Last updated 08/04/2026
Castor Camp - September 10 - 13, 2026
Castor Camp is a small, hands-on gathering for individuals committed to supporting beavers' natural return to their home landscapes through the preparation of land and our communities for their arrival. The 3-day event is grounded in learning from the land as well as one another, with enough structure to guide us, but enough room for conversations and discoveries to emerge naturally. Each camper brings knowledge, questions, and different perspectives, not just as a participant, but as a contributor.
CAMP DETAILS
Beautiful Bates State Park Campground is located near Prairie City, Oregon just off of the Middle Fork John Day River. It features large grass lawns for tent camping, potable water, power outlets, and pit toilets.
SCHEDULE
- For those who wish to arrive early, the Bates Campsite will be available starting Wednesday evening.
- Thursday 9/10 there will be an optional stewardship work day starting at 9am.
- We recommend campers who cannot attend the volunteer event arrive Thursday night to get set up and settled in.
- Friday 9/11 camp officially kicks off at 9am and continues through Sunday at noon.
STEWARDSHIP DAY
The main Camp program runs Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, but we strongly encourage you to get a jump on the weekend by joining us for our newly added Stewardship Day beginning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, September 10.
This will be a chance to meet fellow campers, work together, and give something back to the land before the main Camp program begins. Those joining us Thursday morning may want to arrive and settle into Bates Campground Wednesday evening.
PLAN TRAVEL WITH WILDLIFE IN MIND
Whenever possible, plan your trip to avoid driving near dawn and dusk, when wildlife movement is highest and visibility is lowest. Rural roads and highways leading to camp commonly cross wildlife travel routes used by deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and other animals. Please review these Wildlife-Safe Travel Tips as you're scheduling your trip.
WHAT TO BRING
- Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag & pad, etc.), drinking water, rubber boots
- Your own beverages and meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- For field visits: Long sleeves, tall rubber boots, and a sturdy stream stick/pole - to help traverse uneven ground, or spot channels/holes ahead.
- Sunscreen, bug repellent, snake gaiters (or long, thick pants)
- Satellite messenger (nearest cell service is 4.5 miles away. We will have Starlink for emergencies.)
WHAT WE'LL PROVIDE
- Group campsite at Bates State Park
- Shade tent
- Two burner stove
- Morning coffee, creamer
- Emergency / medical kit
QUESTIONS?
Contact nathan@westernbeavers.org.
Castor Camp is made possible by logistical and resource support from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs as well as funding support from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board.
