In the Cherokee language, Illahee means "heavenly world." This expresses the very best of what campers, counselors and staff create in our remarkable community every summer. Since 1921, Camp Illahee has given girls the opportunity to explore their interests, seek new adventures and forge friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
We invite you to explore the magic of Illahee. The Illahee experience includes swimming in a natural lake, listening to crickets and frogs during the night, running outside on a rainy day and enjoying the independence of travelling to activities along white gravel paths. Rather than relying on a virtual experience, Illahee girls enjoy the unique opportunity of living closely in nature.
We invite you to explore the magic of Illahee. The Illahee experience includes swimming in a natural lake, listening to crickets and frogs during the night, running outside on a rainy day and enjoying the independence of travelling to activities along white gravel paths. Rather than relying on a virtual experience, Illahee girls enjoy the unique opportunity of living closely in nature.
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The "Heavenly World" comes to life when campers arrive! Fern, rhododendron, poplar and hemlock shade our open air cabins and activity buildings in a lush forest setting. A spring fed lake, situated between the dining hall and McLeod Lodge, is at the heart of camp and looks much as it did in 1921. The Wishing Well and our nurses are nearby and next door to Hillbrook, allowing easy access to the youngest campers.
Camp Illahee was founded in 1921 by a Mississippi educator and his wife. Hinton and Francis McLeod established an environment for girls to develop and flourish. This commitment has remained throughout camp's 98 year history and continues with Illahee's fifth set of directors, Gordon and Laurie Strayhorn.
Camp Illahee is not just a special place for its campers, but also for its staff. It takes every one of these unique, talented and devoted individuals to make Camp Illahee the extraordinary place that it is. Camp Illahee's current owners have been drawn to camp by the happy challenge of giving young campers the best of summer experiences.
The fall-colored mums and pumpkin displays have begun making appearances on the neighborhood stoops. October is here! Since moving to S.C. fall seems like a distant reach- the season we are currently in is one long extension of summer. It's hot and humid with a capital "H"; we are thankful for new friends with swimming.
For your convenience, we've assembled the most popular and often-asked questions and provided in-depth answers. If you don't see your question answered here, drop us an e-mail or call us directly at (828) 883-2181. We'd be delighted to hear from you. The most important thing to look for is the involvement and leadership of the directors.
Reviews (9)
Kait Paden
Dec 11, 2020
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We thank you for loving and shepherding Annie through her childhood and early teen years. What an incredible 7 years our she had with you all. You have certainly given her so many tools to go and make her way in the world. We will continue to sing Illahee's praises everywhere we go, as it truly is The Heavenly World!
Julie Smith
Sep 07, 2020
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Greg Mazur
Jun 25, 2020
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Our daughter went to Camp Illahee for 6 years and loved every minute of it.
She always looked forward to her time at camp and grew a lot each year form the experience. Every year — after the month camp —, she would come back more self confident / self assured from all of her positive experiences and challenges. Thank you Camp Illahee and all the counselors for that!
She always looked forward to her time at camp and grew a lot each year form the experience. Every year — after the month camp —, she would come back more self confident / self assured from all of her positive experiences and challenges. Thank you Camp Illahee and all the counselors for that!
Meredith Harper Pickens
Jul 20, 2019
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Palmer Gard
Nov 11, 2018
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Camp Illahee has been my favorite place in the world for 40 years! I went there as a camper and counselor long ago and then we sent our daughter there as well. Lots of cousins and nieces have experienced the magic of Illahee too! Illahee allowed me to flourish as a girl in a safe and super fun environment. It gave me confidence and joy in my life and I know it has done the same for countless other girls!
Amy Feyer
Jun 25, 2018
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What a wonderful week for my daughter! I took a leap of faith because I did not know anyone going to camp quite like my daughter was explaining! After doing a little research, I decided on Camp Illahee. I did not choose wrong! They were absolutely wonderful, extremely organized and my daughter had a blast!
Not one time did I worry about her safety at camp.
Their 5 stars are much deserved!!
Not one time did I worry about her safety at camp.
Their 5 stars are much deserved!!
Kylie Philman
Jun 17, 2018
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Lisa Jardina
Oct 12, 2016
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Camp Illahee has been my daughter's "heavenly place". She has grown up there - from a little girl to a teenager. I am thankful to God for this place in my daughter's life. I'm also thankful she spends a month every year completely upplugged from her phone and experiences all the old fashioned activities and pleasures of summer.
Kathleen Doss
Aug 15, 2016
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My daughters have spent the past 9 summers at Camp Illahee. It has been the most incredibly positive and formative experience for both of them. It is truly a heavenly place where girls get to unplug and be free for a time from the constant challenges of today's world. I would highly recommend it to anyone searching for a summer camp for girls!
