With all the improvements made by his father and family through the years, you will also learn to have a love for the history and beauty here on this unique 30-acre treasure. Half-way between Albuquerque and Santa Fe, located near the unique and quirky artist village of Madrid, Shanti Community and Retreat of New Mexico is a truly epic experience offering guests a sanctuary for the mind, body and spirit. at Her work has been featured in Climbing Magazine, Utah Adventure Journal, and on Moja Gear. LockA locked padlock Chama, NM, US Forest Service The ski-town of Taos is just over an hour away, and colorful Santa Fe is an hour southeast, both with restaurants, shops, and museums. If it gets too dark, our entire campground utilizes thoughtfully designed lighting that wont detract from natures light show. It's quiet and peaceful but only 5 miles to the creative community of Madrid. We are a perfectly located vacation campground on 40 acres with amenities and wide-open spaces. Rafters can take a float down the Rio Chama, which is a 120-mile stretch of the Rio Grande downstream from the Christ in the Desert Monastery, any time without a rafting permit. Dispersed Camping At Jct of SH 96 and US 84, travel 8 miles on US84 to FR 151. River rafting is extremely popular at the Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area. There are two small group sites at the campground and they're both free! According to the USFS, most of the land in Inyo County is publicly owned, so anywhere you can find to park and camp for the night is fair game. While usage is light at this campground, its primarily for OHV users, so if youre more interested in an idyllic getaway there are better areas near Sequoia National Forest to camp. Tent Camping Yes. To reach the Rio Chama WSA from Abiquiu, take Highway 84 for 31 miles and then turn west on NM 221. drive . Verify that your network hardware is connected and functioning properly. Place your device with a clear view of the sky. Relax, rest, find repose. at Please note the No Show and Cancellation Policy. on official, secure websites. There are also three dispersed campgrounds in Mendocino National Forest: Grizzly Flat, Lakeview, and Lower Nye. This is a collaborative effort by the heirs of the land grant. Mountain Biking Permits are only available through Recreation.gov, and are not transferrable. Hough Ranger district (where youll find a paid campground at Queen Lily) to wildlife viewing of rare species like the Pitcher Plant in Butterfly Valley, you can practice your preferred outdoor hobby or even take up a new one. If you do not have permission to hunt, you are trespassing and can be prosecuted. In each of the four ranger districts, campers can find hordes of California free camping in areas like Feather Falls, Little North Fork, Bucks Lake Recreation Area, and Red Bridge. They also cordon off national parks from national forests and differentiate between 4WD and paved roads. Theres very little shade, so pack a canopy or tarp to create some for yourself. We especially like camping on Forest Service land, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas, WMA's (Wildlife Management Areas) and county or city parks. These animals include elk, mule deer, oryx, Mexican wolves, and bighorn sheep. There is much hidden beneath the surface of New Mexico's lands -- an exciting world of wonder, waiting for exploration. Once you arrive, self-register at the kiosk and then settle in! This means it is open for public use with no fees for entry. Dispersed, primitive camping is also available at this site with no fees for overnight stays. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. Caves also provide opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific research. Didnt stay once we got there. Bring enough water to sustain your visit and pack out anything you packed in. at Anyone operating an OHV on public land must have a valid State license or learners permit unless: a) the individual is under the direct supervision of a person 18 years of age or older who has a valid operators license, and who is responsible for the acts of the person being supervised; or b) the person is certified by State government as competent to drive OHVs after successfully completing a State approved operators training program. Rio Chama Wild and Scenic River Phone: 575-758-8851 Address: Taos Field Office 226 Cruz Alta Road Taos, NM 87571 Latitude/Longitude: 36.58237222, -106.7284953 Directions: El Vado Ranch is reached via NM 112 from US 84 near Tierra Amarilla. Please check the campgrounds website or call the local field office for details. BLM provides seasonal whitewater boating opportunities on the Rio Chama and the world-class Rio Grande in northern New Mexico, and on the Gila River Lower Box Canyon in southern New Mexico. Discover and book tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping. Chama, NM, Areas for The paved road will end at a T intersection, and there, you will turn right onto County Road 303. There are several museums and cultural centers in the area as well. Take the left fork and travel about one mile to the trailhead. Along this trail, you'll see rock formations and a view of Ghost Ranch from atop a mountain. NOTE: Come enjoy a secluded and unforgettable mountain experience! In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in Alaska). $15 per day! (505) 438-5300, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/santafe/recarea/?recid=75502, Volunteering on the Santa Fe National Forest, Los Alamos National Laboratory (DOE) trails. Popular locations can be recognized by the telltale flat disturbed area that has been used as a camp site before. Please enable it in your browser settings in order to continue. Recreation.gov is your gateway to explore America's outdoor Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to asdispersed camping. This charming land has been in the family since my husband was a young boy. Ten individual campsites each include a picnic table and a campfire ring. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. Vault toilets are available to reduce the amount of gray water you produce in your time off the grid. Make sure to check the campgrounds website or call the appropriate field office when planning your trip. Off the grid. The landscape is diverse enough to keep you occupied for weeks. Take a tour of the recreation activities available on public lands in New Mexico, and see what you would like to do! We'll keep trying to access your location. Free campgrounds can be hard to find. Go to the Bureau of Land Management websites. The only motor boating opportunities on public lands in New Mexico are located on the 121-surface-acre Santa Cruz Lake (Lake), north of Santa Fe. Ramble at Great Sand Dunes falls within the IDA International Dark Sky Park region, so be prepared to enjoy some ridiculously starry nights. No potable water, or . Horseshoe pits, corn hole tables, board games, and other activities are also available. Kern River Dispersed Camping. Whether you just need to know where to camp nearby or you want to plan a free camping road trip, we've got you covered. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S. Remember, there are no trash bins in this WSA, so you will be expected to take any trash you bring into the area back out with you when you are done, including food scraps. The Rio Grande is very close by ( 2 miles west of us ) bike or by car . If you like, we'll even optimize the route to save you driving time. Flush toilets, showers, and drinking water are provided, as are picnic shelters, grills, lantern posts, and tent pads. More than 2 motorized vehicles, or 4 motorcycles, may incur an extra vehicle fee. Far fewer people make it out to these parts of the national forest, but on summer weekends try and get there before the crowds descend. Individual BLM Field Offices may have additional or supplemental special camping rules or guidelines. United States. Usually can stay long on Sundays! Enjoy complimentary coffee, eggs, filtered drinking water and more. 2023- The Year of the rabbit, run free, run wild ! We are NOT an RV park nor are we a " camp ground " . If anything, itll make you wish you had more time to explore. Get Directions. Special Instructions: RV's up to 20' can be accomodated in some sites. Some of our caves are not in karst lands but are in lava flows. It is a single room with Kitchenette, shower, bathroom, a queen size bed, and work space. Some locations have designated trails, while others require visitors to find their way through the landscape. You may also find some swallows making their nests in the banks and cliffs along the sides of the river. The 2022 Glampys: The Coolest Glampsites You Can Book Right Now, The Dyrt Is Hiring! Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying a site. Pet friendly! The Dyrt PROlets you download maps and campgrounds without cell service. Williams Hill Dispersed Campground. The Dyrt makes it easy to find free camping in California (or anywhere else). You own these lands and you are entitled to use them. Most of the remainder of public landsare open to dispersed camping, as long as it does not conflict with other authorized uses or in areas posted "closed to camping," or in some way adversely affects wildlife species or natural resources. We live in an Organic Urban Permaculture Garden, surrounded by trees, birds, amazing skies. This information has not been error checked. Camp Kush: Once used as a church camp, it is now a Campground for all to enjoy! Known for being one of the few trails artist Georgia O'Keefe took during her painting adventures, Chimney Rock Trail has some of the best views of New Mexico's natural rock formations and vegetation near the Rio Chama. //rvdumpsites.net/wp-content/themes/freecampsites/androidApp.php. Elkhart, Indiana, might be the RV capital of the world, but most travelers would be surprised to Signup for Roadpass Pro to get premium access to all of these great road travel apps. United States government. This may take a minute. Horse Riding view and you will be listed as the contributor. The Land of Enchantment. BLM's overall policy is to allow dispersed camping on all the lands it administers with the following conditions and exceptions: Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public lands in New Mexico for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days. per site, and 8 people. Not all flat spots are sites. The same families have lived here for 100, 200, 300 plus years . We are in the North valley of Albuquerque New Mexico 87107. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. website belongs to an official government organization in the ) or https:// means you've safely Here youll find pull-offs and spurs for dispersed camping in all four ranger districts: Big Valley, Devils Garden, Doublehead, and Warner Mountain. The Chama area offers everything from private outdoor hideaways to family-friendly campgrounds. On FR 151, travel 12 miles west to campground. Image from The Dyrt camper James E. Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Orr Lake Campground offers six free lakefront campsites as well as four free group campsites on the opposite end of the lake. An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Campground Camping Rio Chama Dispersed Camping Santa Fe National Forest Write a Review CR-162 Abiquiu, NM 87510 505-753-7331 Official Website GPS: 36.2292, -106.3857 Add Photos View 2 Photos Overview Q&A Reviews (1) Overview of Rio Chama Dispersed Camping Learn more: Boondocking 101 Last Price Paid: $0 Reported by Klamboman on 3/29/2020 Pad Type dirt Located on the Rio Chama Wild & Scenic River. On a mesa. From Aug. 15-18, BLM Eastern States Northeastern States District staff participated in Wilderness Inquirys Canoemobile event in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ten individual campsites each include a picnic tableanda campfire ring. Backpacking Northern New Mexico is full of beauty and history. Each of the campsites is within a convenient three-mile drive to the OHV staging area. Easy Alamosa River access. If you're a freedom-seeker, a wanderer, traveler, rebel, maverick or artist, you are Shanti family! We are organic gardens that you can stay inside. Located on Highway 17, 10 miles south of the Colorado border. Close to outdoor adventures; fishing, hiking, biking, atv trail access. RV's up to 20 feet can be accommodated in only a few sites. An official website of the Know where you are driving, respect private property, stay well away from livestock, and wildlife and their water sources. Campsite List Seasons & Fees Rules & Cancellations Facility Information Ratings & Reviews Chama, NM, Areas for Several of these species are extremely sensitive to the presence of humans. To further protect your public lands, campers must not dispose of any refuse, hazardous materials, sewage, or in any manner pollute the surrounding area. From Chama, NM travel north on highway 17 to the Chama River Road #121, turn left onto road #121, travel about 6 miles north to the Rio Grande NF boundary. United States government. Public - Forest Service (USDA) The road in is Gravel. If you want to stay in Sequoia National Forest and arent interested in the OHV area, check out Alder Creek Dispersed Camping, a heavily-wooded campground with vault toilets and a creek nearby. Please call our Field Offices or visit our individual recreation websites for this information. Accessibility is not guaranteed, always scout ahead before driving down dirt roads. Abiquiu Lake offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. If youve never looked for free camping before, be patient and do your research ahead of time. The off-grid land where I live and am passionate about sharing, offers the best of both. peaceful privacy and community. Find incredible places and experiences that help you bring home a story through Amenities include hot showers, an equipped community kitchen, a pavilion with hammocks, tables and ping pong, etc. We are community driven, and while we will be adding many free camping spots, we hope that you will add some of your favorite camping places as well. We are a cannabis-friendly destination & are inclusive! Plenty of trails lead out from the campground for convenient day hikes. primary view as the prices have not been determined. Official websites use .gov A .gov So many things in our area to see, to do, learn history . Their cozy airbeds and air pads will add extra comfort to your, 2022 The Dyrt, Inc | All rights reserved, 12 Free Campgrounds in California and How to Find More, 6 Private Campgrounds to Book When Your Favorite National Parks are Full. If you plan on rafting the Rio Chama river, be sure to bring your own raft and paddle gear as there are no raft rental shops in the area. We have sandboards! In terms of recreation, theres an activity for almost everyone at Plumas. Is this campsite on public or private land? Camping on public lands away from developed recreation facilities is referred to as "dispersed camping" or "boondocking." and cultural destinations in your zip code and across the country. Viewing Scenery It is your responsibility to know of any hunting restrictions and where they apply. Call Coyote Ranger District @ 575-638-5526 for current fire restrictions. Make sure to check if the campground is open before planning your trip. Please pack it out, and dispose of those materials properly. You are invited to stay on 185 acres surrounded by beautiful mountains in the Rio Grande National Forest. We dont guarantee the road will be plowed. Wander our land to enjoy a 20 minute hike to a creek in the forest or climb up Shaggy Peak average 3 hour round trip. sentinel firearms training unlawful discharge of a firearm south africa camping along the rio chama. I dont know if I would classify this as a campsite. In the northeast corner of California, where Oregon, California, and Nevada meet, Modoc National Forest sits quietly, away from the hustle and bustle of Californias more popular parks and forests. Besides bats and cavers, other creatures inhabit caves. Within the national forest boundaries, theres opportunity for mineral prospecting, horse riding, and water activities on Lake Almanor. Chama, NM, Areas for When using a motorized vehicle for camping access please park your vehicle near existing roads or existing undeveloped campsites. Chama, NM, Areas for The best/nearest airport is in Durango. Campfires must be attended at all times. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Secure .gov websites use HTTPS These features will show you public lands where you can camp for free whether or not you have service or wifi! However, anyone who wants to raft the area of the river north of the monastery must obtain a permit from the BLM to do so. For information about the laws and regulations that apply to public lands in New Mexico check out the Supplementary Rules for BLM Managed Lands within Texas and New Mexico. Unless posted, all roads are available for mountain biking. Fungus causing bat disease found in eastern New Mexico. If you are hunting with the aid of a commercial outfitter or guide, you should ensure that he or she is permitted by the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Orr Lake Campground offers six free lakefront campsites as well as four free group campsites on the opposite end of the lake. In most cases, we'll provide alternate routes as well. Our routes show total mileage as well as driving time and turn by turn directions. The application was unable to bootstrap all necessary libraries. We give you a simple, map based search engine to find free and cheap camping areas. Activities Bicycling Camping & Cabins Fishing Hiking Horse Riding & Camping Nature Viewing OHV Riding & Camping Water Activities There are so many things to do/see nearby: Mesa Verde National Park, Canyons of the Ancients, Hovenweep National Monument and Phil's World Mountain Biking. Visitors are awarded a panoramic view of the narrow mesa, Cerro Pedernal, locally known as "Pedernal." Have you written a blog post about Rio Chama Dispersed Camping? Firewood must be purchased at the campsite. We take the hassle and cost out of road trips by giving you easy to follow directions and combining them with FREE and low-cost camping destinations. Riana Campground is located on a 150 ft. bluff overlooking the scenic Abiquiu Lake in northern New Mexico, just one hour northwest of charming Santa Fe. Our Space in the heart of the Griegos Neighborhood , a very old style , old world area. If you'd like to raft overnight south of the monastery, you will also need to obtain a BLM-issued permit, but these are easier to obtain even though they are still given through a lottery system. The Rio Chama Wilderness Study Area is located far from city lights, making it a great place to set up a night of stargazing. It also includes a QR-code-accessible mini store for easy purchases of firewood, toiletries and Ramble merchandise. Service roads are usually lined with free campsites. Because of this we ask that you be conservative with water use in camp. As one of the highest rated free camping in California sites on this list, Alabama Hills Recreation Area welcomes hundreds, if not thousands, of visitors each year. Check out the options to avoid highways and toll roads. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. It is a space where you can camp, as long as you bring everything you need to be self-sufficient. Chama Basin Dispersed Camping Area is a camping area on Rio Chama in Rio Grande National Forest, Rocky Mountains, CO. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. The lake sits at an elevation of 6,400 feet on the Rio Chama, a tributary of the legendary Rio Grande. There is a pet leash hook for you to link up your dog at each site. On the side of the bathhouse are our open air concept shower stalls complete with hot water, benches, towel hooks and complimentary body wash and shampoo. Don't like the route we've suggested? Tell us the route you want to take and we'll give you some suggestions for how to get there, along with free and low cost camping along the way. Miles of trails and open areas await all types of OHV enthusiasts. The quiet peaceful atmosphere of the canyon is hard to believe. The chances are high youll take a wrong turn or go a mile in the wrong directionwhen that happens, take a deep breath and enjoy the drive. It is extremely important to hunt only on lands where it is legally allowed. No potable water, or hookups. Viewing Plants Lodging, Tents San Cristobal, NM Taos Goji Ecolodge, is an historic property with ten renovated cabins and a 4-acre goji berry farm located on 40 acres of pristine land in San Cristobal, New Mexico. Along the river, visitors can expect to see many birds like duck mergansers and Canada geese, and great blue herons and raptors are seen both along the river and in the canyon area. However, many campgrounds do not have all of these amenities and may only have a picnic table and fire ring. In addition, campers must not leave any personal property unattended for more than 10 days (12 months in . There is a generally a 14-day camping limit for BLMs developed campgrounds. Hunting and trapping near developed recreation sites and areas is not allowed. BLM New Mexicos outdoor recreation activities are as diverse as the landscape and cultures of the state. Most campgrounds charge fees, ranging from $4.00 to $10.00 per unit per night. Come and stay in a converted bus, or a hip retro camper and experience the magic of this land for yourself! Visitors are permitted to fish along the Rio Chama any time with a valid fishing license issued by the state of New Mexico. We apologize for this reality check. 6. The roads/trails are more for ATVs then vehicles. The BLM regulates the use of roads, trails, and land under its jurisdiction in order to meet specific land management objectives, to protect resources, and to provide public safety. in some way adversely affect wildlife species, livestock, or natural or cultural resources. Campgrounds may include a variety of facilities, such as restrooms, potable water, electrical hookups, picnic areas, garbage cans, tent pads and group shelters. Tennis Has Met Its Match: Play Pickleball at These 45 RV Campgrounds, 18 Campgrounds Where You Can Stay Cool This Summer. You will be prompted when enabling it. Please refer to the campground map when making multi-site reservations and expect 100 to 250 feet walking distance between adjacent sites. Treat cultural sites with respect. Campendium users haven't asked any questions about Rio Chama Campground. This campground is just a twenty minute drive to the entrance of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, where you can hike dunes up to 750 feet tall. The Rio Chama WSA is known for its picturesque views, especially around the Chama River. Caves are fascinating features of our landscape, and as much as one-third of New Mexico geology is cave and karst lands. at Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument, Red Sands OHV Area-NOTICE: NM State Trust Lands, Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. Please watch for flow information on the USGS website. You can bike, hike, Swim, jet ski or fish at the newly stocked reservoir. Public trails attract all kinds of recreationists and helping make sure you have easy trail access and safe travels on them are among the priorities of the BLMs outdoor recreation planning staff. Think Walden meets Kerouac and Thoreau meets Banksy. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Your GPS did not respond immediately. Any public use of New Mexico State Trust Lands is strictly under the jurisdiction of the New Mexico State Land Office and requires a recreational access permit. Caves can contain sensitive and fragile resources, including geologic features, speleothems (cave formations), biological communities (from bats to specialized micro-organisms), paleontological resources, and cultural resources. Facilities: 9 individual camp sites with picnic tables and fire rings, two double sites. In the canyon area, you'll probably see hawks, owls, falcons, and bald and golden eagles. 10 LGBTQ+-Friendly Campgrounds Throughout the U.S. Video: 5 Amazing Places to Camp for Free in the Western U.S. 5 National Park Sites Where You Can Boondock (or Find Boondocking Closeby), Best Campgrounds Near 4 of Baja Californias National Parks, How to Visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Where to Camp, The Best RV Campgrounds for Stargazing Adventures, How to Visit Prescott National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, How to Visit Coconino National Forest by RV and Where to Camp, 5 Alternatives to Utahs Popular National Parks, 5 Mid-Atlantic State Parks Worthy of a Detour, Written by someone with an affiliation to the property, Duplicate review submitted by the same member, Multiple reviews submitted by members of the same household, Reviewer did not actually visit the location, lead_photo_url_cache => ["https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65042/large/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1445184383", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65042/large/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761882"], sq_lead_photo_urls => [[], ["https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65042/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761882", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65044/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761882", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65043/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761882", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65041/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761881", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65045/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761883", "https://campcdn.com/photos/1/1/11442/65047/sq/rio-chama-campground.jpg?v=1633761884"]]. Areas for Campground usage is also light and operates on a first come, first served basis but bewareduring summer days when the heat rises, the area becomes dry and heavy fire restrictions are enforced. Going to sleep and then waking to the sound of coyotes, owls, and nearby roosters, with 360-degree views is magical beyond description. From Espanola, NM, travel 30 miles north on US Highway 84. Most of these areas are composed of soluble rocks, such as limestone or gypsum. Private land is open to hunting only if you have the permission of the land owner. The dump station is located just past the bathhouse and can accommodate disposal of sewage, waste water and includes a spigot for easy clean up. Abbott Creek Camping Area draws OHV users to rev their engines and explore the nearby area with gas-powered fun. Lake shore access for boat launching is 1 mile from the campground. Our community provides the best free camping information available. Ramble is a dog friendly campground so bring your furry friends. Dispersed camping is generally allowed on public land for a period not to exceed 14 days within a 28 consecutive day period. An exception to this is the developed campsites within BLMs Rio Puerco and Taos Field Offices, which have a 7-day camping limit. Just a short distance from every campsite is our bathhouse -- thoughtfully designed with private bathrooms, showers, and a pet rinse area. ( Javascript is required for this website. The Santa Fe National Forest, the Cibola National Forest, and the Gila National Forest are some of the best places to find dispersed campgrounds in New Mexico. If you already know your destination, its a good idea to stop by the visitor center or ranger station and talk to a ranger. Our team members are all long-time Hipcamp users, so we're excited about this partnership and have made a select group of our amazing sites available to book exclusively on Hipcamp. We caught up with BLM Alaska's recreation program lead to find out. From high-alpine terrain in the Warner Mountain Range to the central lava flows, you wont want for ecological diversity. We provide tools and tips to discover If you do decide to have a fire, always check with the ranger station to understand the fire danger levels. at Dispersed camping is camping in an area designated for camping that has no services or amenities, like bathrooms or potable water. You do not have this listing cached. Free camping exists in wild and wonderful places (like Walmart parking lots, right?) The Rio Chama WSA is known for its picturesque views, especially around the Chama River. The majority of public lands in New Mexico are open to hiking and backpacking. This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com. Dispersed, primitive camping is also available at this site with no fees for overnight stays. Free camping in California can generally be found on BLM and USFS property, and some of the best sites are found by taking a random turn down a dirt road with a cattle guard and driving until you find a pull-out. will have fees associated with them that exceed our normal limits. The cabins were built at the beginning of last century, originally for sheep herders. 2 minutes from the Mountain Home State Wildlife Park and reservoir where you can fish swim chill cookout etc. Not sure about renting an RV? Chama, NM, Areas for It's also at the base of Colorado's fourth tallest mountain, 14,345-foot Blanca Peak. Have you written a blog post about Rio Chama Campground? This camp was founded over 30 years ago as a summer camp for kids.