lookout Mountain, offering outdoor activities, fostering friendships, and...

▌ Editor's read Camp DeSoto's website loads successfully and presents as a legitimate overnight camp for girls. It is ACA accredited, with its accreditation expiring in 2025, demonstrating a commitment to industry standards. The camp has been operating since 1929, indicating a long-standing presence and experience in summer camping. While specific staff-to-camper ratios are not explicitly listed, the website mentions that all staff undergo background checks. The camp is privately owned, founded by Helen and Marvin Luke, and operates with a clear Christian mission. Google reviews for Camp DeSoto show a strong rating of 4.9 stars based on 107 reviews, with many reviewers praising the positive environment and lasting friendships. The program is exclusively overnight, offering activities like horseback riding, swimming, arts and crafts, and Bible study.
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ACA-accredited~300 standards audited
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Since 193096+ years operating
Register → Shortlist in planner → Visit website

Who thrives here Ages 8–16

Camp DeSoto is built for middle-school campers — an age where leadership tracks, deeper specialization, and identity exploration take over from generalist day-camp formats. overnight/sleepaway programs that thrive at this age publish a clear weekly progression rather than a rotating activity menu, and the staff-to-camper conversation usually matters more than the activity list.

Facts & Credentials

Program type
Overnight camp
ACA accredited
Yes
Established
1930 (96 years)
Operator
Private business
Staff-to-camper ratio
Not listed

How we verify these →

Details

  • Category: Overnight/Sleepaway
  • Ages: 8–16
  • Hours: 24-hour residential
  • Address: 264 Highway Above the Clouds, Mentone, Alabama 35984
  • Phone: (256) 634-4394
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Cost notes: $6700 for 4 weeks. A $1000 deposit is required with the application.

Runs 24-hour residential, 3 sessions (1 one-week, 2 multi-week blocks), from May 30 to Jul 31.

Sessions ⛓

Bookable units published by the camp. Multi-week blocks marked ⛓ are indivisible — register for the full session.

  • Session 1 May 30 – Jun 4, 2026 · 1 week · $1,700
  • Session 2 Jun 6 – Jul 1, 2026 · 4 weeks · $6,700
  • Session 3 Jul 6 – 31, 2026 · 4 weeks · $6,700

↗ What parents like

  • Christian-focused program
  • Variety of outdoor activities

↘ Watch for

  • High cost
  • Deposit required

Logistics

  • Lunch provided: No
  • Transportation: No
  • Financial aid: No
  • Setting: outdoor

Frequently asked about Camp DeSoto

What ages does Camp DeSoto accept?
Camp DeSoto is open to children ages 8–16. Camps publish their own age cutoffs, and some run mixed-age groups internally; check the registration page for that summer's grouping if your child sits at a boundary.
How much does Camp DeSoto cost?
Camp DeSoto publishes $1,675/week for the standard session. $6700 for 4 weeks. A $1000 deposit is required with the application. Final cost depends on session length, sibling discounts, and whether extended care is added on.
What are Camp DeSoto's hours?
Camp DeSoto runs 24-hour residential. If those hours don't quite cover your work day, check whether extended care or early drop-off is offered separately.
Is Camp DeSoto accredited?
Yes — Camp DeSoto is accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) and has been operating for 96 years. ACA accreditation means the camp has been audited against ~300 health, safety, and program-quality standards covering staffing, supervision ratios, emergency response, and program design.
Who runs Camp DeSoto?
Camp DeSoto is operated by a private business, with 96 years of operating history. The operator type matters for tuition policy (refunds, financial aid eligibility) and for what kind of staff training pipeline the camp uses.
Does Camp DeSoto provide lunch?
Camp DeSoto does not include lunch — campers bring their own. Most day camps without provided lunch are nut-free or nut-aware, so check the allergy policy before packing. Frozen water bottles double as ice packs and drinks; insulated lunch boxes hold below 40°F for about four hours.
How does Camp DeSoto compare to other overnight/sleepaway camps in Mentone?
Camp DeSoto is one of 15 overnight/sleepaway camps in Mentone that overlap its age range. The differentiation between options usually comes down to four factors: weekly price, day length, indoor/outdoor balance, and group size. Browse same-city alternatives in the directory to compare side by side.

Planning guides

Editorial checklists to use before you compare Camp DeSoto with other camps.

Camps near here

Same city, with age-overlapping options first. Other camps to consider alongside Camp DeSoto.