Autism summer camps in Fresno, CA come in three main types. Inclusion day camps that add a trained support person. Regular day camps that welcome your child’s aide. And overnight camps built for campers with developmental disabilities. The strongest local choice is the River Camp Inclusion Program on the San Joaquin River. Many families also drive to Shaver Lake, the Yosemite foothills, or the Santa Cruz Mountains for specialized sessions.
Now is the right time to plan. Summer 2026 has ended, and specialized camps often open registration between December and February. Popular overnight sessions can fill within days. Many Fresno families pay for camp with Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) funding or Self-Determination Program funds. Below you will find each program, what it costs, and how to prepare your child. Prices listed are from summer 2026 and may change for 2027.
Autism-Friendly Summer Camps In and Around Fresno
1. River Camp Inclusion Program (River Parkway Trust)
Location: 11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno
River Camp has run nature day camps along the San Joaquin River for over 20 years. Campers study wildlife, play games, and make crafts in groups of 12 to 14.
The River Camp Inclusion Program (RCIP) pairs each camper with an Inclusion Specialist. This person acts like a counselor but gives 1:1 support when needed. They can help with toileting but cannot give medication. Families visit on a Saturday morning first to meet the specialist and learn the schedule.
- Ages: 3.5 years through students entering 8th grade
- 2026 dates: Weekly camps, June 22 to August 14
- 2026 cost: $350 per week for older groups, $275 for Young Explorers, scholarships available
- How to apply: Your CVRC service coordinator must refer you. An intake interview follows.
2. Central California Adaptive Sports Center (Shaver Lake)
Location: 40885 Shaver Forest Road, Shaver Lake
This nonprofit runs outdoor adventures for people with all disabilities, including kayaking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing, and paddle boarding. Day programs run 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Weekend programs run Friday evening to Sunday afternoon.
- Ages: All ages. Children under 18 attend with a parent or guardian.
- Support: No 1:1 aides provided, but staff help and family members join in
- Funding: CVRC vendor, accepts Self-Determination funds, financial aid available
- Registration: Usually opens near the end of April. Call (559) 593-2504.
3. Camp Krem Yosemite (Camping Unlimited)
Location: Off Highway 49 between Oakhurst and Mariposa
Camping Unlimited has served campers with developmental disabilities since 1957. After a 2020 wildfire damaged its Santa Cruz Mountains site, it opened Camp Krem Yosemite in 2021. The site now hosts four summer sessions and more than 650 campers a year, with swimming, arts, music, drama, sports, and hiking. It is accredited by the American Camp Association.
At about an hour from Fresno, it is one of the closest overnight options for local families.
4. Easterseals Camp Harmon (Boulder Creek)
Location: Santa Cruz Mountains. Fresno office at 2505 W. Shaw Ave, Suite 101.
Easterseals Central California, based in Fresno, has run this residential redwood camp since the 1960s. Each session is built for a specific age group.
- Ages: 8 to 65
- Ratio: 3 campers to 1 counselor, with cabins of six campers and two staff
- Safety: Two registered nurses on site at all times
- Features: Accessible pool, animal farm, arts and ceramics, music, and nature trails
Call the Fresno office at (559) 241-7233 to ask about summer and weekend camps.
5. Inclusive Day Camps That Welcome Aides
Some Fresno camps are not built for autism but will work with you on support.
- Fresno Chaffee Zoo Summer Camp: Animal visits, zoo tours, and crafts. Outside agencies may join campers for 1:1 support. Half-day camps cost about $200.
- High Performance Academy (Clovis): Water games and sports for ages 4 to 12. Aides are welcome and the camp works with CVRC. Cost ran $275 half day or $375 full day.
- City of Fresno PARCS Camps: Free camps for ages 7 to 14. Registration opens the month before camp.
- Fresno Unified Summer Camps: Free for district students. Aide support is decided case by case.
6. Limitless Classes for Shorter Sessions
A full day of camp is too much for some kids. Two Fresno studios run small “Limitless” classes for all abilities, and both are CVRC vendors. Good Dirt Pottery Studio on W. Bullard Ave teaches wheel throwing and painting. Cook Up on E Clinton Way runs adaptive cooking with visual recipes and about five students per class.
Quick Comparison
| Program | Type | Ages | 1:1 Support | CVRC Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| River Camp Inclusion Program | Day camp | 3.5 to 8th grade | Yes, Inclusion Specialist | Yes, referral required |
| Central Cal Adaptive Sports | Day and weekend | All ages with parent | Staff help, family joins | Yes |
| Camp Krem Yosemite | Overnight | Children to adults | Ask the camp | Ask your coordinator |
| Easterseals Camp Harmon | Overnight | 8 to 65 | 3:1 ratio | Ask your coordinator |
| Fresno Chaffee Zoo | Day camp | 3 to 17 | Your own aide | Self-Determination funds |
| High Performance Academy | Day camp | 4 to 12 | Your own aide | Yes |
How to Pay for Autism Summer Camp in Fresno
Camp costs range from free to well over $1,500 per session. These sources can help.
- CVRC social recreation and camp funding. California restored this funding in 2021. Ask your service coordinator which camps are approved.
- Self-Determination Program. SDP families can often add camp to their budget. Some changes need approval, so start early.
- Scholarships and camperships. River Camp, Central Cal Adaptive Sports, and many nonprofits offer aid.
- Free public camps. City of Fresno PARCS and Fresno Unified camps cost nothing for eligible kids.
Extended School Year (ESY) from your child’s IEP is separate. It is a school service, not camp.
How to Choose the Right Camp
Ask these questions before you enroll:
- What is the camper to staff ratio?
- Is staff trained in autism or behavior support?
- Can my child’s aide or behavior technician attend?
- Is there a quiet space for breaks?
- How do you handle meltdowns or wandering?
- Can we visit before the first day?
- Who gives medication, if needed?
Match the camp to your child’s interests too. A child who loves animals may thrive at the zoo. A water lover may shine at Shaver Lake.
Getting Your Child Camp-Ready with ABA
Camp asks a lot. New adults. New kids. Loud games. Changing plans. These skills can be practiced months before summer.
At Go Behavioral LLC, a BCBA can build camp readiness goals into your child’s plan, such as following group directions, joining play, handling transitions, and asking for help. Our social skills group gives kids a safe place to practice with peers. Parent training helps you prepare at home with visual schedules and social stories. Younger children can build a base through intensive early intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there autism summer camps in Fresno, CA?
Yes. The River Camp Inclusion Program in north Fresno offers 1:1 support at a nature day camp. Nearby options include Central California Adaptive Sports in Shaver Lake and Camp Krem Yosemite near Oakhurst.
Does CVRC pay for summer camp?
It can. California restored regional center funding for social recreation and camp in 2021. Talk to your CVRC service coordinator about eligible camps.
When should I register for summer camp in Fresno?
Start in the fall. Many specialized camps open registration between December and February. River Camp opened member registration on February 1 and general registration on March 1 in 2026.
Can my child’s aide or RBT attend camp?
Many Fresno camps allow outside aides, including Fresno Chaffee Zoo and High Performance Academy. Coverage for an RBT at camp depends on your insurance and treatment plan, so ask your BCBA.
What age can autistic kids start summer camp?
River Camp’s Young Explorers program starts at age 3.5. Fresno Chaffee Zoo’s Cub Camp serves ages 3 to 5. Overnight camps like Camp Harmon start at age 8.
Are there overnight autism camps near Fresno?
Yes. Camp Krem Yosemite sits about an hour away near Oakhurst. Easterseals Camp Harmon is a longer drive in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Build Summer Skills with Go Behavioral LLC
The right camp gives your child fun, friends, and confidence. The right preparation makes that first week go well.
Go Behavioral LLC offers BCBA-supervised ABA therapy in Fresno, CA, Clovis, and Madera. We help children build the social, communication, and coping skills that make camp easier. Contact us or call (888) 988-0520 to start planning for summer.
