A pickleball training camp is in your future, but you are not sure which one? Read on.
Choosing the right pickleball camp can make a significant difference in your overall experience and skill development. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which camp will best suit your needs.
PickleHeads, a popular website for finding places to play, maintains a Best Pickleball Camps Guide that includes a variety of camps along with pros and cons for each. and we highly recommend checking it out. However, before you dive into their detailed reviews, we have a few additional considerations to help you choose a camp that best suits your needs.
If you’re thinking about attending a camp, we also put together a guide called “The 3 Biggest Mistakes Pickleball Players Make When Choosing a Camp (and How to Avoid Them).” It walks through common pitfalls and some of the things players overlook when choosing a pickleball camp. One hint: it’s not just about the location. You can get it here.
Understanding a pickleball camp versus a pickleball clinic
You may have attended a pickleball clinic in the past. When considering a pickleball camp, know that they are generally much more immersive. How immersive will depend on the camp. Some camps offer a curriculum that helps you walk away with a deeper understanding of pickleball and how to play at your best. Other camps are more oriented toward ball-feeding, drilling, and play.
Neither style is right or wrong. It depends on what you are looking to gain from your pickleball camp experience. If you are unsure, ask the camp coaching staff to share their camp philosophy/curriculum. Whatever camp you choose, expect that it will be much more intense than any pickleball clinic you may have participated in.
A coach camp or an organization camp
Below, we share with you four of the top pickleball camps for adults, according to the knowledgeable folks at PickleHeads. Next to each camp name is a designation: “organization” or “coach.” This designation is relevant because it tells you a bit about what you are getting into with each pickleball camp.
An “organization” camp is one in which the teaching pros at the camp are not a central feature.
When you attend an organization camp, you cannot be sure who the instructors will be. And these pros change frequently. This is not to say that the camp will be a bad experience. It is just an unknown whether you will end up with an awesome coach or a coach who perhaps you wish was otherwise.
A “coach” camp is driven by the coach offering the camp – they are central.
For instance, Better Pickleball camps are taught by CJ Johnson, who lead every camp and follow a structured curriculum built around mechanical, strategic, and athletic development.
When you are deciding on a camp, give some thought to the pro(s) who will be leading your camp. Does it matter to you if you do not know them or their teaching style? If not, you can keep organization camps in the mix to help you select the right camp for you.
One last consideration on a coach vs organization camp is your age.
While young coaches can certainly teach pickleball to any age group, they (through no fault of their own) do not have personal experience with the aches and pains of a senior pickleball player. If you are looking for a pickleball camp that is appropriate for senior players, consider leaning into a coach camp that features coaches who have your lived experience.
The 2026 Best Pickleball Camps
These camps were highlighted by Pickleheads for different strengths, so the best choice depends on what you’re looking for:
1. Best Camp for Beginners: Nike
Type of Camp: Organization Camp
- Features: Learn pickleball in a relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for beginners who are just starting out.
2. Best Camp for Intermediate to Advanced Players: Better Pickleball Camp
Type of Camp: Coach Camp
- Features: Each session is carefully designed by pickleball experts, ensuring a productive and challenging environment for players looking to improve their skills.
3. Easiest Camp to Get To: Level Up Pickleball Camp
Type of Camp: Organization Camp
- Features: With locations spread across the region, you’re likely to find a Level Up camp close to you, making it a convenient option.
4. Best Budget Camp: Mark Price Pickleball Camp
Type of Camp: Coach Camp
- Cost: $315 for 8 hours
- Features: This camp offers great value for those looking to improve their skills without breaking the bank.
These options have been highlighted for their unique strengths, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and level of play.
You can read the complete PickleHeads article here and see the rest of the camps that made their Best Pickleball Camps list.
Here are some additional resources on selecting the pickleball camp that is the best fit for your learning style and goals, or what to consider if you are thinking about a women’s-only camp.
A pickleball camp can be an amazing experience, especially when the coaching, structure, and learning environment are a good fit for you. But not all camps are designed the same, and knowing what to look for ahead of time makes a big difference. If you’d like help with that, we’ve put together a free guide called “The 3 Biggest Mistakes Pickleball Players Make When Choosing a Camp and How to Avoid Them.” You can get it here
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)