Intro to Backpacking: Point Beach State Forest

Trip Dates: Sat 10/17 depart at 9am, return to campus Sun 10/18 at 4pm
Are you interested in trying backpacking for the first time? This low-mileage trip is designed to teach you the basics of backpacking not far from Milwaukee. We’ll enjoy two days of hiking along Lake Michigan’s shores.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITY: This trip REQUIRES a base level of physical fitness. Each day includes hours of hiking trails with a 30lb/ 13kg backpack, living outdoors in mid 60F/16C weather during the day and mid 40F/ 4C weather at night. Previous backpacking experience is not required, we will teach you! Participants must be able to walk continuously at an incline for at least 30 minutes without stopping. If you have questions about the physical demands of the trip, please email hmurphy@uwm.edu.

ITINERARY: (subject to change)
Day 1: Drive 1.5hrs to Point Beach State Park, hike 4 miles (6.4km), camp along the beach
Day 2: Hike 1.5 miles (2.5km) to the lighthosue, drive back to UWM

CAMPING EXPERIENCE: Previous camping experience is not required. Outdoor Pursuits trip leaders will teach all outdoor living skills – building a fire, cooking, setting up a tent, Leave No Trace ethics, and more. Everyone is expected to help with all of these outdoor living skills on a daily basis.
CAMPSITES: Rustic tent campsites that include setting up a waterproof tent on the ground with a foam sleeping and sleeping bag. Everyone will share a tent with 1-3 other participants.
BATHROOMS: Rustic campsites commonly have vault toilets, similar to a porta potty, without flush toilets or running water.
SHOWERS: There is no access to showers, but there will be plenty of clean drinking water you can use to wash your hands and face regularly.
CELL PHONE RECEPTION: Cell phone reception is not gauranteed. The trip leaders will have a satellite phone for emergency communication and check ins.

The registration fee covers all lodging, group transportation, camping equipment, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, park entry fees, and trip leader compensation. Registration closes 10/9 at 9am. All participants must attend a mandatory pre-trip meeting the week of the trip to meet the trip leaders, be outfitted with equipment, relay dietary needs, and meet other participants.

For more information or to request accommodations, please email hmurphy@uwm.edu. Trip full? Complete this form to be added to the Trip Waitlist .