Pinnacles Camping

When Fri, Oct 16 · 2:00 PM → Sun, Oct 18 · 12:00 PM

Where Pinnacles National Park, CA 5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043 Meet: Pinnacles Campground Open map →

Cost $50

Host Beta Cell Foundation

T1Ds In The Wild is heading back to Pinnacles National Park! All T1Ds are welcome, no camping experience required. New to camping? We'll teach you the basics. A seasoned pro? Come share your tips.

Our goal: campers leave feeling empowered to get outside, knowing diabetes doesn't have to hold them back, especially when we learn together.

What to Expect

Activities

Rock climbing on Pinnacles' volcanic rock
Short hikes, including the Bear Gulch talus caves (bring a headlamp!)
A visit to the visitor center
Condor-watching and stargazing under dark skies

Education

Real-life application of Beta Cell Foundation's diabetes and exercise education, including a journal to reflect on decisions before, during, and after activity
A basic, location-specific first-aid session, led by a first-aid certified host

Connect

Two nights with a small, close-knit group of T1Ds
All meals and snacks provided and prepared together, with tips for nutrition while camping
Relate to fellow Type 1s over campfire chats (and s'mores, of course!)

What to Bring

What we provide Food, water, dinnerware, and camp gear if you need it (tent, sleeping bag, pad).

What to bring

Tent, sleeping bag, pad, pillow, camp chair (need gear? We'll lend you a tent, bag, and pad)
Warm layers and a rain layer — October nights can get cold
Sturdy shoes, sun protection, headlamp (required for the caves)
Extra diabetes supplies: more than you think you'll need, plus backup pump/pen gear (we'll have extra low snacks on hand too)
Insulin in a labeled zip bag for our cooler
Refillable water bottle, toiletries, and any medications

A full packing list will be provided after registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this for people with diabetes only?

Yes, this event is specifically for adults with Type 1 Diabetes. If you’re interested in events you can do with a caregiver, friend, family member, or partner, feel free to let us know! You can reach out on our Contact page.

Do I need to have camping experience?

No experience needed, just a genuine interest and curiosity! Activities on this trip will be beginner level. We’ll walk everyone through the fundamentals of camping and get tips from each other as well.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear?

No. Most campers prefer to bring their own gear if they have it. If you don’t have gear or are concerned about it not functioning properly, we’re happy to provide gear for you to use.

Do I need to bring my own food?

No! All meals and snacks will be provided, and we always do our best to accommodate for dietary restrictions and allergies. However, you are more than welcome to bring your own food if you prefer. After registration, a guide will be sent out that includes a list of all our meals for the weekend so you know what you expect ahead of time.

Is it really only $50?

Yes! Diabetes is expensive enough as it is. Your contribution of $50 will help us cover just our operating expenses of campsite fees and groceries. As Beta Cell Foundation is a non-profit organization providing accessible education and community-building experiences to people with Type 1 Diabetes, you are of course more than welcome to give a larger donation if you wish.

Enter the Lottery

Camping trips are capped so the group stays small and everyone gets real support. Because demand is higher than the number of spots, we fill them by a fair lottery instead of first-come-first-served.

6 spots available

Add your name below by Wed, Sep 16, 2026. After the deadline we'll draw 6 names and email selected participants a separate registration form.

Cost: $50 — arranged with selected participants after the draw. Registering here is free and does not guarantee a spot.