About us
- Welcome to the Nature and Outdoors Group! We are a respectful and supportive community of outdoor lovers who enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, kayaking, traveling, and exploring nature together.
- Many of us are passionate about the Catskill Mountains. Our organizer(s) continue to organize Catskill 35er hikes, and we proudly support those working toward that meaningful goal.
- We offer a wide variety of activities from scenic nature walks and paddle trips to challenging mountain hikes, so people of all levels can join, grow, and enjoy.
Disclaimer:

By participating in all events, you acknowledge that those outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, weather conditions, wildlife encounters, and difficult terrain. You understand that these risks can result in serious injury or even death. By attending this event, you agree to release and hold harmless the organizer(s), the group, and any affiliated parties from all liabilities, claims, and demands of whatever kind, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from your participation in the event. Participants are responsible for assessing their own fitness and skill levels, bringing appropriate gear, and staying aware of their surroundings. You acknowledge that the organizer(s) are not professional guides. You are voluntarily participating in this hiking event with full knowledge of the risks involved and agree to accept all risks. By attending this event, you confirm that you have read, understand, and agree to this disclaimer in its entirety.
Upcoming events
5
- $39.00
July 4th Camp : Long Beach Island + Island Beach State Park
Bass River State Forest, Bass River, NJ, USLet’s spend a summer weekend camping in the woods again, relaxing at two of NJ’s best beaches, and sharing food and fire. We'll base camp at Bass River State Forest, which was established in 1905, and NJ’s very first state forest. It features quiet pine woodlands, Lake Absegami, just 25 minutes from Long Beach Island and 35 minutes from Island Beach State Park. Each day we'll explore a different beach. One wild and natural, the other lively and fun.
Thursday, 7/2
Set up the tent and relax, dinner around the campfire, no rush.
Friday, 7/3
Early morning trip to Island Beach State Park, one of NJ’s last remaining undeveloped barrier islands. 10 miles of pristine sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. Peaceful stretch of untouched dunes & sea. Optional short hike or beach nap.
Saturday, 7/4
Head to Long Beach Island. Relax, enjoy the beautiful beach, swim, grab brunch, and have ice cream. In the late afternoon, we will drive to Barnegat Lighthouse for sunset. Then return to camp for shared dinner & fire.
Sunday, 7/5
Breakfast, pack up, and all the way homeGPS: 39°37'21.9"N 74°25'44.2"W
Fees: $39 per person for 3 nights and 4 days. Sites provide flush toilets, showers, Picnic tables, and Fire rings. Bring your own Firewood for 3 nights.
Payment: Venmo@Nature-and-outdoorsWhat to Bring (Gear list):
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html
https://www.outdoors.org/resources/amc-outdoors/outdoor-resources/three-season-hiking-and-backpacking-gear-list/
Tent, sleeping bag, Sleeping pads, Camping pillow,
Headlamps or flashlights (and extra batteries)
Dry bags or waterproof containers
Water-appropriate clothing, rain gear.5 attendees - $29.78
Not So Urban Athletics: Group Camping at Vermont's Kettle Pond State Park
Kettle Pond State Park, Vermont Route 232, Groton, VT, US*** You must submit your payment to move from the waitlist to a confirmed RSVP ***
What sounds more appealing? Spending the Fourth of July stuck in the steamy asphalt jungle, fighting with several thousand other New Yorkers to maybe get a glimpse of the all too brief East River fireworks. Or celebrating the nation's birthday camping in Vermont's beautiful Groton State Forest? Take a look at that photo above and decide for yourself. Yeah, thought so. Join me and a couple of dozen of your soon to be good friends as we head up for a holiday weekend of group camping at Kettle Pond State Park; an undeveloped waterside wilderness in the Vermont highlands.
In the park you can swim in the pond or sun yourself on the beach, fish, or if so inclined play a little ball or Frisbee. The park is one of seven in Groton State Forest, the second largest state forest in Vermont with over 26,000 acres to explore. You'll have access to all of them and their 17 miles of hiking trails and other amenities, such as canoe rentals and miles of mountain biking trails. Or perhaps head into the nearby towns of Montpelier or St. John's and explore their quaint downtown areas. It's your weekend to do as little or as much as you like.
The plan...
We'll arrive Thursday afternoon at the campground to set up our tents and other gear. From here we can do as much or as little as we'd like. In the evening we'll cook and have a communal meal over an open fire, and spend the rest of the night doing the usual camping activities -- partaking in adult beverages and stuffing our faces with snacks, playing games, and shooting the breeze.
Friday and Saturday we'll get up and make breakfast, then the days are yours to play as you wish. In the evening more campfire cooking, socializing, and merry making will be had, until we nod off.
Sunday we awake to enjoy our last meal together, break down our campsites, then head home.Cost...
$29.78 per person for the campsite fee. The cost is for THREE nights of camping. Payment is via Venmo.
Space is limited so until I receive your payment your RSVP is not confirmed and your attendance is not guaranteed. Once I have confirmation of receipt of your payment I will move you to confirmed RSVP status.
Refunds will be given only if the meetup is cancelled or rescheduled.Food plan...
To keep it simple, everyone is responsible for bringing what they would like to eat and drink. We will be cooking dinner Saturday; breakfast and dinner Sunday; and breakfast Monday and it will be semi-communal, meaning bring what you would like to eat for yourself but perhaps also enough to share with a few other people. Simple to cook but interesting items are best.
What else do I need to know?
• I've reserved five group lean-to campsites. Each lean-to site has a fire ring or fireplace with grill for cooking and a picnic table.
• The campground has port-a-let restroom facilities and clean running water. We are not auditioning for Survivor here.
• Meetup will be cancelled only in the event of a zombie apocalypse or locust swarm of biblical proportions. Possibility of rain or any other precipitation and we still camp.
• By RSVPing for this event, you agree to the following waiver of liability https://bit.ly/3atj0C5Directions...
From I-91N (Exit 17): Take a left onto US-302 west, go 8.7 miles. Turn right onto VT-232N. Travel 7.5 miles and Kettle Pond is on the left. The park is about 4.5 hours driving time from Manhattan.
We'll need to carpool to the campground. When you RSVP, please indicate if need a ride. Or if you plan to drive, where you are coming from and how many passengers you can take. We'll then figure out our carpooling options, please be proactive and contact a driver directly rather than just saying where you need a ride from. Gas and tolls will be shared among all the passengers.Groton State Forest hiking information HERE.
7 attendees
Past events
161
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