Swim camps offer a valuable opportunity to level up your technique and improve every part of your race. But with so many options out there, finding the right swimming camp can feel a little overwhelming. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered. Learn how to find the best swim camp based on your needs and use the event finder below to find swimming camps near you.
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Swim Training Camps at IMG Academy
IMG Academy is launching a new Swimming Program, supported by a state-of-the-art Aquatic Center now under development. Open to boys and girls, the program will offer elite coaching, year-round training, and competitive opportunities in a world-class environment. Swimming camps begin Summer 2027, followed by the boarding school program in Fall 2027.
Click here to be the first to get updates on training opportunities, campus progress, and important program news as it’s released.
How to choose the right swimming camp
With so many swimming camps out there, it can be tough to know where to start. Whether you’re looking to improve your stroke technique, drop time or get noticed by college coaches, choosing the right camp can make a big difference. Here are some key questions to consider as you find the swim camp that best fits your goals and skill level:
- What level swimmer does the camp work with? For those still working on fundamentals of technique, competitive swimming camps might be too overwhelming. Conversely, it can be beneficial to learn new techniques and feel challenged at a camp.
- How much is the family able to budget for men’s swimming camps?
- How far is traveling required to attend the camp?
- What’s the duration of the camp? Some overnight men’s swimming camps can include up to five days of swimming instruction, film review and activities with other campers.
- Are there college swimming camps hosted at schools where you’ve been in contact with college coaches?
- Does the swim camps they’re considering offer instruction in the right stroke and distance? Are the instructors reputable?
- Will there be college coaches on the decks and will they be helping review student-athletes’ underwater films?
- Will there be opportunities to talk to current swimmers about what life is like at the school?
How much does swim camp cost?
Swim camp costs can vary widely depending on the type, length, and location of the camp. On average, you can expect:
- Day camps to range from $300 to $600 per week
- Overnight camps to range from $700 to $1,200 per week
Many camps offer early registration discounts, sibling discounts, and sometimes scholarships or financial aid. Some even offer payment plans to help families budget the experience over time.
If you’re comparing options, look for camps that clearly outline what’s included in the price—such as coaching, pool time, meals, and housing—so you can determine the best value for your swimmer.
What does a typical day at swim camp look like?
Most swim camps follow a structured daily schedule that includes swimming training sessions, recovery time, and team activities. While every camp is different, a typical day might look like this:
- 8:00 AM: Morning warm-up
- 9:00–11:00 AM: Pool training (technique, drills, endurance)
- 12:00 PM: Lunch and rest
- 1:00–2:30 PM: Dryland or strength training
- 2:30–4:00 PM: Afternoon pool session (starts, turns, sprint work)
- 4:00 PM and later: Free time, team-building games, or video review
Overnight swim camps often include evening activities or guest speakers focused on motivation, college recruiting, or mental performance.
Camps can be a great opportunity for athletes to build confidence, improve technique, and learn what it takes to swim at the next level.
Who are the coaches or instructors?
Swim camps are typically led by experienced coaches ranging from college swim coaches to former collegiate or Olympic athletes. Many camps are hosted at colleges and universities, giving athletes a chance to work with the actual coaching staff from those programs.
Some camps also offer recruiting seminars or Q&A sessions where swimmers can learn directly from college coaches about what it takes to compete at the collegiate level.
BEST SWIM CAMPS FOR COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS 2026
Finding the best swim camp for competitive swimmers comes down to identifying the right mix of elite coaching, high-quality facilities, and a program that aligns with your goals; whether that’s refining technique, building endurance, or preparing for college and national competition.
With so many options available, it’s important to look for camps that go beyond basic instruction and offer immersive training, personalized feedback, and exposure to top-tier coaching.
Below is a list of top swim camps across the U.S. that stand out for their quality, reputation, and commitment to athlete development.
- SPIRE Academy Swim Camps (Geneva, OH): Highlights include personalized assessments, mental skills coaching, Olympic-size pool access, and team-building activities. Ideal for swimmers seeking an immersive training experience.
- Florida Gators Swim Camps (Gainesville, FL): Led by Olympic and NCAA champion coaches, the camp emphasizes starts, turns, and race strategy. Includes lectures on nutrition and health. Best for swimmers aiming to train with elite-level talent.
- Bolles Swim Camp (Jacksonville, FL): Known for rigorous training, technique development, and strength conditioning in an elite environment. Ideal for highly dedicated athletes pursuing national-level competition.
- FAA High Performance Swim Camp (Boca Raton, FL): Daily training includes in-water workouts, core work, and tactical sessions led by Coach Rich. Designed for swimmers looking for high-performance training with a personal touch.
- USA Swimming National Select Camp (Colorado Springs, CO): Focuses on recovery, nutrition, and race strategy, with training from national team coaches. For elite high school swimmers aiming for the highest levels of competition.
- Gamecock Swim Camp (University of South Carolina): Camp focuses on technique, stroke efficiency, and includes above/below water video analysis. Ideal for athletes looking to sharpen their skills with individualized feedback.
- UC San Diego Swimming Camps (La Jolla, CA): Features workshops on stroke technique, strength training, and race simulation. Led by UCSD varsity coaches and guest Olympians, with training held in world-class aquatic facilities. Best for swimmers who want a balance of performance and technical training in a scenic, collegiate environment.
Maximize Every Swim Camp Opportunity
Swim camps offer you the opportunity to develop your skillset, gain exposure and explore college campuses. What camps to attend and when are based on your individual recruiting goals. Whether you’re looking for the best events to attend or need recruiting advice, we’ve got you covered. And did you know an NCSA Recruiting profile helps you receive and respond to college camp invites?
Ready to get recruited? Create your free NCSA Recruiting Profile now so coaches can find you and so you can start receiving and responding to camp invites.