Beginner Backpacking: Caledon State Park (6.0 Miles)

# Overnight Backpacking at Caledon State Park

IMPORTANT: Registration is through AMC
This Meetup event is for information and promotion only. Registration for the trip must be completed through the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC).

👉 Register and get full trip details through AMC:
https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX000001IATN2A4/

Trip Overview

All are welcome on this overnight backpacking trip, and beginners are especially encouraged to join. An experienced backpacker will lead the trip to help participants along the way, answer questions, and provide an opportunity to learn more about backpacking in a relaxed group setting.

Caledon State Park is perhaps better known for its day-hiking opportunities, but the park also offers primitive campsites near the Potomac River. We'll hike approximately 3 miles from the Visitor Center to the campground, carrying our overnight gear, and spend the evening camping near the river.

The route follows primarily gravel and dirt fire roads, making this a straightforward introduction to carrying a backpack and spending a night at a primitive campsite.

Itinerary

Day 1 — October 17

We'll meet at the Caledon State Park Visitor Center at 2:00 PM and hike approximately 3 miles to the primitive campsites near the Potomac River.
Once we arrive, we'll set up camp, prepare our own dinners, and enjoy the evening.

Day 2 — October 18

After breakfast, we'll break camp and hike approximately 3 miles back to the Visitor Center, completing the trip.

Camping

Our campsites have been reserved for the group.

Each primitive campsite includes:

• Framed, sand-filled tent pad
• Fire ring
• Lantern post
• Picnic table

The campground also has a portable toilet.

There is no potable water, electricity, or shower facility at the campground. Participants should plan to carry at least 2 liters of water for drinking and cooking.

Trip Details

• Total Distance: Approximately 6 miles
• Daily Distance: Approximately 3 miles
• Hiking Pace: Easy — just over 1 mile per hour, with regular breaks
• Terrain: Gravel and dirt fire roads
• Starting Elevation: 160 feet
• Elevation Gain: 306 feet
• Elevation Loss: 306 feet
• AMC Rating: Level 3 – Easy
• Maximum Participants: 10
• Dogs: Not permitted

What to Bring

Participants should bring the backpacking equipment they need for a comfortable and safe overnight trip, including shelter, sleep system, food, water, and clothing appropriate for the expected conditions.

The gear list below is suggested, not required; participants may make individual choices about the equipment they bring. AMC may also have some equipment available to loan to new backpackers.

Suggested Backpacking Gear Checklist:

https://www.rei.com/dam/backpacking_checklist_printable.pdf

Food & Cooking

Participants will bring and cook their own food. Please plan meals that you are comfortable preparing and eating with your own backpacking stove and cooking equipment.

Participants should also plan to carry at least 2 liters of water for drinking and cooking. There is no potable water at the campground.

Safety

The trip leader will carry a basic first aid kit. Participants should carry any personal medications or first-aid supplies they may need.

Although the hiking itself is relatively easy, participants should be prepared to carry their overnight backpack for approximately 3 miles each day.

Trip Highlights

• Beginner-friendly overnight backpacking experience
• Approximately 3 miles of hiking each day
• Primitive camping near the Potomac River
• Opportunity to practice backpacking and camping skills
• Relaxed overnight experience with an experienced backpacker

More Information

Caledon State Park — https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/caledon

Cancellation

If weather becomes an issue, check your email or contact the leader before leaving for the park for updates regarding cancellation or changes to the trip.