The academic intensity at field camp ranges from mild to pretty strong. At ISU we are in the field six days a week, mapping on five of these days and looking at regional geology on the sixth. Completed assignments are due every second or third day, so students do office work 2-4 hours each evening. This appears to be a bit more intense than most camps. Another issue is the physical demands of the field camp.
All camps require extensive hiking, but the terrain is more rugged in some places than others.
ISU's camp is more rugged than most other camps. Our field areas range from 6,000' to 10,000' in elevation with most between 7,000' and 9,000'. Many mountains have angle of repose slopes. But if you have a history of knee problems, especially, or recurring foot or ankle pains, you should select a camp with less rugged terrain. The student body is probably not a distinguishing factor because nearly all geologists are friendly folks and socialize easily.