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 • Thunder Bounce
Add-on Activities for Additional Fees:
Aerial Adventure Course • Gellyball
CAMP ACCESS DATES & HOURS
Days of Operation - Hours of Operation::
The following Sundays from 2:00-5:00PM:
- March 2nd
- March 9th
- March 16th
- March 23rd
- March 30th
- April 6th
- April 13th
- April 27th
- May 4th
- May 11th
Sunday, October 12th
HOURS OF OPERATION:
2:00 PM-5:00 PM
DETAILS:
Celebrate the best of autumn at our 2nd Annual Fall Festival! Bring the whole family for an afternoon filled with seasonal fun, including hayrides, games, crafts, and more. Enjoy live entertainment, delicious fall-inspired treats, and plenty of activities to keep everyone smiling. Come for the fun, stay for the memories—see you there!
Sunday, December 1
HOURS OF OPERATION:
4:00 PM-7:00 PM
DETAILS:
Bring the whole family to celebrate with us at our 2nd Annual Holiday Tree Lighting with a visit with Santa, holiday activities, live Christmas music and performances, delicious food, and steaming hot chocolate! Join us as participants and community partners come together to decorate and light our tree, marking the start of a magical holiday season.
First Fridays of every month –
March 7 • April 4 • May 2 • September 5 • October 3 • November 7 • December 5
HOURS OF OPERATION:
5:00 PM-9:00 PM
DETAILS:
Looking to spice up your date night? Join us for an unforgettable evening at YMCA Camp Thunderbird! Couples will enjoy two thrilling adventure activities before unwinding with a romantic, upscale lakeside picnic dinner. Wrap up your night with a peaceful stroll around camp or cozy up by the waterfront firepit under the stars.
Please note: Our campus is smoke-free, alcohol-free, and pet-free. Need childcare? We've got you covered with fun for elementary-aged kids while you enjoy your evening!
May 9-11
August 29 - September 1
DETAILS:
Get ready for a weekend of family fun! Rent a cozy cabin and enjoy an all-inclusive camp adventure filled with delicious meals, exciting activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect and unwind together.
First Fridays of every month –
March 7 • April 4 • May 2 • September 5 • October 3 • November 7 • December 5
HOURS OF OPERATION:
5:00 PM-9:00 PM
DETAILS:
Kids in grades K-5 are in for an exciting evening at Kids' Night Out! They’ll dive into a variety of games and activities, enjoy a tasty dinner in our dining hall, and wind down with a relaxing activity, topped off with milk and cookies. Best of all, Kids' Night Out happens alongside Adventure Date Night—giving caretakers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun evening of their own while the kids are having a blast with us!
Sunday, April 13th
HOURS OF OPERATION:
2:00 PM-5:00 PM
DETAILS:
Shake off the winter blues and dive into the vibes of spring at Thunderbird's Spring Fling. Think fresh blooms, epic activties, cool crafts, and tasty bites, Bring your crew, soak up the sun, and make memories that scream springtime fun.
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.