by Lisa Dempsey
2024 was a year of firsts for me while attending several Girl Camper events. I took my first trip to “the other side of nowhere” to Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. These parks introduced me to dark night skies and the beauty of Ocotillo cactus. I crossed the Rio Grande in a small boat and then rode a donkey up to the tiny town of Boquillas, Mexico. During Camporee in California, I visited the majestic Coastal Redwoods, drove along the Pacific Coast Highway, and explored the Russian River Valley. During River Ramble, along the San Marcos River in Texas, I experienced my first tornado coming through our campground and felt the relief of everyone being safe. On the flip side, I hosted my first event in a high-end resort-style campground and discovered another way to enjoy camping!
Hosting Events for Girl Camper
Being a guide for Girl Camper has allowed me to visit new places and experience things I would not do otherwise. This year, I will celebrate fifty years of calling Texas “home base.” There are so many things I haven’t done in that time in this vast state! I still would be missing out on visiting Big Bend if I had not signed up to go on the Viva Terlingua event.
I will share some photos with you as I look back on 2024 and the fun I had with my fellow Girl Campers. You may be inspired to join us this year. Remember, there is no wrong way to camp like a girl. You can hitch it, pitch it, drive it, or rent it and have fun with this group of women.

This is me after a hike in the Slot Canyon in Big Bend Ranch State Park.


The trip to California for Camporee did not disappoint with a completely different landscape.


Back to Texas to Paddle and Play along the Colorado River.



The River Ramble in Fentress, TX, was full of surprises. The tornado was an unpleasant one, but the San Marcos Springs were beautiful.


Crystal Beach’s Skele-Fun-Fest gave new meaning to Glamping, and I loved it! We had so much fun on the beach, in the pool, and at the live concerts.


I visited Saint Arnold Brewing Company for Witched Brew and hiked in the rain during Campfires and Cocoa.


Join us for more adventures in 2025! Visit GirlCamper.com and find us on Facebook @GirlCamperSoutheastTexas or your nearest chapter.
