Intro to Backpacking:
Gear Shakedown
May 1st-3rd, 2026
Wild River State Park, MN
This group weekend will allow you to test out gear while camping in a supportive community. While oriented towards beginning campers and backpackers, people of all skill levels are welcome to attend. Scholarships are available through our Pay-it-Forward Program if needed. This weekend is open to folks of all genders.
If the weather cooperates, we may even enjoy some spring flowers. If not we’ll just get to enjoy good company!
General Schedule
Friday May 1st
Arrival begins at 5pm. We will take time to settle in, get oriented, and get to know our fellow campers. You can choose to eat dinner before or after you arrive. We’re available to help you set up your tent or if you have other gear questions! Of course we’ll have a campfire and s’mores (weather permitting).
Saturday May 2nd
This day will be loosely scheduled. There will be short workshops on various backpacking skills, such as camp cooking, general navigation, bear bag hangs and more. You’ll have the ability to submit questions, interests, and needs before the trip. We’ll also get out for some hiking.
A more complete itinerary will be sent out prior to the trip, but we’ll plan to have workshops or group activities planned between approximately 9am-12pm and again from 1pm-3pm or so to leave time for unstructured exploration. You are welcome to stick with the group or adventure on your own.
It is weather dependent, but in a normal year, we’ll see some wildflowers! In the evening we’ll have another campfire.
Sunday May 3rd
We’ll wake up, pack-up our campsite, and answer any last questions by around 10:00 am.
Once camp is packed up and the weekend is “over” you are welcome to stay and keep exploring or take off for home.
What is included in this weekend?
Included
Camping for Friday and Saturday Night
We have a group site reserved. There will be access to water and vault toilets.
Wood for campfires (assuming no restrictions)
S’more Fixings
Instruction/Support
Optional pre-trip virtual meeting and/or other support to answer questions and track down gear if needed
Informal help with general camping skills (setting up tents, using stoves, etc.) while camping
Organized workshops on Saturday
Fun and Fellowship
Cool folks to adventure with
Recommendations and ideas of activities and adventures in the area
Not included
Food
You’ll bring your own, but we can answer questions if needed.
If you choose to cook, you’ll need to bring a stove with fuel.
Tents and Camping Gear
If you don’t have your own, rental options are available.
We can help you track some down if needed.
State Parks Passes
All cars parking in the state park need one. Carpooling is a great option.
You can buy one online or in person on arrival.
Some public libraries also will check them out to you for various lengths of time for free.
Guarantee of Good Weather
May can be a fickle time in Minnesota. It might be beautiful spring with flowers or it might be soggy and wet!
Please see the policy page for our cancellation policy.
Investment for the weekend
We do our best to keep this weekend affordable by offering a sliding scale. If additional flexibility such as a payment plan or scholarships are needed please reach out to us. If you are feeling comfortable financially, you can also give to our Pay-it-Forward Fund instead of (or in addition to) the Community Supporting Rate.
Supported Rate: $120 (our community is great - folks donate to help you come!)
Regular Rate: $150 (covers general weekend costs)
Community Supporting Rate: $180 (supports scholarships for others)
Please see the Wild River Intro to Backpacking: Gear Shakedown Policy Page for a breakdown of the weekend. If you’d like a commuter option (no camping) please reach out, we may be able to fit you in!
FAQs
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Wild River State Park’s group sites are for tents only - if you don’t have one, and aren’t able to borrow one, you may be able to rent one. Please reach out to us if you have any trouble finding gear.
if you’d like to join for this weekend but want to use a camper, you can book a separate site at the park for that weekend that will accommodate your rig and get in touch with us at anna@adventureecologies.com for commuter rates.
Directions to the park can be found here: Wild River State Park
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A pump for potable water and vault toilets are available near our campsite. Showers are available in the main campground, away from where we will be camping.
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Yes, all cars need a State Parks Pass. If you don’t have one, carpooling with someone who does is a great option. You can purchase one online or in person upon arrival. Some public libraries also offer state parks passes that you can check out to use for various lengths of time for free.
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We’ll plan to run this weekend rain or shine. If severe weather is forecasted we’ll make sure to keep everyone notified of any changes. You can check out our overview and policy page for the trip for more details.