Castor Camp 2026 Logistics

Last updated 09/2/2026

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 Castor Camp site at Bates CG will be available starting Wednesday evening.
  • Join us Thursday 9/10 for the optional stewardship work day to improve habitat through native plants starting at 9am.
  • We recommend all campers arrive some time Thursday 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 YOUR TRAVEL WITH WILDLIFE CROSSING IN MIND
Please consider planning your travel to Camp to avoid driving near dawn and dusk, when wildlife movement is highest and visibility is lowest. Rural roads and highways leading to Camp cross wildlife travel routes used by deer, elk, coyotes, foxes, beavers, and other animals. (They're movements are especially confused this season with wildfire in the uplands). Here are some tips on keeping yourself and wildlife, safe in your travels: Wildlife-Safe Travel Tips.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Camping gear (tent, chair, etc) for use at our group campsite
  • 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)
  • Binoculars for viewing the local, resident beaver family at evening feeding time (most nights)

WHAT WE'LL PROVIDE

  • Group campsite at Bates State Park
  • Evening appetizers and desserts!
  • Shaded shelter area with electricity (we'll have a screen projector available for sharing)
  • Two burner stoves
  • Morning coffee and creamer
  • Emergency / medical kit
  • Starlink internet for emergencies

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.

     

Click for the full map view of Castor Camp activities and places of interest