Do you have some questions before you Seize the Day? Well, we have some answers. Get in touch with us if you can’t find the answer to your question.
“There’s no words. The community you guys have built is almost mystical. In today’s world, this is the community that is needed.”
Julia, CCD Attendee
Q: What is Camp Carpe Diem (CCD)?
A: Camp Carpe Diem is a three-day camping adventure where you can pick how much or how little you want to do. We handle all the details and create an agenda where you can hike, mountain bike, enjoy photography safaris and local tastings at craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries. There is time for you to explore on your own or with fellow campers, as well as community dinners and nightly campfires.
This is a long weekend for you to enjoy yourself with fellow travelers – people who RV, tent camp, or just enjoy getting out to explore new areas. It is time to be a kid again and just do things because they are fun!
Find your tribe and create a community where personal connections are more important than WIFI connections.
Q: When and where is Camp Carpe Diem?
A: Held in a different location every time, we give you adventures and community no matter where we go.
CCD 2026 Verde Valley, AZ (Sedona, Cottonwood, and more)
Oct 22-25, 2026
Basecamp: Verde River RV Resort & Cottages
Many CCD attendees come early and stay after to continue the fun and explore the area. Whenever two or more campers are gathered, spontaneous fun, adventure and potlucks are bound to occur.
Q: Who should attend Camp Carpe Diem?
A: CCD is geared towards those who believe this life is meant to be explored and shared with others. Those who say “Seize the Day” when confronted with a new opportunity!
We welcome folks of all types: van-lifers, RVers, part-timers, full-timers, week-enders, and wanna-be-travelers. And if you happen to be a local who wants to see your area with fresh eyes, we would love for you to join us too!
CCD campers range from 21 to over 70 – as long as your heart is young and adventurous. And while this is a camp for grown-ups, we do accept campers 16 and above* as long as a parent or guardian also attends. (Each attendee must have a ticket and ticket prices are per person.)
*If under 21, you may not be able to participate in all activities, as some are located within 21+ establishments. Parents will be required to accompany their child on all CCD activities. Keep in mind, too, that adult language and conversation may occur at any given moment.
Q: What is on the agenda?
Prepare yourself for a long weekend of fun. New this year: activities start Thursday morning. And, as usual, we finish off with a coffee and pastries meetup on Sunday morning.
Possible activities may include but definitely not limited to:
- opening and closing night parties
- biking and hiking
- photo excursions
- craft brewery and distillery tours and visits
- catered and community dinners
- campfires complete with smores
- beer share social
- live music
- sponsor swag and giveaways
- RV and van tours
- opportunities to learn from other travelers
- marketplace to showcase your wares
- urban exploration
- trivia night
- scavenger hunt
- lawn games and competitions
- local adventures, entertainment, and excursions.
- And so much more!
Sample agenda:
Q: Will I be able to take part in all the activities?
A: Activities are scheduled so you can participate in as many as you want. There are some that might overlap so there are times you may have to choose between photography, hiking, or biking, for example. We do ask each attendee to judge for themselves if they are physically able to participate.
Q: What is the official hashtag for social media?
A: #CCD2026
Q: Who is hosting Camp Carpe Diem?
A: Your camp guides for this exhilarating weekend are the owners of Strange Craft Beer Company BV and Living a Stout Life (Ken & April Pishna) and Benton Downs Photography and The Virtual Campground (Barry & Debra Benton), all of whom are full-time RVers with great experiences and varied interests to share, along with skills to teach you all you need to know to enjoy the activities that are Camp Carpe Diem.
Q: Are there additional costs or fees?
A: Your registration covers official CCD activities. Where possible, we arrange for discounts and specials at the breweries, but your alcohol or food outside of what we offer is on your own.
Q. I don’t tow a car, do you arrange transportation?
We ask that you arrange your own transportation to and from activities. We do meet before departing for any event and there have typically been people willing to drive others. If you are someone who does not have a car, please be sure to offer to share in the cost of gas or buy your driver’s dinner.
As adults, you are responsible for your own safety. Please do not drive while under the influence. We will happily arrange for your transport and assist you in getting your car returned to camp.
Q: Can I get a refund?
A: Refunds will be available if you cancel your participation at least 60 days prior to the event. From 59 to 30 days out, we can offer a 50% discount. Less than 30 days is non-refundable. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. Campground refunds are separate from CCD. Be sure to contact the campground for their refund policies.
Q: Who will be leading us on these activities?
A: RVers are a talented group and we have a lot of great professionals who will be sharing their talents and skills.
- Barry Benton is a professional photographer who leads workshops for amateur photographers to share great places and give tips on capturing images.
- Debra Benton is a wellness aficionado and an expert in event management.
- April and Ken Pishna of Living a Stout Life wrote the book on beer tasting and host a podcast to share the stories of brewers. They are also avid mountain bikers and fitness fanatics.
- Along with these skilled folks, CCD strives to have other experts and guides leading activities as needed.
ALL ABOUT VERDE VALLEY, AZ OCT 22-25, 2026
Q: How do I register for CCD Verde Valley?
A: Register now for early bird pricing of $215 per person. CCD campground reservations are not included in the price of event tickets.
Q: Where should I stay for CCD Verde Valley?
A: All events originate from the official CCD basecamp location at Verde River RV Resort & Cottages in Camp Verde, Arizona. You are welcome to stay wherever you’d like, but if you want ALL the community, book your stay here.
After you purchase your tickets to CCD All events originate from the official CCD basecamp location at Verde River RV Resort. You are welcome to stay wherever you’d like; but if you want ALL the community, book your stay at Verde River RV Resort.
Mention Camp Carpe Diem for 10% off your stay during CCD. Your camp guides are in sites 134 and 135. If you would like to be in that same area or want to have more of a chance at choosing a specific site, be sure to book your site sooner than later.
For more specific information on the campground’s reservation process and policies, contact the campground directly.
Q. Is there anything else I need to know?
A. Just a couple more things.
- Follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/campcarpediem/
- Please note that your email will be shared with our partner sponsors upon registration. If you do not wish this to happen, please send a note to april@campcarpediem.com
- We can’t wait to see you!
Have More Questions?
We’re here to help. Reach out to April at april@campcarpediem. And we’ll get back to you with an answer to your question.
