Who is Upton Rand?

Upton Rand is the author behind the Gay Men’s Field Guide series, dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ men find meaningful, real-world connections 🌍 without the buffer of reductive technology. In a world dominated by dating apps πŸ“±, Upton’s mission is to inspire gay men to reconnect face-to-face in authentic, offline settings. His latest book, Gay Campgrounds, takes readers on an exciting journey into the heart of gay campgrounds β›Ί, where friendships are forged 🀝, boundaries are pushed πŸ’ͺ, and unexpected adventures await 🌟.

 

With a knack for blending humor πŸ˜„, raw vulnerability πŸ’”, and steamy encounters πŸ”₯, Upton’s writing explores a world where nature 🌲, community πŸ•οΈ, and desire πŸ’« intertwine. On all his adventures, Upton is joined by his trusty pug, Max 🐾, who’s always by his side. Whether you’re seeking connection or adventure, Upton invites you to explore life beyond the screen and discover the magic of gay campgrounds!

Upton Rand and his pug Max edit their new book Gay Campgrounds

Max and Upton Editing Gay Campgrounds

What inspired the book?

Let’s be honest—swiping through Grindr feels like pulling the lever on a slot machine that rarely hits the jackpot. 🎰 Endless “Sup?” messages and faceless profiles? It's not exactly the deep connection I was looking for. πŸ˜… I knew there had to be more to life than endless taps and pixelated flirts, so I set out to write Gay Campgrounds—a guide for guys who crave something real, where friendships are made around campfires, not notifications.

 

Gay Campgrounds is about stepping away from the screen and into nature 🌲. Whether you’re hiking the trails πŸ₯Ύ, diving into pool parties 🌊, or bonding under the stars ✨, the connections you find here are the ones that truly matter. And yes, things can get steamy πŸ”₯, but that’s just part of the adventure. πŸ˜‰

 

More importantly, I wanted this book to illuminate the stigma surrounding HIV, which still exists in our community. Through the stories and connections shared in this book, I hope to break down those barriers. Plus, a portion of every sale goes directly to the Cleveland AIDS Task Force, which supports those affected and works to end HIV stigma.

 

So, if you’ve ever wanted to ditch the apps and experience real, face-to-face connections in the great outdoors, this guide is for you. Pack your bags, grab a copy, and let’s make some unforgettable memories—while also giving back to the community! πŸ’₯

Brief overview of the book's content

❀️ Giving Back: A portion of each sale is donated to the AIDS Task Force of Greater Cleveland, helping make life-saving treatments more accessible—a core mission of www.gaymensfieldguide.com


What's Inside:

  • πŸ“Έ Beautiful Full-Color Formatting: Features high-resolution color photos from inside a real gay campground, showcasing leather events, relaxing by the pool, and even candid shots of Max and me taking a stroll. Stunning chapter headers with a starry sky add to the visual experience. Kindle X-Ray enabled for further adventures.
  • πŸŽ’ Ultimate Gay Camping Packing List: Handpicked essentials built over multiple visits to gay campgrounds with input from experienced campers.
  • 🌈 Camp Affordably: Tips on planning your trip on a budget.

  • πŸ•οΈ Hand-Curated List of Gay Campgrounds: The only up-to-date list of the best gay campgrounds available on Amazon.
  • 🌲 Bonus Spiritual Section: Explores the transformative and spiritual aspects of bonding with like-minded individuals in nature.
  • πŸ† Adult Only Content: What happens after a rock-solid connection is formed and there is attraction. I think the eggplant emoji says it all! For the first time ever, I share my personal stories of what happens after dark πŸ”¦ πŸ˜„
  • 🎁 Perfect Gift for Nature Lovers: This is ideal for anyone with wanderlust, curiosity, or a passion for the outdoors- and wants to learn more about the fantastic atmosphere that are gay campgrounds.
  • 🐾 Traveling with Pets: Get expert advice on making your camping experience enjoyable for you and your furry companions, such as how to keep them happy, relaxed, and cool 😎 on your wilderness romps.
  • ✨ Spiritual Aspects of the Outdoors: Explore how nature can enrich your spiritual life, offering peace, clarity, and a deeper connection to the world around you. Also, I share my intimate spiritual, and emotional breakthrough in nature, which changed me forever!

Benefits for readers

Pack your bags and leave the apps behind—Gay Men’s Field Guide: Gay Campgrounds is the travel guide you’ve been waiting for! β›ΊπŸŒˆ Discover the best gay campgrounds across the country, where friendships spark, communities thrive, and maybe even some steamy tent-side encounters await πŸ”₯πŸ˜‰. Whether roasting marshmallows around the campfire or exploring the “scenic” views, this guide will help you confidently navigate these wild and beautiful spaces. Expect real tips for making authentic connections—without swiping right—while embracing the magic of the great outdoors.

 

And the best part? A portion of every sale goes directly to the Cleveland AIDS Task Force, supporting the fight against HIV stigma. So grab your hiking boots (or heels, no judgment! πŸ‘ ), pitch your tent, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime—one campground at a time. πŸ•οΈπŸŒŸ

Ready to embark on your own adventure?

Explore the pages of our amazing books and start your journey towards genuine friendships and meaningful connections today.