If you’re camping at Groundswell—whether in a tent, cabin, or vehicle—please bring everything you need to feel cozy, warm, and at home under the stars.

Essentials

    •    Tent with rain fly & ground tarp – for fog, morning dew, and extra protection

    •    Sleeping pad or mat – for comfort on the ground

    •    All linens & bedding – whether you’re in a cabin or tent, please bring your own sleeping bag, pillow(s), extra blankets, and anything else you need to sleep soundly

    •    Tarp (for RV/car camping) – large enough to cover the entire footprint of your vehicle (tires included) to help protect the land from oil or fluid leaks

    •    Chair – for fireside gatherings, meadow views, or creekside rest

    •    Flashlight or headlamp – a must-have for moving around after dark

    •    Lantern – to light your tent, cabin, or shared space in the evenings

    •    Portable chargers/power banks – there are no outlets in the field, so bring what you need to keep devices charged

Optional Additions

    •    Small rug or mat for the tent entrance (helps with dust and dew)

    •    Extra tarp, shade cloth, or pop-up tent if you want to create a dry or shaded outdoor sitting area

    •    Clothesline & clips for drying damp items

Pack for flexibility with layers! Days at Groundswell can be warm and sunny, while nights often turn cool and misty. Comfort is key.

Daytime & Warm Weather

    •    T-shirts / tank tops

    •    Lightweight long-sleeve shirts (for sun protection)

    •    Shorts

    •    Light jacket or sweatshirt

    •    Sneakers or hiking shoes (easy on/off for indoors & outdoors)

    •    Sandals or water shoes

    •    Hat or ball cap (for sun)

    •    Sunglasses

    •    Waterproof shoes (for pond or damp mornings)

    •    Swimsuit (for the pond, hot tub, or bathhouse)

     *hot tub is clothing-optional

Nighttime & Cold Weather

    •    Thermals / long underwear

    •    Socks

    •    Beanie or hat

    •    Scarf

    •    Gloves

    •    Sweaters / fleece / hoodies

    •    Winter coat or insulated jacket

    •    Layers for flexibility (jackets, pants, jeans, etc.)

    •    Boots (sturdy for hiking)

    •    Pajamas

Rain & Weather Gear

    •    Raincoat or rain jacket

    •    Rain boots

    •    Umbrella

    •    Extra towel (for wet weather or hot tub dips)

We encourage guests to bring eco-friendly toiletries whenever possible, including biodegradable soaps, natural ingredients, and plastic-free packaging. These small choices help us care for the land and reduce environmental impact.

Toiletries & Hygiene

    •    Toothbrush & toothpaste

    •    Deodorant

    •    Shampoo / conditioner / soap / body wash (biodegradable preferred)

    •    Shower caddy or bag (for bathhouse trips)

    •    Shower shoes or sandals

    •    Comb / brush

    •    Chapstick / lip balm

    •    Lotion or moisturizer

    •    Towel(s) / washcloth

Health & Protection

    •    Hand sanitizer or wipes

    •    Insect repellent (DEET-free preferred)

    •    Sunscreen (non-aerosol, land- and water- safe if possible)

    •    Medications, vitamins, or supplements you may need

During gatherings, shared meals are often prepared in the on-site industrial kitchen.

Tea is always available in the dining hall, and we encourage guests to also bring snacks or small extras to enjoy between meals or during quiet moments.

Fresh mountain spring water flows on-site—clean, cold, and delicious. Please bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout your stay.

What to Bring

    •    Reusable water bottle

    •    Cooler (if you’d like to store personal food items)

    •    Snacks or extra food for between meals

A little preparation goes a long way toward a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

A few extras can make your time at Groundswell more comfortable, playful, and aligned with the flow of the land:

    •    Small daypack or backpack – for hikes, workshops, or carrying layers around camp

    •    Blanket or sarong – perfect for sitting in the grass or meadow during the day

    •    Earplugs, eye mask, or noise-canceling headphones – helpful for light sleepers, quiet time, or meditation

    •    Yoga mat - especially if you’ll join in movement, breathwork, or meditation sessions

    •    Journal + pen - for reflections, dreams, or notes from your journey

    •    A silly costume or playful prop – joy and laughter are part of the magic here

    •    A simple offering for the land – flowers, a stone, or something meaningful

Stewards' Notes:

Expect the informal – camp life can be dusty, muddy, or damp at times, so bring clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Check the weather for Yorkville, CA – conditions can vary: warm or hot days, cool or cold nights, and sometimes damp mornings.

The more you pack with comfort and play in mind, the more fully you can settle in—whether it’s wrapping up in a blanket in the meadow, wearing your coziest layers by the fire, or surprising new friends with a spark of silliness to express your most authentic self.