Adult Rock Camp
A 3-Day Exploration of Outdoor Climbing Styles at Devil's Lake
Camp Overview
WHAT
3 days of custom-tailored outdoor climbing instruction & practice. Campsite included.
WHO
Adults seeking community and mentorship in outdoor climbing. Geared towards newer outdoor climbers.
PRICE
$695 includes 3 days of climbing instruction, all climbing equipment, group campsite, use of shared camp kitchen.
GROUP SIZE
16 participants max per session with a 5:1 max student:staff ratio.
WHERE
Climbing and camping around the beautiful quartzite bluffs of Devil’s Lake State Park, WI.
Nutshell Summary
- Devil's Lake State Park, WI
- April 25th - 27th, 2025
- May 16th - 18th, 2025
- June 6th - 8th, 2025
- $695 includes climbing equipment,
- instruction, and camping
- No experience required
establish a strong foundation of outdoor climbing skills
explore outdoor climbing in a supportive environment
Rock Camp helps participants unplug from their routines, meet like-minded climbing partners, and expand their outdoor climbing experience in a supportive environment with professional instructors.
Participants will have opportunities to climb numerous routes each day, of varying difficulty and styles, and instructors will teach technical skills based on interest. Together, we’ll spend time exploring a variety of outdoor climbing styles including:
top-rope climbing
rappelling
bouldering
talus scrambling
anchor building
routefinding
Before the end of camp, you’ll have new skills and budding belay-tionships to continue your climbing journey with confidence and support!
outcomes
During camp participants will learn, practice, and expand their climbing skills. By the end of the weekend, most beginning climbers will:
Feel more comfortable navigating, moving, and working in high-angle environments.
Improve their climbing movement and efficiency
Understand how climbing protection and anchors work
Master foundational skills in belaying, communicating, rope management, padding, and spotting
Identify common risks & implement climbing safety practices
Better understand their climbing strengths, weaknesses and preferences
Understand accepted norms, etiquette and best practices at a climbing crag
Have a concrete plan for moving toward self-guided climbing
Climbers with more extensive prior climbing experience can expect to:
Be able to set up their own traditional climbing anchors for top-rope or lead climbing
Be more familiar with popular climbing areas and routes at Devil’s Lake
Better understand how a climbing outing “works,” with respect to necessary gear, leadership, logistics
“From the moment I arrived, I felt such a strong sense of being wanted/valued. Our instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and welcoming. She really took the time to understand the needs of the group and make sure that everyone felt safe and supported. She has a very calming presence which was helpful as this was my first time rock climbing.”
agenda
Instruction Tailored to Your Interests
Rock Camp offers the chance to focus on yourself, whether that means building toward personal climbing goals, expanding your technical skillset, or just enjoying a long weekend of outdoor climbing and camaraderie. Each day we’ll venture into the beautiful quartzite rocks to explore the various climbing styles and skillsets available at Devil’s Lake.
The daily agenda is not predetermined. Instead, we customize it to suit campers’ interests and the changing weather. We provide participants with numerous options each day, but our instructors take care of logistics and planning so campers can focus on climbing, connecting, and relaxing. Though the daily schedule may alter to accommodate weather, we’ll plan to convene by 8AM and wrap up our instruction around 4PM.
There is plenty of downtime in the evenings to go for a dip in the Lake, take a sunset hike up the bluffs, relax in a hammock with a juicy book, or enjoy a snack and a game on the beach. In the evenings we’ll gather around the campfire to share experiences, food, and laughter.
Top-Rope Climbing
Belaying
Bouldering
Anchor Building
Rappelling
Camping
Talus Scrambling
Community
“The best part was walking away from the last day feeling way more confident than I was expecting in my skills. Another best part was realizing setting anchors is fun! They simplified and demystified the anchor building process.””
Logistics
Dig Into the Details
DEMOGRAPHICS: This camp is intended for adult folks ages 16+. No prior climbing experience necessary!
REQUIREMENTS: Rock Camp can be an intense experience. Participants should be in good physical condition as we will be actively hiking and climbing 3 days in a row. Previous exposure to rock climbing and outdoor living are helpful, but not required. We work with participants who are already “climbers” and want to further their strength and skills outside, as well as those who are just getting started in the climbing world. We’ll help you settle in!
CAMPING: Camping at our group site is included with registration, though registrants may opt to stay off-site. Students provide their own camping equipment. Our campsite will be available starting at 4:30 PM the evening before the first course day. We will break camp before our 8:00 AM meeting time on the final course day. Tents and small camper vehicles are welcome, but space is limited, so please no RV’s (there are no hook-ups).
MEALS: Our camp kitchen equipped with two standing camp stoves, cookware, cutlery, and dishwashing station, will be available for participant use. Some groups like to collaborate on meals, while others prefer to handle things on their own. The kitchen setup offers the flexibility for both! Grocery stores and restaurants are available in nearby Baraboo, WI.
LOCATION & TIMELINE: Participants will meet at the CCC Parking Lot within Devil’s Lake State Park at 8:00 AM the first course day. Those staying at our group campsite can opt to carpool as desired. We’ll wrap up our field time around 4:00 PM daily. Curriculum, meeting location, and daily agenda are flexible pending weather and group goals and will be communicated by text. Campsite number will be shared upon registration.
EQUIPMENT: We provide any necessary climbing equipment, though students who have their own are encouraged to bring and gain comfort with it (so long as it is in good condition). Camp kitchen facilities are available for participant use. Limited cooler space and critter-proof food storage is included. Participants must supply their own camping equipment. View our packing list for more details.
“I felt very engaged by all of the instructors and I felt they did very well at meeting everyone where they were at. I learned so much!”
Ready For adventure?
Sign up details
To enroll, select your date from the drop down menu and click the “ENROLL” button to submit your information and deposit payment. We will then send course details and an invoice for the remaining balance.
Minimum enrollment
Each camp has a minimum enrollment of 4 students. If camp doesn’t reach the minimum 2 weeks before the first day, we will cancel the camp and issue a full refund.
Cancellations
Please familiarize yourself with our Cancellation Policies before booking. Rock Camp is a special, limited-enrollment event that will run rain or shine. Registration is non-refundable unless the camp sells out and we can find another climber to take your place.
We recommend purchasing trip insurance to avoid losing money in the event of an emergency or a change to your travel plans. Forbes has a great trip insurance search tool for finding the right option for your situation.
