Camp Access
New Neighborhood YMCA Center
Exciting news! Your YMCA membership now includes access to YMCA Camp Thunderbird. That means access to outdoor recreation, childcare, and programs for both youth and adults will be available to all Y of Greater Charlotte members through this new location.
We are also offering site-specific YMCA Camp Thunderbird memberships at the same price as all the other YMCA locations in the Greater Charlotte area.
Interested in visiting YMCA Camp Thunderbird? Non-members can purchase a Day Pass.
Planning to visit YMCA Camp Thunderbird? Email us at CampThunderbirdEvents@ymcacharlotte.org for details on what to bring, rentals, parking, and whatever other questions you have!
Click here to view all Camp Thunderbird events.
ACTIVITIES
Open Activities:
Pickleball • Tennis • Disc Golf • Hiking Trails • Fishing • Soccer • Basketball • Sand Volleyball • Scavenger Hunts
Facilitated Activities:
Archery • Paddle Sports • Seasonal Water Activities: Lake Obstacle Course, Giant Slip & Slide, and Wet Wylie
Add-on Activities for Additional Fees:
Aerial Adventure Course • Gellyball • Alpine Tower • Riflery
CAMP ACCESS DATES & HOURS
Days of Operation - Hours of Operation::
The following Sundays:
- September 15th
- September 22nd
- September 29th
- October 6th
- October 13th
- October 20th
- October 27th
- November 3rd
- November 10th
- November 17th
First Fridays of every month –
March 1 • April 5 • May 3 • October 4 • November 1 • December 6
HOURS OF OPERATION:
5:00 PM-9:00 PM
DETAILS:
Need to mix it up for date night? Come spend an evening at YMCA Camp Thunderbird! Couples will get to participate in two adventure activities before heading off to an upscale lakeside picnic dinner. Later, feel free to enjoy a walk around camp or relax by a waterfront firepit. Please note that our campus is smoke-, alcohol-, and pet-free. Childcare is available for elementary-aged kids.
May 24-27
September 1-4
DETAILS:
Families will rent a cabin for the weekend and be treated to an all-inclusive camp experience. They’ll enjoy delicious meals, exciting activities, and plenty of social time throughout their stay.
December 1
HOURS OF OPERATION:
4:00 PM-8:00 PM
DETAILS:
Families can come enjoy holiday activities, live Christmas music, savory food, and hot chocolate. Participants and community partners will help us decorate and light our tree, kicking off the festive season.
First Fridays of every month –
March 1 • April 5 • May 3 • October 4 • November 1 • December 6
HOURS OF OPERATION:
5:00 PM-9:00 PM
DETAILS:
Kids grades K-5 participate in a variety of fun and games, eat a delicious dinner in our dining hall, then wrap up the evening with a restful activity, followed by milk and cookies. Kids’ Night Out takes place at the same time as Adventure Date Night—while the children are with us, caretakers can enjoy an evening to themselves.
FAQS
Q: Are reservations required, or do we just show up?
A: There are no reservations required to attend our Member Access Days at Camp Thunderbird! Simply show up and enjoy an afternoon with us. If you wish to participate in one of our paid programs (Gellyball, Aerial Adventure Course or the Alpine Tower), you'll register for those in-person the day of.
Q: Can I bring a friend or relative who isn’t a YMCA member?
A: Yes! A guest’s first visit with us is free. Additional visits are $20 for adults (ages 18+) and $10 for youth (ages 17 and under). Guests must sign a waiver upon arrival.
Q: I am a member of a different YMCA association—can I come?
A: As long as your YMCA is part of the Nationwide Membership (like the YMCA of Upper Palmetto), we are happy to honor your membership at YMCA Camp Thunderbird.
Q: Are there age restrictions?
A: No! You are welcome to enjoy YMCA Camp Thunderbird as an individual or family. There are specific activities that do have restrictions (listed below), but every activity is optional. Children are not permitted to attend without a responsible adult.
- Archery and Gellyball and Riflery – Age minimum 5 years old.
- Aerial Adventure – Minimum height requirement of 48”, maximum weight of 250 lbs.
- Alpine Tower - Maximum weight of 250 lbs.
- If children under 35 lbs. will be participating in water activities, the family must provide their own Coast Guard-approved lifejacket.
Q: What do I do when I arrive?
A: Upon arrival, please stop by our office to scan in (just like you
do in a center!) or register for a guest pass. After you are
checked in, you can park in our large gravel lot beside the Duke
Pavilion and set off to enjoy your afternoon!
Q: Do we have to show up at start-time?
A: No! You can show up whenever it's convenient to you and depending on how much time you'd like to spend here. Just keep in mind when member access hours end so that you can wrap up your day in a timely fashion. Also note that our last start-time for Aerial Adventure Course and Alpine Tower is 3:45pm.
Q: What should I wear?
A: We recommend wearing clothes that are comfortable for the weather that day, as our activities are outdoors! Clothing that allows you to move freely and be active is best. Closed-toe shoes are also recommended (and required for the Aerial Adventure Course and the Alpine Tower).
Q: Can we bring bikes to get around camp?
A: Absolutely! Individuals riding bikes must wear helmets.