Winter Campout
← All Events
❄️ Camping

Winter Campout

Mineral Wells State Park · Mineral Wells, Texas

📅 February 20–22, 2026 📍 ~70 miles · 1 hr 10 min from DFW 👨‍👦 Dads & sons only (no families)

About This Event

The Winter Campout at Mineral Wells State Park is legendary in Wichita Nation lore. Sub-freezing overnight temps, brilliant star fields, and a camaraderie that only comes from surviving (and thriving!) in the cold together. This is the campout where boys become adventurers.

Mineral Wells State Park sits on Lake Mineral Wells and features stunning cross-timbers terrain, rocky outcroppings, and over 20 miles of trails. The chili cook-off on Saturday night — around a roaring fire while temperatures plummet — is one of the greatest traditions in the Nation.

📅 Schedule

TimeActivityLocation
Fri, 2:00 PMArrival — stake your claim on best campsite!Group Primitive Area
Fri, 6:00 PMStew & soup night — everyone brings a pot!Campfire Area
Fri, 8:00 PMNight hike under the stars (temps dropping!)Turkey Peak Trail
Sat, 7:00 AMSunrise breakfast — eggs & bacon on the fireCamp Sites
Sat, 9:00 AMTurkey Peak Summit Hike (3.5 mi round trip)Trailhead
Sat, 12:30 PMLunch at camp — preheat those Dutch ovens!Camp Sites
Sat, 2:00 PMTribe competitions: fire-starting, knot-tying, navigationGroup Area
Sat, 5:30 PM🏆 Famous Wichita Nation Chili Cook-Off!Big Fire Ring
Sat, 9:00 PMLate-night campfire — stories, songs, stargazingFire Ring
Sun, 7:30 AMFinal breakfast — pack up starts at 9 AMCamp Sites
Sun, 11:00 AMLeave no trace — depart by 11 AM

🤝 Volunteer Sign-Up Roster

Item / TaskStatusVolunteerAction
Chili Cook-Off registrar (track all entrants) Open
Chili judging panel member Open
Night hike leader / flashlight coordinator Open
Firewood — bring 3–4 bundles for the big fire Open
Dutch oven & cast iron expert / teacher Filled Walker Family
First aid kit carrier Filled Dr. Johnson Family

✍️ Sign Up for This Event

📌 Event Details

📅
February 20–22, 2026
Arrive Fri 2–6 PM · Depart Sun by 11 AM
📍
Mineral Wells State Park, 100 Park Rd 71, Mineral Wells, TX 76067
🚗
~70 miles · 1 hr 10 min from DFW
💰
Included in season registration
👨‍👦
Dads & sons only (no families)
✍️ Sign Up Now

🌤 Expected Weather

Typical conditions for Feb 20–22, 2026

FORECAST

🌤
44°F
Cold & Clear — Perfect!
Day 1
☀️
44/28°
Day 2
🌤
47/30°
Day 3
42/25°

🎒 What to Bring

More Events This Season

🏎️ Pinewood Derby 🧗 Rock Climbing Day 🌸 Spring Campout 🚀 Rocket Day View All Events →