Family Camp: Solar Eclipse at Hancock Field Station
Visit Camp Hancock for a Family Camp weekend of exploration in the canyons of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Fill your days with activities led by OMSI instructors; fill your evenings with astronomy and family fun around the campfire. The weekend is full of guided exploration in and around the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. We are offering astronomy-related activities along with some hikes to celebrate the solar eclipse.
Arrival day is low-key: travel to camp at your leisure; check in when you arrive. Move in to your cabin, sign up for activities, enjoy a snack, and relax around the campfire. Activities, rest time, and evening programs are offered each full day. We serve family-style meals, packed lunch, and snacks. Activities are led by OMSI staff or volunteers. There’s something for everyone out here, and we’re excited to show you around!
Camp Hancock FAQ
We have three cabin sizes. Our smallest cabins will accommodate 2-3 people, the medium sized cabins will accommodate 2-6 people, and the largest cabins will accommodate 2-8 people. Cabins have heat, electricity (including outlets), and twin mattresses. The cabins are a short walk to the restrooms and showers.
Most of our restrooms/shower houses are accessible, and fully equipped with hot, running water, private all-gender rooms, and are heated. We have one restroom with a baby changing station.
Most of the facility and surrounding areas are rustic, hilly, uneven, and rocky. The grounds are graveled, and nearby hikes vary from relatively flat to quite steep.
Cabins that fit 3 people start at $700
Cabins that can accommodate 6 people are $1,000
Cabins that can accommodate up to 8 people are $1,500
We eat together family-style in our dining hall, Berrie Hall. We strive to serve nutritious meals that are balanced and homemade. We accommodate food allergies, and most dietary restrictions with confidence. Our facilities are not dedicated allergen-free, however we are diligent to avoid cross-contamination.
Unfortunately, no. Camp is not a place for pets, and we ask you to please make other accommodations for your pet(s).
Alcohol and drugs (including cannabis) are prohibited on OMSI programs and all surrounding properties. Smoking or vaping (tobacco) is allowed in designated areas only.
We share the greatest hits with our families! Beautiful, scenic, informative hikes that feature geology, paleontology, and arid ecology, and activities that feature fascinating topics like insects, reptiles, and astronomy are offered. Families sign up for activities upon arrival, and can adjust as needed through the weekend.
The weather tends to vary, but in general the days are warm and nights are chilly. We don’t usually get a lot of snow. Check out our Wunderground weather station!
You are eligible for a full refund if your reservation is canceled at least 14 days in advance of your arrival date. Unfortunately, cancellations made less than 14 days in advance of your arrival date are ineligible for a refund. All reservation transfers are subject to a $50 processing fee, and must be requested 14 days before the original reservation arrival date. You are responsible for any damages to the cabin during the duration of your stay and will be invoiced for damages within 24 hours of your departure time. No refunds available after the program occurrence. Solar Eclipse visibility is not a guarantee.
Need More Information?
Our Registration office is here to help! Please reach out with any questions.