10 things to do at Miguel’s Pizza and Campground when you aren’t climbing

Miguel’s Pizza and Campground is an iconic rock climbers’ refuge, nestled among the soaring cliffs of the Red River Gorge. Equipped with a pizza parlor, two outdoor pavillions for communal cooking and feasting, and sprawling lawns of primitive camping, this climber haven is located less than half an hour from countless world-class crags. Everyone needs a rest day, though. As a proud Miguel’s resident, I have included here ten bits of mischief you can get up to at the campground when you aren’t climbing.

**The cover image for this article comes from my own camera and features many dear friends from my home climbing gym hanging out at a beautiful crag called The Infirmary

Hackeysack

Joining a hack circle is a surefire way to make friends, especially at Miguel’s. A sport with strong roots in the outdoors via backpacking culture, hackeysacking has long been a method for climbers and hikers to pass time, have a good laugh, and get out the last of their energy. Hack circles can run as long as midnight or later under the pavilion lights. No need to even introduce yourself; just hop right in ready to rumble, and the rest will come later.

Play basketball

This one is a contentious suggestion because it can be a disturbance to anyone who isn’t also ballin’ (I’ve witnessed many a glass shattered and a pizza flipped by basketballs). However, I acknowledge that the grind never stops, and sometimes you just gotta hoop (responsibly). There always is at least one person laying rubber on the concrete court, from dawn to dusk, every single day. If basketball is your thing, you’ll never be bored at the campground.

Vibe at the campfire

There’s nearly always a cozy fire at Miguel’s once the sun goes down, especially during the peak of peak season (October). If there isn’t a fire already, you can light it yourself. Friends and foes alike indubitably will pull up once they see the smoke rising and the flames leaping. All sorts of campers come out of the woodwork when they smell fire, toting guitars, vibes, and lengthy life stories.

The firepit can be found behind the picnic tables and surrounded by wooden fencing.

Chill (or do work) in the basement

Miguel’s is designed for hanging out outside, even when it’s super hot or super cold. If want to warm up / cool off or need to lock in on some computer work, though, the basement is the place to be. Aside from the often-welcome temperature control, there is also a bounty of outlets for plugging in your electronic devices. If you bring a power strip and phone chargers, you’ll instantly become everybody’s best friend.

Slackline

Slacklining is a classic off-day activity for rock climbers, building strong foundations both in balance and friendship. The Miguel’s slacklines can be found behind the lower pavilion, strung between trees like friendly spider silk. Slacklining is, in the following way, like many other activities at Miguel’s: if somebody sees you at it, there’s a good chance they’ll get inspired and come join you. Have fun, fall a lot, and laugh hugely with friends.

Get coffee

Miguel’s has excellent espresso beverages in the morning, and they serve drip coffee right up until they run out every single day. I didn’t know about this coffee scene until recently. Miguel’s cortados are particularly good (or perhaps I’m just partial to cortados), and many of the baristas on staff even know how to make latte art. The drip coffee is also quite tasty and is often what sustains me on my long 11am-8pm shifts.

One latte and one cortado at Miguel’s on a chilly October morning

Ransack the Free Shelf

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH THE DRYING RACK, which is in the dishwashing room (I’ve had pans pilfered from my pantry this way). The free shelf can be found in the lower pavilion, and outbound campers stock up the shelves with any groceries, kitchenware, worn-out clothing, half-empty fuel cans, etc. that they choose to leave behind. Anything you can find on the free shelf is yours for the taking. If you’re just one pot or pan away from cooking a delicious meal, this is the place to acquire one.

Visit the Gear Shop

Miguel’s Rock Climbing Shop is in the southeastern corner of the property (the back right if you are facing away from the road). The little building is bursting with high-quality gear, performance athletic clothing and outerwear, a huge array of climbing shoes, and a massive stock of the iconic Miguel’s Pizza tie-dye shirts. The gear shop is currently under renovation, so it’s entirely possible that the building will be much larger by the time you read this article than it is at present. For now, however, it remains a quaint, house-like shop with lots of cozy charm. Get your next pair of cool pants here.

Do laundry or take a shower

Be prepared to dump a metric buttload of quarters into this endeavor. If you have cash, you can exchange it for ones and fives at the pizza shop, and then utilize the quarter-dispensing machines in the laundry room. You won’t see people using these facilities very often at Miguel’s—lots of the visitors (and even employees) embrace stinky culture to the max.

The entrance to the laundry room is on the side of the bathroom building that faces the lower pavilion, and the showers are in the same building (facing the fields).

Hang out with the animals

There are so many critters on the property here. I’ve met off-leash dogs, van cats that flop over for tummy rubs, and even some fuzzy ferrets. Of course, always approach animals with patience and empathy (not everybody wants to be snuggled all the time). Many of the animals you’ll meet at Miguel’s, though, are super social and stoked on making new friends.

Conclusions

Many climbers despise and resent the idea of an off-day, and I see countless bros unable to resist the pull of the Miguel’s pull-up bar and hangboard. However, I leave these options off the list because there are so many benefits to truer rest, especially in a place as culturally rich as Miguel’s. I hope this article can help you ease your soul, make friends, and engage with the vibrantly social atmosphere of this special place. Be well, and have fun!