Summer Camps for Adults

Five camps, clinics and retreats where you can get unstuck and reach new summits

written by Jen Sotolongo

Thank summer camp is just for kids? Think again.

The adventures and fun don’t have to stop just because you’re an adult. From river rafting to trail running or mountain biking, personal development and rock climbing, there’s a camp for all types of outdoor adventures, from newbies to expert enthusiasts.

VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Cog Wild Mountain Biking Camps

Based out of Bend, Cog Wild has run multi-day mountain biking trips for intermediate and expert riders in Oregon since 2006. Trips take place in some of the top mountain biking destinations in the state, including the Mt. Hood region, McKenzie River, the Umpqua Valley and Oakridge.

Designed for expert riders who don’t mind a little hike-a-bike and big climbs, the three-day Umpqua Trip Timpanogos trip hits some of the favorite trails on the North Umpqua Trail in the Willamette National Forest. The McKenzie and Oakridge trips explore some of the best terrain on these iconic mountain biking trails, while the Mt. Hood region trip highlights the flowy single track in and around Hood River.

Each trip includes some meals, camping, shuttles, and plenty of fun and relaxation. Clients can choose from existing adventures or craft their own with the help of the company.

Participants sit around a campfire during a multi-day Cog Wild mountain biking and camping trip in the Mckenzie River area.
Photo by Cog Wild

OREGON COAST

Camp YES

Spend five days in a luxury home on the Oregon Coast with host Marli Williams who runs Camp YES, a retreat geared toward women who are leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to help them unlock their potential and get unstuck.

Camp YES host Marli Williams keeps it lively and inspiring.
Photo by Camp YES

Over the five days of the retreat, guests will be able to disconnect from outside distractions in order to create a vision for their life through various adventures, productive play exercises, and connection with other like-minded women.

Activities include playshops, guided hikes, and evening campfires. Lodging and all meals are included.

The fun factor at Camp YES includes slip-and-slides and team egg tosses.

ASHLAND/MEDFORD

Momentum River Expeditions Rogue River Trail Running

Join seasoned ultra-running hosts like Jenn Shelton and Ryan Ghelfi on a three-day raft-supported run along the famed 42-mile Rogue River Trail. Rafts will carry guests’ gear between river camps and lodging, so runners can focus on enjoying the view and getting their miles in for the day.

One of the only places in the world to have a system of lodging accessible only by boat or trail, staying in the remote riverside lodges offers a unique experience. Runners of all speeds are welcome, provided they can run between 11–15 miles daily for three days.

Get your miles in on a trail running trip with Momentum River Expeditions.
Photo by Momentum River Expeditions

ROGUE RIVER

Northwest Rafting Company Class III Clinic

At this five-day rowing school, white water novices will learn to maneuver rafts and navigate water on the Class II and III rapids on the beginner and intermediate-friendly Wild and Scenic Rogue River. Students will learn techniques and safety training from professionally trained river guides. Some basic rowing experience is encouraged, however quick studies are welcome to join if they have the mental and physical fortitude.

Trip highlights include camping along the Rogue River, testing a variety of equipment, and learning by navigating your own raft. By the end of the course, students will have gained the skills and confidence to successfully row Class III rapids on multi-day rowing trips.

Learn how to navigate Class III rapids on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River with this five-day summer school.
Photo by Northwest Rafting Company

Classes run from May through September.

SMITH ROCK

She Moves Mountains Climbing Retreat

Founded at Smith Rock State Park in 2017, She Moves Mountains hosts outdoor-centric retreats and clinics that empower and educate women. The Smith Rock Climb and Yoga retreat offers a four-day guided climbing trip on Smith Rock with afternoon yoga sessions, all meals, and three nights of accommodation at a private home with the option to choose from indoor lodging or glamping and camping.

Expert guides will instruct climbers of all levels on the various routes on Smith Rock selecting appropriate routes for varying skills. In addition to the Smith Rock and Yoga retreat, She Moves Mountains also hosts various skills clinics and other backpacking and climbing retreats throughout the west.