Camping Bachelor Party Planning

If the groom-to-be is an outdoor enthusiast, planning a camping bachelor party might be the best idea. By camping, we mean pitch a tent, little to no running water, live in the wilderness camping. The groom may be the biggest resource for equipment and logistics if he’s an enthusiast, but if you want to bring some knowledge to the table here are some important things to pack:

• Tents (enough to fit the party)
• A Tarp (to make an undercover cooking area in case it rains)
• Portable Stove
• Simple food that can be cook on above stove
• A cooler (if you’re going for a week this will not last a week, know how long your cooler will insulate so you know how much raw meat you can bring and consume)
• Foldable chairs
• Flashlights / headlamps
• Sleeping bag / mat
• Layers (for clothes – depending on the time of year you ‘re going on this trip layers are your best friend)
• Fire starting “kit” / supplies (if campfires are allowed in the park you are going to, they normally will sell fire wood but you will need all the other things to start the fire)

This is by no means an exhaustive list, just the basics if you’ve never camped before and need some help with the preparation.

We have also compiled a list of the most popular camping spots all across the mainland United States to help you narrow down the perfect camping location for the bachelor party.

Acadia National Park, Maine

This park is located on Mount Desert Island in Maine. It is a great place for campers of all skill levels. There are 125 miles of hiking trails and two beaches that have salt or fresh water. You can also join ranger-led programs that will give you an introduction to the diverse natural and cultural history of the park.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Minnewaska State Park Reserve, New York

Not far outside of New York City (94 miles), this park is located on the Shawangunk Ridge and is 2,000 feet above sea level.. There are many trails for you to walk, hike or bike. For more skilled guests you can do horseback riding or technical rock climbing.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://parks.ny.gov/parks/minnewaska/details.aspx

Assateague Island National Seashore, Maryland

Not far outside of Ocean City (9 miles), this park has 37 miles of beaches for camping. This is a great choice for those that want to camp, but also love the beach and water sports. You can go swimming, surging, paddle boarding and kayaking.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia

Not far from Washington D.C (75 miles), is Shenandoah National Park. For those that like hikes with a challenge and  with a view, you can climb Old Rag Mountain. Besides the many trails for hiking, you can also find waterfalls.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

Ozark National Forest, Arkansas

The 218 mile Ozark Highland Trails is one of the most known hikes in the US. If that sounds too daunting they also have 9 swimming beaches and thousands of acres of lakes and streams. The cave systems at Blanchard Springs are also a popular attraction. With so many options for activities this may be the reason you check Arkansas off your list.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf/

Badlands National Park, South Dakota

Although the Badlands are known for its tough environment, it still has some spectacular views. There are prairies, rock formations and ancient fossils. It’s also an amazing place to stargaze (even holding an astronomy festival in August).

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/badl/index.htm

Big Bend National Park, Texas

The bend is due to the Rio Grande running right through it. With that comes rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Besides water activities, you can also do hikes that cover the desert, the mountain and the river. Another great choice if you like options for activities.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming

The Grand Teton has parts of the Rocky Mountains running through, along with several beautiful lakes and the National Elk Refuge in the valley. They also have trails for all difficulty levels. You can choose the one that’s best for the group and be on your way.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

This most likely does not need an introduction. If you’ve never been and your group likes to camp, why not combine the experience. Whether you choose the South Rim (more popular and more accessible) or the North Rim (more secluded and more difficult to get to), you will be surrounded by the spectacular views. Hiking is popular (but difficult, if you’re an experienced group this would be perfect) and so is white water rafting on the Colorado River.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/grca/index.htm

Joshua Tree National Park, California

For those that want to experience the ruggedness of the desert, Joshua Tree National Park has 800,000 acres for you to enjoy. There are 10 mountain peaks you can attempt to climb (be aware of the altitude) and is also a popular spot for rock-climbing.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm

Olympic National Park, Washington

Located next to the coast, Olympic National Park has camping spots along the coastline and within the rainforest. If you’re lucky you may even see whales in the distance during migration season. This park will give you some variety in landscape and views.

For the most up to date information and to help plan your trip, visit the park’s website:
https://www.nps.gov/olym/index.htm

Final Thoughts

Camping is a great way to bond and de-stress. Don’t feel too pressured to plan the perfect trip. Remember you are celebrating the groom, as long as you are planning with the best intentions and with the groom in mind there’s no need to stress.