Quest Camp

Registration is open for Camp Cowboy 2024! 

Dates (Friday-Sunday): 

• June 4-6
• June 11-13
• June 25-27
• July 9-11
• July 16-18
• August 6-8 (Early move-in is only available for students who attend this session and have a fall housing assignment with OSU Residential Life.)

Cost: $315*

• These fees will appear on the student's first Bursar bill in August 2024.
• Fee waivers available
• *Fee includes all meals during the camp. Fees DO NOT cover food during travel to and from the trip destination. Participants should bring money for at least two meals and any snacks you want along the way.

Summer 2024 Trip Details

Trip One: (Cedar Lake, June 4-6)

• We’ll set up camp next to scenic Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest, nearly two million acres of pinewood-covered mountains. The first day will consist mostly of travel and setup, with the campground being around three and a half hours from our point of departure in Stillwater. We’ll finish the day with a hike, then give everyone a chance to unwind back at camp. Day two is when we can really get our feet underneath us, as there’s gorgeous views within a few miles in any direction and time set aside to swim in the lake itself. Group challenges and activities provide opportunities for campers to find success in their own right, with the day being full of adventure and excitement. While day three is the final day of the experience, it’s hardly a write-off. We’ll learn how to stand-up paddleboard, and take some time to fully explore Cedar Lake before we finally pack up and head home.

Trip Two: (Robber’s Cave, June 11-13)

• This trip will find us heading to Robber’s Cave State Park, a wonderland of limestone and granite so named for the outlaws that used to roam the hills during the Wild West. The first day will largely consist of travel and setting up camp, with the campsite itself being around a three-hour drive from Stillwater. We’ll finish the day hiking local trails and learning an assortment of outdoor living skills. Day two is where we ramp it up, with the group learning the basics of rappelling and heading over to a local limestone cliffside to put their newfound skills to the test. We’ll also have an opportunity to swim in nearby water features, and take some time to unwind and relax. On day three, we’ll head up north to a different section of the park to explore the original Robber’s Cave before packing up and heading back to town.

Trip Three: (Lake Carl Blackwell, June 25-27)

• For those who aren’t particularly attracted to the travel time of our other trips, this one offers a more localized experience. We’ll make camp for this trip at the nearby Lake Carl Blackwell, located only a few miles outside of Stillwater City Limits. While local, this trip still offers many of the same experiences offered to those who choose to go with us elsewhere including the ever popular stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking the nearby trails. Moreover, on this trip we can also offer the opportunity to go into nearby Oklahoma City where the group will visit the Murrah Bombing Memorial Site and Riversport Rapids. The camp is sure to be a memorable one, not to be discounted because of the lack of travel. 

Trip Four: (Cedar Lake, July 9-11)

• We’ll set up camp next to scenic Cedar Lake in the Ouachita National Forest, nearly two million acres of pinewood-covered mountains. The first day will consist mostly of travel and setup, with the campground being around three and a half hours from our point of departure in Stillwater. We’ll finish the day with a hike, then give everyone a chance to unwind back at camp. Day two is when we can really get our feet underneath us, as there’s gorgeous views within a few miles in any direction and time set aside to swim in the lake itself. Group challenges and activities provide opportunities for campers to find success in their own right, with the day being full of adventure and excitement. While day three is the final day of the experience, it’s hardly a write-off. We’ll learn how to stand-up paddleboard, and take some time to fully explore Cedar Lake before we finally pack up and head home.

Trip Five: (Robber’s Cave, July 16-18)

• This trip will find us heading to Robber’s Cave State Park, a wonderland of limestone and granite so named for the outlaws that used to roam the hills during the Wild West. The first day will largely consist of travel and setting up camp, with the campsite itself being around a three-hour drive from Stillwater. We’ll finish the day hiking local trails and learning an assortment of outdoor living skills. Day two is where we ramp it up, with the group learning the basics of rappelling and heading over to a local limestone cliffside to put their newfound skills to the test. We’ll also have an opportunity to swim in nearby water features, and take some time to unwind and relax. On day three, we’ll head up north to a different section of the park to explore the original Robber’s Cave before packing up and heading back to town.

Trip Six: (Lake Carl Blackwell, August 6-8)

• For those who aren’t particularly attracted to the travel time of our other trips, this one offers a more localized experience. We’ll make camp for this trip at the nearby Lake Carl Blackwell, located only a few miles outside of Stillwater City Limits. While local, this trip still offers many of the same experiences offered to those who choose to go with us elsewhere including the ever popular stand-up paddleboarding, and hiking the nearby trails. Moreover, on this trip we can also offer the opportunity to go into nearby Oklahoma City where the group will visit the Murrah Bombing Memorial Site and Riversport Rapids. The camp is sure to be a memorable one, not to be discounted because of the lack of travel. 

You can view and download specific schedules for each of the Quest Camp locations here.

Where do we stay while attending Quest?

Students will be camping in tents for our Quest Camp trips. We will be at a variety of locations throughout the summer depending on which trip the student attends, but all sites have been scouted by our Outdoor Adventure staff to ensure that they are safe and clean!

When should I plan to arrive for my Quest Camp?

The check-in times for all Quest Camp trips are from 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. on Day 1 of camp. Following camp check-in, vans are loaded and depart by 9:30 a.m..

Because of this early time, anyone with a longer commute time may wish to come to Stillwater the day prior as to alleviate the possibility of being late to check-in or missing departure! If this is your situation and you’re in need of housing and/or need to be picked up from the Stillwater airport, email campcowboy@okstate.edu and we can help with arrangements.

When and Where is Quest Check-In?

Check- in for Quest Camps will be at the Colvin Recreation Center and check-in times will start at 8:00 a.m. More details will be emailed to you closer to your camp date about specific arrival times.

Upon check-in, all students will load up in our passenger vans, and we will travel to the Quest Camp location together. 

Transportation:

We transport students the entire duration of Camp Cowboy Quest to ensure effective communication of Quest programming and for everyone's safety. If a situation arises where you need to transport yourself, please contact the Camp Cowboy staff to discuss your situation further campcowboy@okstate.edu.

What to Pack:

You can find specific Camp Cowboy: Quest packing details here! More updated information will come to you in your one-month, and one-week out emails.

Pro-Tips:

• It will be summer, and it will be hot.
• Prepare to layer up to protect yourself from insects and plants.
• Drink lots of water. 

Communication:

More information will come to you via email one-week prior to your session. This email will give you all the details you will need for Camp Cowboy Quest.