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Ride the Summer Vibes

Lake Michigan Summer Beach Camp

Where cool kids, sandy feet, and shoreline adventures come together. 


Trusted by 6,000+ families | Building memories on Lake Michigan since 2005

Have the Best Summer Ever!

Developed by Great Lakes surfers in 2005, Third Coast Beach Camps have helped more than 6,000 kids discover the joy of being outdoors. With Lake Michigan as our backdrop, we create a safe, playful environment where kids can soak up sunshine, build friendships, and learn through hands-on experiences.

Families trust us because our approach is simple: let kids be kids. We combine shallow-water fun, creative beach games, and relaxed surf vibes to create a summer beach camp that feels both fresh and nostalgic. Kids gain confidence, independence, and a deep appreciation for being out in nature.

Fun in the Sun Awaits

  • Ages 6–12 | Designed for kids who love the beach, water, and making friends
  • 2 Amazing Locations | New Buffalo & St. Joseph, MI
  • Surf, Paddle & Play | Water + land adventures every day
  • Safety First | CPR- & water-safety–trained counselors
  • Screen-Free Summer Fun | Sunshine, movement, confidence, and connection

Camp Life – land and lake adventures

From first waves to sandy team challenges, every day mixes movement, creativity, and fun on the water and on the beach. 
Activities rotate based on weather and lake conditions, with safety always leading the way.

beach camp instructor high-fiving camper after surfing
Splash Zone
  • Surfing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Skimboarding & bodyboarding
  • Water games
group of kids at Lake Michigan beach camp
Sand Squad
  • Sandcastle challenges
  • Scavenger hunts & nature exploration
  • Capture the flag, soccer & games
  • Sandboarding & sledding (New Buffalo only)

Dive Deeper into Camp life:

Explore Daily Schedule
Explore Activities

Dates & Rates

We offer flexible week-long sessions all summer, with morning and afternoon options at select locations.

  • Season: June–August
  • Format: 5-day sessions (Monday–Friday)
  • Morning Sessions: 9am–12pm (New Buffalo & St. Joseph)
  • Afternoon Sessions: 1pm–4pm (St. Joseph only)
  • Cost: $230 per child / 5-day session
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Full Details
Bring a Friend, Save $50

Love camp? Invite a new family and earn $50 off your next booking when they register.

five kids wearing life jackets smiling on a surf board in the water
kids sitting in a circle on the beach
kid learning how to surf at summer beach camp
large group of kids at a west michigan summer camp
two people on surf boards in lake michigan
kids playing on the beach during summer camp session
young boy carry surfboard overhead
kids learning how to surf
kids playing in the water during the summer camp session
kids eating during summer camp session

WHY THIRD COAST BEACH CAMPS

Safety First

20+ years of safe, supervised beach fun – your child’s safety is our #1 priority.

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Exclusive Experiences

Discover the only kids’ beach camp of its kind on the Great Lakes.

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Convenient + Flexible

Sessions all summer long in two locations – perfect for busy families.

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Active + Outdoors

Soak up fresh air and sunshine while staying active at the beach (no screens allowed!).

graphic of surf board in sand
Skill Building

From paddling basics to beach games, kids gain confidence on and off the water.

graphic of two boys
Friendship + Teamwork

Connect, cooperate, and build friendships through fun activities.

Reviews from Real Families

Our Go-To Every Summer

We’ve been coming to beach camp for the past five years now, and hands down, it’s the most requested camp by our kids. We’ve absolutely loved having the opportunity to get them out on the lake almost every day this summer, and for them to try activities we might not do otherwise.

Jordan F. – Parent

Our Daughters Keep Asking to Come Back

My two daughters have been coming to Third Coast beach camp for the past few years, and it’s one of their favorites – they’ve actually requested to come several weeks instead of just one. They love the beach activities and the awesome instructors, and they always have friends who are here.

Laurie L. – Parent

Great Counselors and Great Experiences

We’ve loved Third Coast beach camps. My son really looks up to the camp counselors and enjoys all the things they do every day – surfing, paddleboarding, stretching, playing tag. He has done the camp several times and has made great relationships.

Kassandra K. – Parent

From Nervous to Surfing

Third Coast beach camps are a great way for my kids to get outside and learn new skills. It’s my son’s second year of camp, and he is so excited to surf after learning last year. He had been nervous about trying something new, but the instructors were great and encouraged him.

Emily V. – Parent

They Help You Try New Things

I like that the instructors help you with stuff that you don’t know how to do yet like surfing. If you’re thinking about camp, don’t be nervous, it’s really fun, and you’ll make new friends.

Max – Camper

Sandcastles, Capture the Flag, and Surfing

My favorite things at camp are doing the sandcastle competitions, playing capture the flag, and surfing for the first time with my friends.

Riley – Camper

excited beach camp instructor helping kids surf

Two Camp Locations To Choose From

Morning sessions (9am–12pm EST) run Monday–Friday at New Buffalo City Beach and Jean Klock Beach (St. Joseph)
Afternoon sessions (1pm–4pm EST) are offered Monday–Friday at Jean Klock Beach only
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St. Joseph Location
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New Buffalo Location
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In Partnership With

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A Team Parents Trust & Kids Love

Friendly, experienced, and seriously fun — our counselors are the heart of camp. Many were once campers themselves and now return to pass along the beach-day magic. Every counselor is CPR- and water-safety trained, so kids stay safe while they play, explore, and build confidence on the lake.

two summer camp instructors carrying supplies

Want to Join the Team?

Love the lake and working with kids? We’re always looking for energetic counselors to help create unforgettable summers.

Click here

Pick YOur Location

St. Joseph
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New Buffalo
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