Outdoor Adventures
Tulane Campus Recreation’s outdoor adventure offerings are your opportunity to explore the region and discover new skills on the water or on the trail. Beyond our trip schedule, our Outdoor Adventures team can provide you with consulting and rental gear to assist you in your own outdoor plans.
Quick Links
Explore the great outdoors with ease using our convenient Outdoor Adventures quick links, your gateway to thrilling experiences in nature.
Outdoor Adventure Trips
Looking to explore your adventurous side? Join Campus Recreation as we explore the Gulf-South region and discover new skills. Outdoor Adventures offers an array of trips to interest any student.
For more information, contact Outdoor Adventures at outdoorrec@tulane.edu or (504) 314-2861.
Fall 2025 Outdoor Adventure Trips
| Intro to Sailing | Aug 31 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $45 |
| Late Night Paddle | Sept 6 | 8 - 10 p.m. | $30 |
| Jean Lafitte Day Hike | Sept 14 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $50 |
| Intro to Camping | Sept 19-21 | Weekend Trip | Free |
| Beach Camping | Sept 26-28 | Weekend Trip | $110 |
| Kisatchie Fall Break Backpacking | Oct 1-5 | Weekend Trip | $165 |
| Late Night Climbing | Oct 10 | 8-10 p.m. | Free |
| Camping & Paddling in Palmetto Island State Park | Oct 10-12 | Weekend Trip | $110 |
| Sunset Paddle | Oct 17 | 5-7 p.m. | $30 |
| Intro to Sailing | Oct 19 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $45 |
| Surf and Camp | Oct 24-26 | Weekend Trip | $140 |
| Wilderness First Aid Course | Nov 1-2 | Weekend Course | $350 |
| Intro to Sailing | Nov 2 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. | $45 |
| Bayou St. John Open Paddle | Nov 9 | 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Free |
Intro to Sailing
Whether you are brand new to boats or the captain of your own crew, this sailing trip will blow you away! Come sail away on Lake Pontchartrain with Outdoor Adventures. Transportation and sailing instruction included in the cost of this trip.
Late Night Paddle
Glide through the calm waters of Bayou St. John under the glow of a nearly full moon. This peaceful evening paddle is perfect for slowing down, connecting with nature, and soaking in the magic of New Orleans after dark. Transportation and paddling equipment are included in the cost of this trip.
Jean Lafitte Day Hike
Come explore Barataria Preserve with us! Located just 35 minutes south of New Orleans, this natural area is located within Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Hike on boardwalks through the wetlands and learn about southern Louisiana’s wildlife and ecosystems, then enjoy a picnic lunch before heading back to campus. Transportation and food are included in the cost of this trip.
Intro to Camping
Spend the weekend learning the basics of camping, hiking, stargazing, cooking delicious camp food, and appreciating all Louisiana has to offer. If you’re looking for an easy way to try something new, this is the trip for you!
Beach Camping
Join our popular beach camping adventure to Grand Isle. We'll camp on the sand, hike along the barrier island, play beach games, and try stand-up paddleboarding on the water. Registration fee includes transportation, instruction, food, and group equipment.
Kisatchie Backpacking
This Fall Break, unwind with a backpacking trip in the Kisatchie National Forest! Journey deep into the heart of Louisiana’s only national forest, where rolling hills, longleaf pines, and quiet streams create the perfect backdrop for adventure. Throughout the trip, you’ll hike through the scenic Louisiana landscape, camp under the stars, and connect with fellow adventurers. This road trip is sure to create memories that last a lifetime. Transportation, instruction, food, and group equipment are included in the cost of this trip.
Late Night Climbing
Spend the night rock climbing with Outdoor Adventures at New Orleans Boulder Lounge. Whether you’re a pro or a beginner, we’ll have the perfect climb for you! Register in advance; transportation, climbing access, and equipment are provided at no cost to you.
Camping & Paddling in Palmetto State Park
Ready for a weekend adventure? Join us for camping and paddling in Palmetto Island State Park, a fun-filled camping trip just a few hours from campus! Spend your time exploring serene waterways by canoe, hiking scenic trails, and enjoying Louisiana's beauty. This trip is the perfect mix of nature, community, and adventure. Come paddle with us!
Sunset Paddle
Watch the sky transform as you paddle along Bayou St. John during golden hour. Come paddle with us and experience the beauty of City Park under the warm glow of the evening. Transportation and paddling equipment are included in the cost of this trip.
Surf and Camp
This trip is an epic surfing and camping trip to Pensacola Beach, Florida! The weekend will be full of surfing, beach activities, optional sunrise hikes, and campfires. All levels of experience are welcome. Cost includes transportation, accommodation, food, rental surfing gear, and necessary instruction.
Bayou St. John Open Paddle
Paddle through the heart of the city on the Bayou St. John waterway, once an important shortcut from the Mississippi to Lake Pontchartrain. With the freedom to come, paddle, and go as you please, this activity is a must-do! Transportation and paddling equipment included.
Family Weekend Paddle
Introduce your parents and family members to the scenic Bayou St. John! Located near City Park, this paddle will certainly give all participants a taste of New Orleans and all it has to offer. Registration fee includes transportation, equipment, and instruction.
General Outdoor Trip Information
- Trip cost includes Group Gear. All personal gear can be reserved for trips at 50% cost.
- Trips are open to Tulane students only (undergraduate, graduate, medical, and law).
- No alcohol, drugs, or other controlled substances are permitted on trips.
- Students must abide by the Student Code of Conduct.
- Attendance at the pre-trip meeting (usually Wednesday before the trip) is mandatory.
- Ask any questions you might have about your ability to participate in trip activities before you register. While our trips are geared towards beginners, it is up to you to estimate your physical abilities in advance.
- Trip sign-up is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Full payment is due at the time of registration.
- Proof of health insurance is required before trip begins.
Refund/Cancellations for Trips
When registering for an Outdoor Adventures trip, I agree to the following:
- I understand that by registering for a trip, I am committed to attend.
- If the trip is canceled by Tulane Reily Student Recreation Center, I will receive a 100% refund.
- I understand that if I cancel my registration anytime before the pre-trip meeting and/or Wednesday at 5 p.m. before the trip, I will receive a 50% refund of the registration cost.
- I will not receive a refund if I cancel after the pre-trip meeting and my spot cannot be filled.
- Attendance at the pre-trip meeting is mandatory. Those who do not attend may be unable to participate in the trip and may not be given a refund.
Outdoor Gear Rental Center
Our newly renovated Gear Rental Center is located on the ground floor of the Reily Student Recreation Center in Room 105. At the center, our Outdoor Adventures team offers a full selection of rental equipment for all those looking to create their own adventures.
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 2-6 p.m. |
| Thursday | 2-6 p.m. |
| Friday | 2-6 p.m |
The Gear Rental Center is open when classes are in session; please refer to the academic calendar for dates. The center is also subject to Reily Center adjusted hours and closures.
Gear rental policies include:
- Trip cost includes Group Gear; All Personal Gear can be reserved for trips at 50% cost.
- Rental services are only offered to university students, staff, faculty, and Tulane Campus Recreation members.
- Rentals are paid for on pick up, with a few exceptions:
- Renting 5 or more of the same item.
- Renting for fall or spring break.
- Rentals can be paid for with Visa or MasterCard. Tulane University Accounts Receivable is not accepted.
- Rentals can only be picked up or returned during rental shop operating hours.
- Equipment not returned on time will incur a $2 late fee in addition to the daily rental rate for each additional day the equipment is not returned.
- Equipment that is returned wet or excessively dirty will be assessed a cleaning fee. Please clean and air dry equipment prior to returning to avoid these charges.
- Renter is responsible for the full cost of repair or replacement if equipment is damaged, lost, stolen, or not returned.
- No refunds will be issued for rented equipment.
Please reserve your equipment by stopping into the Outdoor Adventures office or contacting the office via email.
Rentals are available for daily, weekend, or weekly use.
New pricing starting July 1, 2025:
| Gear Item | Daily Price | Weekend Price | Weekly Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Burner Stove (Fuel Not Included) | $6 | $11 | $28 |
| Backpack (60L-100L) | $6 | $11 | $28 |
| Backpacking Cookset (3 Nesting Pots with Lids) | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Backpacking Stove (Fuel Not Included) | $4 | $7 | $17 |
| Bike Helmet | $2 | $3 | $6 |
| Climbing Crash Pad | $6 | $11 | $28 |
| Climbing Shoes (4-12.5) | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Climbing Spotter's Pad | $6 | $11 | $28 |
| Canoe Package (Canoe, 2 Canoe Paddles, 2 PFDs, 4 Car Pads, 2 Straps, and Bow and Stern Tie Downs) | $22 | $44 | $110 |
| Hammock & Straps | $4 | $7 | $17 |
| Insulated Jacket | $5 | $9 | $22 |
| Kayak Package (Kayak, 1 Kayak Paddle, 1 PFD, 4 Car Pads, 2 Straps, and Bow and Stern Tie Downs) | $22 | $44 | $110 |
| Personal Flotation Device - Type III (Life Jacket) | $2 | $3 | $6 |
| Rain Jacket | $4 | $7 | $17 |
| Sleeping Bag (20°, 45°, 50°) | $5 | $9 | $22 |
| Sleeping Pad (Air, Foam) | $3 | $5 | $11 |
| Stand Up Paddleboard Package (Inflatable Stand-up Paddleboard, 1 PFD, Paddle, Pump, and Carrying Bag) | $22 | $44 | $110 |
| Tent (3 Person, 4 Person) | $7 | $13 | $33 |
| Water Resistant Duffel | $3 | $5 | $11 |
Center Adventure Consultations & Coaching
Want additional assistance in making the most of your personal adventures? Make an appointment with:
An Adventure Consultant
If you’ve rented gear from us, one of our trip leaders will help you plan your ultimate adventure-- for free! They’ll explain how to use your gear, evaluate your trip plans, and even help you plan a menu for the backcountry. If you’d like to venture out on your own but need a little guidance, ask about our Adventure Consultant service today at outdoorrec@tulane.edu!
An Adventure Coach
Ready to take your outdoor skills to the next level? Get your own Adventure Coach! Like a personal trainer for the outdoors, your coach will give you one-on-one instruction in canoeing, kayaking, and other backcountry skills. To book, email outdoorrec@tulane.edu.
Canoeing, Kayaking, or Paddleboarding
Join one of our trip leaders on Bayou St. John to learn to safely transport a boat, plan your trip, use basic and advanced paddle strokes, navigate water hazards, and more! Plus, you’ll get a discount on your first canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rental after your lesson!
Two-hour session: $50
Basic Camping or Backpacking
Get customized training without leaving campus: learn to plan your trip, set up your tent, pack your backpack, filter water, and more! We’ll even help you cook a meal on a camping or backpacking stove! When you’re ready to head out on your own, you’ll get a discount on your first gear rental!
Two-hour session: $50
NOLS Wilderness First Aid
Embrace adventure safely with this course that is designed to empower you with the knowledge and confidence to handle medical emergencies in remote settings.
" Working as an Outdoor Adventures Trip Leader has fundamentally changed the way I see the New Orleans area and has awoken me to the wonders of the natural Gulf South. "
— John Argentino, Trip Leader
" I loved everything! Our trip leaders were amazing and I had such a fun time! I loved learning to backpack, I’ve wanted to do this for a long time and it was so fun! "
— Submitted Participant Response
" It was a wonderful experience and would not have wanted to spend my spring break doing anything else. "
— Submitted Participant Response
