Glamp-o-ween: A Decade of Evolution

From Trailblazers to Day Camp Masters

Ten years ago, Glamp-o-ween started as a small, rugged tradition—just a few of us hitting the trails, pitching tents, and carving pumpkins by a modest campfire. Fast forward to 2025, and our 10th-anniversary celebration, which for this year we returned to KOA Petaluma, proved that while our gear has changed and our families have grown, the spirit of this tradition is stronger than ever.

This year wasn’t just another trip; it was a record-breaking homecoming. Read more below to learn how we’ve adjusted our rugged outdoorsy trips to a fun family-oriented weekend in nature, and hopefully get some inspiration for your next adventure.

A Global Reunion

If there was one theme for our 10th year, it was scale. We officially hit a record attendance this year with 27 adults, 12 kids, and 2 babies joining the fray.

But what really blew us away was the distance people traveled to keep the tradition alive. We had a mini-exodus from across the country and the world, including:

Two families from Seattle
Two families from Las Vegas
And our “Longest Commute” award winner: a family traveling all the way from Beijing!

Seeing everyone reunite under the orange and purple string lights reminded us why we do this every year. It’s not just a weekend in the woods; it’s the annual anchor for our global community.

The Evolution: Welcome to “Day Camp”

Looking back at our first few years, we were “true” campers—hikers who prioritized trail miles and minimal gear. But as our group has grown (and gotten younger!), our planning has had to evolve.

This year marked our official transition into what we’re calling “Glamp-o-ween Day Camp.” Our planning shifted away from strenuous hikes and toward high-engagement, kid-friendly programming that kept the little ones occupied and the parents (relatively) relaxed.

The Creative Corner: Crafts, Color, and Chrome

The heart of our “Day Camp” was the communal craft table, which was constantly buzzing with activity. We curated a list of projects tailored to different age groups, ensuring no camper was left behind:

For the Big Kids: Our older campers tackled intricate DIY Mosaic Arts and Diamond Painting Bookmarks. It was impressive to see them focused on the details while the chaos of camp swirled around them.
For the Littles: The younger crowd got messy (in the best way) with Magic Foam Painting and Wooden Halloween Ornaments. We also kept long rolls of coloring paper and buckets of crayons handy for whenever inspiration struck.
The “Popular Favorites”: You can never go wrong with the classics. Sidewalk chalk turned the cabin pathways into a gallery of spooky art, while face painting transformed our group into a collection of princesses, superheroes, and skeletons.

When they weren’t at the craft table, the kids were on the move. We had a literal “Scooter Squad” this year—nearly every child brought a bike or scooter, and they spent hours patrolling the KOA paths together. And of course, the bubble machine and giant wands were a constant source of magic, filling the autumn air with shimmering spheres.

The Vibe: K-pop Demon Hunters

It can’t be Glamp-o-ween without costumes. If you looked at our costumes from 10 years ago, you’d see a lot of “store-bought basic.” But for the 10th anniversary, we took our costume game to an entirely different dimension.

This year, we committed to a singular, high-concept theme: K-pop Demon Hunters. Everyone leaned in with incredible dedication, blending tactical “slayer” gear with the sleek, high-fashion aesthetic of a K-pop world tour. It wasn’t just the outfits, though—the entire campsite was transformed to match. We upped our decor game with:

Neon Glow: 104 feet of orange and purple string lights.
Atmospheric Accents: Solar mushroom lights, pumpkin LED strands, and solar “firework” lights that made the campground look like a stage set.
The Backdrop: A dedicated photo station with a custom backdrop and golden string lights for those essential “idol” group shots.

This theme even bled into our menu. Choosing a full KBBQ spread wasn’t just about the amazing food; it was the perfect “on-theme” fuel for a group of international demon hunters. Seeing 40+ people in full gear, surrounded by neon ghosts and firework lights while grilling Galbi, was a sight we’ll never forget.

Perfect Weather & World Series Magic

The camping gods were clearly smiling on our anniversary. We enjoyed a streak of perfect autumn weather—crisp enough for flannels but warm enough for the kids to run wild without heavy coats.

One of the most memorable moments of the weekend happened right at the communal fire pit. We managed to set up a screen to watch the final game of the World Series together. There is nothing quite like the energy of 40+ people cheering on a home run in the middle of a pumpkin-lined campground. It was the ultimate “togetherness” moment.

The Feast: A Culinary Residency

If the activities felt like a day camp, the food felt like a five-star residency. We’ve come a long way from hot dogs on a stick.

Feeding 41 people is a logistical marathon, but having the K-pop Demon Hunter theme made our coordination surprisingly seamless. By centering our menu on Korean cuisine, it was easier than ever to delegate, coordinate, and organize meal prep across our sub-groups of volunteers.

Because we had a clear theme, our volunteer “leads” for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner could easily stay in sync. It also made tracking dietary restrictions a breeze. With a record number of needs this year—ranging from pescatarian and vegetarian to no beef and low salt—the modular nature of KBBQ (where you can easily swap proteins or focus on banchan) meant everyone could feast safely.

Our “Ghostly Good Morning” set the bar high with spooky scrambled eggs and “franken-toast” (avocado toast), but the Saturday KBBQ spread was the undisputed champion:

Lunch: Authentic Japchae and grilled KBBQ chicken.
The Dinner Gala: A full K-style banquet featuring Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Galbi (beef short rib), Gimbap, and Grilled Mackerel, served with a mountain of fresh banchan from H-Mart.

Cheers to the Next Decade

As we packed up the “Magic Fire” dust and the last of the s’mores supplies, we couldn’t help but feel a bit sentimental. Glamp-o-ween has become a living, breathing history of our friendships. We’ve gone from solo hikers to parents of 12 (and counting!), and our organization has moved from “who’s bringing a tent?” to complex spreadsheets and flight coordination.

To everyone who made the trip—from across the street or across the Pacific—thank you for making the first 10 years so magical. We’re already taking notes for 2026.

See you at the next campfire!

Glamp-o-Ween: The Ultimate Family Halloween Camping Tradition with Pumpkin Carving, S’mores, and Fun Activities

A few years ago, a group of us stumbled into a magical new tradition: camping together over Halloween. What began as a spontaneous gathering filled with pumpkin carving and costumes has blossomed into an annual event we now lovingly call “Glamp-o-ween.”

Halloween is the perfect time for a family camping trip. It marks the tail end of the Bay Area camping season, with crisp, cool weather that’s still cooperative (so we’re not all shivering in the rain), and the holiday’s playful spirit adds an extra layer of excitement.

This year, our tradition grew even bigger, with 10 families joining in the fun—including four who flew in from out of state! We’re incredibly grateful to have had everyone together, making this year’s Glamp-o-ween even more special.

The Venue

Each year, we rotate between different campgrounds, and this year, we landed on KOA Petaluma. Located just an hour from San Francisco, it’s an ideal spot for families, with a variety of lodging options and a fantastic playground for the kids. Every site includes a fire pit, an essential feature that completes the classic camping experience

Most families in our group stayed in cozy cabins outfitted with private bathrooms and full kitchens, while a few adventurous souls braved it in tents.

Decorations

We embraced a simple yet festive approach to decorating our spaces. Halloween LED lights, lanterns, and glow-in-the-dark window clings created a spooky-but-friendly vibe. With young kids in tow, we kept things more “cute” than “chilling,” though we anticipate incorporating scarier decorations as the kids grow older — because who doesn’t want to terrify their own children someday?

Activities

The hallmark of Glamp-o-ween is its jam-packed lineup of family-friendly activities, keeping everyone entertained for hours and creating unforgettable memories—all while dressed in our costumes!

Signature Activities

Pumpkin Carving: We put our carving skills to the test, armed with stencils and tools to make the process easier (and a lot less stressful!). By nightfall, our campsite transformed into a glowing pumpkin patch, showcasing everything from classic spooky faces to… well, let’s just say some pumpkins were more “abstract” than others.
Trick-or-Treating: Candy stations were scattered throughout the campground, giving kids the chance to trick-or-treat in the great outdoors. Plus, if you happen to camp after actual Halloween, this is a great excuse to put to use any candy leftovers.
S’mores & Magic Fire: S’mores are a camping classic, but we gave ours a twist with savory brie and jam. Afterward, we gathered around the mesmerizing “magic fire”, watching the flames change colors and secretly wondering how it works. Just remember—s’mores before the magic fire! That’s not a cooking fire.
Glow Sticks: The kids couldn’t get enough of the glow sticks—there’s just something about snapping them that’s pure magic. And let’s be real, the adults may have had a bit too much fun with them, too. Be sure to pack extras; the kids will burn through them faster than you can say “Boo!”
Treat Bags: As the event’s main organizers, we typically prepare a treat bag for each family, featuring grown-up essentials like coffee, tea, and premium candies. This year, we included Squishmallows Micromallows mystery boxes, which turned out to be a big hit with both kids and adults.

For the Kids:
KOA Petaluma is packed with activities that kids absolutely love. They spent hours exploring the playground, feeding the friendly goats at the petting zoo, and uncovering treasures while panning for gems and fossils. The giant bounce pillow was the ultimate favorite — nonstop jumping fun that’s perfect for burning off all that extra energy. We also packed plenty of creative activities to keep little hands busy near our cabins.

Air clay
Arts and crafts
Temporary tattoos
Cookie decorating
Bubbles
Sidewalk chalk

For the Adults:
While the kids played, we had a lineup of games ready for the grown-ups. Our group favorite was Wavelength, a team-based game perfect for large gatherings. Other games on our list included:

Musical Chairs
Head, Shoulders, Knees & Cups
Just One
That Escalated Quickly
Playing Cards

Menus

Our Glamp-o-Ween menus were a trip highlight! Guided by a few talented home chefs, every family pitched in, using the kitchens and BBQ grills to create a truly indulgent and delicious camping experience.

Breakfast: Tacos loaded with eggs, sausage, and bacon; avocado toast with cheeses, cured meats, and smoked salmon; plus an array of fresh fruits.
Lunch: Hearty turkey and falafel sandwiches made with Tartine bread — because even in the woods, we like to eat fancy.
Dinner: Taco trio featuring American wagyu carne asada, cod, and rajas con queso, all served on hand-pressed tortillas.
Dessert: Sweet s’mores (classic marshmallow and chocolate) and savory s’mores (brie and jam) to keep things interesting.

Planning Tips

Organizing a camping trip for ten families might sound daunting, but teamwork made it manageable. Here’s how we stayed on track:

Divide and Conquer: We surveyed everyone’s interests and split up responsibilities for activities, decorations, and meals.
Set a Budget: Knowing our spending limits ensured that no one felt overwhelmed.
Use a Google Spreadsheet: This was our lifeline for coordinating who was bringing what and avoiding duplication—because no one needs 20 bags of marshmallows.

Conclusion

Glamp-o-ween has become a cherished tradition for our families. It’s more than just a camping trip — it’s a celebration of Halloween, togetherness, and the great outdoors.

As the rainy season approaches, this annual event is the perfect way to enjoy crisp autumn air, share laughs around the campfire, and create lasting memories. We can’t wait to see how this tradition evolves in the years to come — and maybe next year, we’ll finally uncover the secret behind the magic fire!

Another Blast from the Past: Bryce Canyon National Park

We still wish we could be spending more time outdoors, so until we can find another opportunity, let’s continue revisiting past trips. This one goes back to 2018 and to Bryce Canyon. Note, this post was co-written by AI.

Intro

Nestled in the heart of Utah, Bryce Canyon National Park is a majestic display of nature’s artistry. A weekend camping trip here promises an escape into a world of towering spires, known as hoodoos, and panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Experiencing this park’s unique landscape will surely provide for a memorable time for all level of hikers.

Hiking

The trails of Bryce Canyon weave through an ever-changing landscape, offering hikers a chance to intimately explore the park. From the rim trail offering relatively easy strolls with stunning overlooks to the strenuous descents into the canyon itself, every path rewards with unique perspectives and encounters. A hike through the Queen’s Garden Trail combined with the Navajo Loop Trail is a great way to introduce yourself to the park for first-time visitors. This is a particularly enchanting hike, where you feel dwarfed by the grandeur of the hoodoos, and this combination is one of the most popular hikes in the park.

Landscape and Geology

Bryce Canyon isn’t actually a canyon but a series of natural amphitheaters carved into the edge of a high plateau. The most striking aspects of Bryce are the hoodoos, which rise like ancient totems from the canyon floor. These spire-shaped rock formations are the result of frost weathering and stream erosion of the river and lake bed sedimentary rocks. The various hues of the rocks provide a dazzling display of color, best viewed during the golden hours of dawn and dusk when the sunlight plays off the reds, oranges, and whites of the rocks.

Conclusion

A trip to Bryce Canyon is a humbling reminder of the raw beauty and grand scale of our natural world. The park’s unique geological structures, extensive hiking trails, and the serene beauty of the Utah landscape make it a place that not only touches the eyes with its splendor but also the heart with its silence and solitude.

This trip was a vivid reminder that nature’s beauty is enduring and offers an adventure that resonates long after the return to everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking solace in nature’s embrace, Bryce Canyon beckons with an unforgettable call. We can’t wait to find another chance to get back there for another camping and hiking trip, and introducing this unique and beautiful park to our little one.

Blast from the Past: Grand Tetons National Park

As the weather is still too cold to spend much time outside, we’re revisiting our last trip to Grand Tetons National Park (pre-parenting and pre-pandemic) in summer 2018. Note, this post was co-written by AI.

Intro

Grand Teton National Park is a breathtaking destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a diverse landscape for hiking and camping experiences.

Hiking

The park boasts a range of trails that vary in difficulty and length, allowing hikers to choose a path that suits their skill level and fitness. Whether it’s a short, easy hike to a stunning lake or a challenging trek up the mountains, there’s something for everyone. The view from the top of any of the peaks is breathtaking, providing panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Camping

Camping in the park is a unique and exciting experience, with several campgrounds to choose from. Visitors can opt for a traditional camping experience in a designated campground or go backcountry camping for a more remote and secluded experience. Regardless of the location, visitors will be surrounded by stunning scenery and have the opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural habitat.

Boating

In addition to hiking and camping, the park also offers several other recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and wildlife watching. Renting a boat can be a great way to pass the day, especially seeing sunset from the lake.

Conclusion

Looking back, Grand Teton National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves the outdoors. With its diverse landscapes, abundance of hiking and camping opportunities, and incredible wildlife, it’s a place that will leave visitors with memories to last a lifetime.

Review: Family camping weekend for all levels of outdoors experience

All products and services referenced in this post are not affiliated with any sponsorship or advertisers.

Introduction

After a while, we started coming out of hibernation and return to exploring more. Trying to find a safe and accommodating location for enjoying nature as a family, we found a spot that worked great and catered to all levels of camping comfortably on one property. It’s called Costanoa Lodge (https://costanoa.com/), and is located about 1 hour south of San Francisco off of the scenic Highway 1 along the California Coast.

We’ve now gone a few times, most recently planning a Halloween weekend trip with four other families, some of which were camping outdoors for the first time. We were very pleased with how easy and fun the place turned out to be. Read on to learn more about our time there and hopefully get some ideas for your next family outing.

Getting There

Costanoa is located right outside of Pescadero, CA, and getting there is quite easy from any point in the Bay. Our trip included families coming from both the SF area and the South Bay. Since it is located off of Highway 1, it was pretty accessible from major freeways from any direction. The roads are not too windy, which made it good for traveling with a little one in the back. And the final stretch of the road trip was along the coast which made for some picturesque views, especially at sunset. However, once the sun is down, the drive could get a little dark to drive on which could take some getting used to. Plus, once the sun is down, there isn’t much to look at anymore.

For more details, please refer to their site for directions: https://costanoa.com/location/

Rooms

Here is where Costanoa shined for our trip. They have plenty of options for all levels of campers, from a fully-furnished Lodge (think of your typical nice hotel) down to campsites where you can pitch your own tent and sleep under the stars. In between, they also have great options with family cabins and bungalows that give you a little bit more of the outdoor feel mixed with some good amenities. These were the two options that most of our party picked, which we also thought were pretty unique to this resort, so will get into more details about them below.

Cabins

The cabins offer a great experience for families or groups of up to 6 people. You get a single dwelling to hang out in, along with a small kitchen. The only thing is that you’ll have to go to a shared bathroom for showers and restrooms. But other than that, these offer great warmth, privacy, and amenities like a mini-fridge and outlets.

Bungalows

The bungalows are great for those wanting to experience a tent-camping experience for the first time. They are small one-room dwellings made out of canvas, and despite that, still offer great protection from the outdoors. They also come with a fire pit and picnic table out front to let you start and enjoy a campfire. A campfire, in our honest opinion, is key to making it a true camping trip. While not as fully furnished or roomy as a cabin, this is a great place for a couple or a family with one small kid to share. All bungalows offer real beds and mattresses, and heated blankets to keep you cozy and warm. Some of these also offer space heaters (ask for the Cyprus Village) for a group of 3 slightly roomier bungalows. As an added benefit, these 3 bungalows are all grouped closer together so it makes a great site for larger parties that want to hang out together. But be warned, there are no picnic tables or fire pits for this group of tents, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for that (see amenities below for more details).

Amenities

The most convenient thing about Costanoa for a trip with a little one is having reliable food options nearby. The property has two with a sit-down restaurant and outdoor tent. Both have good menus with family-friendly food such as baked-to-order pizza, rotisserie chicken, or sandwiches. They have both a breakfast menu and a lunch/dinner one to keep things fresh. We highly recommend the breakfast burrito to start off your day.

Having these options available made it easy to figure out food on a limited schedule, such as the evening we got in. We didn’t have time to unpack, set up camp, and make food to get our little one fed and to bed in time. So we just went to the restaurant, ordered some take out, and ate at our tent.

Additionally, there is a general store for picking up last-minute camping supplies, toiletries, or snacks. This is also where you can order firewood and have them delivered to your campsite. Between the two restaurant options and the general store, it made packing and planning for the weekend a lot easier.

Finally, there are plenty of lawns and picnic tables sprinkled throughout the property for you to gather larger groups if you either stay in the lodge or cabins, or are at a bungalow without these amenities. We loved having the giant lawn for our little one to run around in, and for those warmer summer days, it makes a great place to sit and watch the sunset or look up at the stars. Also sprinkled throughout the property are public bathrooms and showers, and each has a fireplace with chairs to lounge in front of if you want to avoid starting a fire yourself. These are also a great place for the adults to hang out, share some drinks, and relax after the kids go to bed.

Plenty of places on the grounds to gather and relax

Things To Do Nearby

There are a number of parks nearby that offer hikes for hikers of all levels. Right across the Highway from the property is the Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=523) with easy trails that overlook the coast, and some that lead down to the beach below. Just ask the front-desk for tips on how to find these trails as they’re all within walking distance of the property.

Beach at Año Nuevo Coast Natural Preserve

Our favorite hiking activity nearby is a short drive up the Highway to Butano State Park (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=536). This park offers wonderful views of redwoods and has a number of trails that take you deep into the forest for that extra special outdoor feel. We’ve hiked this park with and without a little one, and can say it was easy to find loops that accommodate either situation. And unlike busier nearby parks such as Portola or Big Basin, there are not as many crowds so you can have a quieter hiking experience.

Finally, if you are up for a little bit of a drive, Half Moon Bay is about 30 mins north on the Highway. And 30 mins south on the Highway is Santa Cruz. Both offer plenty of restaurants, shopping, and activities for the family.

Conclusion

Emerging from a pandemic and having a new baby, we were a little hesitant on how to best reconnect with our previous adventuring. But with Costanoa, we found a great way to still experience nature and be able to bring some friends along for the fun. We recommend you check them out and the entire area of Pescadero next time you get in the mood to immerse yourself in some nature.

Birthday in the Woods

During the pandemic, we have temporarily ceased our camping and hiking activities. However, we do have stories collected from before the pandemic that we are publishing now. All activities and photos were taken prior to the current health crisis. Campsites and locations mentioned may or may not currently be open, based on current guidelines of local governments. Please check beforehand if you do intend to visit any of these spaces. And as always, stay safe when going outside and maintain proper protocols.

Back in July [of 2019], we were fortunate to spend a weekend with some of our closest friends camping to celebrate my birthday. It was a great excuse to get us all together for some good food and quality time. It was also a great way to share our love of the outdoors with our friends. What could be a better way to celebrate another trip around the sun?

We hosted 20 people for dinner and camping for the weekend. To get started, we prioritized on some key criteria:

Campsite that could fit 20 people, 10 tents, and 7 cars
Park that was easy to drive to from across the Bay Area
Ability to prepare at least 2 meals (dinner and breakfast)
Ample space for cooking and hanging around the fire
Able to provide for a good experience to some camping novices

Usually when we camp, we also look into the trails and nearby activities to make sure we get in some fun hikes. However, for this trip we focused on spending time within camp hanging out, talking, and eating. So we didn’t have to consider the terrain and trails.

Read on to hear how we pulled together this special weekend, and hopefully you can get a few ideas for your next dinner party.

The Venue

Amidst all of the chaos of the pandemic, this year also turned out to be a historically difficult fire season across California. This story references a park that may have been impacted by those fires. All photos and stories were collected prior to fire season.

We were fortunate to be able to find a location that met our criteria at Portola Redwood State Park. It is centrally located so easily drivable from all corners of the Bay Area within 1-2 hours. To find our location, we used the handy California State Parks reservation website. There, you can easily search based on geography and availability, as well as see details of campsite sizes, parking, and park amenities to help envision your perfect stay in the woods. Due to the popularity of some parks, reservations book quickly. So plan early (we recommend up to 3-4 months if possible) and check often to see if any openings come up, as last-minute cancellations could happen.

The Menu

Preparing a dinner party for 20 people can already be quite hard. When your kitchen has no electricity or running water, it can make things even harder. Or does it? Actually, we’ve found that when cooking outdoors, given the limited cooking methods, it helps to focus your menu. For example, eggs and ramen always work great for breakfast. Not only are these satisfying morning options, but they also require very simple cooking utensils. A small stove with a pot for boiling water takes care of the ramen, and you can usually repurpose the same pot afterwards for scrambled eggs.

We were fortunate that our campsite came with grills. This helped us quickly finalize our dinner menu around tacos, which are easy to cook in large amounts and can easily accommodate different eating preferences. Plus, having the grill allowed us to easily cook all the necessary ingredients, from heating the tortillas to cooking the protein, all using one heating source and fuel. Given the versatility of a grill, and the range of ingredients we’d like to cook, we brought grill liners, aluminum foil, and even a cast-iron griddle to cook on, making it easier to switch between ingredients without having to clean the grill each time. Plus, it also made for a better surface than just a grill to sauté vegetables or heat tortillas. The cast-iron griddle was especially useful as we also could use that over our firepit once the grill got too crowded.

We also wanted to have some fresh dishes, so anything that didn’t require cooking and was easy to put together on site would be best. For example, prepared salad kits are always a good option. Once again, a menu centered around tacos worked well as guacamole is a good option that required no cooking and is a versatile dish. We even came with a lot of ingredients already prepped to help speed things up. And fresh guacamole can step-up your dinner party no matter if you’re eating it indoors or outdoors.

Here is a sample of our dinner menu:

Grilled shrimp and fish tacos
Grilled bulgogi tacos
Grilled chicken sausages
Guacamole (freshly made on-site!)
Chips and Salsa
Salads
Grilled corn
Banana s’mores

And here is our breakfast menu:

Scrambled eggs with bell peppers, tomatoes and onions (leftover from dinner)
Ramen
Instant oatmeal
Coffee 3 ways — French Press, hand-made espresso, instant

When supplying any large dinner party, Costco never disappoints, even when cooking is done outdoors. We got most of all our ingredients from Costco. For any additional items, some of our friends stopped at H-Mart on their way to camp for pre-marinated meats. The best thing about camping in a park that is centrally located was that it was easy for each of us to stop along the way to get all of our supplies, which helped to ensure freshness for all our ingredients.

Here are some pics of our fabulous feast:

*Good eats no matter where your kitchen is*

The Equipment

Some of our friends were new to camping, so they didn’t have any gear. So for them and most folks, we always recommend to have at least the following to make your night outdoors pleasant:

Tent + a tarp or footprint
A warm enough sleeping bag
A good sleeping pad (for insulation and padding)
Headlamp and/or handheld lamp
A chair for sitting around the fire

For the tent, sleeping bag, and pad, we recommend balancing between the weather and the space you have for transport. For example, for colder nights, it’s best to invest in a thicker sleeping pad if you can fit it. The thicker pad not only provides for a softer night’s sleep, but the insulation should help you stay warm by being farther away from the cold ground. Of course, these usually mean larger and heavier sleeping pads, so if you need to hike miles to get to your campsite, you’ll have to balance that tradeoff.

For this weekend, we picked a site that was easy to drive to and park at, so it was easy for everyone to bring along the best amenities for maximum comfort. In fact, one of our friends brought a tent so large that we could’ve pitched another tent inside of it!

*When your tent could qualify as a Studio in SF*

If you don’t have any of these items and are worried about investing in the wrong one or maybe not even wanting to keep them for the long-run, then renting is always a good option. It’s a great way to try out different models before you commit to buying. REI and Sports Basement offer great choices and affordable rates. Plus, their staff are great resources to help you walk through any future buying decisions or answering questions.

The Plan

Finally, when trying to host any camping trip, we always want to make sure we didn’t miss a thing. The worst feeling is when you’re trying to settle into your campsite and then realize that everyone brought stoves but no one remembered to bring any fuel. So we started a spreadsheet to track and coordinate among everyone in the group. Best part is, once you start with one spreadsheet, you can easily copy/paste and adapt it to all your subsequent trips.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our chronicling of this adventure. We could go on and on with more tips and tricks, but we’ll save that for future stories. Needless to say, we had an amazing time with 20 of our closest family and friends, eating by an open fire and sleeping beneath the stars. It was definitely a birthday one will never forget. We hope you were able to get a glimpse into how we pulled off a very memorable weekend. We also hope to have slightly inspired you to celebrate a special occasion in a bit unconventional way, but one that should definitely make for an extra memorable celebration for you, your friends and family. Leave comments below if you have any questions about anything covered in this story, or with ideas for future ones. We’d love to hear from each of you. Thanks for reading, and now let’s get back outdoors!

Coming out of Hibernation

We started this blog over a year ago as a way to share our thoughts and love of the outdoors with others. So after launching, we gathered our gear, got some miles between us and the nearest city, and began to chronicle some amazing camping trips. But since last winter, a lot has changed. So much so that it forced us into hibernation for a bit. We’ve finally started coming out of our cave after months. It’s been a hard year, as we’re sure all of you have been finding. We wanted to give a quick update about where we are and where we’ll be going.

The world has changed

The world we live in is a lot different from a year ago. With the pandemic still in full force, all of our lives have been turned upside down. We hope that those of you reading this are staying safe and healthy, and that you and your families have been able to adjust to the challenging times as best you can. It feels a bit weird to be running a blog dedicated to being outdoors when we currently live in the reality of sheltering-in-place. It has made going out to enjoy a hike or camping trip that much harder, let alone trying to run a site dedicated to chronicling that. But we have come to recognize that as our world has changed, our need to be outdoors and enjoy nature in a safe and responsible way will be more important than ever. That is motivating us to start this site back up again.

Our campsite has grown

In the midst of the chaos and anxiety of a pandemic, we were blessed with an addition to our family by welcoming our daughter to this world this past Spring. Now we’re going to be needing a slightly bigger tent. We’re just overjoyed with growing our family, and especially excited to be sharing our love of the outdoors with her. We can’t wait to get her out into nature as soon as we can. We look forward to adding stories and tips about what it means to camp and hike with a little one in tow.

So what’s next?

Well, once both parents and baby can get a good night’s sleep, we’ll look for our next best and safest opportunity to head outdoors. Stay tuned to hear from us about those upcoming adventures, prepping for the trip, what gear worked and didn’t, and how camping and hiking goes in a post-pandemic and post-baby way. Until then, we hope you all are staying safe and sane and finding a little bit of peace wherever and however you may be.

Coming Soon

We started this site to chronicle our adventures in the beautiful outdoors.

We’re currently hitting the trails and setting up camp, gathering sights and stories to share with you. It’s hard finding WiFi in the woods, but you’ll be hearing from us soon. Stay tuned!