Name: Intro to Winter Camping with Candlelit Hike (BEGINNER)
Start: 2025-01-25T09:45:00-06:00
End: 2025-01-26T12:00:00-06:00

**RSVPs will open on December 4 at 6 PM, and will be temporarily closed from December 25 through January 7 to allow for FCB’s organizational and fiscal transition. If all goes as planned, we will reopen RSVPs on January 8 at 6 PM.**

A Yes/Attending RSVP signifies that you understand the Meetup.com Terms of Service agreement including the waiver of liability it contains and understand that participation is solely at your own risk. It also signifies that you agree to abide by the Fox Cities Backpackers Bylaws and Code of Conduct found therein. If you are not familiar with or do not understand these documents, do not sign up until you are. An organizer can help you locate them. Furthermore, organizers and event hosts are volunteers and do not have any backpacking, safety or first aid related training. Paying for an event is not hiring a guide; it is simply sharing costs between participants.

**OVERVIEW**

This one-night winter camping trip is designed for both the cold-weather pro and the BEGINNER backpacker diving into winter camping for the first time. We'll provide a safe space to put yourself and your gear to the cold-weather test. We'll exchange knowledge, ideas, tips, and tricks to improve our skills in staying warm and comfortable in the cold, no matter the season.

Take full advantage of this experience and simulate a winter backpacking trip. I do, however, highly recommend packing as many creature comforts as you can fit in your car, have them be readily available to help make this winter camping trip your own kind of cozy.

**ITINERARY**

Please read the entire description and ask questions before signing up. Note that trip and hike itineraries may change due to weather conditions, *which could include an upgrade to an Intermediate trip rating if needed*. It is important that you periodically check your email and the comments section for any event updates.

**January 25, Saturday**
Meet at the [Ottawa Lake Campground Visitor Center](https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms/recreation/camping) at 9:45 am. A State Park pass is required. We'll day hike the [Scuppernong segment of the IAT](https://wisconsin-explorer.blogspot.com/2017/04/hiking-ice-age-trail-scuppernong-segment.html?m=1) while we wait for the 3 pm campsite check-in. We'll carpool to the Hwy 67 trailhead (42.91896, -88.47333) and start the hike by 10 am, heading north towards Hwy C on the IAT, then turning back. We'll return to Ottawa Lake after the hike, reshuttle cars, set up camp and spend some quality time around the campfire.

From WI DNR's website: *Ottawa Lake campground is the only year-round campground in the KM South unit. In winter, a limited number of sites are plowed. The only open bathroom is the vault toilet located near site 359. Water is available from a spigot on the side of the contact station.*

In the evening, we will carpool to & join the candlelit hike/ski event at Lapham Peak. Here is the link from this year's event : [Friends of Lapham Peak Candlelit Hike/Ski event](https://laphampeakfriends.org/events/2022-candle-light-hike/). I will share the updated link once it's available. A State Park pass and an event voucher per vehicle is required. I will work on getting vouchers for at least 2 vehicles. There might be opportunity for snowshoeing or skiing on the candlelit trails if there is enough snow. You will need to rent or bring your own equipment. Please note the information regarding snowshoe or ski rentals at the bottom of the above linked page. Any other recommendations for ski or snowshoe rentals in the area will be much appreciated. Comment below for recommendations.

**January 26, Sunday**
Pack up, decamp. Optional group brunch or lunch at [Rise and Shine Cafe](https://www.riseandshinewaleswi.com/) before heading home.

**General Information**

* Sunrise: 7:14 am, Sunset: 4:59 pm
* Average High/Low Temps: 28°F/11°F

**LINKS**

* [Winter Camping Basics](https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/winter-camping.html)
* [Winter Camping Checklist](https://www.switchbacktravel.com/winter-camping-checklist)
* [Cold-Weather Camping Tips to Keep You Warm While You Sleep](https://www.backpacker.com/skills/beginner-skills/winter-camping/cold-weather-camping-sleep-better-than-a-hibernating-bear/)
* [Randall's Winter Tips and Tricks](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EvlN98ebnvLvRS-XCZ-FeCP0A62onCYb/view?usp=drivesdk)

**Maps**

* [Ottawa Lake Campground ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jQdNpg7BgONpglhhGncktHVmoFeehjYT/view?usp=drivesdk)
* [IAT Scuppernong Segment](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i4Y_kGmdCu9bnottk53hbMyUOPgb2wMH/view?usp=drivesdk)

**FEES**
Your $25 trip fee includes:
Campsite reservation + fees x 1 night: $57.90
Firewood $45 (estimate)
Meetup Fees $10
Organizer Stipend $10

Your trip fee *does not* include:
State park parking sticker
Transportation
Gear
Meals

Also note that Meetup is now charging an additional fee of 7% (of the trip fee) plus $0.50, this is in addition to the posted trip fee.

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Intro to Winter Camping with Candlelit Hike (BEGINNER)

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Intro to Winter Camping with Candlelit Hike (BEGINNER)

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