Bear Camp 2026

May 15–17  ·  Rainbow Ranch, Groesbeck TX

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📅
When
May 15 - 17, 2026
Friday evening through Sunday noon
📍
Where
Rainbow Ranch
Groesbeck, TX - lakeside retreat
🐻
Who
Bears & Friends
Houston Bears community & allies welcome

Headliners

Featured Guests

We're lining up an incredible crew of performers and hosts to make Bear Camp 2026 unforgettable. Announcements coming soon!

Emcee
Our Fabulous Drag Host
Your MC for the weekend — keeping the energy wild from the opening campfire to the final crowning.
Announcement coming soon
Photo Coming Soon
Contest Host
DJ Patrick Philips
DJ Patrick Phillips has been bringing energy to dance floors since 1994, building a reputation for unforgettable sets that blend rhythm, emotion, and connection. With roots spanning vibrant nightlife scenes in Austin, Dallas, Denver, Atlanta, and Wichita, Patrick has played some of the most iconic venues, including Oilcan Harry’s, JR’s Bar & Grill, TMC, Sue Ellen’s, The Brick, Moby Dicks, club Amsterdam (CO), Bent (CO), and several circuit parties over the years.
Now a resident DJ and part owner at Rainbow Ranch of Texas, Patrick continues to evolve his sound while staying true to what sets him apart—his ability to read a crowd and create a journey. Known for capturing the energy of the dance floor, he crafts melodic experiences that pull people out of their day-to-day and into the moment. For Patrick, it’s more than music—it’s about helping people let go, connect, and lose themselves in the rhythm.

The Weekend

Weekend Schedule

  • 1–6 PM
    🎫Registration & Welcome Reception
    Get your wristband, drop your bags, and meet your fellow campers. Grab a drink from the bar and settle in - the weekend starts now.
  • 6–8 PM
    🍽️Evening Social Dinner
    Sit down, dig in, and get to know your campmates. A relaxed communal dinner to fuel the evening ahead.
  • 8–10 PM
    🎬
    Dive In Movie
    Opening Night
    Grab a float and catch a flick under the open sky. Whether you're in the pool or poolside, it's the perfect Friday night wind-down.
  • 10 PM – Late
    🔥I'm Bearly Awake Campfire Hangout
    The night owls gather. Pull up a camp chair, stoke the fire, and let the weekend conversations begin. No agenda, just good company and s'mores.
  • 9-11 AM
    🎨BYOB Art Class
    Bring your beverage of choice and unleash your inner artist. No experience needed - just good vibes and a solid excuse for getting paint everywhere.
  • 11 AM–1 PM
    🥞Brunch
    Sleep in, then show up hungry. A hearty midday spread to power you through a packed afternoon.
  • 1–4 PM
    🗺️
    The Great Bear Scavenger Hunt
    Choose Your Afternoon
    Team up and race across the ranch solving clues, completing challenges, and discovering hidden corners of camp. May the best bears win. Running concurrently with The Honey Pot Gaming Social - pick your adventure!
  • 1–4 PM
    🎮The Honey Pot Gaming Social
    Not the scavenging type? Pull up a seat at the Honey Pot for board games, card games, and good-natured trash talk all afternoon long.
  • 2-4 PM
    🪢Shibari 101
    An introductory workshop in the art of Japanese rope bondage. Open to all skill levels - come curious, leave with new skills and maybe a new hobby.
  • 4–6 PM
    🍸Deck Crawl with Rainbow Ranch
    Kick off the evening with Rainbow Ranch’s signature deck crawl! Back by popular demand. Wander through the campground and visit participating residents as they open up their decks for refreshments and to socialize with our campers in this casual activity that makes this community special. We’ll see you on the decks!
  • 6–8 PM
    🍽️Evening Social Dinner
    Refuel before the big night. A communal dinner to swap stories from the afternoon and get ready for the main event.
  • 8 PM – Late
    💦
    Pool Party & Mr. Bear Camp Competition
    Headliner
    The main event. Hit the pool, dance to live DJ sets, and cheer on our contestants as Mr. Bear Camp 2026 is crowned. This is the one you came for.
  • 10 PM – Late
    🔥I'm Bearly Awake Campfire Hangout
    The party doesn't have to end. After the crowning, bring the celebration to the fire pit. The best stories of the weekend always happen here.
  • 9–11 AM
    🐻
    Bear Hugs & Goodbyes — Breakfast
    Fan Fav
    One last meal together. Load up on breakfast, exchange numbers, make promises to stay in touch, and soak in the final morning at camp.
  • Noon
    👋Checkout
    Safe travels home. See you next year at Bear Camp 2027!

Saturday May 16, 3 PM

The Mr. Bear Camp Contest

🏆

We are thrilled to announce that the amazing Summer Rayne will be our MC for the annual Mr. Bear Camp competition! For an entry fee of $25, you can step into the spotlight and show the community what you’re made of. This isn’t just a contest; it’s a celebration of the sexy, alluring men who make our community so special. Whether you’re aiming for the prestigious Mr. Bear Camp title or looking to quench the crowd's craving for The Bear Thirst Award, your participation directly supports our 2026 charities: Tony’s Place, the Heart of Leather Foundation, and the Law Harrington Senior Living Center. Come show us that irresistible Bear charm and help us raise funds for these worthy organizations!

Round 1
🚪
The Grand Entrance & Introduction
Contestants will take the stage in their first look to introduce themselves to the crowd. This is your time to let the crowd know you. Tell us about yourself and why you deserve to be Mr. Bear Camp!
Round 2
🤔
Personality Q&A
Hosted by Summer Rayne, this segment allows the audience to get to know the man behind the fur. Questions may range from your favorite Bear Camp memory to your favorite "Bear Position" - keep it witty!
Round 3
🩳
The "Dare or Dare" Gauntlet
(Swimsuit Look)
There’s no "Truth" here - only "Dare!" While sporting your Swimwear Look, our MC will present fun, lighthearted challenges designed to test your bravery and sense of humor. Show the crowd you’re a good sport who knows how to have a blast.
Round 4
🤫
Sexy Look & Secret Skill Challenge
A double-header of confidence! Wear your Sexy Look to face our Secret Skill Challenge - the ultimate test of a Bear’s versatility. The specific nature of this challenge will be kept under wraps until the moment of the event. Be ready for anything!
Winner's Circle
🐻
And The Results Are In!
We will have two fabulous winners (and prizes) this year!
  • The Bear Thirst Award (Crowd Favorite) selected by acclamation.
  • Mr. Bear Camp winner announced based on fundraising totals.

Tickets

Ready for an Unforgettable Weekend?

Grab your spot at Bear Camp 2026 before the good prices are gone. Tickets are limited — this sells out every year.

Regular
$
120
$105 for members
Standard registration
April 15 - April 30
Late
$
135
No member discount
If tickets remain
May 1 - May 15
Sat. Day Pass
Coming
Soon
 
Saturday only access
Price TBD

Houston Bears members save $15 on Early Bird and Regular tickets. Not a member yet?
Join at houstonbears.org before registering to take advantage of the discount.

Lodging is booked separately through Rainbow Ranch directly. Registration covers the event — cabin and accommodation reservations are made with the venue.
Register Now

Registration opens soon — check back or follow us on social for the announcement

Got Questions?

FAQ

Registration is handled through our ticketing platform, RegFox. Click the “Register Now” button on this page when registration opens. You’ll be taken to our secure ticketing page where you can choose your ticket tier and complete your purchase. Houston Bears members should have their membership info handy to claim the member discount.

Lodging is booked separately and directly with Rainbow Ranch – it is not included in your event registration. After you register for the event, you’ll receive information on how to book your cabin or accommodation at the ranch. We recommend booking early, as space fills up fast!

As registrations come in, we commit resources to the event. Regfox offers a low cost purchase protection option. If you think you might not be able to attend, we recommend purchasing this protection so you can be refunded through Regfox.

Houston Bears members have a discount code on the Membership tab in their profile at the Houston Bears Website. If you’re not yet a member, you can join today at Membership. If you don’t see a code in your profile and you think you should have one, reach out to [email protected] to resolve the issue.

What would a Bear event be without food? We’re serving dinner on Friday, brunch and dinner on Saturday, and a farewell breakfast on Sunday!

Absolutely! Bear Camp runs on the energy and generosity of our community volunteers! Volunteer opportunities will be announced closer to the event. Keep an eye on the Houston Bears social channels and newsletter, or reach out to the event team directly to express interest.

Yes! Bear Camp is a welcoming event for the broader bear community and allies. You don’t need to be a Houston Bears member or identify as a bear to attend — just come with good vibes and an appetite for fun. All are welcome.

Rainbow Ranch is located near Groesbeck, TX – roughly 2 hours from Houston and 1.5 hours from Dallas. The property is a beautiful lakeside retreat with cabins, outdoor spaces, a pool, and plenty of room to roam.