#OptOutside Overnight at Lake Celina

Join us for a peaceful overnight on Lake Celina. We'll camp overnight Friday and depart again Saturday morning. How you get to the campsite is up to you:

You can either:
(1) Backpack in via Two Lakes Loop trail, or
(2) Kayak in with your camping gear.

We'll begin Friday at noon. Plan to meet at the boat ramp parking lot. We'll have a brief picnic lunch before beginning the trek to the campsite.
If you choose to kayak, you'll have a leisurely 3/4 mile paddle to the southern tip of the lake, and then a short 5 minute hike to the campsite.
If you choose to backpack, you'll have about a 4-6 mile trek depending on your direction of travel from the trailhead.
After arriving at the southern levee, we'll set up camp just up the hill from the levee. We'll scavenge for firewood near the campsite until we have enough for overnight. The rest of the afternoon and evening can be spent hiking, kayaking, or socializing.
We'll stay overnight and pack out in the morning after breakfast. We'll kayak and/or hike back to our parked cars on the north end of the lake.

*Backpacking:*

* Difficulty: Moderate
* Length: 5 miles

*Kayaking:*

* Difficulty: Easy
* Length: 0.75 miles

**\#\# WHO SHOULD JOIN**
People who enjoy a quiet night out away from the noise.
We'll be a good distance from civilization and this is a lovely place to stargaze.

**\#\# WHAT TO BRING**

* fleece or wool clothing
* wool socks
* sub-zero sleeping bag
* sleeping pad
* lightweight tent with rainfly to shield wind
* water (minimum 2L)... (Bring a filtration kit if you need more)
* food: Friday Picnic lunch and campsite dinner, Saturday breakfast,
* snacks
* flashlight
* toiletries
* mess kit

*ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING if KAYAKING:*

* PFD
* no DNR Lake Permit required (it’s in a National Forest)
* dry sacks for your gear
* a spare change of dry clothes (in a dry sack) in case you get wet
* quick-drying clothing (not jeans and not cotton); wear synthetics

**\#\# WHAT TO EXPECT:**

* Everything will need to fit in your pack or kayak and may get wet, so pack accordingly.
* November weather is a crapshoot. Plan for nighttime temperatures below freezing.
* Watch the forecast to make appropriate adjustments to your gear.
* We'll make a fire at the campsite, but I don't plan to bring firewood. There's usually ample supply of firewood if you scavenge for it.
* dress in layers... temps may change drastically throughout the day and overnight.
* When kayaking, the water will be cold and air may be colder, so be vigilant to reduce splashing and prevent capsizing.
* it's hunting season, so wear bright colors.

**\#\# WHEN/WHERE**
Meet either at Lowe's to carpool (10:30 CST) or at the boat ramp parking lot (12:00 CST).

**\#\# COST**

* Free. That's the beauty of camping in the winter. No park entrance fees and camping fees. (And no bugs/ticks!)

**\#\# GROUND RULES**

* No children
* Dogs permitted with organizer approval.
* **Alcohol may be present at event. No minors. 21+ only**

**\#\# NOTES**

* I'll have my trail dog, Henry with me.
* I have one spare kayak and a trailer large enough to haul 4\~6 kayaks if anyone wants to carpool.

**\#\# MAPS / INFORMATION**

* Indian-Celina Recreational Area Map: [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5287861.pdf](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5287861.pdf)
* Carpool from Lowes: [https://goo.gl/maps/wHPpidso8GwG3NoPA](https://goo.gl/maps/wHPpidso8GwG3NoPA)
* Parking at Boat Ramp: [https://goo.gl/maps/k19Y7BR1aeBMzgFY8](https://goo.gl/maps/k19Y7BR1aeBMzgFY8)
* Campsite location: [https://goo.gl/maps/bzMhGgcxGqLDuR9E8](https://goo.gl/maps/bzMhGgcxGqLDuR9E8)