Camping

Camping recalls the many pleasures of life in the outdoors that we enjoyed as scouts and on family vacations. Only in Sundance, we get to go camping with other gay men and lesbians. Camping can range from campgrounds with rustic cabins, hot showers and laundry facilities to tenting in the most primitive of conditions. Meals might be prepared on a grill over an open fire, on a camp stove, or in some cases, where available, you can even get some meals a campground cafe. Camping gives you a wonderful opportunity to get to know others while relaxing around a campfire, listening to the frogs and crickets or gazing at the stars in the milky way galaxy and  seeing meteors streaking against a black velvet sky.

In car camping we drive up to our campsite, unpack the car, set up our tents and prepare our meals on an open grill. There is no need to carry anything farther than from the tailgate to the table or our tent.

Another form of camping is canoe or kayak camping. In canoes or kayaks, we can reach otherwise inaccessible and insolated locations far from the hustle of civilization. The extraordinary quiet of the forest at night is certainly something to experience and a welcome change from the dim roar of the city.

Backpacking

There are many wonderful places in the woods beyond a comfortable day's hike from a trailhead. Backpacking allows us to overcome this limitation. With well-chosen, carefully packed necessities stowed in our backpacks, we can establish a base from which we can take various day hikes. Or we could do a series of hikes, packing our gear each morning, venturing farther into the forest each day.

Sundance backpacking outings are done in all seasons, sometimes in tents or at other times in remote rustic cabins accessible only by foot. A backpack can be overnight or it can last a weekend or a full week.

Favorite locales for Sundance backpacking trips include the Catskills, the Adirondacks, the Taconics and the Grand Canyon of (north central) Pennsylvania.

Backpacking  FAQ

What is a typical Sundance backpacking outing?

The average duration of a Sundance backpack is a two or three day weekend. Sundance also does overnight beginner backpacks to introduce backpacking novices to the basics of backpacking as well as longer backpacks that can last as long as a week.

What equipment do I need for a backpacking outing?

You need a backpack, hiking shoes, seasonal clothing that can adjust to changing temperatures, rain wear and a sleeping bag. Most other equipment can be borrowed, shared or rented.

How are backpacking outings rated?

Backpacking outings are rated beginner, intermediate or advanced depending on the length and, terrain of the outing.  Most backpacking outings that Sundance leads considered intermediate Most physically fit people can readily complete a Sundance intermediate backpack.

How many people go on a backpacking outing?

The number of participants on a backpack can vary from 4 to 20 but most backpacking outings have between 6 and 12 people on them.

How can I find out more information about a backpacking outing?

Sundance publishes a monthly newsletter, the Crosswinds, which lists upcoming outings. In addition, see our outings calendar listings on this website.  Each outing has two co-leaders.  Call the outing leaders for more information about a particular hike or the Backpacking Team captains for more general information about backpacking.

Camping FAQ

How does car camping differ from backpacking?

Unlike backpacking, in car camping we drive up to our campsite, unpack our gear, erect our tents and cook our meals on the open grills available in most campgrounds. There is no need to carry anything farther than a few feet. Most hikes begin and end at our campsite but we have the option to drive to other trailheads for more choices in hiking.

What are the campsites like?

The campsites are located in beautiful state parks, usually by a river or lake, and are set among trees. RV's are not allowed in the tent areas. Showers and toilet facilities are provided in shelters with hot running water and offer electricity for razors and hair dryers. With no load to carry, meals are as ambitious and delicious as we desire. And in the evening after dinner is done we toast marshmallows over the campfire under a starry sky.

Where have we camped?

We have camped in almost all of the public parks within a two hour drive of New York City, including the Taconic Mountains in rustic Columbia County, the Mount Greylock reservation in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, Woodland Valley State Park in the heart of the Catskills, Fahnestock State Park in nearby Putnam county, the Fire Island National Seashore; and a canoe camping trip in the eerie pine barrens of southern New Jersey. We have also stayed at some private campgrounds, such as gay-owned Camp Hillside or "The Woods" in the Poconos in northeast Pennsylvania.

What equipment do I need?

A sleeping bag and a tent are required but often these can be borrowed or shared.  Hiking boots, a day pack, and water containers for day hikes are necessary, and you should dress in layers so you can adapt to changeable temperatures. Rain gear such as a poncho or a rain jacket are a good idea. Bring a swim suit along on summer camping trips.

How are camping trips rated?

Sundance camping trips are open to anyone who enjoys sleeping in the outdoors. No prior experience or skill is required.

How many people go on a camping trip?

Most camping trips have fewer than ten participants.  

~

For more info or questions about camping or backpacking in Sundance, feel free to contact the Camping-Backpacking Team Captains at: campingbackpacking@sundanceoutdoor.org 

Also, check out our About Us & FAQ pages

To view outing details on the calendar now, click here to join Sundance online for $40/year ($20 students): JOIN

To request a complimentary newsletter and go as a guest on up to two outings, or for general info, e-mail: info@sundanceoutdoor.org