Back in 2015, a special group of ladies enjoyed a weekend glamping getaway in the beautiful foothills of Northern California—a trip that combined vintage trailer fun, good food, and cowgirl spirit, all for a great cause.
Mary Lodge was the lucky winner of a glamping trip raffle organized by the Rowell Ranch Rodeo Cowgirl Picnic, an event that raises funds for scholarships supporting girls with “cowgirl spirit.” Mary brought along three friends—Robin, Michelle, and Rashelle—and together they created some unforgettable memories.
My co-host, Sharon Castello, and I were thrilled to host the weekend. We arrived early to set up, and my husband (a real trooper battling vertigo at the time!) helped tow one of my trailers. For the weekend, I brought two favorites from my collection: a 1960 red-and-white Corvette trailer and a 1968 WheelCamper—perfect backdrops for the festivities.
The weekend featured a fun mix of treats and activities:
- Orange Wedge Jello Shots (recipe below)
- White Russian and 50/50 Pudding Shots (recipe below)
- A Bloody Mary Bar
- Plenty of delicious meals, including Breakfast in a Bag
The ladies were treated to a VIP wine tasting experience that even included a personal visit with the vineyard owner—a highlight of the trip. Each guest also received a thoughtful gift bag, including a travel pillow made from retro outdoor girls fabric, a custom recipe booklet featuring every meal enjoyed during the weekend, and a few other fun surprises.
Nights were filled with outdoor movie screenings, including the classic Long, Long Trailer and a cowgirl documentary—perfect for winding down under the stars.
Apparently, the weekend was a hit—by the end of it, the ladies were already scheming how to win the trip again next year!
Why It Matters
The Rowell Ranch Rodeo Cowgirl Picnic uses the power of community and fun to give back in a big way. By 2015, the organization had already awarded over $5,000 in scholarships to help young women pursue their educational goals.
Looking back on this event reminds us of one of our core messages—it doesn’t matter what kind of trailer you have or how fancy your setup is; what matters is joining the fun and connecting with others. Whether you’re gathering around a campfire or glamping in style, there’s a place for everyone in the vintage trailer community.
Here are those favorite recipes from the weekend so you can bring a little glamping magic to your next adventure! What’s your favorite recipe? Let us know in the comments!
