Children’s Camp Emerald: A Forgotten Relic in Kopachi, Ukraine
Children’s Camp Emerald is an abandoned summer camp located inside the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in Ukraine. Once filled with the laughter of children during bright summer days, it now stands as a haunting relic of a bygone era.
Explore the eerie remains of its dormitories and playgrounds through the 360-degree panoramic virtual tours below. This hidden gem offers urban explorers a rare opportunity to witness how time and circumstance have transformed a place once devoted to carefree fun into a stark reminder of history.
Images by Nikolai Formin
Images by Bartosz Bryniarski
Images by Bartosz Bryniarski
Images by Bartosz Bryniarski
Children’s Camp Emerald: A Chilling Abandoned Soviet-Era Camp in Kopachi, Ukraine
Urban explorers searching for eerie and historically rich locations often find themselves drawn to the remnants of the Soviet Union. Among these ghostly sites is Children’s Camp Emerald, an abandoned summer retreat in Kopachi, Ukraine. Once filled with the laughter of children, today it stands frozen in time, overtaken by nature and the tragic history of the Chernobyl disaster.
The Origins of Children’s Camp Emerald
Children’s Camp Emerald was constructed during the Soviet era, likely in the 1960s or 1970s, as part of a widespread initiative to provide recreational spaces for young pioneers—children involved in the Young Pioneers movement of the USSR. The camp was designed to offer a retreat from the city, where children could enjoy summer activities, education, and community-building.
At its peak, the camp accommodated hundreds of children from nearby regions, particularly those from Pripyat and Chernobyl. Like many Soviet youth camps, it was intended to instill Communist values and provide a structured yet enjoyable environment for young minds.
Why Was Children’s Camp Emerald Abandoned?
The fate of Children’s Camp Emerald was sealed in April 1986, following the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Kopachi, the village where the camp is located, was among the most heavily contaminated areas due to its proximity to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant—a mere 7 kilometers away.
In the aftermath of the explosion at Reactor No. 4, the Soviet government swiftly evacuated nearby towns, including Pripyat and Kopachi. While some structures in Kopachi were bulldozed and buried due to extreme radiation levels, Children’s Camp Emerald was left standing. The camp’s isolated location and dense forest cover shielded it from immediate demolition, allowing it to persist as a haunting remnant of the past.
The Ghostly Remains of Children’s Camp Emerald
Today, the camp is one of the eeriest abandoned places in Ukraine, attracting urban explorers seeking a glimpse into a forgotten era. While much of Kopachi was wiped from existence, this camp remains, slowly decaying under layers of radiation, dust, and neglect.
Walking through the camp, explorers find dilapidated cabins, rusting playgrounds, and Soviet propaganda posters still clinging to the walls. The most chilling artifacts are the scattered dolls, shoes, and beds, reminders of the children who once lived here. Many of the buildings have collapsed roofs and broken windows, overtaken by moss and vegetation.
Despite being abandoned for nearly four decades, remnants of the camp’s past still tell a vivid story. Soviet-era murals, depicting happy children and patriotic slogans, now fade into decay, creating a stark contrast between the camp’s intended purpose and its tragic reality.
Radiation Risks and Safety Precautions
For those passionate about urban exploring in Ukraine, Children’s Camp Emerald presents both an opportunity and a risk. Though much of Kopachi was leveled due to high radiation, this camp remains accessible—but not without hazards.
Unlike Pripyat, which has relatively lower radiation levels, some areas in and around Kopachi still contain dangerous hotspots. Before visiting, explorers should bring a Geiger counter to monitor radiation exposure and avoid disturbing the soil or vegetation, as radioactive particles can still be present.
It’s also essential to wear protective clothing, avoid sitting on the ground, and minimize time spent in the area. Due to ongoing Chernobyl Exclusion Zone regulations, entering the zone legally requires special permits and a guided tour.
Travel Tips for Visiting Children’s Camp Emerald
If you’re planning to visit Children’s Camp Emerald, here are some essential tips to make your trip safe and successful:
1. Book an Authorized Tour
- The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is a restricted area. You must book a tour with an officially licensed Chernobyl tour company to gain legal entry.
- Some of the best tour providers include Chernobyl Tour, SoloEast Travel, and CHERNOBYLwel.come.
2. Pack Proper Gear
- Geiger Counter: Essential for monitoring radiation levels.
- Long Sleeves & Pants: Reduces skin exposure to radioactive dust.
- Closed-Toe Shoes: Protects against contaminated ground surfaces.
- Mask or Respirator: Helps prevent inhaling radioactive particles.
- Gloves: Avoid direct contact with surfaces.
3. Follow Safety Guidelines
- Do not touch anything—radiation can linger on objects.
- Stick to paved paths—avoid walking on soil or vegetation.
- Limit your time—stay aware of Geiger counter readings.
- Never take anything from the site—it’s illegal and hazardous.
Nearby Abandoned Locations for Urban Explorers
If you’re exploring abandoned places in Ukraine, there are several other incredible locations near Children’s Camp Emerald worth visiting:
1. Pripyat Ghost Town (10 km away)
Once home to nearly 50,000 people, Pripyat was abandoned within 36 hours after the Chernobyl disaster. Highlights include:
- Ferris Wheel & Amusement Park – The most iconic abandoned site in the world.
- Azure Swimming Pool – A decaying yet hauntingly beautiful indoor pool.
- Hospital No. 126 – Where first responders were treated, their contaminated clothing still in the basement.
2. Duga Radar (The Russian Woodpecker) (15 km away)
A massive Soviet over-the-horizon radar system built during the Cold War. The towering steel structure was once part of a secret missile detection system, now left to rust in silence.
3. Chernobyl Town (20 km away)
Unlike Pripyat, Chernobyl Town was not completely abandoned. Today, it houses workers and scientists monitoring radiation. Key abandoned spots include:
- Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant – Explore the sarcophagus covering Reactor No. 4.
- Lenin Street – Filled with deserted Soviet-era buildings.
- The Chernobyl Museum – Displays artifacts and chilling details about the disaster.
4. The Abandoned Villages of the Exclusion Zone
Many villages were evacuated and left untouched since 1986. Some of the eeriest include:
- Zalissya – A forgotten village where homes and shops remain eerily intact.
- Opachychi – A nearly vanished settlement with a few elderly self-settlers still living there.
Final Thoughts
For urban explorers drawn to the haunting beauty of abandoned locations, Children’s Camp Emerald offers a unique and chilling experience. Its untouched decay, combined with its tragic history, makes it one of the most compelling abandoned sites in Ukraine.
If you ever find yourself near Chernobyl, remember that every crumbling wall and rusted swing in this forgotten camp tells a story worth hearing—a story of innocence lost to disaster.

Abandoned children’s camp emerald near the Chernobyl exclusion zone. Image by Bartosz Bryniarski
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