Camp Carpe Diem is May 16th–May 20th
Sometimes the hardest part of RVing is finding people who share your interests. While it can be fun to RV with the family or on your own, it is so much more fun when you can share the experiences with friends. At least, that is what we find when we hit the road. That’s why Camp Carpe Diem (CCD) was created. It’s an event to help you find your people and just have fun.
One night at a campfire, we got to talking (as you will) with another full-time RVing couple about how hard it is to find friends who share the love of RVing, especially when they still work full-time during the day. We also discussed how common it is to visit a destination, but not get out to explore when there is so much work to do. We can all agree that is NOT what this lifestyle is about!
Camp Carpe Diem (CCD) was born out of a desire to help others form friendships and explore new interests to make the journey even more exciting. No matter what kind of RVer, vanlifer, or nomad you are, sometimes you just need a weekend to recharge your travel batteries.
CCD is that weekend. Mark your calendars for May 16–20 in Hot Springs, Arkansas, for the 4th Annual Camp Carpe Diem, presented by Hammock Universe. CCD is a balance of community, adventure, and relaxation. Just what you were looking for, even if you didn’t know it.
What is Camp Carpe Diem (CCD)?
CCD is a weekend dedicated to enjoyment and connections. You can explore new or old interests, find your RV soul mates, and create a community of like-minded people for your on-the-road adventures. You will find opportunities to hike with a professional photographer who will give you tips on how to take better pictures, even with just an iPhone. Or take a ride with mountain biking experts who have scouted out an epic ride. Or if you aren’t feeling it, there are leisurely hikes and the Hammock Universe Chill Zone so you can relax.
Every year, a new location is selected to explore the local area. The best craft breweries are always a focus, where you can relax after a big adventure and taste the local flavors. All this, and you don’t have to plan a thing besides how to get there. Dedicated camp hosts map out the weekend so you only need to decide whether the adventure or the hammock sounds more inviting.
Where is Camp Carpe Diem?
This year, CCD takes place in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This gorgeous area in the Ouachita Mountains is in the middle of a national park with historic bathhouses, trails for biking and hiking, and lots of natural beauty.
Did you know that Hot Springs National Park was the first nationally protected area? It beat Yellowstone by 40 years, though Yellowstone became the first national park. And Hot Springs is one of the only national parks with a downtown area in the middle of the park. Not to mention the only one that contains a brewery!
What happens at CCD?
Each day brings a new adventure, but you can look forward to local brewery tours, excursions in the national park, and more. The weekend kicks off at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the opening night sponsor. Not only is Superior unique as being the only brewery in a national park, but it is also on Bathhouse Row in an actual bathhouse turned brewery. The night will have drinks and appetizers as well as a special-release beer brewed just for the event.
Sunday is the most anticipated night of the weekend. Things kick off with the Beer Share, a great “potluck” where everyone brings a bottle or two of their favorite brew–whether beer, wine, or nonalcoholic drink–to share with the group. A catered dinner is then followed by live music from The Status Crowes, a duo who prides themselves on being an acoustic jukebox ready to play all of your favorite tunes. And the evening ends with the biggest campfire of the weekend and the S’moresgebord, a delightful array of treats so you can concoct the best s’mores ever.
In between these two big nights are lots of activities, such as:
- Local brewery and distillery tours and excursions
- Mountain-biking clinics
- Mountain-biking rides
- Photography workshops
- Hiking
- RV tours
- Happy hours and drink shares
- Nightly campfires
- Lawn games and hammock time in the Hammock Universe Chill Zone
- Giveaways and more!
What Else Can I Do?
Many RVers want more than a weekend so they plan on arriving early or staying longer. This lets them enjoy informal potlucks, scenic drives, excursions, and more. The area has much to offer, so feel free to explore on your own before or after the event. For mountain-bike fans, we recommend the Bentonville Bike Fest, which kicks off the weekend after CCD, about 200 miles north of Hot Springs.
How Do I register?
RVers looking to attend Camp Carpe Diem can REGISTER HERE. RV LIFE readers can enjoy $25 off the ticket prices by using code: RVLIFE25. While your CCD shirt is included in the price of registration, there is also a ton of cool CCD merch available as an add-on purchase when you buy your ticket. Be sure to check out the hoodies, beanies, hats, and other fun items that are available!
Where Do I Camp for CCD?
Campground reservations are not included with the price of event registration. Campground reservations– either at CCD’s basecamp or another campground must be made separately. All events originate from the official 2024 CCD basecamp location at Hot Springs Off-Road Park. You are welcome to stay wherever you’d like; but if you want ALL the community happenings, book your stay there. For tickets to CCD and basecamp information, click here.
Who hosts CCD?
CCD is hosted by two RV couples who met on the road while having fun, so they started a camp to help others do the same because adults need playtime, too! Ken and April Pishna are founders of Living a Stout Life and The Craft Beer Travel and Adventure Podcast. Debra and Barry Benton are re-founders of The Virtual Campground and also founders of Benton Downs Photography. Together they craft community and fun with Camp Carpe Diem.
More information
For all the information, head over to CCD’s official website at https//campcarpediem.com, or give them a holler at [email protected].
