Imagine hiking, skipping stones across a clear stream, and enjoying s’mores by a crackling fire—but instead of ghost stories, people share scary tales about the challenges of dating in your 30s in a big city. Arguably the biggest wellness trend from this past summer? Sleep-away camps for adults.
As technology increasingly distances us from one another and ourselves, more people are trying to make friends and date the old-fashioned way. We’ve seen a rise in social clubs like running groups and in-person event series, but sometimes weekly meetups aren’t enough. So, they’re turning to camping with strangers.
“People come. They come alone, skeptical, scared, and curious,” said Michael Washington, founder of the modern nature group Usal Project. Based in Los Angeles, the group has hosted camping retreats in California’s Redwoods and New York’s Catskill Mountains.
The itineraries are packed with summer camp activities like swimming, natural dye workshops (a grown-up take on tie-dye), yoga, and group meals under the stars. This allows participants to dip their toes into the outdoors while making friends and learning new skills. The only barrier to entry is the fee—no need for new gear, location scouting, trip planning, or extra grocery runs in remote towns without Uber.
There are options for nearly everyone, varying in price, location, and activities. Beyond Usal Project, Camp No Counselors offers weeks in New York and California, Pennsylvania has a women-only version called Camp Social, Maine’s ‘Camp’ Camp is a popular LGBTQ+ adult summer camp, and more are popping up nationwide year-round.
Camp Yoshi was founded in Portland in 2020 by Howard University graduate Rashad Frazier, his wife Shequita, and his brother Ron. Initially focused on inviting Black campers, they’ve expanded to diverse excursions, from day trips to week-long retreats, always with an emphasis on food thanks to Frazier’s culinary background. While the general region is shared, the exact location remains a secret. Frazier says they attract curious, sociable people ready to “touch some grass.” Their attendees are mostly open-minded women aged 35 to 45.
Frazier notes that people are drawn to the views, the atmosphere, and the gear. Both Camp Yoshi and Usal partner with Japanese outdoor brand Snow Peak, bringing minimalist design to the campsites and activities. This allows for a change of scenery on each trip and a consistent, refined aesthetic, whether there’s a bathhouse or a simple tent for necessities.
High design might not seem to fit with “roughing it,” but Camp Yoshi serves up everything from freshly made salmon patties and fried eggs to French toast with berry sauce for breakfast. These trips aren’t just about outdoor exposure and nostalgic bonding; they offer an aspirational foundation for camping that’s comfortable and stylish, complete with award-winning titanium flatware and stainless steel fire pits—especially when someone else handles the setup.
“I think, deep down, a lot of people come with the same story: ‘I really wish I had more outdoorsy friends,'” Washington said. For those without a strong connection to nature, adult sleep-away camps cover all the bases.
Kevin Claiborne, a New York-based artist, had never been camping or glamping before.Ethan has been trying to spend more time in nature intentionally. He first heard about the trip at a bouldering event hosted by Usal in Central Park a little over a month ago.
“The idea of getting out of the city, sleeping in a tent, and slowing down really appealed to me. Life has been hectic, and I knew I needed some space to recharge,” he explained. “I’m not much of a planner—I tend to do things on a whim, whether it’s traveling abroad or a night out in the city. So the fact that Usal took care of all the details made it easy for me to say yes.”
Organizers of these trips and camps have found the key to success lies in designing itineraries that foster connection. They make the outdoors more accessible, introduce people to a new lifestyle, offer nostalgic experiences, and help quiet the noise of everyday life—all while creating room for rest. It’s hard to keep scrolling through your phone or ignore others when you’re hiking over tree roots up a mountain or crossing a creek to find the perfect swimming spot.
Cherie Camacho, who is newly sober and has lived in New York for almost 20 years, has been looking to expand both her social life and her circle. Though she doesn’t consider herself a “wellness retreat” person, she joined the Usal Catskills trip in September.
“When they sent us the pre-trip information, I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this is roughing it,’ but it wasn’t like that at all. It turned out to be a really refined and educational experience in a refreshing way,” Camacho said. (She did note, however, that they slept in tents and there were only two toilets.)
Unlike the atmosphere in bars, she found that the age range—from mid-20s to early 40s—didn’t matter at all during the weekend. It seemed everyone was there for similar reasons. None of her conversations revolved around what people did for a living, and everyone seemed to share the same open-minded attitude.
In these settings, the diversity of life experiences actually enriches the group. On a recent Camp Yoshi trip, for example, the conversation around the campfire somehow turned to Atlanta strip clubs like Magic City. Frazier mentioned that Jason, the oldest in the group—a very cool Japanese man—shared his experience at Club Cheetah in the 1980s. “He was so unassuming, and it was the funniest thing ever—a perfect icebreaker! It really brought a new energy to the group.”
Whether it’s the magic of sharing unexpected stories with strangers under the stars or the bond formed by stepping out of your comfort zone to try something new with people you’ve just met, this dynamic is motivating many to sign up for camping trips on their own.
Washington notes that it’s a chance for our worlds to shrink—in a positive way. “You gather a bunch of seemingly random people around a fire pit, and the conversation always leads to those moments where everyone realizes, we’re really not so different after all.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about modern adult sleepaway camps designed to sound like real questions from curious adults
The Basics What Is This All About
Q What exactly is an adult sleepaway camp
A Its a themed retreat for adults that recreates the fun and camaraderie of childhood summer camp but with modern upgrades like gourmet food comfortable lodging craft cocktails and activities tailored to grownup interests
Q Isnt this just for kids Why would I go as an adult
A Its a powerful way to unplug make new friends outside your usual social circles and rediscover a sense of play and adventure without the responsibilities of daily life Its a vacation designed for connection and fun not just relaxation
Q What kind of themes or focuses do these camps have
A Theres a huge variety You can find camps focused on wellness creativity fitness specific hobbies or just general fun with a mix of classic and modern activities
Benefits The Experience
Q Whats the biggest benefit of going to one of these
A Most people report a significant digital detox effect and return feeling rejuvenated The biggest benefit is often the genuine screenfree connections you make with other attendees
Q Im not super outgoing Will I feel awkward or left out
A Not at all These camps are designed to be inclusive The structured activities are great icebreakers and theres usually a mix of group events and optional solo time Everyone is there to meet new people so its a very welcoming environment
Q Is it like a nonstop party
A It can be but it doesnt have to be Some camps have a more festive vibe with campfires and bars while others are alcoholfree and focused on wellness You can choose a camp that matches the energy level youre looking for
Practicalities Common Concerns
Q This sounds expensive Is it worth the cost
A Prices vary but they are typically allinclusive When you factor that in it can be comparable to a nice vacation The value is in the unique