The Programs & Outdoor Activities Committee is excited to host GayOutdoors’ largest camping gathering of the year at Osceola Vista Campground in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. This special weekend is free for Sustaining Members and $10 for all other participants.

GayOutdoors camping weekends are a wonderful way to meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, try new outdoor activities, and experience what GayOutdoors is all about—community, inclusion, fun, and stewardship. We will share the Group Sites location directly to members who RSVP as we get closer to the date.

This weekend is designed to combine adventure, community, pride, and stewardship. Our goal is to boost participation in trail maintenance on our adopted trail, Mt. Osceola, while also enjoying everything a GayOutdoors camping weekend has to offer. The Mt. Osceola trail maintenance workday is posted separately on the Events Calendar.

In addition to trail maintenance, expect a relaxed and social weekend that includes hiking with options for all levels, mountain biking, scenic chairlift rides, relaxing at Corcoran Pond or the Mad River, a group potluck dinner, and evening campfires under the stars.

Osceola Vista Campground is nestled in the mountains of Waterville Valley and is perfectly located for hiking, biking, swimming, and our trail maintenance day. We have reserved group campsites and will share site details with members who sign up.

Waterville Valley is a gateway to the White Mountain National Forest and offers world-class mountain recreation, legendary above-treeline hiking, and stunning scenery. This link provides activity options within Waterville Valley: https://www.waterville.com/summer-activities

If you’re looking to do something different this summer, escape the city and head to the national forest with GayOutdoors. The campground is easily accessible from Interstate 93 and close to restaurants and convenience stores. This camping weekend is a special treat for newcomers and a summer favorite for returning members.

Good to know: This is car camping. You will need to bring a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and all gear associated with car camping, including a stove, cooler, and folding chairs. Privies are available, but there are no showers. Van campers and trailers cannot be accommodated due to space constraints, though there are nearby campgrounds and Tripoli Road. Picnic tables are limited, so bringing a folding table is encouraged. There will be a central area for group campfires and the potluck. Pets are welcome. Convenience stores nearby sell ice and essentials. Arrival and camp setup may begin any time after 2:00 PM on Friday.

Camper Vans and trailers can still join us by booking sites at the Waterville Valley Campground: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232179

If you prefer not to camp but still join us, the link provides lodging alternatives: https://www.waterville.com/lodging

Schedule Overview: Friday evening dinner is on your own, either at camp or at a local restaurant. We will gather for a campfire once it gets dark, with time to meet trip leaders, sign up for impromptu activities, and socialize. Saturday is a full day of outdoor activities and trail maintenance that are listed as separate events. Later we’ll have our group potluck dinner and evening campfire. Sunday morning is for packing up, hugs, and farewells, with departure by Noon.

Saturday night potluck begins at 6:30 PM: GayOutdoors will provide paper plates, utensils, and napkins. Participants should bring a homemade dish along with a serving utensil and label both the dish and utensil. Main entrees or grilled items are especially encouraged, followed by salads or appetizers. Desserts are welcome but typically plentiful. Vegetarian dishes and ingredient descriptions are appreciated; especially any that contain nuts. Please avoid packaged foods, as homemade items are preferred and more likely to be enjoyed.

Payment details: Friday night campsite hosts will check whether you are a Sustaining Member. Non-Sustaining Members will be asked to pay $10 in cash.

Lend a hand: This weekend runs on volunteer power. Help is welcome with leading hikes or activities, registration and setup, campfire hosting, potluck coordination and cleanup, and final site cleanup. If you can help in any capacity, please leave a message here or email trip leaders directly—we can’t do this without you!

Trip leaders are encouraged to post their hikes or activities on the Events Calendar connected to this weekend.

Please bring/buy firewood for our campfires however they cannot be from out-of-state due to insect infestation. It can be bought locally as you drive in.

Come for the camping, stay for the camaraderie, and help give back to the trails we love. We look forward to seeing you around the campfire.

Happy Trails,
The Programs & Outdoor Activities Committee