Kinnikinick Kampout

The Annual AYC campout happens from Friday to Sunday, August 8-10, at Kinnikinick, a hard-to-spell, but easy-to-like destination in the pines of Northern Arizona.

It's a low-key thing. Port-a-potties will show up on Friday, so you could too. More people appear on Saturday. There's some sailing, hanging out, Liar's Dice, eating, and that kind of stuff. Pot luck Saturday night. Tom Ohlin will fill you in on more of it below.

Here's how to get there and a bit more about the campsite. Dennis Lynde notes that the map says there's a $12 fee per night at the campsite, but we're not staying at the pricey place. We stay at a campsite approx. 3 miles down the road, before you get to the lake. The campsite is in pine trees, on the left hand side of the road and it should be visible from the road, with an AYC banner close to the road.

History of Kinnikinick, by Tom Ohlin, Who's Been to Nearly All of 'Em

The Kinnikinick Campout started in the early 80's with three or four couples camping for the weekend. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the break from the heat and the relaxed social atmosphere and it just grew every year. I think we peaked at about 120 folks and have had as few as a dozen or so.

The location is PRIMITIVE! You pack out what you pack in, except AYC will provide the required Porta-Johns. The area is bounded by meadows and road, so it's very difficult for kids to get lost if they never cross a road or meadow. The trees in the area are large Ponderosa pines, so there's some relief from the sun.

The accommodations are whatever you bring, from pup tent to motor home. We usually have a potluck dinner on Saturday night and have horseshoes, pasture golf, bocce ball, Liar's Dice and BS to fill in the day. Some folks come up as early as Wednesday, several on Thursday, but most on Friday - the day the Porta-Johns arrive.

This is a really fun event and gives new members as well as long-timers a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy the cool pines. The weather is always cooler in the high country but can be a bit wet.
Plan to bring a dish to share for the Pot Luck and come up for a great time!