Across the country, community-driven camping groups are creating more opportunities for Black people to take up space in the great outdoors.
Organizations with national, regional, and local reach share a similar goal: empowering Black people to confidently explore and embrace nature. Their work includes educating new campers, fostering like-minded community, and creating unique outdoor experiences for seasoned enthusiasts. Through campouts, hikes, workshops, and other gatherings, these groups give people opportunities to relax, connect, practice grounding, and experience the natural world together.
The organizations featured here are Black-founded and/or led, with experiences designed to make the outdoors feel more welcoming and connected. Whether you’re new to camping or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, there’s an opportunity to find community while exploring nature on your own terms.
4 Black Camping Groups To Join For Outdoor Adventures
Outdoor Afro
Outdoor Afro is a leading organization with national reach that fosters Black community in the outdoors. The nonprofit’s website offers a wealth of information to help you prepare for camping excursions. Additionally, through its app, newsletter, and local chapters, people can get details on upcoming camping experiences near them or elsewhere in the country (if they want to travel for them). Users can also access information on vetted trails and tips from outdoorsy types, and apply for scholarships for free swimming lessons.
- Based in: Oakland, CA
Reach: National
Skill level: All levels
Best for: Families, women, beginners, friend groups, solo campers
Trip type: Campouts
Membership: Free or low-cost, event-based
Signature events: Glamp Out (annual fundraiser), The Big CampOut
Camping Noire
Camping Noire fosters women’s empowerment and bonding in outdoor settings. In addition to the restoration that comes with being at one with nature, the group also believes in the strength of unified sisterhood. The organization hosts guided camping experiences in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, as well as hikes, educational workshops, and journaling sessions.
- Based in: The Northeast
- Reach: Regional
- Skill level: All levels
- Best for: Women, newbies
- Trip type: Campouts
- Membership: Not membership-based; tickets via Eventbrite, plus a private Facebook group
- Signature events: Camping 101 Mini-Workshops, Goddess Hikes, Full Moon Journal Circles
Black Azz Camping
If you’re looking for a camping group in the Louisville area that’s locally based and community-driven, Black Azz Camping is a perfect choice. The organization focuses on nurturing Black people’s “community, culture, and connection,” all while outside. In addition to campouts, the organization hosts kayaking and hiking excursions, and its own music festival.
- Based in: Louisville, KY
- Reach: Local
- Skill level: Beginner to experienced
- Best for: Families, Black campers seeking community outdoors
- Trip type: Campouts
- Membership: Monthly fee, tiered by membership type
- Signature events: The Annual Black Azz Camping Trip
Camp For The Culture
Camp for the Culture is hosting its inaugural event of the same name from August 13-16, 2026 at the Apple Canyon Center in the San Jacinto Mountains. This four-day summer camp-style event welcomes families with young children and teens to enjoy each other’s company while surrounded by scenic views and other guests. The itinerary includes archery, swimming, fishing, an “overnight outing” for the teens, and “specialized programming” for all.
- Based in: Los Angeles (trip held near Idyllwild)
- Reach: Regional (Southern California)
- Skill level: All levels, beginner and kid-friendly
- Best for: Families with kids ages 7–15; toddlers and younger also welcome
- Trip type: Annual campout
- Membership: Not membership-based; registration fee required, with optional donations to Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times and the Patricia G. Williams Family Foundation
- Signature events: Camp For The Culture
