FAQs

Question

What are the camping arrangements?

Answer

If you were invited and have RSVP’d, camping sites will be assigned by the bride and groom, based on your preference -if you gave one- when you responded to the RSVP. You can arrive at Camp Parsons anytime after 12:00pm, noon, on Friday, September 6th. Please RSVP no later than July 7th, 2024 Cabins are clustered together throughout the camp in groups of 5-8 with bathrooms located nearby. Note: If you did not RSVP before the deadline OR if you will be unable to stay the entire weekend, Friday afternoon-Sunday morning, we respectfully ask you to find other accommodations.

Question

When I arrive on Friday what do I do? Where do I go?

Answer

When you arrive, make your way to the main parking area next to the Welcome Lodge and check in with one of the wedding party to receive your camping assignment, map of the campground, and a schedule for the weekend. After receiving your camping assignment you can go ahead and set up your space. If you feel up to it, we'd love help with some light decorating and wedding setup. Note: There will be no driving on walking trails, even though they do fit cars. This is a Camp Parsons rule. You will have to walk your gear to your camping spot, so please be prepared. If it is impossible for you to do so, due to health reasons, we will be able to assist you. Please let the wedding party know when you check in at the Welcome Lodge.

Question

What are the cabins like? Do the cabins have heat/ac/power?

Answer

Take a look at the pictures on the Camp Parsons Gallery page! The cabins are very small, rustic, open air scout cabins that are nestled between the beautiful PNW forest and the deep blue waters of Jackson Cove. Theses quaint cabins are not temperature controlled and do not have direct power. Each cabin has two sets of bunkbeds and can sleep up to 4 people. Some cabins have doors while others have an open entryway. We recommend you bring a tarp, blanket, or some sort of cover for the entryway if you'd like privacy. The bunks DO NOT come with bedding or a bunk pad. Please bring a sleeping pad, sleeping bag, bedding, pillows, or any other items you need to stay comfortable in any temperature or weather condition. While the cabins do not have direct power there will be power supplied to the common spaces near your cabins for cooking, lighting, etc... We recommend bringing suitable lighting, like a lamp, lantern, flashlights etc...

Question

Are there bathrooms and showers?

Answer

Yes! There are on-site, indoor bathrooms and showers near every bundle of cabins and in some common spaces. Note that while the bathrooms and showers are from the 70s and are not upscale or updated, they are clean and private.

Question

Will there be meals provided?

Answer

There will be a casual rehearsal dinner Friday evening around 6:00pm-ish. There will be hot dogs and hamburgers, a few sides, and drinks. If that doesn't float your boat you are welcome to bring whatever meal suits you best and come eat with us in or near the dining hall (depending on the weather). In addition, there will be the reception dinner on Saturday evening. And finally, the bride and groom are also providing a light farewell brunch on Sunday morning around 10:00am before guests pack up and leave camp. You will need to provide yourself snacks, lunch on Friday (depending on when you arrive), breakfast and lunch on Saturday.

Question

Are there kitchens or appliances available for cooking?

Answer

While there will be one common space with a kitchen located near the dining hall, we recommend bringing a camp stove for cooking or plan to wait for the kitchen to become available. The kitchen has a stove, refrigerator, and microwave. But please plan backups in case the appliances are not available. Please bring you own dishware for personal meals and be mindful to clean up after yourself. The main dining hall kitchen will NOT be available for guest use at any time during the event. Note: If there is a fire ban in place there may be restrictions on the type of cooking device you can use, please stay informed.

Question

What should I pack?

Answer

We recommend you bring the following: Clothes suitable for all weather conditions including rain and cold Wedding casual clothes for Saturday, PLEASE do not wear jeans to the ceremony Comfortable shoes for walking around the camp (it takes about 5-8 minutes to walk from one end of camp to the other) Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, bedding, pillow, blankets Flashlight, lantern, portable light source for walking at night and lighting for your cabin Extra batteries! Food for lunch on Friday & breakfast and lunch on Saturday Food storage container (cooler, ice chest, sealed box to keep out wildlife) DO NOT LEAVE FOOD UNATTENDED OR OUT IN THE OPEN. Outdoor cook stove or small camping stove or an electric hot plate. Large grills will NOT permitted to be used. Fire bans may prohibit other types of cooking appliances, please stay informed. Cooking utensils, pots, etc… Small first aid kit is not needed but recommended Bug spray, sunscreen Water bottles Personal toiletries (there will be toilet paper in the bathrooms) Towels Flip flops for the shower

Question

Are there any stores nearby? What do I do if I forgot something?

Answer

Yes! There are a few store options where you can grab some supplies you need/forgot. The Cove Country Store is open daily 9am-7pm and is on the corner of Bee Mill Rd and Olympic Hwy 101, you’ll see it as you head in towards the camp. It’s only a mile from Camp Parsons, 2 minutes by car. It has snacks, ice, beer and wine, etc… The Yelvik General Store is a bit further down the road and is open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm and is 1.2 miles from Camp Parsons. If you keep going 4 miles south you’ll come to the small town of Brinnon with the Brinnon General Store, open daily 7am-9pm You can also travel back up North by 15 minutes to Quilcene, which has a small village store and a Peninsula Foods.

Question

Should I be worried about wildlife?

Answer

Since we are out in the woods there is potential to run into some of natures critters. However, beyond the normal squirrel, rabbit, deer, and bird, there isn't a high likelihood of running into much else. Please don't feed the wildlife. That being said, the area did have a bear sighting a few miles from the camp, but there have never been any encounters or close calls with dangerous wildlife within the camp. If you are concerned, bring some bear spray or a bear whistle and educate yourself on the best safety practices. We really don't think it will be a problem though. A herd of elk also frequents the camp on a yearly basis, while unlikely to be around during that time of the year, it is possible they may make an appearance. Elk are usually gentle and prefer to stay far away from humans. Please don't antagonize, pet, or feed the elk. Mosquitos are always a bummer, bring long sleeves and bug spray if you're worried about bites.