Art Camping in San Simeon
Apr 12 - Apr 13, 2026
$70
Escape to the breathtaking landscape of California’s Central Coast for an overnight camping retreat devoted to creativity and exploration. Spend the day hiking scenic trails, discovering hidden viewpoints, and gathering inspiration from towering redwoods and dramatic coastal cliffs—all with time set aside for sketching, painting, and creative reflection in nature. As evening falls, enjoy a shared campsite meal and a relaxed night under the stars. Wake to the sounds of the forest and filtering light of morning before returning home.
Skill Level: Beginner, Intense, Mild, Moderate
Activity Level: Advanced
Trip Highlights
- One-night camping trip in Big Sur
- Scenic hikes and coastal views
- Nature-inspired art and creative time
- Exploration and reflection outdoors
- Campfire evening and stargazing
Details
Meet at the Recreation Center Saturday morning to head out to San Simeon; transportation provided by ASI. Spend the day hiking and exploring with dedicated creative time for crocheting and water coloring before settling into camp for the night. Enjoy a hot meal around a campfire with new friends. Wake up surrounded by trees, enjoy the morning on the coast before heading back to Cal Poly on Sunday.
What's Included
- Transportation to and from campus.
- Basic instruction
- Tents
- Group gear: cooking equipment, food storage, first aid kits, sunscreen, camp tools.
- Water
- Picnic benches
- Craft supplies
- Meals: Saturday lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast and lunch; snacks provided each day
What to Bring
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Headlamp
- Duffel bag or large backpack
- Daypack for hiking
- Bowl, mug, eating utensils
- 2 hard-sided water bottles
- Toiletries and personal medications
- Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking
- Layers to keep warm
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses
- Personal snacks
- Any additional creative craft supplies that you want to use
- An extensive gear list will be provided at the mandatory pre-trip meeting. Trip leaders will contact participants in advance.
The Poly Escapes Rental Center at the Cal Poly Recreation Center has the gear you need for your next adventure! Explore our selection online, then visit the Rental Center to equip your trip.
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