OutVentures Group Camping Frequent Questions

Group camps are usually scheduled for the long Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, sometimes near Independence Day, and sometimes at other times. Group Camps will be announced in newsletters, our annual meeting, on our website, and by email. 

The locations are spread throughout the state; as such, the environments and sites vary as much as our wonderful state. OutVentures often reserves a large group camping site at a State Park, in a National Forest, at a county park, or private campground. These are often large grassy or forested areas with parking nearby, usually within 50 or 100 yards. These are primarily tent camping sites, though some sites can accommodate small trailers or camper vans; for this you will have to check in advance with the group camp event host. Sometimes trips are just a few campsites reserved in a regular campground. In these cases, the sites are usually limited to just a few people and a few tents per site. 

For some of the camps, we reserve large group sites that can accommodate dozens of campers; other trips are just a few regular campsites, with limits on space and guest count. Most sites have picnic tables, some sites have a covered pavilion, sometimes even with electricity and a water tap, but generally, there are no utility hookups available. While some have only pit privies (outhouses), others have modern facilities with flush toilets nearby, some even have showers (Pro-tip: bring quarters, most of the showers are coin-op.)  Generally, but not always, the state park sites have flush toilets and showers nearby, but not always at the group site. 

The camping styles within our group vary from small backpacking tents to huge, multi-room tents with inflatable beds. Some sites have lots of room to spread out; other sites might have slopes or roots that require a little more creativity and flexibility to fit everyone in. (Pro-tip: if you’re an early-to-bed person, before setting up your tent, figure out where the campfire will be and setup away from that, since we often have some night owls that stay up a bit later enjoying the campfire.)

Meals are generally on your own, though sometimes small groups plan meals together to share the work. Traditionally, on the Saturday evening there will be a group potluck  happy hour and/or dinner, where everyone is encouraged to bring a dish or snack to share. While we have some campground chefs who enjoy fixing up a fancy back-country dish, this is by no means a requirement, and many of us just bring humble store-bought food or snacks; it all gets enjoyed. (Pro-tip: keep in mind that since everyone is bringing something, you do not need to bring enough to feed the whole camp. We usually have a massive amount of food leftover.)  Some camps have stores nearby should you remember what you forgot, but some sites are quite remote, so double-check your packing list before you leave home.

Registration usually opens at the OutVentures website 6 to 8 weeks before the camping weekend. Watch your email for the event invitation. 

For most camps, camping is charged as a flat fee for the camping, no matter how many nights you stay. Experience has shown this to be far easier and more predictable, as people’s plans frequently change but the campsite expense to the organization remains the same. 

OutVentures has a Refund Policy developed from experience; make sure you review that if you are concerned that your plans might change. 

Some members like to participate in parts of the group camps, but prefer to stay in nearby hotels rather than sleeping out. This is generally fine, but the rules of the specific camping facility will apply; for example, most state parks require guests to be out of the park by 10 pm. 

Campers must follow the rules of the campsite, including noise policies, parking regulations, alcohol policies, and such. For example, most state parks have a ban on amplified music, so that everyone can enjoy a peaceful camping experience. OutVentures will not and can not bail you out if you get in trouble with the authorities. All campers are expected to clean up after themselves, and practice low-impact and leave-no-trace camping as much as practical. 

OutVentures camping events are only open to OutVentures members in good standing. If you wish to bring a non-member, they will need to join, either as an annual member or as a 30-day Guest Member.

There are passes available for both Federal and State lands, but where and when these passes are necessary or valid is complex. In general, the passes are not applicable for overnight camping, but are often required at trailheads for dayhikes. This WTA site does a good job of explaining the various passes, but you should check for specific locations you are thinking of visiting. If you own any of these passes, be sure to bring them along on camping trips. Even though they might not be necessary at the campsite, they may be required for trailheads or other nearby attractions we may visit during the camping trip. 

At most group camps, the schedule is open for all sorts of activities. Usually, there will be some day hikes scheduled in the vicinity; of course, these are optional. Other activities vary widely depending on the location, but some examples include: biking, wine tasting, historical or geological sites, lighthouses, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, kayaking, star-gazing, ice caves, and maybe even a Stonehenge. Sometimes the activities are posted as separate invitations at the website; other times they are more impromptu, as in “Anybody want to go for a hike in ten minutes?”

All campers are welcomed and encouraged to propose activities, either planned in advance or impromptu. It’s helpful, but not necessary, to coordinate with the contact person for that camp. 

You are responsible for bringing everything you need to camp safely, comfortably, and happily. This includes your own shelter and sleeping needs, your food, water, clothes, personal gear, etc. We can’t control the weather, so be sure to check the forecast and pack clothing suitable for the weather at the campsite, which might be quite different from that outside of you home.

Keep in mind that some campsites may be quite far from grocery or supply stores, so double-check that you have everything you need before leaving home. If you find checklists helpful, REI has a good list to help you remember what not to forget.