Q&A's
Please read all of these before applying!
What is Trans Camp?
This is a FREE, 4-day, 3-night group tent camping event for Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary adults!The goal of this camping trip is to create trans joy, trans community, connection to each other, and connection to nature. That happens through a special transnormative space in beautiful life-giving nature with some pretty cool people!We've had 5 trans camps in Montana so far and you can check out our Instagram for some ideas of what they were like! <3
Who is Trans Camp for?
It's for trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit adults, using a broad definition of "trans" and, "nonbinary". If you think that's you, that's you!Most people at camp will probably be based in Montana, but those from neighboring states are very welcome, especially if it is difficult to access trans community where you live. For example, we've had campers from Idaho, Washington, and Utah!
When is it?
Friday, September 4th to Monday, September 7th.You can arrive between 4pm-8pm on Friday. Later in the evening is OK if you're confident in your ability to set up a tent in low/no light, but coming earlier is always advised so that you can meet folks before sunset! We leave by 12pm (noon) on Monday.
Where is it?
Trans Camp will be in the Custer Gallatin National Forest in Montana, around 1 hour from Bozeman, 3 hours from Billings, and 3.5 hours from Missoula.We don't give the exact location except to accepted applicants, for safety.
How do I apply?
Submit the sign-up form here before Wednesday, August 5th!
Why do I have to "apply"?
The application process helps with some basic screening to keep us safe (for example, checking social media). Everyone who has "applied" to past camps has been accepted to attend.However, there is a chance that we may receive more applicants than we have space for people at the campground! If that is the case, BIPOC applicants and first time applicants (i.e. you have not come to a previous trans camp) will be prioritized.
How many campers will attend?
Our campground can fit around 30 people. Its hard to predict how many people will actually attend, but likely somewhere between 20 and 30!
What will it be like there?
It's a car campground -- that means you drive into the campground and have spots where you can set up your tent. There is a pit toilet and several picnic tables. We will probably set up a canopy and possibly some other tables. There are some bear-safe trash cans at the campground. You will need to keep all your food and cookware in these containers or in your car.The campground has a forested area and a large field area. There is a nearby creek that you may hear but is difficult to access. There are no paved pathways and the ground is mostly dirt and gravel. We have photos and videos of the campground for anyone who needs more accessibility information.
Are there activities?
It's an unstructured time at Trans Camp!What this means is that we don't give you a schedule except a window to show up and a time we must leave by. You and the new wonderful folks you meet will decide what to do based on your interests, abilities, relationships, nature, and general vibes.That said, there are so many things to do! Meet all the wonderful new people, go on a walk, go on a hike, try to start a fire, see gorgeous viewpoints, share your interests, chill by the group campfire, do some art, take some photos, look at a tree, organize a group to go hiking, roast some marshmallows, write in a journal, play an RPG, go fishing, lay in your tent, read some zines, write a zine, organize for when you get home, whatever else you and your new community can think of!
How much does it cost?
It's free! You will need basic camping equipment, including a tent, sleeping bag, flashlight or head lamp, water, and food. We also provide mutual aid (ie. free camping equipment) for those who need it. We also highly encourage sharing food and water, so you won't go hungry/thirsty. A few folks usually enjoy cooking group meals. If you need food/water and have dietary restrictions, let us know.We try to provide as much mutual aid as possible to make camp accessible for as many folks as possible! On the google form, you can indicate if you need assistance with tents, sleeping bags and mats, and food. If that's the case, we'll contact with you about the details of what you need and how to best get it to you. Generally, that looks like us purchasing camping equipment and/or the list of food you give us and having it ready for you at the campsite. We've also provided mutual aid in other forms, so if there is any other kind of assistance you need to make a camping trip accessible to you, please let us know!
How do I get there?
You'll need a ride, as there's no transit going to the campground. However, we are usually able to arrange rideshares.That means if you have a vehicle, you may be asked to give rides to others nearby if you have room. If you don't have a vehicle, we'll do our best to get you a ride!At past camps, everyone who needed a ride was able to get one! It's possible that if there are an unusually few number of campers with vehicles, or if you live far away from others, that we won't be able to get you a ride, but we'll really try.Please don't let lack of a vehicle discourage you from applying!
Is food provided?
Not officially, unless you request mutual aid for food in your application. That means you'll be able to have a relationship with food at camp that works for you. I like to bring mostly ready-to-eat food and many many snacks, others love their camp cooking setups, and some like cooking with the fire (though there may be a burn ban in effect when we camp).Part of the joy of Trans Camp for some people is making and sharing their food. It's encouraged but completely optional. So, while food isn't "officially" provided, you won't go hungry if you let others know you'd like to share a meal. We also won't be very far from a town, so you will easily be able to go to the store for food and other supplies should you need it.Also, we each have very different backgrounds and cultures around food. You're encouraged to bring and share what works for you and not just stick to "campfire foods" from White American culture.
Is the campground accessible?
The National Park Service does NOT list the campground as ADA accessible. The campground trails are mostly flat dirt and gravel, with a slight hill to access the pit toilet. There are some grassy areas and knolls.If it has been rainy, the ground could be muddy. There will also be smoke around the campfires with smell that sticks to clothes, and noise including music, but we'll all try to be respectful.Please enter any accessibility needs in the applications and reach out with any questions! We have videos of the campground we can share with those who need to further assess campground accessibility.
What COVID precautions are taken?
We require that all campers take a COVID test 48 hours prior to arrival and once again once at the campground. Multiple COVID tests increase the accuracy of the results and also reduce the chance you'll drive a long way only to be turned away for testing positive! We'll have COVID tests on site and can provide tests for those who need them before arrival.The space is entirely outdoors, except for the pit toilet. We find that the combination of testing and the outdoor nature of tent camping is a strong COVID precaution, but we will also have masks and hand sanitizer available on site. Let's keep each other safe!
Can my dog come?
On-leash dogs are allowed at the campground. However, it can make things more complicated to consider having dogs present, especially if multiple people are hoping to bring dogs.If you are hoping to bring your dog, please include that information in your application and we can talk about it more. Service dogs are of course allowed but please mention them in your application!
Can my cis partner/friends come?
Nope. We appreciate our cis allies and family members, but part of the magic of Trans Camp is having a transnormative space where people can feel safe and have an escape! If there is significant interest, a future camp may welcome family members.
Can my trans partner/friends come?
Yes! If you're sharing a tent, please submit one application together. Although it can be comfortable and fun to hang around people we know well, please also do what you can to connect with new folks in camp and continue grow our community! <3
Will there be cell service?
When we visited the campground, we had no cell service through T-Mobile. The campsite is about a 15 minute drive from service.
Will there be substances?
This is not a sober event, but you are very welcome to be sober if you choose! Please be respectful of others and understand that folks have different relationships to substances and sobriety.You can bring what you'd like (cannabis, alcohol, etc.) so long as you stay in control and don't drive, be aggressive, make others uncomfortable, or wander off trails. You should always, especially when under the influence, be very very careful around fires and water too!
What about bears?
According to the forest service, there are bears in the area, but they rarely approach or hurt people. The most important bear safety practice is to always keep food (including food waste) and smelly objects locked up in bear-safe containers and/or cars at night. See here for more info about bear safety in this region.
What about other safety?
We keep each other safe, and that includes you keeping yourself safe! If you don't get too intoxicated, drive safe, be careful around fires and the river, watch your surroundings, and don't wander into the wilderness, the risk is low! We are ultimately not responsible for your safety, but as a community let's watch out for each other. <3
What should I bring?
We'll send a list of recommended things to bring after accepting folks! The list will just include general camping stuff, but you're highly encouraged to bring activities, art, and interests to share with others.Required (either bring your own or ask us for assistance): Tent, sleeping bag/camp blanket, weather appropriate clothes, flashlight or headlamp, any medications/hormones/health needs, sunscreen, lots of water, food for the entire timeRecommended: Camp chair, sleeping pad or blow-up mattress, bug spray, first aid suppliesOptional: Games & other activities, art supplies, instruments, camp cooking/boiling equipment, earplugs, etc
Who are you??
Hi! I'm Benny (he/him), the person writing this and a white trans person living on the traditional lands of the Salish, Kootenai, and Kalispel peoples (Missoula). Locally, I'm involved with TransVisible Montana and the Center's TIN group, though this event is only affiliated with and possible through funding from Seattle Trans Joy.I grew up in the Seattle area and attended the first ever Seattle Trans Camp in 2022, where I loved the experience so much that I became involved in organizing them too. When I moved to Missoula, I wanted to bring Trans Camps with me too :)In 2024 and 2025, we've had four weekend camping trips of about 15-20 trans, nonbinary, and Two Spirit people. We hiked, we lounged around the campfire, we played games, we made art, and most importantly, we shared our trans joy. <3This year, some folks who have been at previous Montana Trans Camps are helping out with the organizing process too! They may share more about themselves here at some point and you can definitely meet them at Trans Camp as well :)