FAQ

Outdoorithm Group Camping Trip
at Sunset State Beach

Join us at Sunset State Beach Campground!

October 12-14, 2024

360 View of the Group Site at Sunset State Beach

Nestled along the picturesque coast of Monterey Bay, Sunset State Beach offers a quintessential California beach experience. The campground sits along the bluffs, set back from the ocean and filled with beautiful trees. Trails lead down to the beach, which features expansive sandy shores, rolling dunes, and stunning views of Monterey Bay.

Our trips are DIY glamping. Glamping means spacious tents, good food, and more of the comforts of home than you’d find on a traditional camping trip. DIY means everyone is an active participant, sharing responsibilities and joining together to get things done.

Our Camping Philosophy

➡️ Community DIY: We thrive together. From pitching tents to prepping meals, every task is a shared adventure. Our goal? Empowering you to become a confident camper, solo or in groups.

➡️ Inclusive Outdoors: We're rewriting the story of who belongs in nature. Together, we're building an outdoor community where everyone feels welcome and valued.

➡️ Stewardship: We tread lightly and leave no trace, preserving nature's beauty for all. Each camper is a caretaker, ensuring our outdoor spaces thrive for generations to come.

Trip Agenda

Saturday

  • Arrival and set up: before 1pm

  • Opening Circle: 3pm

  • Dinner: 5:30pm

Sunday

  • Breakfast: ~9am

  • Introductions and Connections: 9:30am

  • Dinner: 5:30pm

Monday

Breakfast: ~9am

Closing Circle: ~9:30am

Clean up & Departures

Camping Trip Flashbacks

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The Details

Where: Sunset State Beach Campground (30 minutes south of Santa Cruz)

When: Saturday, October 12 - Monday, October 14th (Indigenous People’s Day weekend)

What: Communal group camping trip with great people, great food, lots of nature.

What’s Included?

  • The following gear is provided per registered group/family:

    • 1 tent

    • 2 cots

    • 1 rug

    • 1 camp chair

    • 1 set of string lights

  • The following meals are provided*:

    • Saturday: Dinner

    • Sunday: Breakfast and Dinner

    • Monday: Breakfast

*meals will be cooked communally

What Do I Bring?

Gear (see full gear list here):

  • Optional Gear: beach blanket, beach toys

Food:

  • Lunches

  • Snacks

  • Drinks

FAQs

  • Yes - Sunset State Beach Campground has flush toilets and coin-operated showers. Bring quarters!

  • No - Given the nature of a group trip and campground restrictions about leaving your dog unattended, pets are not allowed on this group trip.

  • In an effort to keep these trips accessible and because of public park regulations, there is no charge to attend the trip. Outdoorithm covers the cost of the campsites, breakfast and dinner.

    There may be opportunities to contribute to off-set the cost of the trip; more info to come.

    You are responsible for your own transportation, lunch, gear, and any outings your family chooses to experience.

  • Please reach out to us directly at sally@outdoorithm.com

Nearby Attractions

If you’re interested in extending your camping trip or doing day excursions, here are some options:

  1. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: if you’re coming from the bay area, this is a fun stop on the way to camp or on your way home. About 30 minutes north of Sunset State Beach is the Santa Cruz boardwalk, offering a slice of classic Americana with rides, indoor mini-golf, a large arcade, and lots of carnival food and games.

  2. Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center: a 5 minute walk from the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and right across the street from the Santa Cruz wharf, this free discovery center offers hands-on exhibits, touch pools, and theater. On the smaller side, this is great for younger kids and blends discovery with ocean conservation.

  3. Monterey Bay Aquarium: About an hour south of Sunset State Beach campground, Monterey Bay Aquarium transports you into an underwater world. Perched on the Monterey Bay, the aquarium features a towering kelp forest, playful sea otters, and mesmerizing jellyfish. The aquarium is right on Cannery Row, with lots of shops and dining right at its doorstep.

  4. Carmel-by-the-Sea: keep heading down Highway 1 to visit historic Carmel-by-the-Sea. This small beach town has great dining, shopping, and art. Great place to walk around, grab lunch, and enjoy the sites.

TIP: if you’re driving towards Carmel, don’t miss La Fayette Bakery! It’s hands-down one of our favorites. You can get sandwiches, pastries, and desserts - everything is delicious!

About Us.

Our family used to camp once or twice a year. During COVID, with our house filled with work-from-home desks and make-shift school spaces, we needed to find something that would help us hit the reset button. We needed to disconnect from the busyness and reconnect with each other.

What started as a few weekend getaways soon turned into a regular family ritual. Nature became where we went to breathe - it was restorative and restful. To keep it going, we turned camping into a comfortable family adventure with DIY glamping – creating a cozy camping experience that felt like a home away from home.

Now, we're passionate about sharing this joy with you. Join us in creating an inclusive outdoor community that fosters connections - both with each other and with the land. Our goal is to empower you to camp with confidence and integrate nature into your life's rhythm.

Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or new to camping, we're here to guide and support your journey. Let's create unforgettable memories in nature and discover the restorative power of the great outdoors.