Who attends Gemstone Oasis?
Our inaugural year in 2023 brought together a combination of existing friend groups from around the globe, as well as just down the road. We welcome humans of all ages and stages, and families of all kinds—biological, chosen, and everything in between.
Camp is a space for open-minded, fun-loving people who lead with kindness, curiosity, and inclusivity. All identities and orientations are celebrated, and we expect every camper to contribute to a respectful, affirming environment.
While camp offers a lovely community village environment, parents are responsible for supervising and bunking with their children.
Where is camp?
Our 2026 camp session will be hosted at Camp Rockmont in Black Mountain, NC, about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. We’re thrilled to partner with a camp that shares our energy and vision for an unforgettable annual experience! In 2023 and 2025, we gathered at Camp Pinnacle in Hendersonville, NC.
What should I bring?
See our suggested packing list for everything you’ll need. Much of the lodging at Camp Rockmont is on a hillside with steps and walkways, so we recommend packing light and utilizing backpacks.
How does lodging work?
Lodging is offered in rustic, summer camp-style shared bunkhouses with twin bunk beds and co-ed bathhouses. Cabins have window screens, darkening shades, electricity, and squeaky doors. Most cabins have room on the floor for air mattresses, pack ‘n’ plays, etc.
Lodging will be assigned based upon registration and compatibility. Please indicate bunking requests when registering, and remind your entire group to complete payment & registration promptly. Most cabins sleep 12 people.
Please plan to bring your own pillow. Bedding is up to you — you’re welcome to bring your own, or pre-order a towel, sheet, and blanket set for a modest fee.
We may have limited availability for BYO-gear field camping, and will prioritize campers with special needs. Please email us to inquire.
How will meals be served?
Your registration includes eight meals spanning dinner on Friday night through breakfast on Monday. Meals are served buffet-style in a communal dining hall at a set time.
The Camp Rockmont team is happy to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, please include details when registering.
You are also welcome to BYO snacks and beverages, but please avoid glass bottles. Be aware of critters and curious kids and store all perishables carefully.
Is housekeeping or service staff provided?
No. This is a rustic community experience, and participation is part of the fun! You will make your bunk upon arrival, clear plates at meals, and remove trash, linens, and all personal belongings at departure.
Campers are responsible for basic care of the cabins and grounds during their stay, helping keep the camp tidy and enjoyable for everyone. The staff that is onsite is there to help prepare food, facilitate activities, and ensure safety.
We can do whatever we want, right?
Not quite — we are all responsible for shaping a positive, safe, and enjoyable camp environment for each other! Before attending, you’ll sign a waiver agreeing to organizer and property rules.
Please keep these key community guidelines in mind:
Shared Responsibility = Shared Joy: Camp is the most fun when everyone participates! Be part of what makes it feel alive by jumping in where you can — caring for common spaces, helping with setup or cleanup, supporting fellow campers, or sharing activities or conversations that invite connection.
Practice Self-Reliance: Take responsibility for the safety and well-being of yourself and your group including: supervising minors in your care; staying aware of camp rules, schedules, and announcements; and making thoughtful, responsible choices.
Lead with Respect: Engage with kindness, curiosity, and inclusivity. Respect boundaries by staying aware of cues and communicating your own clearly. Direct communication is welcome. Avoid homophobic, transphobic, racist, sexist, fatphobic, ableist, or otherwise harmful language or behaviors. If you see something that makes you or someone else uncomfortable please check in, speak up, or seek support.
Kids 12 and younger must be under adult supervision at all times.
Observe all waterfront rules and respect our awesome lifeguards and guides.
Strictly Prohibited: Guns, pets, glass bottles, sparklers/open flames, and smoking outside of designated areas (please dispose of butts!).
Is there medical support onsite?
No. Please bring your own medications and supplies, play safe, and look out for each other. There’s a Novant Health Urgent Care in Black Mountain, while Mission Health in Asheville offers the nearest emergency room. Campers are responsible for their own medical needs.
Can camp accommodate my accessibility needs?
We hope so — please email us and we can discuss your needs in more detail!
How will I get updates about camp?
We will continue to update this website as camp approaches. We also have an Instagram account, but lack someone with the skills/time to maintain it. Please let us know if that’s you!
Once registered, you will also receive a link to our WhatsApp Group for pre-camp connections with fellow campers. This is a great place to ask general questions, find partners in crime for your talent show vision, or source a ride.
May I invite friends?
Yes! We welcome you to invite friends & family who pass the vibe check, especially if you’d like to bunk with them. This is an amazing setting to reunite with friends far and wide, and make new ones!
We reserve the right to decline registration if we have hesitations about a guest following our camp guidelines, including being respectful, safe, and inclusive.
Can my pets come?
Pets are not permitted, with the exception of trained service animals as defined under the ADA.
How do I pay?
After you register, we will email you payment details. Payment via check, Venmo, or PayPal is preferred. We operate this camp as a crowdfunded community offering in our spare time, so please be diligent about payments and patient with communication. If a payment plan would be helpful, please let us know once registered.
What if I have to cancel?
This is a crowdsourced gathering that requires size-able nonrefundable payments to our host camp. Therefore, camp registration is non-refundable. If you have a particular hardship, let us know and we’ll see how we can help.
Are day or single-night passes available?
Not at this time. Our goal is to foster a weekend-long community with campers onsite for the duration.
I’m not local, which airport do I fly into?
Camp is about 35 minutes from Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), 1.5 hours from Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP), two hours from Charlotte Douglas Airport (CLT), and four hours from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL). We welcome you to use the WhatsApp Group to find shared rides.