2024 Overnight Experiences
Start your adventure here! Metroparks Overnight Experiences feature backpacking and camping opportunities for beginner to intermediate skill levels. Guided 101 and 201 programs are designed to give an introduction to backpacking, while Family Overnights cater to the littlest campers. Ready for more? Join a Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club trip and experience the same itinerary as the 101 and 201 programs without a guide.
Reservations are now open!
Backpacking 101: Towpath Trek
(15-Miles)
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.; Sunday, April 28, 3 p.m.
Reservations Required
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 15 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Providence Metroparks before enjoying exclusive camping access next to the Providence Dam Shelter. Along the way, we’ll be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024 6:30-8:00PM, Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Oak Openings Family Camp Out
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Saturday, June 15, 4 p.m.; Sunday, June 16 at 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Curious about camping? Join us for an overnight experience just for families at beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. Make dinner over the campfire, play nature-themed games, explore the park on a guided night hike, and sleep under the stars. Wake up to birdsong and enjoy a continental breakfast before leaving camp with new Metroparks memories!
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail for Families
(6-Miles)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, July 13, 11 a.m. to Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. This is the perfect backpacking experience for young explorers and families. Top off your evening with a magical canoeing experience on Wiregrass Lake.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, July 9th, 6-7:30PM, Oak Openings Lodge). Families are encouraged to attend as we will have a staff member play games with the kids adjacent to the meeting. We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail
(6-Miles)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, September 21, 4 p.m. to Sunday, September 22, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail, and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. The hiking mileage is very low to make this the perfect backpacking experience for those ready to try it for the very first time.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, September 17, 6:30-8 PM, Oak Openings Lodge). We will check and fit gear, talk about the trip, and answer any questions.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Backpacking 201: Oak Openings Trek
(15.3 Miles)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 13, 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
Escape into nature for an overnight retreat and explore the incredible variety of habitats protected within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. View forests, savannas, and prairies in their autumn splendor as you backpack 15.3 miles over two days. At night, learn the tips and tricks for camping on the trail.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club
This affordable opportunity is only for those who have previous experience camping or backpacking. Participants must feel comfortable doing this trip without Metroparks staff. This is not a program and will not be staffed.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Towpath Backpacking
(7 Miles)
Bend View, parking lot
Saturday, May 4 at 4 p.m. through Sunday, May 5 at 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Follow the footsteps of history as you backpack 7 miles over two days on the Towpath Trail along the banks of the mighty Maumee River. Trek through Bend View and Farnsworth Metroparks before enjoying the Maumee River at the Farnsworth Group Campsite. Along the way, you will be treated to scenic river views, colorful signs of spring, and watch for wildlife, such as eagles, turtles, and herons.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Oak Openings Campout
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Saturday, July 6, 4 p.m. to Sunday, July 7, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Come gather around the campfire and enjoy the beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark with the ones you love. Bring family, friends or make some new ones at this fun outdoor experience.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Moseley Trail Backpacking (6-Miles)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, September 28, 4 p.m. to Sunday, September 29, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Backpack your way through dynamic habitats of Secor Metropark, connect to the Moseley Trail and spend the night camping at the serene Wiregrass Lake. About 6 miles total.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.
Metroparks Backpacking and Camping Club: Oak Openings Backpacking Trail (15 Miles)
Oak Openings Preserve, Beach Ridge Area parking lot
Saturday, October 19, 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 20, 4 p.m.
Reservations Required
Escape into nature for an overnight retreat and explore the incredible variety of habitats protected within Oak Openings Preserve Metropark. View forests, savannas, and prairies in their autumn splendor as you backpack just over 15 miles over two days on the Scout Trail.
For additional details including suggested itinerary and packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip, CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700. CLICK HERE for equipment rental.