Basecamp Adventures for First-Time Explorers: See the Wild Without Roughing It

Not everyone is looking to jump straight into a weeklong pack trip deep in the mountains. Some folks want to experience the wild without having to push hard every single day. That’s where a basecamp trip comes in. At K Lazy 3 Summer Adventures, we offer fully guided basecamp trips that let you settle into one of our comfortable wilderness camps while still getting a real backcountry experience.



If you've never done a trip like this before, you're not alone. Basecamp adventures are a great way for first-timers, families, or folks easing into the outfitter world to get a taste of the wilderness. You don’t need to be an expert rider or camper to enjoy this kind of trip. You just need to be open to fresh air, quiet trails, and a slower pace far from the noise of the road.

What Is a Basecamp Trip?

A basecamp trip is exactly what it sounds like. You and your group ride into camp on horseback, and instead of packing up and moving to a new site each night, you stay put. Our guides set up a well-stocked, comfortable camp with canvas tents, cots, and a full kitchen setup. We bring in everything you need, including firewood, water, and meals.

From there, each day is yours to explore. You can ride out on day trips, hike nearby trails, fish a creek, or just relax in camp and soak in the scenery. The best part is you’re always coming back to the same cozy camp each evening. No need to pack and repack every day.

Perfect for Families and Beginners

These trips are ideal for people who are new to the backcountry or who just want a less demanding version of a wilderness adventure. If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, or you simply don’t want to spend hours in the saddle every day, a basecamp setup gives you flexibility.

You can decide each day what kind of outing you’re up for. Want to ride out and see a mountain lake? We’ll take you. Prefer to stay in camp and fish or read by the creek? That works too. You’re in the wilderness, but you’re not locked into a schedule.

A Comfortable Camp Setup

Our basecamps are built with comfort in mind. You’ll sleep in heavy-duty canvas wall tents, each outfitted with sturdy cots, pads, and sleeping bags if needed. We’ve got a full cooking setup where our guides prepare hearty meals and hot coffee each morning. There’s usually a campfire going in the evening, which makes for a great place to wind down and swap stories.

We also set up clean latrines, hand-washing stations, and anything else you need to feel comfortable out here. It’s still the wild, but you won’t be roughing it.

Wildlife and Scenery All Around You

One of the biggest perks of a basecamp trip is how close you get to the natural world. These camps are tucked into remote areas of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. You’ll wake up to birdsong, watch deer or elk pass by in the evening, and fall asleep to the sound of water nearby. You might hear an owl or a coyote, or spot a bald eagle circling above the ridge.

During the day, we take you out to scenic overlooks, alpine meadows, and mountain lakes. We know the trails, and we’ll match each day’s ride to your ability and interest. There’s no rush and no pressure, just the freedom to explore and enjoy the land.

No Experience Needed

A lot of people hesitate to try this kind of trip because they think they don’t have the right skills. Maybe you’ve never ridden a horse or camped outside of a campground. That’s completely fine. Our guides are here to help with every step, and our horses are trained for the terrain and the pace of beginners.

We’ll show you how to ride, how to get comfortable in the saddle, and how to handle yourself around camp. You’ll pick things up quickly, and we’re always there to support you. You don’t need to be a cowboy to enjoy the wilderness.

The Value of Slowing Down

In the fast pace of daily life, it’s easy to forget what stillness feels like. A basecamp trip gives you space to slow down. You’ll spend your days outside, surrounded by quiet and clean air. Meals are cooked over fire, conversations are uninterrupted by phones, and your biggest task might be deciding whether to fish or ride that day.

We’ve seen how powerful that shift can be. People arrive with the buzz of town still in their heads and leave with a clearer mind and a better sense of what matters. This isn’t just a break from routine. It’s a reset.

Great for Groups

Basecamp trips are a favorite for groups. Whether it’s a family vacation, a friends’ getaway, or even a small retreat, this kind of trip brings people together. You share meals, ride together, and unwind by the fire at the end of the day. It’s a kind of connection that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.

We keep group sizes small so the experience stays personal. If you want to book a private trip, we can work with you to make it happen. Our goal is to make sure you feel taken care of from the moment we meet you at the trailhead until the last ride back out.

Why Book a Basecamp Trip with K Lazy 3

We know this country and we know how to make your trip safe, comfortable, and unforgettable. Our crew has years of experience guiding all kinds of people through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. We’ve hosted first-timers, seasoned outdoorsmen, families with young kids, and everything in between.

We take pride in offering a welcoming experience to everyone who wants to explore the wild. You won’t be left to figure things out alone. You’ll be guided, supported, and treated like part of the team from start to finish.

If you’ve been wanting to try a wilderness trip but weren’t sure where to start, a basecamp adventure is a great entry point. You’ll ride into one of the most beautiful places in the country, settle into a comfortable camp, and spend your days exploring at your own pace.