The Best Girls Basketball Camps in Minnesota

If you’ve got a basketball-loving kid at home, Minnesota is a quietly excellent place to build skills, confidence, and game IQ over the summer. From Big Ten–led training environments to smaller, fundamentals-first camps, there’s a wide range of options for every age and ability level.

We’ve rounded up six of the best basketball camps across Minnesota, balancing skill development, coaching quality, and overall experience, so you can find the right fit for your player this summer.

1. University of Minnesota Women’s Basketball Camp (Minneapolis)

The University of Minnesota Women's Basketball camp is one of the most high-profile options in the state, and for good reason. Led by head coach Dawn Plitzuweit and her staff, this camp offers a true college-level training environment for younger players.

The Girls Day Camp (grades K–7) focuses heavily on fundamentals like shooting, ball handling, defense, and rebounding, while still keeping things fun and competitive through drills and team play. Campers also get exposure to current college athletes, which adds an inspirational element you don’t always find elsewhere.

Best for: Younger players who want a structured, high-energy introduction to basketball, or those dreaming of playing at the next level.

Also for Boys: The University of Minnesota also offers boys basketball camps through its men’s program, typically featuring skill development sessions, team camps, and elite camps for older players. These camps mirror the same Big Ten–level coaching exposure and are a great option for boys looking for a high-performance environment.

2. University of St. Thomas “Tommie Pride” Basketball Camps (St. Paul)

At the University of St. Thomas, the Tommie Pride camps strike a strong balance between skill-building and personal growth. These camps are led by longtime coach Ruth Sinn, whose philosophy emphasizes both player development and character.

Options range from day camps to overnight and elite sessions, making it easy to find something age-appropriate and goal-aligned. The coaching approach here stands out for its focus on confidence, teamwork, and understanding the game, not just executing drills.

Best for: Players who benefit from a supportive, growth-oriented environment with multiple camp formats.

Also for Boys: St. Thomas offers a robust lineup of boys camps led by head coach Johnny Tauer, including day, overnight, and shooting camps for grades 3–10. These programs emphasize skill development, motivation, and teamwork, and are among the longest-running camps in the Twin Cities.

3. Minnesota State Moorhead Women’s Basketball Camps (Moorhead)

Minnesota State University Moorhead offers one of the most flexible camp lineups in the state, with both individual and team options.

Their Fundamental Skills Camp (K–3) and Future Stars Camp (grades 4–8) are especially appealing for younger athletes just building their foundation. The curriculum focuses on core skills while keeping sessions engaging and age-appropriate. For older or more competitive players, team camps provide live-game reps and structured competition.

Best for: Families looking for affordable, age-specific camps with clear progression as kids grow.

Also for Boys: The university also runs boys basketball camps through its men’s program, typically including youth skills camps and team camps that focus on game play, fundamentals, and competition, making it a strong co-ed destination for families with multiple players.

4. University of Minnesota Crookston Basketball Camps (Crookston)

If you’re looking for a smaller, more personalized camp experience, University of Minnesota Crookston delivers.

These camps (grades 3–8) are intentionally designed with manageable group sizes, allowing for more individualized coaching attention. Players work on fundamentals like shooting, ball handling, and defensive positioning in a focused, supportive setting.

Because it’s less crowded than metro-area camps, kids often get more repetitions and more confidence.

Best for: Players who thrive with hands-on coaching and a quieter, less overwhelming environment.

Also for Boys: Boys camps are also offered through the men’s basketball program, with similar small-group instruction and fundamentals-based training. These camps are especially valuable for players who want more reps and individualized coaching.

5. University of Minnesota Duluth Elite Camp (Duluth)

For high school athletes looking to sharpen their game and potentially get in front of college coaches, the University of Minnesota Duluth Elite Camp is a strong option.

This one-day intensive focuses on advanced offensive and defensive skills, including shooting, passing, and game situations. It’s also a great opportunity for players to showcase their abilities in a competitive setting. 

While shorter than traditional camps, the level of play and coaching make it a high-impact experience.

Best for: Serious high school players interested in competing and possibly getting recruited.

Also for Boys: Minnesota Duluth also hosts boys' elite and team camps through its men’s program, often focused on advanced skill work, live gameplay, and exposure to college-level coaching, ideal for high school athletes preparing for varsity or recruitment.

6. Winona State Women’s Basketball Camps (Winona)

Winona State University offers classic summer basketball camp experiences with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and fun.

Led by the university’s coaching staff, these camps are well-organized and reliable, with a focus on teaching the game the right way. While they may not have the same national name recognition as larger programs, they consistently deliver a solid, well-rounded experience for young athletes.

Best for: Families looking for a dependable, no-frills camp that covers all the basketball basics.

Also for Boys: Winona State’s men’s basketball camps offer similar programming for boys, including youth camps and skill sessions focused on shooting, ball handling, and game fundamentals, making it a great parallel option for siblings or co-ed planning.

Bonus: Nike Basketball Camp (Minneapolis)

For families looking for a non-college-affiliated option, Nike Basketball Camps offer a polished, skills-focused experience with multiple session options throughout the summer.

Best for: Flexible scheduling and a mix of skill-specific camps (shooting, complete skills, etc.).

Also for Boys: Nike’s Minneapolis camp offers extensive boys programming (ages 8–17), including week-long sessions focused on shooting, gameplay, and position-specific development. 

How to Choose the Right Basketball Camp

With so many strong options across Minnesota, the “best” camp really comes down to your child’s age, experience, and goals.

• For beginners: Look for camps focused on fundamentals and fun (Moorhead, Crookston)
• For skill development: Choose structured, coach-led programs (U of M, St. Thomas)
• For competitive players: Seek out elite or team camps (Duluth, Moorhead team camps)
• For confidence-building: Smaller camps often provide more individual attention, and also consider general recreational camps that include sports amongst various options

It’s also worth considering logistics (half-day vs. full-day, location, and cost) as well as your child’s personality. Some kids thrive in big, high-energy environments, while others do better in smaller groups.

Final Take for Parents

Minnesota may not always be the first state that comes to mind for basketball, but its camp offerings are deep, diverse, and thoughtfully run, with major players coming out of the state. Whether your child is just learning how to dribble or already dreaming about varsity tryouts, there’s a camp here that can meet them where they are and help them grow.

The key is choosing a program that aligns not just with skill level, but with how your child learns best. Because at the end of the day, the best camp isn’t just about better shooting, it’s about building confidence, friendships, and a love of the game that lasts well beyond summer.