Welcome to the BEST and LONGEST RUNNING member-hosted overnight campout of Wisconsin's Geocachers in the state!
Annually held since 2005, one decade and counting! The group campsite is reserved from Thursday afternoon through Sunday, but many people arrive on whatever day their schedule permits, including day trippers.
About The Island:
Rock Island is Wisconsin's most remote State Park. Cars and bikes are not allowed on the 912-acre island, making for an experience unlike any other. The camping is considered rustic, but flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, and other limited amenities as well as souveniers are available. Firewood is for sale or can be gathered from the woods for free. There is a short hike from the boat dock to the camp site, so using a cart or wagon is helpful for hauling gear. Your Geocaching friends are always willing to help haul your gear. Over the past ten years, we've seen the use of canoes and kayaks rise by attendees as well.
If you are unfamiliar with Rock Island State Park, check out these links to learn more:
Trip Advisor
Chicago Tribune
Voyageur Magazine
BackPacker Magazine
About the Weekend:
This event is typically scheduled for the second or third weekend in June, whichever provides the least amounts of conflicts for folks. This is to accommodate schools getting out, but before the hectic pace of "real" summer activity begins. Typically, the days are warm but not hot, the nights are cool but not cold. A perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year! Some arrive Thursday; Some arrive Friday; Some arrive Saturday.
About the Event:
Rock Island Getaway IX is not just about acumulating a high number of geocaches in a short period of time. (although you could!) It's about sharing knowledge and experience with less-experienced geocachers, partaking in planned activities, NOT partaking in any activities, reading a book, star-gazing, or just striking out on your own to explore the island's geocaches and other interesting and historic sites. Although the group site is reserved, you can also reserve your own site, if you so wish. At this time of year, the campground is typically 1/3 - 1/2 full, so there will be plenty of solitude and other sites available. The group site is very spacious, so people can spread out quite a bit. This event attracts a broad spectrum of Geocachers: young, old, families, singles, newbie as well as experienced 'cachers. All are welcome. Here are some of the planned activities (subject to change):
Role Playing Games ~ Kite Flying ~ Plane/Drone Flying ~ Astronomy/Star Gazing ~ Camping Technology Demonstration & Showoff ~ Hikes ~ Tours ~ Famous Beer, Cheese and Sausage Tasting Event ~ Cemetery Walk ~ and more!
Costs:
There is no cost for the event itself! However, the group site costs $130 to reserve, and a bit more for firewood, so we would like to recoupe those expenses and not create a burden for your humble organizers. A suggested donation of $6 per person if you're only staying one or two nights, or $9 per person if you're staying all three nights. So, two people staying all three nights would only pay $18. which is a LOT cheaper than reserving your own site for three nights. The Rock Island Getaway event generally breaks even; nobody is making a profit from this event. We will also pass the hat at the Saturday group campfire, and any donations over and above expenses will either be contributed toward reserving a spot for 2015, or be donated to the Friends of Rock Island for projects and maintenance on the island.
For those without their own boat transportation, there are, however, ferry expenses in getting to the island. You must take a ferry from Northport to Washington Island, travel across Washington Island, and then take a second ferry to Rock Island. You pay per person, as well as per vehicle, so ferry costs can be reduced with ride sharing from the mainland. The Washington Island Ferry now owns both ferries, and offers a (slight) discount for a 'combo' ticket that covers both ferries. Times and rates can be found at the Washington Island Ferry's web site.
Need more information?
Post questions here on the cache listing page, on our facebook page, or visit last year's event listing HERE to get more information about this event and what happened at previous years' events.