Arrival and Pickup (Saturdays)

Pickup runs from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Saturday.
Arrival runs from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday. Please do not arrive before 10:00 AM. Our team needs that morning window to reset the property, finish final preparations, and be ready to welcome campers properly.

We recommend planning extra time for arrival. Our camp road is a narrow, rugged, 3-mile drive that typically takes at least 15–20 minutes. Because traffic flows one-way in and out, late or early arrivals can cause significant delays for everyone. If you’d like time to walk the property or help your camper settle in before lunch, make sure to account for the drive time and any waiting at checkpoints.

Navigating Camp Traffic

Saturday is our busiest day, with campers arriving and departing throughout the morning. To keep things safe and organized, our staff is posted at several checkpoints starting at the beginning of the camp road. They help guide vehicles, manage traffic flow, and ensure everyone reaches camp smoothly.

If you’re planning to leave camp after dropping your child off, please do so by 12:30 PM, which is the last call for shuttle rides and the final opportunity to exit before the road closes. After 1:00 PM, the road system is closed for incoming vehicles as we shift to the lunch meal and begin the week’s programming. Arriving after 1:00 may mean waiting at the camp entrance or being rerouted—so plan ahead.

The Camp Road

Be advised: our road is not for the faint of heart. The 3-mile stretch into camp is single-lane, unpaved, and rough. Expect sharp turns, blind corners, rocks, loose gravel, hills, mud, and the occasional hiker—a state trail to OK Slip Falls crosses our road past the halfway point.

For your safety (and your suspension), we recommend a vehicle with good clearance and AWD or 4WD. Drive slow—5 to 10 mph—and always yield to outbound traffic. Use your horn on blind curves to alert other drivers.

The Welcome Center

Before heading up the camp road, feel free to stop at our Welcome Center (formerly the Niabi Lodge). It’s a great place to take a breather before or after your trip in. The Welcome Center offers:
• A restroom for guests
• A looped Northern Frontier slideshow playing on screen
• A coffee station with hot drinks
• Free Wi-Fi access (best place on property for service)
• A chance to speak with a staff member or ask questions about the week

Whether you’re waiting to ride a shuttle in, regrouping after a long drive, or just want to learn more about camp, the Welcome Center is open and available to all visitors on Saturday mornings.

Camp Van Shuttle

If you’d rather not risk your vehicle on the road, no problem. Park in the gravel lot across from the Welcome Center, and we’ll shuttle your camper in. Parents of first-time campers are encouraged to come and see the camp in person. If you’d like to ride in on one of our vehicles, just let a staff member know—they’ll be happy to assist.

Camper Check-In

Once you’ve arrived, head straight to the dining hall for medical check-in with our Health Director or camp nurse. All medications (including over-the-counter) must be turned in at this time.

After the health check, exit out the back of the dining hall and head to the check-in tent. There, you’ll find out your child’s cabin assignment, and can deposit any Camp Store money if needed.

You’re then free to visit your camper’s cabin, drop off their gear, and meet the counselors. Staff are always nearby and happy to help carry bags or answer questions.

Lunch and Departure

Camp lunch begins at 1:30 PM on Saturday. By then, all check-ins are complete and we officially launch into the start of the week. Campers will have had time to unpack, meet their cabinmates, and settle in.

If you’re visiting camp that morning, we recommend saying your goodbyes and heading out before lunch so that our staff can maintain road operations and campers can begin transitioning into the program.

Once the road closes at 1:00 PM, exiting vehicles must be mindful of any late arrivals and use extreme caution. Honk your horn on corners and drive slowly.

Staying in Touch

The best way to stay connected with your camper during the week is through our Email Your Camper form, available on our website.