How are people camping?
People camp by tent, RV, car, or in one of our available bunkhouses.
What supplies should I bring?
Tent/shelter (unless staying in an RV/bunkhouse), sleeping bag/bedding, all personal food for the week, drinking water, cooler w/ ice, personal folding chair, cooking supplies such as a stove, fuel, utensils, plates, cups, dish soap, trash bags for your site, toiletries, headlamp/flashlight, sunscreen, and bug spray.
Feel free to bring any entertainment like games, books, art & craft supplies, recovery material, musical instruments, etc. There is also a small beach down at Beacon Rock State Park Day Use Area - bring your swim suit, inflatables, SUP, etc. There are also daily hikes planned, so if you plan to attend the hikes bring some shoes you're comfortable hiking around in. This is planned for midsummer, but check the weather ahead of time for items like tarps, pop-up tents, rain gear, etc.
We encourage you to come with friends and pool items if you're in need of camping supplies!
Are any meals provided?
There will be a group potluck and fried chicken provided Friday evening. People bring potluck items and we typically eat together for the evening meeting. Saturday night we pool all of our remaining food together for a large potluck to use up what we have left over from the week. Sunday morning there will be a huge pancake breakfast in honor of Gordon, one of the Campout founders. Feel free to bring any potluck items during these times, homemade items are welcome, and there are several stores close by.
It's always encouraged to make friends with your neighbors!
Are there any amenities at the campsite?
The Group site has a large kitchen with electricity used for group activities, 16 bunkhouses, four well maintained outhouses, one large covered picnic area, and a large fire pit where we do our meetings and evening campfire jams. There are showers right down the road at the Beacon Rock State Park Day Use Area. The day use area has a small beach and people typically bring things like inflatables or SUP, so don’t forget your swimsuit!
Are there any hookups for RVs?
No, there are no hookups for RVs. There is running water available near the kitchen, but it's recommended to bring in your own drinking water. There are two outhouses available at the group campsite which are generally well maintained. There are showers available down the road at Beacon Rock State Park Day Use Area.
What if I don't have a tent?
We have two bunkhouses available at no additional cost. The bunkhouses are generally split up by gender, each house about 8 people. The only things recommended would be a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow. Please include this in your registration if you are interested in staying in one of the bunkhouses.
Can I bring my kids?
Yes! And kids camp for free. Bring the whole family!
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, well behaved dogs are allowed! Please include information about your pup on the registration. Please keep in mind that this is a large event - plan accordingly, and be respectful to your neighbors.
What activities are planned?
There are daily meetings, several group hikes, pot lucks, campfire jams, poker tournaments, yoga, arts and crafts, rock painting, swimming, meditation, and tons more. Feel free to come with group activities you'd like to lead!
There will be an Alanon Speaker on Friday night, and an AA speaker on Saturday night.
Beacon Rock State Park is a destination for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse back riding, bird watching, swimming, kayaking, SUP, boating, fishing, and tons of other activities. Feel free to plan ahead on local activities and invite your camping neighbors to join.
What if I can't stay the whole week?
You're still welcome! Some people come and camp for the first half, some people join on the last half, some people pop in for the first half, leave, and come back a few days later. If camping isn't your thing, Beacon Rock State Park is only about 45 minutes from Portland - feel free to register and just come during the day to hang out and join in on the fellowship.
Are there service opportunities available?
Yes! It takes a lot to coordinate this type of event. Service positions will be available to sign up for such as welcoming committee, coffee brew masters, leading meetings, campfire wranglers, potluck coordinators and dish duty heroes. Service positions will be posted, so inquire at check-in!
Closing day and check out
Campers are encouraged to leave the campsite by 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 2. Before departing, please make sure your campsite is clean and all trash and belongings have been removed.