How do we find group camping areas for a family reunion?

Search reserveamerica.com or your state's park reservation system for 'group camping' at state parks. Group sites typically hold 25 to 75 people in designated areas separate from regular campsites, often with a large fire ring, picnic tables, and access to nearby restrooms. KOA Resorts also have group camping areas and often offer a mix of tent sites, cabin rentals, and RV hookups on the same property — useful for families with different camping comfort levels.

What is glamping and is it appropriate for a family reunion?

Glamping (glamorous camping) means furnished, weatherproof accommodations in natural settings — typically canvas bell tents or safari tents with real beds, linens, and sometimes electricity and climate control. For families where some members want the outdoor experience but others refuse to sleep on the ground, glamping properties are an excellent compromise. Several glamping resorts have clusters of tents specifically marketed for group events.

How do we feed a large group while camping?

The most practical approach for group camping meals is to designate meal leads for each day (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and pre-assign cooking teams. Campfire cooking in cast iron works for groups of 20 to 30 with enough cookware. For larger groups, propane burner stations (turkey fryer rigs work well for large pots) handle high-volume cooking more efficiently. Plan menus that minimize refrigeration needs — many ingredients can be stored in coolers with dry ice for 3 to 4 days.

What do we do if it rains during a camping reunion?

Plan for rain before you arrive. A large canopy or event tent (20x30 feet holds 40 to 50 people comfortably) rented from a local party rental company is essential for any camping reunion of 20 or more. Designate rain-day activities in advance: board games, storytelling circle, rain-friendly crafts for kids, and a shelter setup that lets people cook and eat out of the weather. Do not rely on the weather cooperating.

Planning Guide

Camping Family Reunion

Reunly Planning Team · May 2026

A camping reunion is the most affordable format and — when planned well — the most memorable. Campfires enforce the kind of unhurried group conversation that dining room tables often do not. The logistics are harder, but the payoff is proportional.

Camping Options for Large Groups

State Park Group Sites

Pros: Low cost ($50–$150/night for the whole group), beautiful natural settings, often include restrooms and water hookups.

Watch for: Book up to 11 months in advance on recreation systems. Facilities vary widely — some have electricity, others are primitive.

KOA Resorts

Pros: Mix of tent sites, cabin rentals, and RV hookups on the same property. Consistent amenities (pool, camp store, Wi-Fi). Good option when group has mixed camping experience.

Watch for: Higher cost than state parks. Less natural setting. Can feel commercial.

Glamping Properties

Pros: Furnished tents or yurts with beds and linens — great for family members who want the outdoor feel without sleeping on the ground.

Watch for: Higher cost. Limited availability for very large groups. Often requires multiple separate bookings.

Private Camp Facilities

Pros: Boy Scout camps, 4-H camps, and church camps often rent facilities to outside groups. Kitchen buildings, dining halls, and cabin bunks already set up.

Watch for: Requires more research to find. Availability varies. May have rules about alcohol or certain activities.

Group Camping Gear Checklist

1
Large event tent or canopy (20x30 feet minimum for 40+ people) — rent from a local party rental company
2
Camp chairs: 1.5x your group count (some people bring their own, extras prevent the scramble)
3
Propane burner stations for large-volume cooking (turkey fryer rigs handle 20-gallon stock pots)
4
Cast iron cookware: two 12-inch dutch ovens serve 8-10 people per batch
5
Coolers with dry ice — 50-lb block lasts 3-4 days. Plan cooler capacity at 1 quart per person per day
6
First aid kit stocked for a group (more bandages, more antihistamine, a wider range of medications than a personal kit)
7
Lighting: string lights for the communal area + headlamps for everyone (they always forget headlamps)
8
Trash bags and recycling containers — leave no trace starts with adequate waste infrastructure

Camp Activity Ideas

Nature scavenger hunt: print a list of 20 items (pine cone, bird feather, acorn, etc.) and split into family-branch teams

Campfire storytelling circle: each family branch prepares one family story to share on the last night

Morning nature walk: 45 minutes before breakfast when wildlife is most active

Stargazing: print a star chart for the season. A free app like Sky Map helps identify constellations

Watercolor or sketch session: each person draws one thing they see at camp

Campfire cooking competition: assign ingredients and let teams compete on the best campfire dish

Rain Plan: What to Do When the Weather Does Not Cooperate

Rent the event tent before you need it. A 20x30-foot canopy from a local party rental company runs $150 to $300 for a weekend. It goes up before rain arrives and provides the group with a dry communal space for cooking, eating, and gathering. This single item transforms a miserable rain day into a manageable one.

Designate a rain-day activity list before arriving at camp. Board games (pick ones that work with large groups: codenames, trivia, card games), family storytelling, and shelter-safe crafts for children. Having this list pre-planned means no improvisation during the actual rain — improvisation in bad weather leads to conflict.

Inform yourself about nearby indoor options. What is the closest town? Is there a movie theater, a museum, a diner with space for your group? Knowing these options before rain arrives means you can make a decision in 30 minutes rather than spending 2 hours figuring out alternatives.

Camping Reunion Cost Estimate

Camping is the most affordable reunion format. State park group sites run $50 to $150 per night for the full group. KOA group areas run $200 to $500 per night. For a group of 40 over 3 nights, total lodging costs run $150 to $1,500 — $4 to $38 per person for lodging. Food for group camping runs $20 to $35 per person per day. Equipment rental (canopy, chairs, extra cookware) adds $5 to $20 per person. Total all-in cost for a 3-night camping reunion typically runs $100 to $250 per person — the lowest cost of any reunion format.

Reunly is free to plan with — use it to track who has which camping gear, meal assignments, and group transportation logistics.

More Planning Resources

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