Campfires, canoes and sneaking out to snog after lights out: nothing says summer quite like camp.
Luckily for us, it’s no longer the province of people too young to enjoy it.
Enter four adult-friendly camps that provide quite possibly the only good way to meet new people: under physical duress, ideally in the middle of a canoe race.
Plus: Exceptional dining, supreme relaxation and the opportunity to truly hone your outdoor skills.
Fireside makeouts optional (but extremely possible).
Pursuit Series (“The Outdoor Adventure Camp for Grown-Ups”)
Dates: August 10-12
Place: Bear Valley (between Yosemite and Tahoe)
The vibe: Woodsy
The brief: Make your pick of a ton of instructor-led activities — from slacklining and meditation to night photography and trailside mountain bike repair. Camp, glamp, or try-and-buy a new tent.
You’re leaving with: A new appreciation for trail running
Outpost’s Camp Navarro
Dates: September 7-9
Place: Navarro, CA (near Ukiah)
The vibe: Artsy and brand-driven
The brief: Show up in the woods and enjoy a schedule of “thoughtfully curated drinks, eats, activities, A-list speakers and live music.” Chat with brands bringing new products to the outdoor lifestyle world.
You’re leaving with: A bunch of new business cards
Camp No Counselors
Dates: September 27-30
Place: Lake Hughes, CA (Note: this is officially the L.A.-adjacent event; the next closest is Seattle.)
The vibe: As camp as camp gets, if camp had also made an appearance on Shark Tank.
The brief: The event most closely resembling an actual summer camp [for children], CNC bunks everybody together and offers activities including dodgeball, Capture the Flag, kayaking, archery, Ultimate, and a talent show. Plus an open bar.
You’re leaving with: Friendship bracelets from your 15 bunkmates
Soul Camp
Dates: October 23-27
Place: Sanger, CA (near Fresno)
The vibe: Hippy-dippy or a peaceful kingdom with bunks, depending on your perspective
The brief: Campfires, a talent show, and a roster of activities meant to hone your self improvement skills, with an emphasis on yoga, meditation, SUP, and the like.
You’re leaving with: Some zen, hopefully
This article was featured in the InsideHook SF newsletter. Sign up now for more from the Bay Area.
