2026 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 and camping, while Family Overnights cater to the littlest campers. Ready for more?
Reservations are now open!
Camping 101: Bend View Overnight (Ages 18 and up)
Bend View, parking lot
Friday, March 27, 5 p.m. to Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Unlock exclusive overnight access to the Bend View overlook and wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the Maumee River (no expensive gear or camping experience required)!
Leave the stress of the work week behind and join us for an experience that gives you the adventure of backpacking without the heavy lifting. For one all-inclusive price, we provide the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and all the cooking equipment. You just show up with your clothes and a pillow!
This program is perfect for beginners who want to try camping in a safe, guided environment. We will teach you how to pitch a tent, cook a delicious dinner over an open fire, and navigate the trails. After a moonlit hike along the historic Towpath and a campfire treat, you’ll sleep in a section of the park that is closed to the public at night. The next morning you’ll wake up to hot coffee, breakfast, and a stunning river view sunrise.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Camping 101: Providence Dam (Ages 18 and up)
Providence Dam, parking lot
Friday, April 24, 5 p.m. to Saturday, April 25, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Unlock exclusive overnight access to the Providence Dam Shelter and wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the Maumee River (no expensive gear or camping experience required)!
Leave the stress of the work week behind and join us for an experience that gives you the adventure of backpacking without the heavy lifting. For one all-inclusive price, we provide the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and all the cooking equipment. You just show up with your clothes and a pillow!
This program is perfect for beginners who want to try camping in a safe, guided environment. We will teach you how to pitch a tent, cook a delicious dinner over an open fire, and navigate the trails. After a moonlit hike along the historic Towpath and a campfire treat, you’ll sleep in a section of the park that is closed to the public at night. The next morning you’ll wake up to hot coffee, breakfast, and a stunning river view sunrise.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Family Camping 101: Oak Openings Camp-Out (Ages 4 and up
Oak Openings Preserve, White Oak Campground
Thursday, July 2, 5 p.m. to Friday, July 3, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required, FREE
Give your family the chance to unplug, explore, and experience the magic of camping (without the stress of planning or purchasing expensive gear).
Join us for a family-friendly overnight adventure at the beautiful Oak Openings Preserve Metropark, designed especially for guardians and kids who are curious about camping but may be new to it.
Cook dinner over a crackling campfire, enjoy fun, nature-themed games, and head out on a guided night hike to discover the park after dark. Settle into your tent and fall asleep under the stars. In the morning, wake up to birdsong and a light continental breakfast before heading home with unforgettable Metroparks memories.
No camping experience? No problem. Our staff will guide you every step of the way, from setting up camp to exploring safely at night. Tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are available to borrow, just let us know what you need when you register. Program fees include all equipment, camping permits, a campfire dinner, and breakfast. Families are welcome to bring additional snacks or favorite foods if desired.
For additional details including itinerary and suggested packing list, CLICK HERE.
To register for this trip CLICK HERE or call (419) 407-9700.
Family Backpacking 101: Moseley Trail (6-Miles, Ages 18 and up)
Secor, Secor Center parking lot
Saturday, September 5, 11 a.m. to Sunday, September 6, 11 a.m.
Reservations Required
Backpack your way through the 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 stand up paddle boarding experience on Wiregrass Lake.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, September 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m., 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: Wildwood Preserve Overnight (Ages 18 and up)
Wildwood Preserve, Ward Pavilion parking lot
Friday, August 28, 5 p.m. to Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Unlock exclusive overnight access to Wildwood Preserve Metropark and explore the trails at night (no expensive gear or camping experience required)!
Leave the stress of the work week behind and join us for an experience that gives you the adventure of backpacking without the heavy lifting. For one all-inclusive price, we provide the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and all the cooking equipment.
This program is perfect for beginners who want to try backpacking in a safe, guided environment. We will begin with how to load a pack and enjoy a short hike to our campsite where you will learn how to pitch a tent, build a fire, use cooking gear, and best camping practices. We then navigate the trails for a moonlit hike around Wildwood and enjoy campfire treat. You’ll sleep in a section of the park usually closed to the public. The next morning you’ll wake up to birdsongs and a stunning view.
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: Side Cut Overnight (Ages 18 and up)
Side Cut, Silver Lake parking lot
Friday, September 25, 5 p.m. to Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m.
Reservations Required
Unlock exclusive overnight access to the Silver Lake overlook and wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the Maumee River (no expensive gear or camping experience required)!
Leave the stress of the work week behind and join us for an experience that gives you the adventure of backpacking without the heavy lifting. For one all-inclusive price, we provide the tents, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and all the cooking equipment.
This program is perfect for beginners who want to try backpacking in a safe, guided environment. We will begin with how to load a pack and enjoy a short hike to our campsite where you will learn how to pitch a tent, build a fire, use cooking gear, and best camping practices. We then navigate the trails for a moonlit hike around Side Cut and enjoy campfire treat. You’ll sleep in a section of the park usually closed to the public. The next morning you’ll wake up to a stunning river view.
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, Ages 18 and up)
Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Saturday, October 17, 9 a.m. to Sunday, October 18, 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.
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is required (Tuesday, October 13, 6-7:30 p.m., 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 301: Appalachian Trail, Grayson Highlands, VA (16 Miles, Ages 18+)
Leaves from Oak Openings Preserve, Mallard Lake parking lot
Wednesday, May 26, 2027 at 7 a.m. to Saturday, May 29, 2027 at 10 p.m.
Reservations Required
Put your boots on America’s most famous scenic trail! This trek will take you to new heights in the Grayson Highlands where we will spend three nights on or near the Appalachian Trail and climb Mt. Rogers, Virginia’s highest peak. There are stunning views from the treeless balds and if we are lucky, we may catch a glimpse of the local herd of wild ponies.
Attendance is required at the Backpacking 301: Are You Ready for the Trail? Program (Thursday, April 1, 6-8PM, Blue Creek Metropark Sledding Hill).
Attendance at the pre-trip informational meeting is also required (Thursday, May 20, 6-8PM, Oak Openings Preserve Metropark 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.
