The Art of Camping

Those of you who have traveled with O.A.R.S. on previous rafting or multi-sport adventures are undoubtedly familiar with the efforts we take to create a comfortable camping experience for all our travelers. However, for those who have yet to experience the art of camping with O.A.R.S., allow us to share a few examples of what you should expect on a multi-day adventure:

First off, our guides are experts at finding the best camp spots away from other groups. You may often feel as though you are the only ones on the river. Camp may be at a still, sandy alcove on the water’s edge, or a sunny, green clearing among mammoth cedars and towering cliff faces. There are trailheads, fishing hideaways and swimming holes just a few moments away.

Upon arrival at camp, your guides will set up comfortable camp chairs, drinking water, a “loo with a view” (placed at a discrete location away from camp generally with a scenic vista), a hand-wash station, and a full-scale kitchen.

While our experienced river chefs get to work on the meal for the evening, tent set up is a breeze. Your guides can show you how, or help you out. Sturdy tents, cozy sleeping bags and thick sleeping pads give your camp by the river most of the comforts of home.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy, whether you choose to play a game of horseshoes or bocce ball on the beach, join a guided interpretive hike, enjoy a good book or hang out with the guides as they prepare hors d’oeuvres and a hearty meal. Take pleasure in a cold beer or soft drink chilled in the river after a hot day, or savor a glass of wine from a local winery—the choice is yours.

At the dinner table, our guides’ cooking skills truly shine. You may snack on hors d’oeuvres while waiting for vegetables, pasta, rice, and the main course: steak, grilled salmon, Baja tacos, sizzling fajitas, or perhaps delicious Dutch oven lasagna. Vegetarian options are available if you tell us of your preference ahead of time. And, if you can find room, there will almost always be something for dessert. Expect to eat as well—or better—than you do at home, without having to do any of the work.

As some of our guides clean up dinner, at least one of them may break out a guitar or recap the day with a larger than life tale from the river. Evenings might include a star talk, roasting marshmallows on a campfire, a reading from the journal of an early explorer, joke telling or quiet time to contemplate a brilliant, unhindered night sky.

Our mission is to create an atmosphere where anyone can be comfortable in the outdoors, whether they’re a first-time camper or a veteran adventurer. As you camp with friends and family at your own favorite spot this summer, please make sure to be safe, camp well—and most importantly—don’t forget the s’mores.

Recently, we asked a few of our veteran guides to tell us about their favorite camps:

Alaska: “Alsek Lake is arguably the highlight of any Tatshenshini trip, with a massive back eddy surrounded by waist high wildflowers. This is a perfect place to dine beach side while admiring 200-foot walls of ice calve into the lake and circulate in its powerful currents. As an ever-changing kaleidoscope of frozen sculptures, this camp can only be enhanced in the late summer as salmon runs are present and bear viewing prolific.” – Brian McCutcheon

California: “Indian Camp across from the old Baxter mine on the Tuolumne River is my favorite, it has a nice big beach where you can view beautiful sunsets and sunrises. There are also some conveniently located swimming holes nearby as the Indian Creek confluence is just around the corner.” – James Rodger

Canada: "Big Creek and the Chilcotin River meet here in a raging chorus of fast moving water, steep canyon walls and a substantial alluvial fan where we camp.  Perched just above the Goose Neck rapids, this camp is famous for its dream effects as the canyon walls intensify the natural noise.  August days you may find guests drinking beer in the natural jacuzzi pools of Big Creek after hiking the ridge or a shallow water crossing to Dome Mountain.  Nearby, thousand year old First Nation middens send energy of civilizations past. Noisy nights under the stars are celebrated with margaritas and music around the campfire.” – Brian McCutcheon

Chile: “Zeta camp on the Futaleufu has some amazingly sculpted granite, huge igneous intrusions with natural hot tubs. It’s also near the most spectacular rapids on that stretch where you’ll find the biggest whitewater in Chile. The Futa also offers profound fishing, mostly trout with the occasional salmon further downriver.” – James Rodger

Grand Canyon: “The camp at Nankoweap at Mile 52 on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon has to be one of the most spectacular places in the world to set up a tent for a good night’s sleep. Not only are you a short hike from the Anasazi Indian ruins with a great view downstream, but lighting on the canyon wall across river at sunset is the best red-rock color you’ll ever see!” – John Blaustein

Idaho: “I’d have to say Sheepeater Camp on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River is one of my favorites. Typically the first camp on a trip, it welcomes the voyageur well. You’re still in the high-country mixed forest of old-growth spruce, fir, and pine. You’ve just completed one of the most exciting river days in the world. There’s plenty or room to spread out, magnificent mountain views at every hand, and one of the highlights of every Middle Fork trip—a natural hot spring on a bench right behind camp. Deer are often seen there, attracted to salt deposits and lush grasses, and are not scared away if one is careful. A wild Salmon dinner around a campfire tops it all off. Magnificent!” – Jeffe Aronson

Wyoming: “I’ve got to throw in some love for Wyoming and say that Grassy Island in Grand Teton National Park is quite a special place to spend the night. The views are truly unbelievable! Surrounded by the waters of Jackson Lake, with the summit of Mt. Moran towering 6000′ above you, it’s not uncommon to have deer, elk or even moose swim over and come visit you in the morning. There are two fantastic hikes to Leigh & Trapper Lakes just a short paddle away, and the island is covered in beautiful, crooked and twisted pines. The best part may be that OARS is the only commercial outfitter permitted to camp on the island. If you want to sleep on Grassy, you have to be on an OARS trip or the place is off-limits. By the way, the groover site will make you drop your jaw!" – Bobby Griffith

Written by Lauren de Remer

O.A.R.S.' Marketing Communications Coordinator & Waterblogged Editor