This event has passed. The fourth annual camp out ran June 5 to 7, 2026. It runs again — ask us to put you on the list for the next one.
June 5, 2026
June 7, 2026
$250 Individual / $450 Couples / $500 Family / Founder’s VIP Package $1,500
Overview
Join us! Reserve your spot today for the 4th annual Doomer Optimism campout. The festivities will take place at The Wagon Box in Story, WY, starting on Friday, June 5th, and wrapping up on Sunday, June 7th.
America was formed of independent-minded folks traveling to far-flung places, discussing new political realities, and forging a beautiful future. We are at a crossroads in our nation’s history. Few are able to stare at the stark problems facing us and still envision and build on old foundations a new America for their posterity.
Throughout our history there has been a core group of pilgrims, pioneers, and patriots who have carried the torch of freedom. In every civilization the animating notions that birthed the nation have dimmed at times, and the path has blurred. We may be passing through such a valley, and 250 years is said to be a nation’s natural lifespan. At this event we look back to the brave founders of this national experiment, and take their lead looking forward, and imagining something great: America.
The Doomer Optimism and Wagon Box networks attract just this type. The goal of this camp out is to assemble in celebration of our great nation’s past, to stir up the frontier spirits, and to imagine again the meaning of Liberty and what life looks like that pursues the most true and beautiful happiness.
Speakers
James Pogue
James is a Contributing Editor at Harper’s, and writes about national politics for Vanity Fair. He has written for The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine, and the London Review of Books, among many others. He was a 2022 Alicia Patterson Fellow, and has received support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. He lives in Los Angeles, where he helps run a native plant nursery. His first book is called Chosen Country: A Rebellion in the West.
@jhensonpogue
Paul McNiel
Paul McNiel grew up deep in the woods of Quebec and is a combat veteran and avid outdoorsman. He has visited and studied off-grid and homesteading families and communities for years.
@pbdmcniel
Ashley Fitzgerald
Ashley Colby Fitzgerald is an environmental sociologist and co-founder of the Rizoma Field School.
@RizomaSchool
Seneca Scott
Seneca Scott, former director of SEIU Local 2021, had a political awakening and became a community advocate and urban agriculture expert. He led the historic 2024 recall of Oakland’s mayor and DA, spearheading a political revolution in the beleaguered city. His biting critiques of progressive failures have been published in Newsweek and Compact magazine, and he has been profiled by The Free Press. He has also appeared in national debates on criminal justice reform hosted by Bari Weiss alongside Michael Shellenberger and Kmele Foster.
@SenecaSpeaks21
Getting here.
Flights
- Sheridan County Airport: 30 min. drive to The Wagon Box
- Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport: 1+ hours
- Billings-Logan International Airport: 2+ hours
- Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport: 4+ hours
- Denver International Airport: 5+ hours
Vehicles
- Rental cars are available at Billings, Bozeman, and Denver airports (check Kayak for cheaper pricing)
- Uber and taxi service from Sheridan Airport
Offsite lodging
- Story Pines Inn: 2 min.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Sheridan: 20 min.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites Sheridan: 20 min.
- Quality Inn Sheridan I-90: 20 min.
- Ramada Plaza: 20 min.
Lodging
Tent camping is available with ticket purchase throughout the campground and nearby lodging available for those not wanting to camp. If you’ve already purchased a ticket but need to book lodging please reserve it here.
Refunds
Refunds will be available for all ticket purchases until April 1. After this date, we are unable to offer refunds due to the commitments required to prepare for the event.
Scholarships
A limited number of scholarship spots are available to low income attendees and homesteaders. To inquire, please contact: themachineconference@gmail.com
It runs again.
Ask us to put you on the list for the next camp out, or bring your own gathering to the property.