About us
Camping is a fabulous way to meet new people, strengthen relationships and make great memories!
We are Pet & children friendly, in fact adults, kids and pets are normally invited to any trips/activities, but PLEASE read the description of each activity &/or trip for any specific information regarding kids & pets. Always contact the organizer for that trip, if you have any questions. Please note that pets are not allowed on some trails or in some areas
If you like to camp, build bonfires, grill out and chill out with a highly entertaining group of campers, you have found the right meetup group.
Upcoming events
9
Des Plaines River Kayak & Canoe Marathon
Oak Spring Road Canoe Launch, 15657 W Oak Spring Rd, Libertyville, IL, USThis is my first kayaking marathon, and I encourage everyone to tag along :)
What are you getting yourself into?
Before you ask, check out this quick video from the 2025 race:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8ueEd9PmZQ
2026 marks the 69th year of paddling the beautiful Des Plaines River! 🌿- 18.5-mile Marathon: Starts in Libertyville, IL, and ends near Mount Prospect, IL (a few of us have already signed up for the 18-mile marathon)
- 5.25-mile Minithon (added in 2014): Starts at Potawatomie Woods and finishes at the same location
This is one of the oldest races of its kind—happening Sunday, May 17—and it’s truly more about camaraderie than competition. No experience needed, just go with the flow (literally) and enjoy the ride with fellow paddlers from across the country.
Marathon Basic Information:
Race Starts Here
Race Ends Here
Water Levels Here
Rules and Safety HereSign-Up Details
Register here: https://www.canoemarathon.com/- Current price: $45 (as of May 3rd)
- Price increases by $5 in a couple of weeks
To join our team on the day of the marathon:
Please note: we kayak for fun! During registration, add this note in the field notes section:
👉 “add to the same start wave as Magdalena Szumlakowska”
The site doesn’t support team registrations, but I’ve coordinated with the organizers—this note will ensure we all paddle togetherKayak Shuttle Services
When checked with organizers, this is what they provided:
The shuttle service detail is here: Race Day Shuttle Info
The simple story is:- Drive to the start line
- Drop your boats
- Drive to the finish line and park
- Ride the shuttle bus back to the start line
- Paddle to your cars, waiting for you at the finish.
We are planning to shuttle before the race, then flow down to where the car is parked. That means during the registration process, you should choose the following option when asked about a complimentary shuttle "Yes, I plan to shuttle BEFORE the race"
Questions?
Drop them in the chat—I’ll share what I know!
For detailed questions, feel free to email the organizers (they’re super responsive):- [william.mcdermott@mail.com](mailto:william.mcdermott@mail.com)
- [info@canoemarathon.com](mailto:info@canoemarathon.com)
Not convinced yet?
Come and join us as a volunteer and wave us from the shore! Be part of the energy, support the paddlers, and enjoy a day by the river with a great crew. Volunteering info is linked here.I hope you’ll join me for this slightly wild, definitely fun, and totally memorable adventure.
Happy floating!
3 attendees
Pictured Rocks National Pk, MI, Memorial Day Weekend
Turin, MI, 3132 Co Rd 444, Rock, MI 49880, Marquette County, MI, USBOOK TODAY. THE LAST TRIP SOLD OUT
Join us for a group cabin and camping trip near McFarland MI starting at $63.00 per night. Arrive and depart any time between May 22 to 25th. Packages include free food, nightly fires, on property use of kayak, while supplies last. You provide your own camping tent & sleeping gear for both indoor and outdoor campers. Use the link below to make lodging selections & make payment via Pay pal or Zelle.
IF THE RESERVATION LIST IS FULL YOU MAY JUMP THE LINE AND SELECT YOUR ROOMING ACCOMODATIONS AND MAKE PAYMENT CLICK HERECLICK HERE TO SEE TRIP VIDEO
When all other parks are jammed to capacity we will be camping on our own private lands.We will fish, kayak the Au Train River. Paddle Lake Superior shores, Hike Grand Island, visit Pictured Rocks National Park. We will be staying on private lands with a our own PRIVATE lake & Island in the middle of the Hiawatha National Forests near McFarland, Michigan. Excellent proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Park and cultural destinations. Activities RAIN OR SHINEOUR TRIP FEATURES
- Group lead activities
- Nightly roaring fires
- Most meals
- Free admission to our camping property ( no sticker required)
- Free parking
- First Night Orientation: To meet & greet other members, make friends & learn how the trip works.
Lodging Includes
- Hot Showers
- Flush Toilets
- Running Potable Water
- Electricity
Choice Of
All pricing includes, most activities,nightly fires, free meals, free admission to property, free parking, first night meet and greet, free on property use of kayak (while supplies last)- Ultimate Group Tent Camping Package ! $199.00 per person during inclement weather Indoor back up accommodations in group bunk house.
- Double Occupancy Private Camp Site: $295.00
- Single Occupancy Room $455.00 for one person.
- Double Occupancy Room $390.00 You are required to register a guest.
- Double Occupancy Private Cabin $499.00 two people. Private kitchenette, 2 rooms plus living area Add 199.00 per guest
- FOR PAYMENT & SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS CLICK HERE
- This event is 21 and over. We are unable to accommodate pets, campers or trailers . Kayaks have limited availability. Provide your own camping and sleeping equipment. Staying indoors, bring your own bedding. The trip is offered as is. As we are not a travel agency we cannot customize any part of the trip.
30 attendees
Past events
285
Group links
Members
6,507
