Camping Trips
Our camping and hiking trips are great for those who want to get outside and camp without having to carry all the equipment on their back. We will "car camp" or camp with the van in close proximity, usually with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms of some sort. Our trips are designed for a group of 10-15 people, and require no previous experience. Each trip is led by Outdoor Rec. Trip Coordinators who are experienced in camping and hiking. Group equipment, such as tents, stoves, cooking gear, is included in the trip price. The hiking part of the trip is simply a day hike.
Upcoming Trips
JULY 12 – 13 (Sat. - Sun.)
CANOE-CAMPING
Buffalo River, TN
Cost: $52
Sign-up by: Thursday, July 3
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/8 at 5:30 PM
The Buffalo River is the last of the free-flowing rivers in Tennessee with no dams on it. We will paddle approximately 20.4 miles of it, over two days. We plan on camping on an island Saturday night. This is a beautiful river, and the trip is suitable for both beginners and experienced canoeists. Estimated trip duration: 7AM Sat. – 8 PM Sun.
JULY 25-26 (Fri. – Sat.)
CAMPING AND HIKING
Pennyrile Forest State Park, KY
Cost: $38
Sign-up by: Friday, July 18
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/22 at 6:30 PM
Join us as we explore this park in western Kentucky, located about 100 miles northwest of Nashville. We will camp in the regular campground on Friday night. Saturday, we can hike either a few short trails totaling 5 mile and/or a portion of a longer 13 mile trail. Highlights include rock bluffs, possibly “the most beautiful woods in Western Kentucky”, and a lake where we can go swimming. Estimated trip duration: 4PM Fri. – 8 PM Sat.
AUG. 2-3 (Sat. - Sun.)
WHITEWATER RAFTING & CAMPING & HIKING
Ocoee River, TN
Cost: $80
Sign-up by: Friday, July 18
Pre-Trip Meeting: Tuesday, 7/29 at 5:30 PM
Whitewater rafting on the Ocoee River is packed with fun and excitement on back-to-back rapids! We will leave early Saturday and camp and hike near the scenic Hiwassee River. Sunday morning we will be guided down the mighty Ocoee in rafts of 5-6 paddlers each. Estimated trip duration: 7 AM Sat. – 7 PM Sun.
AUG. 2-3 (Sat. – Sun.)
WHITEWATER KAYAKING AND CAMPING
Nantahala River, NC ** This trip is for Intermediate Kayakers **
Cost: $91
Sign-up by: Friday, July 25
Pre-Trip Meeting: Wednesday, 7/30 at 5:00 PM
Now that you have mastered the kayak roll and feel comfortable on moving water, it’s time to take the next step. Nestled in a steep gorge, the Nantahala shimmers through its mild, but exciting rapids. The Nantahala offers eight miles of practice on easy Class II rapids before splashing through the exciting Class III whitewater of Nantahala Falls. This river is one of America’s most popular whitewater runs, so expect to see other rafters, kayakers and canoeists playing in the waves. Space is limited to the first six who sign up. Estimated trip duration: 4 PM Sat. – 10 PM Sun.
Trip Information
Most trips are designed for a small group of people (10-12), and many of the trips require no previous experience. The fee for each trip covers the activity, transportation, in-camp food, camping fees, and group equipment. For more information, look for flyers around campus or stop by the Outdoor Recreation Center (along Capers Ave. and the Intramural Fields behind the Student Recreation Center) during rental hours. This is also where trip sign-up takes place. Trips are open to all VU students, faculty, staff, and Rec. Center members. Alcohol is not permitted on any trip.
Outdoor Recreation Program | Vanderbilt University
Box 6033, Station B | 2600 Childrens' Way | Nashville, TN 37235
615-343-8182 | outdoorrec@ vanderbilt.edu
