Last Updated on May 16, 2025
At NeedyMeds, we understand how stressful it can be for families managing gluten-free diets and intolerances, especially when planning for summer camp. Whether your child has celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or other food allergies, finding gluten-free camps that can safely and confidently meet their dietary needs is essential.
Fortunately, many camps across the country offer gluten-free options, and some are even entirely gluten-free. We allow you to filter camps by condition AND financial need by visiting our Camps section on our website.
This guide highlights some of the top camps offering gluten-free meals, allergy-aware kitchens, and welcoming communities where your child can feel safe, supported, and fully included in the summer camp experience.
What to Look for in Gluten-Free Camps
When choosing a gluten-free camp, keep these essentials in mind:
- Gluten-Free Menu Options: Look for camps that provide gluten-free choices at every meal, or go a step further with dedicated prep areas or allergy stations to prevent cross-contact.
- Trained Kitchen and Medical Staff: Camps that take food allergies seriously will have staff trained in food safety, with systems in place for communicating dietary needs and preventing mistakes.
- Clear Communication: Look for camps that welcome calls or consultations before camp begins. A good program will be transparent about how meals are prepared and how they accommodate restrictions.
- Peer Support: Many kids feel isolated by their dietary needs. Gluten-free camps and inclusive meal programs create opportunities for kids to meet others with similar experiences.
Do Gluten-Free Camps Offer Financial Assistance?
Many programs that accommodate gluten-free diets also offer scholarships, sliding-scale fees, or financial aid. Financial assistance is usually offered for families who need it so children can attend camp regardless of their families economic status.
When registering for a camp, always:
- Apply Early: Financial aid is often limited and is often first-come, first-served.
- Contact the Camp: Ask if there’s an application or if any partner organizations offer assistance. Usually, the financial aid application is available on the camp’s website.
- Use NeedyMeds: Our Camps & Retreats Database lets you filter by diagnosis and financial aid availability.
In this blog, we’ll let you know which camp offers financial assistance.
5 Gluten-Free Camps For Children With Celiac or Food Intolerances
These rare and specialized programs are 100% gluten-free for the entire session or camp season. They’re ideal for kids with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance who need a completely controlled environment:
1. Camp Celiac (California)
A week-long overnight camp in Livermore, CA, run in partnership with the Celiac Community Foundation. The entire campus goes gluten-free, and campers enjoy swimming, crafts, and ziplining.
2. Camp Celiac (New Jersey)
Hosted at the Happiness is Camping facility, this program is completely gluten-free and provides traditional camp fun for kids ages 8–16. They offer need-based grants to families in need.
3. Camp Blue Spruce (Oregon)
Completely free from the top 9 allergens, including gluten. All meals are 100% gluten-free, and campers enjoy a full range of traditional activities in a food-safe environment.
Financial assistance is offered for those who otherwise can’t afford tuition. Depending on their financial situation, families can expect to have up to the full cost completely covered, or receive as little as $100. To apply, families must complete the financial assistance application while registering for camp.
4. Camp Weekaneatit (Georgia)
An overnight camp in Rutledge, GA, entirely gluten-free and staffed by GI specialists and dietitians. Includes swimming, sports, crafts, and medical supervision.
While registering your child for camp, indicate that you need a scholarship and state your financial situation on the application.
5. Gilmont Gluten-Free Family Camp (Texas)
This weekend family retreat offers an all-gluten-free experience with traditional camp activities and community support for families navigating gluten-free living. Scholarships are available for families in need.
7 Camps That Accommodate Gluten-Free Diets
These camps are not exclusively gluten-free, but they consistently provide safe, well-prepared gluten-free meals and have systems in place to accommodate dietary restrictions:
1. Camp Kanata (North Carolina)
Offers vegetarian and gluten-free options at every meal. Their staff are trained to manage food allergies, and families are encouraged to discuss individual needs before camp begins. Financial assistance is offered on a sliding scale fee based on income, and you can apply on the website.
2. Roundup River Ranch (Colorado)
Free for kids with serious illnesses, this camp prepares personalized meals based on dietary needs, including gluten-free options. The kitchen and medical teams work closely with each family.
3. Camp Wingate*Kirkland (Massachusetts)
Nut-aware and highly allergy-conscious, this camp offers buffet-style meals with individualized guidance. Gluten-free campers are supported by trained staff and thoughtful menu planning. Meals are prepared to avoid cross-contamination of food products.
While the camp does not necessarily have a formal financial aid program, they work will programs that help them identify children in need.
4. Camp Interlaken (Wisconsin)
Offers gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meal options. The Food Service Manager monitors the personal needs of campers with specialized diets. The camp also offers two needs-based scholarships that are available upon request.
5. Camp Common Ground (Vermont)
A family camp that provides gluten-free options at every meal. Their kitchen is vegetarian and nut-aware, and they emphasize local, organic, allergy-friendly ingredients.
The camp also offers a sliding-scale fee so that families can pay what they can afford, and additional assistance is available. Families also have the option to set up a monthly, interest free payment plan.
6. Camps Kenwood & Evergreen (New Hampshire)
These twin overnight camps accommodate gluten-free diets and personalized support for campers with other food sensitivities or allergies. Thankfully, financial aid is offered to families as much as their resources allow. Families must show proof of need while completing the financial assistance application.
7. Lake of the Woods & Greenwoods Camps (Michigan)
Provide a gluten-free bar at every meal and have a dedicated chef preparing allergy-friendly food in a nut-free environment.
Find More Gluten-Free Camps On NeedyMeds
NeedyMeds makes it easy to search for gluten-free camps and other camps that accommodate children with food allergies.
In our Camps & Retreats Database, click on “Advanced search”, then “Additional Search Criteria”, and either type in “Celiac Disease” or “Digestive/GI.” You can filter results by location and financial assistance.
Give your child the gift of a safe and joyful summer, without having to worry about what’s on their plate.
