FAQs

TransCamp is a volunteer-run operation, created by trans people for trans people. TransCamp organizes 3-4 group camping trips per year for trans people, welcoming folks with all levels of camping experience. TransCamp aims to create a safe space for all trans folks to enjoy camping together. Our hope is that trans folks can feel more connected to each other and themselves through nature. We’re committed to being inclusive of trans women, trans femmes, and trans BIPOC.

TransCamp is run by its board and CEO – with extensive help from camper volunteers and other volunteers in the community. Almost all programming is led by attendees of that particular camping trip – making each one truly unique. Volunteers can help with anything from set up and tear down, to food prep, to picking up supplies before camp, or to leading a group activity. We love the engagement we get from everyone who attends!

TransCamp welcomes ANY person who identifies as transgender and is 18 years or older. This includes folks who identify as trans masculine, trans feminine, non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming and all trans identities. We also welcome folks that are questioning their gender to reach out to us for more details. At this time, we do not have programming that includes cis-identifying people.

Folks are welcome to participate in activities or to make this camping space fit their needs – if you need just a space to be alone outdoors, we encourage people to do so! All activities are optional but we will also have some planned activities like hiking, group craft activities, affinity group activities, open mic, and communal dinners. Our campfire talks in the evenings are especially a meaningful highlight for people to connect. The specific programming is typically announced 2 weeks before the trip during the virtual info session we host before each camping trip. Here is a sample itinerary from a previous trip:

Registration fees: ~ $75 per person for 3 nights
The registration fees cover the cost of campground registration, shared meals (Meals: Day 2 & Day 3 dinner, light snacks and hot beverages) and group rentals (like lanterns, canopies etc).

Please note that the registration fee will not cover individual costs, for example:

• Gas to and from campsite (though if you are carpooling, please share with your group)
• Food expenses for breakfasts and lunches
• Individual camping gear (Please let us know if you do not have certain gear and we can help you source what you need from other campers)
• Participants will need to bring their own tents and sleeping supplies

50% of our tickets are offered as sliding scale slots for folks whose financial position would otherwise inhibit them from attending. A significant portion of the sliding scale spots are reserved for BIPOC and trans femme folks. We follow the Green Bottle model for sliding scale requirements, but for questions related to sliding scale, please reach out to us – [email protected]. 

Always feel welcome to email us if you would like to attend the camping trip but the cost would hinder you from attending. Similarly, please reach out to us if you would like to sponsor someone’s trip (fully or partially).

Yes* – This includes a tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a basic lantern or headlamp. 

*If you need help sourcing gear, reach out to us ([email protected]) and we’ll connect you with other campers that have extra gear.

If you don’t camp often, renting camping gear is a good option! You can do so at most recreation goods stores, REI and SportsBasement have worked well for our previous campers.

No, you do not need to bring any cooking related camping gear, unless it is required by you for specific dietary reasons. We will have a camping stove, pots and pans that you can use when it’s not being used for communal meals during breakfast and dinner. We have reusable plates, bowls and cutlery for everyone. 

TransCamp provides communal breakfast and dinner, but campers are expected to bring their own lunch and snacks. Breakfast and dinner are volunteer prepared with breakfast being a little simpler and dinner being a bigger focus on communal eating and the sense of community that brings. There is also typically a snack sign up form if you feel like providing snacks for other campers. Allergies will always be accommodated, just specify your needs in the registration form. Gluten free and vegan options are always provided in addition to meat and gluten options. Here is a sample menu from a previous trip:

In our planning, we prioritize accessibility and only host car camping, not hike-in camping. Camping trips often take place in state and national parks, which typically offer restroom facilities and campsites that meet accessibility guidelines. However, we are also mindful to build in additional accommodations to ensure that camping trips are inclusive. A couple examples of this includes providing assistance with transporting camping gear to and from cars, and offering a range of outdoor activities that cater to different abilities and interests. However, as each campsite varies, we encourage campers to reach out to us with any questions or concerns regarding specific accessibility needs. We encourage campers to communicate with us and provide opportunities for feedback after each camping trip to continually improve accessibility. There is a section in the registration form to list out your accessibility needs but feel free to email us if you have any questions.

Typically registration opens at least 2 months before the first trip and will be announced on our website and Instagram. Registration is completed on a form linked on our website and Instagram. We use a partner platform called Zeffy to secure and process registrations.

At this time no, everything we organize is with accessibility in mind and the physical, gear, and cost requirements for backpacking trips does not align with that philosophy. You’re very likely to meet campers at the events who would want to organize a trip with you!

Unfortunately, no. Due to limited resources and a few liability concerns we cannot allow you to just join for meals or activities if you are there at your own campsite. The park itself has rules on how many people can occupy the group campsite at a time. As a non-profit organization, we are required to apply for a permit that stipulates the max number of people that will be on the campsite. Any violation to the permit rules could compromise our standing with California State Parks and be detrimental to future trips.

TransCamp is of course open to all trans people regardless of background and works to create an inclusive and inviting atmosphere. 

Historically, TransCamp events have seen a higher percentage of transmascs and nonbinary people than transfemmes (as people self identify in our registration forms), with transfemme attendance rate typically between 15-25% of total attendees. TransCamp events have higher attendance rates of white participants to BIPOC participants, with typical BIPOC attendance rates around 25-45% of total attendees.

However, after instituting reserved spots for the BIPOC and transfemme community we’ve seen that the number of attendees belonging to these demographics have more than doubled.

No, we can’t offer discounts for that reason. If you are unable to afford the trip financially you can reach out about sliding scale options. 

TransCamp currently operates in CA, but we’re growing and we hope to come to your city! If you have interest in bringing TransCamp to your city/state, reach out and let’s chat! In the meantime, we encourage you to find organizations that do programming in your area. One organization we highly recommend is Seattle Trans Joy

All camping sites we select will allow for cars to park at the site and we will set up carpooling options to try to limit the number of cars we have to fit and to limit our environmental impact. Individuals are responsible for their own gas, tolls and parking fees when applicable – all the more reason to carpool and share the cost!

In keeping with guidelines set out by the ADA, we welcome service animals. However, we cannot accommodate pets including ESA. If you do have a service animal, they will need to be on leash during the entirety of the camping trip out of courtesy to other campers within our group, and in compliance with state park rules. We do ask that you inform us if you plan on bringing a service animal ahead of the trip, so that we can notify other campers that there will be service animals on the premises. We do this so that those with anxiety around animals can make informed decisions as well. 

TransCamp is not in any way affiliated with a religious or spiritual entity. We do not discriminate against individuals and their various practices, however TransCamp is a secular space and we are committed to offering a non-religious space to participants. Because of the common intersection between trans/queerness and religious trauma, we tend to avoid activities that have associations with religious practices such as collective prayer, worship, liturgical readings, or other religious rituals. Instead our focus is to facilitate space for trans folks to recenter, find community, and be in nature.

In keeping with state and federal laws, anyone over the age of 21 is permitted to use alcohol or marijuana. Sharing these substances with campers under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited and will result in being sent home early at the individual(s) expense. While we acknowledge and respect individuals’ choices regarding alcohol and marijuana usage, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all campers and maintain certain guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone.

• Alcohol and marijuana consumption within moderation is permitted for campers that are of legal age.
• Individuals are responsible for their own consumption and must do so in moderation.
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited.
• We encourage campers to be mindful of their substance use and to respect our sober siblings.
• Excessive or disruptive behavior due to substance use will not be tolerated and will result in being asked to leave early at the camper’s expense.
• Please keep all smoking to the designated smoking zone.
• Please do not offer any substance to other campers irrespective of their age. Inviting underage campers to partake in substance use with you will not be tolerated.

Safe usage and respectfulness toward our sober siblings are essential aspects of our camping community. 

We are still in a pandemic and take precautions to protect all our campers, especially our immunocompromised siblings. We require that all campers have a negative Covid test within 24 hours before attending TransCamp. In addition, we will have KN95 and N95 masks, Covid tests, and protective gloves for campers that may develop symptoms during camp. Additionally, masking may be required around immunocompromised folks and we ask campers to keep masks on them so they can mask when near folks who need extra precautions or who just ask you too.

TransCamp only organizes programming for the trans community in alignment with our mission of  cultivating a trans centered space in nature where we can feel like ourselves without influence from cis attendees – allies or not. In the future, we may offer programming where a small number of cis allies (partners/chosen family) can join along with a trans participant.

Yes! Find us @transcampbayarea on instagram. Write to us  at [email protected] if you’d like to be added to our discord

Yes! TransCamp is a registered 501(c)(3) non profit organization, donations are tax deductible, and can be made here: https://transcamp.org/donate/. You will receive a tax receipt upon donation

You can contact us directly at [email protected]

In addition to the FAQ above, we will be hosting an info session via Zoom for all folks who’ve signed up. This is to encourage people to get to know each other and to discuss detailed plans (food, gear, rideshare, location) for the upcoming trip. This session will be a great opportunity for you to come with all your questions.