PACKING LIST
YOUR EVERYTHING GUIDE
All you'll need to know when visiting Groundswell
WHERE TO GO
Groundswell Retreats
18500 Highway 128
Yorkville, CA 95494
Note:
If you’re driving from the South, your GPS may try to send you down a neighbor’s driveway—please ignore this!
Instead, keep an eye out for the “Groundswell” sign at our entrance.
From there, guideposts will lead you along the right path to Camp.
Once you’re on the property, we ask that you drive slowly and mindfully. This helps protect the gravel roads and ensures care for our neighbors, the wildlife, and anyone walking nearby.
PARKING & SETTLING IN
As you enter Groundswell, you’ll find a designated parking lot marked with signage. This is where all long-term parking takes place. You are welcome to stop briefly at Center Camp to unload your gear before moving your car to the lot.
For those who need it, ADA parking is available at Center Camp for better access.
RV/Car Camping - if you plan to camp in your vehicle, please bring a tarp large enough to cover the full footprint of your vehicle (tires included). This simple step helps protect the land from oil or fluid leaks and supports our shared commitment to stewardship.
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Arrival times vary depending on the gathering or retreat you are attending. Please check your event schedule for details on when to arrive.
For departures, all cabins must be vacated by 11:00am to prepare for future guests. If your event schedule differs, follow the instructions from your host.
SAFETY AT GROUNDSWELL
Groundswell is a place to reconnect with nature, with community, and with yourself. As a rural, outdoor environment, part of that experience includes sharing space with the natural ecosystem. We ask all facilitators and guests to stay aware of their surroundings and take simple precautions to ensure a safe and easeful stay.
Below are a few important safety considerations to keep in mind during your time here:
Wildlife Awareness:
Rattlesnakes
Groundswell is located in a region where rattlesnakes are part of the natural habitat. While encounters are uncommon, they are possible, especially during warmer months. Rattlesnakes generally avoid human interaction and will only act defensively if threatened. When walking around the land, we recommend staying on clear paths, avoiding tall grass or brush, and be mindful of where you step or place your hands.
If you encounter a rattlesnake, give it plenty of space and allow it to move away on its own. Do not attempt to approach, move, or disturb it.
Plants to Avoid:
Poison Oak
Poison oak is present on the land and can cause skin irritation if touched. It typically grows as a shrub or vine with clusters of three leaves.
We encourage all guests to familiarize themselves with how to identify poison oak before arriving. Staying on established paths and avoiding brushing up against vegetation will significantly reduce the risk of exposure.
If contact occurs, washing the affected area as soon as possible with soap and water can help minimize irritation.
Insects:
Mosquitos & Bites
Depending on the season, mosquitos may be present, particularly around dusk and near water sources.
We recommend bringing insect repellent and wearing long sleeves or pants during peak hours if you are sensitive to bites. Keeping cabin doors closed and minimizing standing water around your space can also help reduce exposure.
General Outdoor Awareness
Wear appropriate footwear when walking around the property.
Use a flashlight or headlamp when moving around at night.
Stay hydrated, and be mindful of heat during warmer months.
Inform a member of your group if you plan to explore remote areas of the land.
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
To keep harmony among guests, animals, and the land, pets are not permitted at Groundswell.
We share space with beloved cat and dog guardians who help watch over Camp, and introducing additional animals can create stress for them, for local wildlife, and for our guests. The natural terrain and rhythms of the land also present risks that unfamiliar pets may not be accustomed to. For these reasons, we ask that you leave your furry friends at home.
Only certified service animals are permitted, in accordance with ADA regulations.
CONTACT US
EMAIL: [email protected]
CALL/TEXT: 707-343-4423
PACKING LIST
CAMPING
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
CLOTHING
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)
SELF-CARE
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
WATER & FOOD
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.
EXTRA COMFORTS
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.
