The Camping Club


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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring on these trips?
You will be driving your own car, truck or SUV. You are expected to be self contained. Bring your own camping gear. At a minimum you will want a sleeping bag, flashlight, water bottle, and lunch and dinner for Saturday and Sunday, along with your favorite snacks. If you don't want to sleep in your car, you will need a tent. A chair (either a 'beach chair' or one of those canvas 'director's style' works well) is a fine idea. Bring cold-weather clothing to wear at night, moderate weather clothing for the daytime. Although we do not expect rain, it is always wise to bring along a rain jacket. Don't forget basics, such as a toothbrush, glasses/contact lense solution, toilet paper, prescription medications, etc..  If everyone brings an armload of firewood, we will have plenty. Please bring water, even if the site is supposed to have water (sometimes its broken or shut off). We strongly suggest you pick up an FRS radio. We monitor channel 8.
  
Can I just meet you there?
If you have not been on one of our trips before, the pre-trip meeting is mandatory. We have two reasons for this. First, its a matter of safety. We don't (and you shouldn't) want to be meeting someone for the first time in the middle of some dark woods. Second, we will be passing out maps and discussing carpool and/or caravanning arrangements. There are often last minute changes you need to know about before leaving.

Will my vehicle make it up that road?
We will note in the trip details if 4-wheel drive is required. While we always recommend a high clearance truck or SUV, often a standard car will be able to make the trip. Most backroads in southern California are hard-packed dirt, though they may have 'washboard' surfaces, occaisonal holes and small rocks. On many of our desert trips, you may be required to drive through soft sand. We carry recovery equipment with us, and have never lost a vehicle yet! Still, know your vehicles limitations, be sure your insurance is up to date, and be prepared.
  
Can I drive my motorcycle instead?
Do not bring Green-Sticker dirt bikes, ATVs, quads, dune buggies, or other types of vehicles along for use at any time during our events. To ensure that our outings are safe and comply with all local, state and federal regulations of the areas we use, these events are only open to street-legal vehicles, which must be operated at all times by a responsible licensed driver.

What does 'remote camping' mean?
Some of our trips are to fully developed campgrounds with complete amenities. Other trips take us to some fantastic places, but with no public facilities. This is not a problem, however, because we have several members who usually bring along their own portable fire pits, grills, picnic tables, sunshades, showers and porta-potties.
  
Are dogs allowed on trips?
Usually, but not always. Check the details for the particular trip. Most of the campsites we use allow dogs. Some may allow dogs in camp, but not on trails. Other sites (especially those within areas designated as 'Protected Bighorn Sheep Habitat') may allow dogs but have restrictions on use of leashes, waste disposal, etc.

Can I bring my children?
Yes. If you have an infant or toddler, you might enjoy the trip more if you leave them behind with a babysitter. However, we often have older children along on our trips. Just keep in mind that you will need to keep an eye on them: we are not babysitters. Also be aware that many of the sites we use have nearby hazards such as cliffs, swift rivers and open mine shafts. 
   
Can I suggest a trip or other type of activity?   
The direction of the club is steered by the Organizer. The Organizer's duties are to welcome new members, run the monthly business meetings, post trip information and generally coordinate the group. The Organizer is the only person authorized to delete message board postings, users, photos or events, and is the only person authorized to send 'mass email' announcements to the general membership. The Organizer also deals with the waivers and medical information forms. There are also two Assistant Organizers who give advice and support to the Organizer. They participate in many of the Organizer's decisions, and have the ability to post trip information on the website. When communicating with the Organizer, always C.C. the assistants to keep them 'in the loop'. They cannot fulfill their functions if they are not kept informed.
   
Do I have to participate in activities?
Not at all. Different campsites offer different opportunities. We may have an afternoon hike, fishing, 4x4 side-trip, or whatever, but if you prefer to just lounge around, its up to you.

Are there campground rules?
You will have to follow whatever rules the Forest Service, or BLM, or State Park has set up, depending on where we are going. The Camping Club itself likes to keep things informal, without any specific rules. However, we have found that the following guidelines tend to keep everyone happy:
   Part 1: On the Trail
          1. We travel in a single column. Maintain at least a 
             30 yrd space between vehicles so we dont breathe
             each others dust. 
          2. Rest stops: boys LEFT, girls RIGHT!!!       
          3. The vehicle behind you is your responsibility. Do 
             not lose sight of him; if you do, slow down or stop.
             Radio ahead, if possible. We monitor FRS channel 8.
          4. If you feel an area is too difficult for your vehicle
             or driving experience, let the Trip Leader know that
             you are going to use another route. We'll wait. No
             malicious harassment or embarrassment will be 
             tolerated, but good-natured ribbing is part of
             the game.
          5. If you lose the group, STOP! Yell on the FRS radio if
             you have one, but do not wander around. We'll come
             after you.
          6. If you need a 'spotter' for a difficult section of
             road, please do not hesitate to ask for one.
          7. No disturbing of livestock or wild animals.

Part 2: In the Camp
          1. No loaded firearms in camp except in your own vehicle.
          2. Some trips may allow dogs, but please keep them on a
             leash. (At least until they are no longer strangers.)
             Never feed anyone elses dog without obtaining permission
             from the animals owner.
          3. Excessive profanity is discouraged.
          4. You are expected to be completely self-contained and 
             prepared. However, if you run short (and we all do), 
             don't be afraid to ask around for whatever you need.
          5. If you wish to depart early from the campsite notify
             the Trip Leader and at least one other person. Be sure
             the people you tell acknowledge what you said.
          6. We all have different tastes in music and since we'd
             never all agree on what we want to hear, please keep
             your volume very low. Headphones are a good idea. 
             Some people just want to hear the silence of
             the outdoors, the wind in the pines and the babbling
             of the creeks.
          7. Pack out AT LEAST as much as you pack in. Have an
             additional plastic bag handy at all times & please
             collect found litter.

Part 3: Around the Campfire
          1. Pull up a chair and join in, it usually doesn't get
             too rowdy!
          2. No glass, cans, plastic, food, or other pollutants
             in the campfire.
          3. Bring your favorite drink, but be prepared to share.
          4. No 'Playing' with the fire, you freakin' pyro!
          5. Sometimes the campfire folk stay up late. In the 
             early AM hours, off-key singing and tipsy laughter 
             sometimes happens. If you're a light sleeper, pick 
             a spot for your tent away from the firepit area.
             
 Part 4: Interpersonal Conduct
          1. No bickering or bitching, please. We are here to relax.
          2. Because of the size of the group there are many 
             different types of people and personalities. If a 
             member has a conflict with another member, we ask that 
             they deal with that privately amongst each other (we 
             are not camp parents). If the issue is serious or makes 
             other members uncomfortable, the Organizer has the right
             to remove any member at any time. 
          3. The individual 'Trip Leaders' have the final say on 
             issues related to the specific trips they are leading. In
             other words, they reserve the right to refuse service to
             anyone.
 
 
You also need to know:
As always, you assume all risks, dangers and liability that may result from your presence in the California backcountry. The Camping Club and SoCalCamping.com disclaims any and all liability for any injury, loss or damage that you, your passengers or your vehicle may incur. Blah blah blah. You know the drill. Exercise caution and good judgement, make sure your insurance is up to date, bring proper supplies and be prepared to deal with accidents, breakdowns, injuries and other problems yourself. We do carry recovery equipment (never lost a vehicle yet!), cell phones and 2 way radios on our trips, as well as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, but ultimately you must agree to take responsibility for yourself as a condition for participation on any trip.