Camp nurse

A camp nurse takes care of people at camps and retreats that are often located far from a hospital or healthcare facility.

Required education

ADN or BSN

Average annual salary

$71,000

Payscale.com (Jan. 2026)

Varied

Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.

Managerial

Oversee other nurses and help improve healthcare for all.

Out-of-hospital

Treat patients in their homes, during travel, or other non-hospital environments.

Patient-facing

Work hands-on, directly with patients.

Independent

Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.

What is the role of a camp nurse?

You’ll use your skills to handle a wide range of medical situations, from routine bumps and scrapes to more serious scenarios like broken bones and contagious illnesses.

What you’ll do as a camp nurse

Education

You’ll teach campers about sunburn prevention, fire prevention, poison ivy or oak, bug bites and other environment-related issues.

Management

You’ll perform pre-camp assessments, document visits, and maintain supplies.

Treatment

You’ll provide first aid and administer medications to campers, attendees, and staff.

Female nurse in scrubs patting the hand of a young female patient

Where you’ll work as a camp nurse

Camp nurses work in a variety of settings, including:

Campsites
Retreats

How to become a camp nurse

Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.

Pass the NCLEX-RN and work as a Registered Nurse.

The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.

While there is no specific certification, most camp nurses are required to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

You’re ready to work as a camp nurse!

Camp nurse career resources

Become a member of a camp nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Association of Camp Nursing

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