Outdoor Resource Center

The Outdoor Resource Center (ORC) is a student led and focused program within Campus Recreation that serves as the HUB for the outdoor community at San Francisco State University.  We are located in the Mashouf Wellness Center (MWC), right down the hall past the Admin Offices adjacent to the MAC Court.  Just turn left as soon as you enter through the main entrance of the MWC.  

The ORC offers a variety of outdoor equipment available for rent at low cost, and strives to serve as a resource to help folks get outside for whatever adventure that may be.  In addition to equipment rentals, we also host numerous outdoor workshops to help familiarize patrons with our equipment and pertinent outdoor skills such as backpacking, camp cooking and navigation, etc.

Our services are currently only available to MWC members.  All equipment is rented on a first come, first served basis, as we do not take reservations. 

The ORC welcomes persons with disabilities and can make reasonable accommodations upon request. If you need reasonable accommodations for any of our services, please contact our programs Staff by email at outdoors@.mail.sfsu.edu  or our Student Managers at gatoroutdoors@sfsu.edu.

Hours of Operation

Spring 2024

  • Monday - Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: Closed (Can still rent over the weekend)

Summer 

Fall 2024

  • Monday-Friday: 12:30pm-6:30pm
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    ORC Clinics

    Camping Clinic (March 7, 2024)

    Camping Clinic (learn the ins and outs of how to book a campsite with the various land management agencies to include CA State Parks, National Parks and more as well as learn what to bring and what is available to you at the ORC at SF State)

    Backpacking Clinic (April 4, 2024)

    Learn the ins and outs of backpacking, where to backpack in CA, what to bring and what is available to you at the ORC at SF State

    Smores and ORC Information Session

    Come run our CRD 5k and then enjoy some post run SMORES while learning about the ORC and what resources are available to you to get outside!

    Navigation Clinic (May 2, 2024)

    Come learn how to navigate using a compass and map through our makeshift map of San Francisco for a chance to win prizes and swag.

    Registration

    Entrance to the Outdoor Resource Center
    Inside the Outdoor Resource Center
    Reception desk at the Outdoor Resource Center

    Equipment Rentals

    Walk ins are welcome! Payment occurs in person at the Outdoor Resource Center. 

    Pricing is based on a 1–4-day weekend rate instead of a daily rate, as most of our rentals go out on a Friday and return on a Monday. So, whether you have a piece of equipment for 1 day or 4 days, you pay the 1–4-day price. An additional day price unique to each piece of equipment will be applied for each day past the 1-4-day period. Equipment may be rented up to a maximum of 12 days. Equipment may not be returned on the weekends.

    Tent Set Up Tutorial Videos

    Need some help setting up a tent? Check out our tutorial videos presented by our Outdoor Coordinator Jay! 

    Outdoor Workshops

    ORC Workshops focus on a variety of outdoor topics with the goal of sharing knowledge and resources to help the SF State Community get outside. Common workshops include Rental Equipment Demos, Securing Camping Reservations and/or Backcountry Permits as well as Open House's and much more. Click below to view our current workshops.

    Frequently Asked Questions

     We are located inside the Mashouf Wellness Center:

                   Mashouf Wellness Center
                   ATTN: Outdoor Resource Center
                   755 Font Blvd
                   San Francisco CA 94132

    When you enter the building, turn left and we are at the end of the hallway.  If you cannot find us, ask a staff member at the front desk!

    We ask for the equipment to come in by 6:00pm each day so we may clean it and get it ready to go out again the next day. Having an hour or two to do this allows us to better serve the customers and assure we have functioning equipment for them.

    Not as of yet. This is a feature that we are hoping to implement in the future, but we currently do not offer reservations.

    Pricing is based on a 1–4-day weekend rate instead of a daily rate, as most of our rentals go out on a Friday and return on a Monday. So, whether you have a piece of equipment for 1 day or 4 days, you pay the 1–4-day price. An additional day price unique to each piece of equipment. View Equipment Rental Prices on the List of Equipment. Click here to view our current pricing list. 

    Yes, we do through our Gator Outdoor Adeventure Trips program.  More information on our current trips can be found here.

    We do not rent bikes currently, but we do offer a variety of bike tools and resources for participants to use in the ORC to work on their own bikes during open hours.

    Feel free to email our Outdoor Resource Team at Outdoors@mail.sfsu.edu for any general inquires or questions. Any comments, or concerns should be directed to our Outdoor Resource Center Student Manager by calling (415) 405-2881 or emailing gatoroutdoors@sfsu.edu.  You may also reach our Outdoor & Leadership Development Coordinator, Jay Harcum at harcum@sfsu.edu.

    Please, take a moment to review our policies which are designed to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone involved. Please take the time to read through them carefully so that you are aware of our guidelines and expectations. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our team. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.