Pitch that tent, light your stove, cook up vittles, and stoke the fire. Enjoy dinner relaxing in your camp chair under the trees and stars.
Is this your summer dream but you’ve no idea where to begin?
Hang out with us to learn basic camping skills for a weekend at Susquehanna State Park. We’ll share our picks for the best equipment, and then learn how to put it all together to have an authentic experience in the woods. And while it is camping, don’t worry about the basic necessities. We’ll have water for cooking and washing, and restroom facilities with hot showers are nearby.
Let’s meet over Zoom on Tuesday, Aug 6, at 7 pm to discuss equipment and what’s the best fit for your family and your wallet. We’ll cover tents, stoves, sleeping bags, and lanterns. Bring what your finances can handle, whether that be equipment you already own, used gear, or new purchases. Start with the basics and upgrade over time when you decide what you need to be comfortable outdoors. Or go for broke with that ideal tent from REI.
Our campout will be over the weekend of Aug 16 – 18. We’ll meet at the campground for those two nights beginning on Friday with check-in any time after 3 pm. Feel free to come any time that evening or on Saturday morning. If you choose to come on Saturday, please let me know at JAsh@marylandnature.org. There is no discount available for one night.
The leaders will be available to help with your camp set-up if needed, or for any other questions or help during the weekend. On Saturday, we’ll have a park ranger visit with us as well as offer fun group activities that may include crafts, a hike, or possibly checking out a nearby stream. In the evening, we’ll gather for a campfire and make s’mores.
Your camping leaders are Nick Spero, outdoor enthusiast extraordinaire, and Jayne Ash, a master at family camping, each with 40-plus years of outdoor experience.
For a short video tour of the campground, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=qBChrE8MjOs.
Please understand these rules from NHSM and Maryland State Parks before registering.
- Children of all ages are welcome.
- Check-in is available after 3 pm on Friday, Aug 16. Checkout is by 1 pm on Sunday, Aug 18.
- Sites are reserved by NHSM. Sites can be chosen by participants upon arrival, first come, first served. All sites are equal in size and distance to the restroom.
- Maximum of six guests for each site. All names must be listed on your registration.
- No visitors or guests are allowed. Everyone at your site must be registered for our field trip.
- Two tents per site maximum and must be pitched on the pad, (a designated area of the site designed for equipment).
- Maximum of two vehicles per site. There is a fee for a second vehicle payable on entry to the park staff.
- Dogs are allowed but must be on leash at all times. Barking must be kept to a minimum. Pick up after your dog and dispose of it properly.
- Alcohol is not allowed anywhere in the campground.
- Drugs of any type, including marijuana, are not allowed anywhere in the campground.
- Bikes are okay but no motorized scooters.
- Do not bring firewood into the campground. Wood collecting on site is prohibited. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 7 am.
- Note that you will be outdoors and may be in contact with biting insects, ticks, poison ivy, and other undesirable elements that come with being outside.
- Any extra expense that may be incurred at the park (such as an extra vehicle) is your responsibility. Your campsite reservation fee is paid completely with this registration.
- We will not cancel for weather-related issues. Be prepared for anything a Maryland summer can throw out there.
- All fees for this trip are nonrefundable after July 16. There is a 5% percent fee for cancelations before July 16.
- You are welcome to bring any equipment that makes this experience comfortable for you and your guests, including air mattresses, pillows, and all the toys your little guys need to stay entertained.
- We want this to be a no-fail experience for first-time campers of any age. A trailer with electricity will be available nearby for any emergency needs, daytime or nighttime. (Think emergency bottle warming, band-aid applications, and those afraid of the dark.)
- Full payment is due at the time of registration.
By signing the NHSM liability waiver at registration, you and your party have agreed to these rules specified by Maryland State Parks. Noncompliance with these rules may result in consequences from the park service.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.
Location
Havre de Grace, Susquehanna State Park
