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• PS - Camp - Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument

  • Start
    Sun, January 12, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Thu, January 16, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, AZ

  Register

  

  Spend 4 nights and 3 days exploring Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.  We will be camping at the main campground at Twin Peaks Campground surrounded by organ pipe cacti and lush desert plants located 1.5 miles from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center.  Restrooms have running water and some have solar-heated showers. Hookups for electricity, water, or sewer are not available.  A dump station, with potable water is located past the last row of campsites.

  
  

  Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument was set aside on April 3rd, 1937 for future generations as an exemplar of the Sonoran Desert. This natural area is home to an abundance of life: quirky cacti, talkative birds, whispering springs with desert fish, and so much more! The life found in the Sonoran Desert has adapted to this land of extremes in a multitude of ways, each playing a role in this magical landscape. Explore the desert wilderness hiking through hidden washes, adventuring off on a scenic drive, or just relaxing at the monument's campgrounds. 

  Logistics:  5 tent sites and 10 RV sites have been reserved.  The tent sites are in the tent section of the campground; each site has its own gravel pad with one tent per site.  The RV sites range from 28 ft. to 40 ft.  The RV sites are located in the section where generators can be used during generator hours (see below).  

  Generator Hours:  Quiet Hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Generator hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

  Campfires:  Ground fires within the park is prohibited.  All fires must be in the provided raised grills.  For those with propane file pits, please bring them to use at night in lieu of a campfire.  Two tanks of propane will be provided to use towards the nightly campfire.  

  Pets:  Pets must be leashed (six feet or less) or otherwise physically restrained at all times. For details about where you can and can't go with your pet, visit the Pets page or contact the visitor center by calling (520) 387-6849.
  

  Payments:  This event is limited to GO members.  When you register, you'll need to have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online and then return here to register.

  *******************************

  Cancellation/Refunds Policy:  Cancellation for a refund, minus $10,  must be received by January 8 and must be sent to the Trip Leader, Beth Schneider email click here

  ********************************

  What to Bring:  Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, and the Ten Essentials. Per the schedule below, bring food to share on Sunday (meet and greet appetizer) and Monday (pot luck dinner) nights.  Every effort will be made to have hot coffee ready by 7:30 am (sunrise) if sufficient power is available to make coffee before 8 am (see generator hours above).  Bagels and muffins will be available in the morning for breakfast.  

  Directions:  Follow I-10 E to AZ-85 S/Phoenix Bypass Rte in Buckeye. Take AZ-85 south and turn right on Puerto Blanco Dr.  For directions click here 

  Directions to Campground:  The Twin Peaks Campground is located 1.5 miles from the Kris Eggle Visitor Center and Highway 85. Continue past the visitor center and almost immediately turn left at the sign that says "Twin Peaks Campground." Follow that road for 1.5 miles until you reach the campground kiosk.
  

  Weather:  Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument weather click here

  Trip Leader:   Beth S.email click here 

  

  
  

  Tentative Schedule

  The reserved group meeting area is site #xxx (TBD).

  Please check the white board set up at site #xxx (TBD) for updates

  Times below are in MST (Mountain Standard Time)

  
  

  Sunday

  • 1:00 pm - arrival
  • 5:00 PM Meet & Greet Site #xxx
  • 7:30 pm campfire

  Monday

  • 6:30 am Coffee 
  • 7:00 am Modest Breakfast (cereal, muffins and fruit)
  • 9:00 Hike - Victoria Mine Trail (4.4-5.2 miles/322' elevation gain); 
  • 1:30 pm - Ajo Mountain Drive (20.4 mile drive off road/rated moderate)
  • 5:00 pm ~ Potluck (bring a dish to share).
  • 7:30 pm ~ campfire

  Tuesday
  

  • 6:30 am Coffee 
  • 7:00 am Modest Breakfast (cereal, muffins and fruit)
  • 9:00 am - Drive and hike - Dripping Springs Mine Trail (2.9 miles/295') and Dripping Springs Trail (1.1 miles/164'); bring lunch
  • Dinner in town or on your own
  • 7:30 pm ~ campfire

  Wednesday

  •  6:30 am Coffee 
  • 7:00 am Modest Breakfast (cereal, muffins and fruit)
  •  9:00 am Drive and hike to the northern side of the park to Arch Canyon (1.1 miles/85') and Bull Pasture Loop Trail (2.6 miles/479); bring lunch.
  • Alternative entertainment:  go to town for light lunch and sightsee local sites
  •  6:00 pm - Dinner will be provided by the club--Chicken Fontina, salad and garlic bread.  And for desert, peach crisp with homemade vanilla ice cream. A vegetarian option (Chicken Fontina without the chicken) will also be available.
  • 7:30 pm campfire (?) 

  Thursday -

  • 6:30 am Coffee 
  • 7:00 am Modest Breakfast (cereal, muffins and fruit), if supplies last
  • 11:00 am checkout 

  Site assignments and additional details will be in the reminder email a few days prior to the event.

  Health Problems/allergies:   Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - Cottonwood Campout, Joshua Tree National Park

  • Start
    Fri, January 31, 2025
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, February 02, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Joshua Tree National Park Cottonwood Campground

  Register

  
  

  
  

  OCLB Chapter presents

  Cottonwood Campout

  Joshua Tree National Park 

  Jan 31st to Feb. 2nd, 2025

  Trip Leader Contact: Michael M

  Email: BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  

  Stargazing and camping after the New Year?  

  Let’s go!

  Cottonwood Campground at Joshua Tree National Park is one of the best places for stargazing and camping after the holidays, or for that matter year-round.  Located in the southern section of the park away from light polluting towns or cities, Cottonwood Campground offers dark, uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and constellation admirers alike. 

  Set in Colorado Desert landscape, Cottonwood campground overlooks flat, open desert shrub land, which offers a contrast to the Mojave Desert landscape featuring the Joshua trees of the park’s namesake, predominant in the northern area of the park.  Nearby is Cottonwood Springs Oasis, created from geologic activity, offering a verdant island of palm and cottonwood trees encircled by an ocean of desert landscape.  Cottonwood Springs’ Oasis is also the trailhead for nearby hiking trails.

  
  

  Registration: Limited to Great Outdoors members

  Start: Fri Jan. 31st, 2025, 3pm

  Ends: Sun Feb. 2nd, 2025 12pm

  Space available: 10 vehicles

  Location: Cottonwood is the first campground from the South Entrance of Joshua Tree National Park, approximately 33 miles east of Indio.

  Directions: From Long Beach and Orange County, take Int. 10 East to Indio.  Take Exit 168 Cottonwood Springs Road, turn left, and drive to the South Entrance.  There is a $30 per vehicle fee to enter.  An America the Beautiful National Park Pass will waive the vehicle entry fee.  Drive 7 miles to Cottonwood Springs Visitor Center, turn right.  Follow signs to Cottonwood campground.  Proceed to Group Site 2.  

  Carpooling is highly encouraged to allow more folks to attend and because of the vehicle limit at the group campsite.  There is no overflow parking. 

  Important information:

  Campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings.

  THERE IS NO CELL PHONE SERVICE & NO GAS WITHIN THE PARK.

  
  

  Schedule

  Fri Jan. 31st .

  3pm Check-in

  4pm- Welcome Tea- Refreshments provided. Meet & Greet

  5pm- Dinner on your own

  5:30pm- Group campfire

  Sat Feb. 1st .

  8am- Breakfast on your own.

  9am- Local hike, pack a snack.

  3:30pm- Happy Hour- cocktail provided. BYOB is absolutely welcomed.

  4:45pm- Group dinner potluck. Dinner Theme: Italian Inspired.

  5:30pm- Group campfire, storytelling, stargazing.

  Sun Feb 2nd .

  8am- Breakfast on your own.

  9am to 11am- Break camp, pack up, see you at the next Great Outdoors event!

  12pm- Check out 

  
  

  

  Amenities: Cottonwood Campground offers potable water, restrooms with flush toilets, and trash and recycling bins.  Our group site feature shaded picnic tables and a fire ring.  There are no showers.  

  Parking: 10 vehicles.  

  RVs: Unfortunately, No RVs on this campout.    

  What to bring: Ten essentials, Tent, Camp chair, Sleeping bag with sleeping pad or air mattress, Air pump with extra batteries for air mattress, Pillow, Extra blanket, Day pack for hiking, camp stove, matches or lighter, propane fuel, flashlight with batteries, lantern with batteries, headlight with red light feature and batteries, external power bank and phone charger; cooking utensils, cold weather clothing (long underwear, jacket, sweater, long sleeve shirts, long pants, beanie, scarf), hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, toilet paper, toiletries kit, and hand sanitizer.

  Please bring your own plates, cups, mugs and eating utensils.  There is very little shade.  You may want to bring a pop shade withanchor.   

  Please BRING firewood for the group campfire.

  
  

  Climate:  January Avg. high 63, Avg. low 39.  Mornings, evenings and overnight can get cold.  Bring warm clothing and dress in layers.  Bring an extra blanket. Although JTNP is usually sunny, rain is unpredictable. Bring a rain coat if rain is forecasted.  Also, there is very little shade.  Wear sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and long sleeve shirts. 

  Fees:  Camping fee is $50 per individual.   

  If you are carpooling as a passenger the camping fee is $40.

  The park entrance fee is $30 per vehicle. The park entrance fee per vehicle is in addition to the camping fee.  A National Park Pass will waive the park entrance fee.

  Carpooling is encouraged to save money on fuel and the vehicle entrance fee.

  
  

  Above:  Joe, Lance and Rob welcome you to Joshua Tree National Park!

  Cancellation: Attendees may cancel with a refund, less $10 fee before Friday,  Jan, 17th , 2025. No refund for cancellations after 1/17/25.  Contact the Trip Leader, Michael if you need to cancel your registration before January 17 in order to receive the applicable refund.

  Food: Bring enough food and snacks for 2 days. I will provide refreshments at the Friday welcome tea and prepare a cocktail for attendees at the happy hour on Saturday. Group dinner potluck on Saturday night. Dinner theme: Italian Inspired.

  Registration- Driver: $50. Passenger: $40.

  Please Indicate who you are carpooling with.

  Pets: Pets are not allowed on hiking trails, in the back country or in park buildings.  LEASHED pets are allowed within 100 feet of roads, picnic areas, and campgrounds.  Please clean up after your pet.

  Past Photos from Cottonwood Campground

  
  

  Above:  Joe and Rob at the Cottonwood Group site for our Perseid Meteor Shower campout this past August.

  

  

  Above:  Juan is ready to for beddy bye time - again at Cottonwood Campsite during an OCLB Perseid Meteor Shower campout.

  
  

  
  

  Above:  Claudia and her baby get comfy while at Cottonwood Campsite!

  

  Questions?

  Contact trip leader: Michael M

  
  

  Email : BoardRep-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  Thank you for participating in the Great Outdoors club!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• SD - Yosemite National Park: Horsetail Fire Falls

  • Start
    Mon, February 10, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Fri, February 14, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Wawona Campground, Tuolumne Meadows, CA 95389
  • Spaces left
    6
  • Registered
    9 registrants

  Register

  Great Outdoors- San Diego

  Yosemite National Park: Horsetail Fire Falls Campout

  

  Join Great Outdoors for an amazing week at Yosemite National Park. During this time we will witness the natural phenomena of Yosemite's Horsetail Fire Falls! This trip will include stunning views of the Yosemite Valley, skiing/snowshoeing, the full moon, Horsetail Fire Falls, and more! The area is forested with a diverse mix of ponderosa pine, incense-cedar, white fir, and whiteleaf manzanita, which offers a pleasant combination of sun and shade. The gentle South Fork of the Merced River flows alongside the campground. 

  Campout Start Time and Location: 12 noon at the Wawona Campground 

  Campout Schedule:

  Monday Feb 10th

  12:00pm Arrive to set up camp for the week

  01:00pm Drive to Yosemite Valley for Fire Falls viewing

  02:00pm Set up viewing area

  05:15pm Fire Falls viewing (sunset), 3-4min event

  05:30pm Drive back to camp

  07:00pm Welcome social - drinks and light apps provided

  
  

  Tuesday Feb 11th

  08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

  09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

  01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

  05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

  07:00pm Group potluck

  07:30pm Bonfire 

  
  

  Wednesday Feb 12th

  08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

  09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

  01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

  05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

  07:00pm Bonfire or Full Moon snowshoe at Badger Pass to Mono Pass

  
  

  Thursday Feb 13th

  08:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

  09:00am Weather dependent: Morning hike/snow shoeing or skiing at Mariposa Grove

  01:00pm Leave for Yosemite Valley (optional, group depending)

  05:15pm Fire Falls viewing

  07:00pm Bonfire  or Full Moon at the Wawona Meadows

  
  

  Friday Feb 14th

  09:00am Breakfast on your own, coffee provided

  10:00am Breakdown camp

  11:00am Campout close

  Campout Type (car parking, group camp, hike-in): car parking, tent only

  Campground Details: The Wawaona campground in Yosemite National Park is a tent-only facility that can accommodate group gatherings. It provides a great mountain getaway for city dwellers to relax and enjoy snowy winter activities like snow shoeing in addition to hiking and gorgeous views of the Horsetail Fire Falls natural phenomena! The site is situated at the southern end of the park, 27 miles and approx. 45 minutes from Yosemite Valley at an elevation of 4000ft. Paved roads, parking spurs, flush toilets, and drinking water are available. A general store and gas station are located about a mile south of the campground

  https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232446?tab=info
  

  Campground challenges (temperatures, animals, allergens): food storage lockers provided, likelihood of 1.5-2ft of snow upon arrival for camp and daily highs of 30s-50 degrees. Bring extra layers and bedding for warmth. If able, bring fire wood for our much needed evening fires!

  Equipment Needed:

  • Multiseason/3-4 season tent preferred. Standard tent can be modified for use (tarp for waterproof layer and ground insulation layers. Note: If you are planning on using a standard tent please discuss with Trip Leader and do your research. Being prepared for cold wet or cold dry weather is critical to safety. It is recommended to have a tarp under your standard tent and an insulation layer within your tent in addition to your air mattress/pad. If rainy or snowy weather, an additional tarp may be used atop your tent (caution: this should not be when your tent is wet or your tent will freeze inside).  
  • Tire chains required during this time of year, snow shovel
  • Skiis/snow shoes, if preferred

  Parking Information: limit of 5 of vehicles permitted in camp. 2-3 additional parking spaces available for Loop A on a first come, first serve basis. Overflow parking available at Alder Creek Trailhead, Pioneer History Center, and at the Wawona Store. Note: With 5 parking spots, those driving and parking at camp will need to host at least 3 campers in their vehicle. Parking preference will be given to those who register early and have the ability to organize their carpool.

  Costs involved: $50 for members or $75 for nonmembers. Refunds will be on a case by case basis.

  Pets Permitted: No

  What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: In an effort to stay as green as possible please bring your own plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, napkins, paper towels, camp soap, etc. There are water spigots located in the camp or in nearby restrooms for washing dishes

  Who to Contact with Questions: Host, Tyler Roosden 651-497-1611

  *Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:

  1. Navigation

  2. Headlamp

  3. Sun Protection

  4. First Aid

  5. Knife

  6. Fire

  7. Shelter

  8. Extra food

  9. Extra water

  10. Extra clothes

  
  

  Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

  Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

  Show details
• PS - Camping - Salton Sea - Mecca Beach Campground

  • Start
    Thu, March 13, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, March 16, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Mecca Beach, Salton Sea, CA

  Register

  
  

  Come and experience the Salton Sea for yourself, and discover why it is one of the most extraordinary and fascinating places in California. It is a unique place with many hidden treasures and secrets that are not well known. It has been forgotten as a busy tourist attraction of bygone years. Today, we have an amazing place to visit and explore. The sunsets and sunrises are stunning and peaceful. You should take the opportunity to experience it before its receding water levels cause it to change and vanish.

  One of the world's largest inland seas and lowest spots on earth at -227 below sea level, Salton Sea was re-created in 1905 when high spring flooding on the Colorado River crashed the canal gates leading into the developing Imperial Valley. For the next 18 months the entire volume of the Colorado River rushed downward into the Salton Trough. By the time engineers were finally able to stop the breaching water in 1907, the Salton Sea had been born at 45 miles long and 20 miles wide – equaling about 130 miles of shoreline. Salton Sea State Recreation Area covers 14 miles of the northeastern shore. Campers, birdwatchers, photographers and hikers can enjoy the site's many recreation opportunities. View the Salton Sea Recreation Area Brochure here.

  We will be camping at the Mecca Beach campground at the Salton Sea Recreation Area (SRA). The meet and greet, potluck and other activities will take place there. March is an ideal time to visit with mild temperatures.  Mecca Beach Campground is remote.  The markets and activities are a 20+ minute drive from the campground.  This campground is 50 yards from the water. In recent years, most life in the Salton Sea has perished, so there is no more massive fish die-offs, which means there is no longer that potent scent.  In fact there is typically no smell coming from the sea at all.  The sea itself is awe-inspiring.  You should not swim in the water at Salton Sea, nor should you allow your dogs to drink the water.  It is heavily polluted with fertilizer chemicals from farm run-off.  

  

  Activities could include hiking a slot canyon in the Mecca Hills, a 4x4 excursion, or an easy hike to the Visitor Center to view exhibits and a video on the Salton Sea.  Other activities could be a road trip to Niland area sites, including Salvation Mountain and East Jesus in Slab City, Obsidian Butte, the mud pot volcanoes, and the Salton Sea Reclamation Project. Check the whiteboard for updated activities info.

  NOTE:  This event is limited to GO members.  When you register, you'll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 mins. If you are not a member yet, you can first join as a member online (click here) and then return here to register.

  Contact: Trip Leaders Robert Varga or Dale Solomon.

  *TENTATIVE Schedule of Events

  Thursday, March 13

  • 2pm - Check-in with Dale Solomon or John Simonsen, Robert Varga will sashay into camp close to 4pm. 

  • 5pm - Meet and Greet - wear your name tag - bring an hor’devour to share if you want @site 140. If the sky is clear, the sunset could be stunning!

  • 6pm - Dinner on your own, restaurants somewhat nearby

  • 7pm - Group campfire, @site 138, bring firewood

  Friday, March 14

  • 7am - Coffee by our BOMBASTIC BARISTA, Mike, @site 140, 

  • 8am – *The sensationally stupefying PANCAKE Breakfast! Come and enjoy  St. Patty's Day hotcakes and scrambled eggs, @site 140

  •  9am - *Hike - Bat Cave Buttes  - Maybe Wildflowers! 3 mi, 300'. Hike leaders needed!

  •  Noon - *Caravan to Salvation Mountain and Mud Volcanos (location?) approx. 4 hours round trip.

  •  6pm - St. Patrick’s Day Potluck Celebration: bring a main dish, appetizer, salad, or side dish to share and wear green!  @Site 140

  •  7pm - GOPS Raffle by Dale, tickets will be $5 each or 5 for $20.  You may only win once, so we can spread more joy to more members! @Site 140

  • 8:30pm - Group Campfire, @site 138, bring firewood

  Saturday, March 15

  • 7am - Coffee by our BOMBASTIC BARISTA, Mike & continental breakfast, @site 140
  • 9am - *Hike Mecca Hills Pyramid -Nat Bridge Loop 5.9 mi. 585'. Hike leaders needed
  •  1pm - *4x4 trip, route ideas welcome, 4x4 leader needed!
  •  6pm - Dinner on your own, or leftovers together, @Site 140
  •  7pm - Group campfire, @site 138, bring firewood

  Sunday March 16

  •  7am – Coffee by our BOMBASTIC BARISTA, Mike and breakfast leftovers, @site 140

  •  11am - Check-out 

  * Check campground whiteboard for activities updates 

  Refunds: Cancellation for a refund, minus a $10 service charge, must be received by February 28, 2025.

  Campsite Amenities:  The Mecca Beach campground has portable toilets and one free solar shower (Mecca Beach) or showers that take quarters (New Camp, 5 miles to the north, $1.00), picnic tables, fire rings, shared drinking water and paved parking stalls. There is a small store on Highway 111 and markets in Mecca.

  Amenities for Tent Campers: This is a good campground for tent campers. The campsites are huge, level ,and sandy with trees that provide shade.  Sites are shared with another tent or an RV.  Parking is also shared between the two campers. If you want to share the space with another tent or a specific camper, send the Trip Leader an email and we will try and arrange it. 

  There are only four powered sites.  They have 20, 30 & 50 amp service. If you tent camp at a powered site you may be able to share power with an RV.  Bring a long outdoor extension cord, an outdoor splitter and a 30 amp RV male to 15/20 amp female adapter plug to give you flexibility in sharing power with an RV. 

  Climate: Average for March: 83° / 49°    U.S.Climate Data. March can be windy, rainy, and/or cold overnight.  Check the weather forecasts before the campout, so that you can be prepared for the weekend's weather conditions. 

  Amenities For RVs:  
  

  • RV Electric Sites – The RV powered sites have 20, 30 & 50 amp service, and water service. The RV sites will be shared with a tent or another RV. Bring a water hose splitter and a 50 to 30 amp adapter. The RV electric sites have a sewer connection. At the end of the campout, RV's should be able to dump at the dump station located at New Camp which is included in your registration fee. If you registered for a non-electric RV site, fresh water is available at the dump site to fill your RV tank before arriving at your site at the Mecca Beach campground.
  • RV Non-Electric Sites are dry camping sites – no hookups. QUIET HOURS are from 10 pm to 6 am and generators may only be operated between 10 am and 8 pm. See New Camp below for dump site information.
  • Maximum motor home length at Mecca Beach is 35 feet,
  • There are only four electric sites at Mecca Beach. If you require electric power and water there are electric sites at New Camp and Visitor Center sites located one mile north of Mecca Beach; if you choose to reserve your own site, you can register here as D1 'reserved your own site'.

  Directions:   The campground is located 30 miles south of Indio on Highway 111. Located on the north shore of the Salton Sea, it is about a three hour drive from the Los Angeles or San Diego areas. From Los Angeles, take Interstate 10 east to Indio, take 86S exit then turn left at Avenue 66, then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance. From San Diego take Highway 78 east, then left (north) on Highway 86 . Turn right at Avenue 66 and then right onto Highway 111. Go south about 12 miles to the Salton Sea SRA Headquarters entrance. For a Google Map of our location - click here. 

  RV/Trailer Profile Information: We need information on your RV or pulled trailer in order to assign you a site you will fit into. Please enter or update your RV or Trailer information when you register.

  Pets: Dogs are allowed. Must be kept on 6' leash.  Please pick up after your pet and dispose of waste properly. Please be aware there are snakes, scorpions and coyotes at this location.  

  Health Problems/allergies:   Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event. 

  Show details
• SD - Campout - Agua Caliente Regional Park

  • Start
    Thu, March 13, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, March 16, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Agua Caliente County Park Campground, 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036
  • Spaces left
    3
  • Registered
    19 registrants

  Register

  Great Outdoors - San Diego

  Agua Caliente County Park

  March 13-16, 2025 - 3 Nights!

  

  

  Overview
  

  You're invited to join Great Outdoors San Diego (GOSD) for what's become our annual visit to Agua Caliente County Park to check out the wildflowers, which typically bloom there in early to mid-spring. Between the wildflowers, the amazing Agua Caliente campground (with showers and hot spring-fed pools), our not-to-be-missed nighttime search for scorpions by black light, the always-amazing Saturday night potluck, and a great group of campers, you won't want to miss this trip! If you are new to Great Outdoors, new to camping or maybe haven’t camped in a while, this is an excellent “starter” camping trip, given the excellent campground facilities and relative close proximity to urban San Diego.

  

  Our Campground
  

  Agua Caliente County Park is a 910 acre park with geothermally heated springs. The park is located just west of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in eastern San Diego County.

  Amenities at Agua Caliente include the soothing geothermal pools, coin-operated pay showers (50 cents in quarters per 4 minutes), flush toilets, potable water, shuffleboard and horseshoes, and a sun deck outside the pools for lounging. There is a small souvenir store nearby with very limited groceries, ice and firewood. The pools include an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor wading pool for children, and an indoor 102 °F therapeutic spa.

  Trip pricing is based upon the type of site you choose and whether you’ll be sharing a tent or RV. RV sites have water, electricity, picnic table and a fire ring. A dump station is located within the park. Some sites may not be completely level - we suggest bringing leveling blocks. Depending upon the RV site, tow vehicles may have to park in a nearby site.

  The campground is near many excellent hiking trails and other locations to view desert wildflowers.

  Cancellation and Refunds

  You may cancel your reservation and receive a full refund up to 2 weeks before the trip start date. For this trip, the final cancellation date is February 28, 2025. Refunds will not be available after that date or on any registrations made within those 2 weeks of a trip start date, unless we can fill your spot with another camper.

  Directions

  Please carpool if you can and fill your gas tank well before arriving at camp since the nearest gas stations are in Borrego Springs (30 miles), Julian (33 miles), or Ocotillo (27 miles).

  Address: 39555 Great Southern Overland Stage Route of 1849, Julian, CA 92036

  From Ramona through Julian: East on State Highway 78 to Scissors Crossing then south 22 miles on Highway S2 to the park entrance.

  From Interstate 8: East on Interstate 8 and exit at Ocotillo, then 26 miles north on Highway S2 to the park entrance.

  Extra Vehicles and Fees

  Depending on what time you arrive, you may be asked to pay the extra vehicle fee if the allotted campsite parking spaces have already been filled. Please pay the fee and ask for a receipt and GOSD will reimburse you for the parking fee. Park regulations impose a limit of two (2) cars per campsite. Any additional vehicles must park in the designated overflow parking areas.

  Schedule

  Thursday 3/13/25

  2 PM - Check in after 2 PM

  5 PM - “Happy hour” - Bring a snack to share and your favorite beverage. Some snacks and water will be provided. In order to cut down on waste, please also bring your own reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug - these will not be provided.

  Dinner - on your own

  7 PM - Group campfire (Sunset is 6:58 PM)

  11 PM - Total Lunar Eclipse 

  Friday 03/14/25

  9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems.

  3 PM - Time in the pools at camp

  6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided.

  7 PM - Campfire

  Saturday 03/15/25
  

  Breakfast - on your own

  9 AM - Depart for hike(s). (Bring a packed lunch.) The hike specifics will be determined as the trip gets closer and we have a better sense for where the best viewing will be. Other hike(s) or outings may also be offered depending on interest levels and degree of difficulty of hikes, i.e., easy, moderate, strenuous. Some possibilities include Mud Caves, Domelands and Wind Caves, Ghost Mountain, Cold Canyon or other regional gems.

  3 PM - Time in the pools at camp

  6 PM - Potluck Dinner - Bring a main dish, side, salad or dessert. In an effort to be more environmentally friendly, please bring your own reusable plate and utensils as one use disposable items will not be provided.

  7 PM - Campfire

  8 PM - Scorpion search by black light

  Sunday 03/16/25
  

  Breakfast - on your own

  9 AM - Time for another dip in the pools or a short hike - and packing and cleaning up the camp sites.

  12 PM - Check Out.

  Campground Rules and Regulations

  A complete listing of campground rules and regulations may be found here:

  http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2017_Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL.pdf

  Here are some of the more common rules:

  Pets - Are permitted if they are quiet, properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash not longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in cabins or on trails. There is a $1 per night fee for each pet, which is not included in your GOSD registration payment. It is payable upon check-in at the campground.

  Quiet Hours- 10 PM - 8 AM

  Campfires – Completely Extinguished by 11 PM

  Smoking- Is not allowed in Agua Caliente County Park.

  Alcohol - Alcoholic beverages are permitted provided the alcohol content does not exceed 20%.

  What to Bring

  Food
  Quarters for showers
  Camping/cooking gear
  Phone/camera charger
  Warm/cool weather clothing
  Potluck item for Saturday night
  Pool gear (towel, swimsuit and water shoes)
  Any prescription or other needed medications
  Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunblock, lip block)
  Soap and sponge for cleaning your reusable plate, utensils and cup/mug
  Your own reusable plate, utensils and mug/cup (No plates, utensils or cups will be provided)
  Camping chair
  

  One bundle of firewood (please no particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials, as these can release toxic gases when burned). The County Parks motto is buy it where you burn it and local firewood is generally available at the small general store near the campground’s entrance.

  Contact - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders:

  Matthew Schreiner (matthew.schreiner@mac.com)

  *Note on the 10 essentials - The 10 essentials are a collection or system of items that significantly increase your safety on any hike or outdoors trip. This is not an exhaustive list of anything you could ever need. You can visit the link included Here but one version of this list is as follows:
  1. Navigation
  2. Headlamp
  3. Sun Protection
  4. First Aid
  5. Knife
  6. Fire
  7. Shelter
  8. Extra food
  9. Extra water
  

  10. Extra clothes

  
  

  Great Outdoors San Diego EDI Statement

  Great Outdoors San Diego and our members enjoy the privilege of using the outdoors for recreation. We strive to include more of our community, especially those historically not included. Please encourage your friends, neighbors, and community members to come out and join us! If something is holding them back, please contact GOSD to explore accommodations including equipment available for lend or sponsorships for events.

  
  Cell Phone Service
  

  Is not available in the park, but can be found by driving a short distance from the campground.

  Health Problems/Allergies

  It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with a trip leader if you wish.

  For full Agua Caliente County Park information - View the Agua Caliente County Park brochure or map at the following links:

  http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/AguaCalienteBrochure.pdf

  http://www.sdparks.org/content/dam/sdparks/en/pdf/BrochuresMiscellaneous/2016%20Agua_Caliente_Campground_Handout_FINAL_9_13_16.pdf

  Show details
• PS- Camp - Mojave Preserve

  • Start
    Mon, March 24, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Thu, March 27, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM

  Register

  Mojave Preserve: Black Canyon Group Camp site

  
  

  
  

  Mojave Preserve is a remote and beautiful expanse of high desert. The Hole In The Wall area is at the end of a paved road and contains a visitor center (closed for renovations, but wi-fi should be available) a standard campground, a fire station, and our group camp site on a dirt road. Farther up the main dirt road is a more remote campground, and access to other road, the Mojave Road 4x4 trail, and other sections of the preserve. On the western side is a through road to Baker, lava tubes, the Kelso dunes, and a trail depot (also closed at this time).

  Black Canyon group site -- Our camp site is remote, quiet, and will afford dark skies for star gazing. The moon will have set every nite before sunset. Fires are allowed in the fire ring, bring firewood. There is water available and vault toilets, but no other amenities. There is a shade structure with picnic tables. If tenting interest is low, more RV spots will be opened up later in January, get on the waitlist.

  Map here. Note that the exit is Essex Road off I-40

  Check in time is 1:00pm, please don't arrive early; if you are early, you can hang out at the visitor center area, which across the paved road from our camp site road. Check out time on Thursday is noon.

  There is no cell service, wi-fi should be available at the visitor center. 2.5 miles from our camp is Hole In The Wall standard campground. It has traditional camp sites, without water or electricity. They have recently allowed reservations. Reservation site here

  Trip Leader: Joey Duhon mail and Clif Clue mail

  Mitchell Caverns is NOT open M-Th

  Sunrise 6:45 Sunset 7:00 DST

  To do: hike Rings Loop which is behind the visitor center is 1.5mi and has great geology and some fun easy climbing

  The Kelso Dunes can be climbed on a trail - strenuous be fun.

  Toward Baker is an off-road trail to the Lava Tube, which is a fun diversion.

  There are a variety of 4x4 options; beside the Mojave Road (which is extensive) there is a trail from Mid-Hills to Hole In The Wall. There are other options going west.

  
  

  Show details
• PS- Camp Amboy Crater- CANCELLED

  • Start
    Mon, March 31, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Thu, April 03, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• LA- Camping: Central Coast & Morro Bay

  • Start
    Wed, April 16, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, April 21, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Morro Bay State Park

  Register

          Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

   Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

  
  

  Join us as we explore the beautiful Morro Bay area, perhaps California's most scenic coastline, on a 6-day/5-night camping getaway!

  Our theme will be "Explore Nature's Beauty and Experience our Magnificent California Central Coast."

  Our excursions on this trip will include the expert leadership and guidance of Joe Holliday who is a former Professor of Geology and Earth Science, and a current international naturalist and guide for National Geographic Expeditions, GeoTours, and other travel organizations.
  

  Walk along empty sea cliffs with waves crashing on the rocks. Observe elephant seals, sea lions, and sea otters up close, and maybe gray whales at a distance. See spring wildflowers bloom on the green landscape of San Luis Obispo County. Hike up to a waterfall and see redwood trees along the Big Sur Coast. Discover the unique biology and geology from our trip leaders, and enjoy cooking, socializing and camp camaraderie. 

  Campsite Details:

  We have reserved the Premium Group Campsite #GCHO at Morro Bay State Park Campground, which is within walking distance of trails in the Morro Bay wetland, the Natural History Museum, and viewpoints overlooking Morro Bay. The group site allows tents only.

  We also have reserved RV spaces near to our group site and within easy walking distance. Maximum length of RV is 35 feet. These are standard sites without hookups. An RV sanitation station and water-fill station are also available. Firewood is for sale from the campground host and proceeds go to help the Central Coast State Parks Association.

  Campground amenities include flush toilets, hot showers (token operated), fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Morro Bay village is about two miles away, with grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other amenities.

  Day Activities:

  Activities will be located north and south of Morro Bay. Some planned hikes and walks are:

  • Morro Rock: walk from camp, to include stops at Morro Bay Museum of Natural History, Heron Rookery Natural Preserve, observing sea otters in the bay, and the MB Embarcadero
  • Montaña de Oro State Park: tide pools, walk Bluff Trail to sea cliffs to small coves
  • San Simeon Beach: Observe the only elephant seal colony on the US mainland
  • Overlook and small hikes at Ragged Point and Salmon Falls along the Big Sur Coast
  • Visit the southernmost redwood grove in California
  • Kayaking on Bay ?

  Campground Evening Activities:

  • Wednesday: Check-in after 2:00 pm. 5:00 pm: Welcome and Meet-n-Greet. 6:00 pm dinner (bring your own). 7:30 - 10 pm First night campfire.
  • Thursday: 6:00 pm: Dinner at camp followed by sunset walk at the bay. Bring-your-own dinner to dine and then walk to and watch the sunset over the bay, a short walk from our campsite to the bay. Sunset 7:38 pm.
  • Friday: 6:00 pm Traditional Great Outdoors Potluck. Hello Top Chefs and foodies! Everyone makes or brings a main or side dish to feed 5-6 people. Healthy, organic, plant-based dishes encouraged.
  • Saturday: 6:00 pm: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)  
  • Sunday: 5:00 pm: Happy Hour. Bring an appetizer and optional beverage (alcohol/non-alcohol) to share.  6 PM Dinner at a local restaurant in town.
  • Monday: Check-out by 12 noon.

  Every night: Campfire (Bring your camp chair, highlights of the day, jokes, games, musical instruments maybe/camp songs, etc.)

  Think eco-friendly. Everyone brings their own reusable plates, utensils, cups, napkins, etc. For the potluck, remember to bring your own serving dishes, bowls or platters with serving utensils. Be sure to pick up your dishes when you leave. Let's aim to minimize trash/ single-use disposables.  Thank you for pitching in to keep our camp clean.

  Registration, parking limits, carpooling:

  Parking at the group site lot is limited.  After the group campsite spaces are full,  parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars can park in the town of Morro Bay about 3/4 of a mile away.  Therefore, we encourage carpooling.  Besides, it also saves gas, reduces traffic congestion and pollution, and may earn you the respect and admiration of your peers.

  The remaining vehicles can unload their gear at the campsite, check for shuttle options, and  park off site as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth. 

  If you are interested in carpooling you might check out the website https://www.groupcarpool.com/.  You can list your car, or that you are looking for a ride while using the chat feature to plan, organize and leave messages. Please note though due to liability and insurance reasons Great Outdoors cannot organize carpools and hike/trip leaders cannot take an active role in making arrangements for participants' transportation.

  

  If the trip is sold out, please add yourself to the wait list.

  Getting there:

  Directions from Route 1: Exit at South Bay Rd (Baywood Park) off ramp, turn left, go about 1 mile, turn right into park, go about 1 mile (do not go up the uphill road on the right), turn right into campground, check in at entry booth.

  Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood. Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold, and sea breezes can be strong on the central California coast.

  Cancellation:

  Refund minus $10 service fee will be issued if cancelled by April 2. No refunds will be issued after this date. If you need to cancel, email both trip leaders directly, as soon as possible so we can notify the next person on the waitlist.

  Health issues/allergies: It is the responsibility of participants to carry on their person a record of significant allergies, medications and medical history in the event of a medical emergency. Discuss any medical concerns with the hike leader if you wish.

  Pet Policy: No dogs allowed on the beach.

  Contact:

  If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

  John Blasco: email click here, 562-981-4133 or Joe Holliday: email click here, 562-417-4742 

  Cliff C.: email click here or Scott C. email click here

  Additional information will be emailed to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  © 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., 
  a 501(c)(7) not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQIA+ and Allies organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved. Privacy policy

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - CAMPING - SANTA BARBARA AREA - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Fri, April 25, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, April 27, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    To be Determined
  • Spaces left

  

  This event is being planned by OCLB chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our OCLB Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PS- Camping - Dead Horse Ranch Save the date

  • Start
    Wed, May 07, 2025
  • End
    Sun, May 11, 2025
  • Location
    Cottonwood AZ

  
  

  Registration to open February 01,2025

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - Yosemite National Park 2025 in the Spring - Curry Village

  • Start
    Fri, May 09, 2025
  •  
    4:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, May 12, 2025
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • Location
    Yosemite Valley, Camp Curry
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  
  

  OCLB Annual Yosemite Trip!

  
  

  Heaven On Earth!

  
  

  Orange County/Long Beach

  goes to 

  Yosemite National Park

  
  

  Curry Village Canvas Tents
  

  May 9-12, 2025

  Need we say more?

   Yes we will! 

  Spring in Yosemite can't be beat!

  We will be heading to Yosemite at the BEST time to visit this illustrious National Park!  The weather will be amazing with the waterfalls at their most dynamic! Our lodging for the 3-night outing will be in Camp Curry, in unheated canvas tents.

  We have sold out for 3 years in a row (one year out of four was cancelled due to the major snow/landslide that closed Curry Village for a few months).

  Do NOT hesitate to book as soon as possible as we expect this event to be SOLD OUT again!

  If you would like to visit Yosemite in it's winter grandeur and the famous Horsetail Fire Fall - check out San Diego's Yosemite trip in February. 

  Link:  https://www.greatoutdoors.org/event-5969602

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Yosemite is one of the most popular National Parks in the country and we in southern California are very fortunate to have it so close. If you have never seen it then this Great Outdoors trip is a good opportunity for you to be introduced to this special place.

  If you have been there one or more times, then you’ll understand why many have made a Yosemite visit an annual event.  The grandeur and majesty of the park are so enriching that Yosemite can be experienced and enjoyed again and again.  The natural beauty of the park has inspired many for the last 150 years, but perhaps none more effusive than John Muir, who said of Yosemite, “It is by far the grandest of all the special temples of Nature I was ever permitted to enter.” Please join us in this temple of the great outdoors.

  
  

  The location of this trip will be Yosemite Valley.  Our accommodations are canvas tents in Camp Curry, a rustic but charming village near the east end of the valley.

  Arrival should be about 4:00 pm on Friday afternoon.

  For both Saturday and Sunday, there will be optional hikes each day to choose from - one will be strenuous, the other will be easy.  Or simply visit the galleries, stores, bike ride, museums and/or stroll in the valley floor!

  

   On Monday morning we must check out of the cabins by 11:00 am. 

  More details will be announced as we finalize registration.

  Canvas Tents:

  We have secured four canvas tents for our group.  

  Each tent has 3 single beds and a double.  We can max out at 5 people per tent.  We are hoping to get a couple or friends (with benefits or without benefits) to share the double bed.  This way we can max out each tent with 5 people so that we can get as many as possible to experience Yosemite for this excursion.

  Typically women have no problems sharing a tent with guys; however if we have enough women for this trip - we will need a minimum of 4 women (preferable 5 to max out capacity); the women can have their own canvas tent.

  If you want to be in the same tent with another member please note that on the registration.

  If you prefer sharing a double cot with someone please note that on the registration and who the person is so we match you with the correct person.

  If you have a LOUD snoring issue, you should consider not attending so that others will not be affected by the noise.  This is close sleeping quarters.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  Driving & Directions:

  We will review carpooling options once registration is finalized both to save the environment and save on fuel costs.  We usually stop in Fresno for lunch prior to heading into Yosemite. (Chipotle stop in the below photo).

  
  

  What else?
  

  Cooking facilities/campfire rings are not available in Curry Village. However, there are several dining options near our cabins.  

  
  

  Such as Pizza & Beer, Cafeteria (with Vegan options!) and of course burgers & fries too. A general store is also open for purchasing food items and other material goods. You may bring snack food and drinks, but all food and scented items must be stored in the bear-proof storage locker in front of the cabin. This includes all food, food related items, toiletries, sundries and ice chests. Bears have a strong sense of smell and are attracted to anything they think will lead them to human food. Remember not to store these items in your vehicle or  canvas tent . It is recommended to use sealed plastic containers for storing your food inside the bear boxes. This makes it easier to keep your food organized, and away from campground critters.

  And of course, there is the option of having some fine dining at the Awahnee!

  
  

  Showers, sinks and flush toilets are all available to participants.

  Be sure to remember a flashlight or headlamp to find your way around Camp Curry at night. In addition, a sleeping bag (recommended), an extra blanket or a honey bunny may help keep you warm at night.  Other things to bring:

  •Warm outer gear appropriate for snow and/or rain or Shorts and T-shirts for warm days

  •Layered under gear (long underwear, etc.)

  •Hat, gloves, scarf, etc.

  •Sunglasses, sun block (for your face), lip balm 

  •Sturdy hiking shoes 

  
  

  Weather: Average temperatures in May in the Yosemite Valley range from the high 40s/low 50s (night time) to the low-mid 70s during the day. Conditions may vary between sun, clouds, rain, or snow. Be prepared for anything. Expect the unexpected!  

  The trip leader will inform you of the weather conditions a couple days before our arrival but you may also want to keep abreast of them by using the Yosemite National Park website. (Click here.)

  
  

  Price: 

  $210 for Great Outdoors members for the 4 days/3 nights event.  Come early on Friday to enjoy the park and/or stay late on Monday to enjoy the pack!  We will check into our canvas tents at 4 PM on Friday.

  This is a members only event, thus an annual membership ($25) must be purchased prior to signing up for this event.

  If you have a LOUD snoring issue, you should consider not attending so that others will not be affected by the noise.  This is close sleeping quarters.

  Cancellations will be authorized up to 21 days prior to start day of event IF a replacement can be found; a $20 cancellation fee will be charged.

  Trip Leader: Lance Whitmier

  
  

  
  

  Lance states:  Yosemite mesmerized me the very first time I visited the Park in the 90's.  I always brag about the majestic beauty of Yosemite along with it's grandeur and power.  I claim that Yosemite is indeed "my Heaven on Earth" and I can't wait to share the experience with you!"  For those visiting Yosemite for the first time - be prepared to experience a bit of heaven and the surreal!

  Lance can be contacted at:

  President-OCLB@greatoutdoors.org

  
  

  Photos: Previous OCLB Yosemite Treks

  P.S.  We have a great, fun time! Join us!

  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  

  

  Show details
• LA - Camping: Wheeler Gorge Campground

  • Start
    Thu, May 15, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, May 18, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Wheeler Gorge Campground-Ojai
  • Registered
    20 registrants

  Register

  Wheeler Gorge

  Shady Creekside Camping Near the quaint town of Ojai

  Start: Thursday, May 15, 2025

  End: Sunday, May 18, 2025

  Location: Wheeler Gorge Campground, 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA 93023

  Camp Leader: Russell Hammerl, VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org
  

  Camp next to Matilija Creek, under a verdant canopy of native sycamore, oak, bay, and ash trees in a shaded canyon. Listen to the peaceful sounds of the stream. The area has endless options for hiking. Many attractions are in and around Ojai including restaurants and shops. It’s going to be fabulous!

  Please note the gate to the campsite is locked at 10:00 PM. These are nonelectric sites, vault restrooms. You will need to bring all of your own water for the weekend.

  
  

  Thursday, May 15

  • 2:00 PM Check in, set up camp
  • 5:00 PM 1.5 mile riparian nature trail.
  • 6:00 PM Meet and greet, bring an appetizer to share
  • 7:00 PM Dinner is on your own
  • 7:30 PM Group Campfire

  Friday, May 16

  • 10:00 AM Hike on Matilija Creek 7.5 miles. Bring a swimsuit or wear it under your hiking pants as there are swimming holes carved from thousands of years of erosion into the granite rock. We will be driving to the trailhead from the campsite. Bring: lunch, sun protection, plenty of water, hiking shoes and pole, 10 essentials.
  • 6:00 PM Traditional potluck, prepare enough for 5-6 servings and bring your own plates and utensils.
  • 7:30 PM Group Campfire, bring some firewood to share

  Saturday, May 17

  • 10:00 AM Coffee in Ojai and wait for those renting bikes. If not going on the bike ride options could be exploring Ojai, having lunch, visiting Bart’s Books, etc. There is also a nature center across the road from the campground that might be worth taking a look.
  • 10:30 AM Bike ride to Ventura, 30 miles round trip, if you choose to go that far. Ride a beautiful 8ft wide path designated for bikes and walking without being adjacent to cars. The route parallels the Ventura River and is tree lined. A middle stripe divides the path. There are fences when adjacent to equestrian trails. There is a slight downhill grade which is deceiving for the effort to return so we will monitor our time and possibly break into slower and faster groups. Bike and electric bike rentals are available in Ojai. Rental is on your own and needs to be done in advance.
  • 6:00 PM Dinner is on your own or at a restaurant in Ojai
  • 7:30 PM Group Campfire

  Sunday, May 19

  • 12:00 PM Clean campground and Check out by noon.
  • 12:30 PM Don’t rush off because we are going for lunch at Paddy's Bar & Lounge, the best gay bar in Ventura County.
  • 1:30 PM Explore the super cute Main Street and walk to Ventura Beach for a swim and a walk on the pier.

  Prices:

  This camping trip is for GO members only*.  If you are not yet a member please join the GO chapter of your choice before registering for this trip. 

  • RVs Contact Russell because we only have a few sites that can accommodate RVs over 20 ft. first person – $120.00 (3 RVs Max). There is no dump station or potable water at the campground. Please bring your own drinking water. RVs less than 20' can park in a tent site and pay tent site fee. 
  • Each additional RV passenger - $30.00
  • Tent Camping first person - $50.00 There will be two tents per site. (12 Tents max.)
  • Tent each additional person – $30.00 Must arrive in the same vehicle as first person and be in the same tent.
  • Free if arriving by train and camping (6 max). We might be able to pick you up in Ventura, but you must register.
  • *Free if staying in Ojai and coming to hang out with us during the day only but please register here and park on the road outside of the campground. Day visitors do not need to be a member of GO. 
  • There is a possibility of arriving on Wednesday. Inform trip leader by May 1, 2025. There will be an additional fee.

  Refunds: Cancel by May 1, 2025 for a refund (minus $10 service fee). Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

  Pets: Dogs are allowed and must be kept on a leash at all times and picked up after.

  What to Bring: Camping/cooking gear, 10 essential items, food, warm/cool weather clothing, appetizer for Thursday night, potluck item for Friday night and firewood for group fire. Firewood is for sale at the campground (buy it where you burn it policy). Consider going green and bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, and eating utensils.

  

  
  

  Show details
• LA - Camping: Forest Falls, Campout- Save The Date

  • Start
    Fri, May 30, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, June 01, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • Location
    Forest Falls, San Bernardino County, California

  
  

  

  
  

  This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

  Note:  Registration for this event will initially be limited to paid members of Great Outdoors. Paid members get "first crack" at our events. If you'd like to become a member to register for this campout - click here - and then return to this page.

  
  

  © 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.  Privacy policy

  Show details
• OCLB - Pinnacles National Park Campout

  • Start
    Fri, June 13, 2025
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, June 16, 2025
  •  
    11:00 AM
  • Location
    Pinnacles National Park, CA, Group Site 121G
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Great Outdoors

  Orange County-Long Beach

  presents a return to:

  
  

  Pinnacles National Park!

  Friday June 13 - Monday June 16, 2025

  Paicines, CA (about 5 1/2 hours from OC)

  

  
  

  Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park.  What remains is a unique landscape.  Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms.  Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.

  Details

  We have reserved Group Site G121.  This Group Site only allow tents.  

  Sorry but there are no spaces for RVs.

  Cost is $55 per person for the 4 days/3 nights campout.  

  Registration is by credit card only.

   There is also a $35 per vehicle National Park Service Entry Fee, good for 7 days, and payable at the kiosk.  And as you know the Annual National Parks 'America the Beautiful' Pass or Lifetime Senior Pass will also work for entrance into the Park.

   Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Coin-operated showers are available as is a general store.

  Don't know what to expect from Pinnacles National Park?  Click on this link for an outstanding short video as an introduction to this majestic site.  This will get you excited about visiting Pinnacles National Park.

  
  

  
  

  Registration:

  This campout is limited by the number of vehicles allowed for the group sites. If the registration looks sold out when you register, please add yourself to the wait list. Based on the number of vehicles from other registrants and their member guests, you may still be added to the trip in the order added to the wait list if we can fit you in.  

  We are hoping that members will consider carpooling so that more members will be able to attend this campout since the attendance is limited by the number of vehicles for the camp site.  Preferably we would like each driver to take 2-3 passengers so that more people can attend.

   If you are interested in providing riding space for other registrants or looking for a ride, please contact the Trip Leader.  

  The first 5 drivers registered will be able to park in the group site; all other drivers will park in the overflow parking area.

  Registration Fee is $55 per person.

  This event is limited to GO members.  When you register, you'll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes.  If you are not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event.

  
  

  Things to do

  Activities will be based on weather, so there will be no set schedule. Some ideas are:

  • Hiking:  There will be hikes (easy, moderate and strenuous) planned for each day (Saturday & Sunday).  These hikes are optional.
  • Explore the Park on your own.
  • Relax to your hearts content; there is a swimming pool!
  • Attend the Visitors Center.
  • Additional emails will be sent to registrants with more details as the trip nears.
    
  • Dogs are allowed on a leash in the campground but NOT allowed on the hiking trails.  Be considerate to your puppy!

  

  
  

  Campground Activities:

  • We'll have a Meet-n-Greet on Friday evening at about 4 pm.  
  • Great Outdoors on Saturday morning will provide a continental breakfast. Fruit turnovers, other pastry delights and orange Juice will be provided.  Any leftovers will also be available Sunday/Monday.
  • Great Outdoors on Saturday evening will provide Hot Dogs (Roast that wiener- if fires are approved - vegan & non-vegan) and chips; pot luck welcomed for an evening meal. 
  • All meals except the Saturday morning continental breakfast and Saturday night's Hot Dog Extravaganza are the responsibility of each attendee; however, we will provide a communal mealtime for all meals if interested.
  • As usual, BYOB.
  • 
    

  Getting there:

  Carpooling is highly recommended to help reduce gas consumption, parking costs, and the entrance fee.  As mentioned before, attendance is limited to the number of vehicles registered.  We will be offering a caravan of cars departing Friday morning if you are interested - details to follow.

  Additional emails will be sent to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

  Cancellation:
  

  Full refunds will be issued minus a $15 processing fee if cancelled by May 2oth. Sorry but no refunds will be issued if cancelled after that date.  

  Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.

  
  

  Ten Essentials:

  Bring your 10 essentials, your camping & cooking gear, food, and a bundle or two of firewood.

  Dress in layers since the mornings can start cold with the day warming quickly and cooling just as quickly as the sun goes down.  The previous visit to Pinnacles which was late March, it was cold at night (30's), and highs of 50-60; hence we are going in June so it will be a lot warmer during the day.

  Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat would be a good idea too.  

  Temperatures in June can range from 40's-50's (early morning) to the 80's (afternoon) - depending on the weather conditions.  It will be HOT! in the afternoon.

  We have been having some funky weather in the past few years, yes Muriel there is such a thing as climate change - so be prepared for the expected and the unexpected!

  Additional emails will be sent to registrants with more details as the trip nears.

  Trip Leader:  Lance Whitmier @ Pinnacles

  
  

  If you have any questions, please reach out to us at:

  President-OCLB@greatoutdoors.org

  Photos from  a previous OCLB trip to Pinnacles:

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  

  We pass the place where James Dean crashed, and of course there is a homage to him (photo below) and we always seem to find a Chipotle to have a meal either on our way or coming from our camping trip.  Yummy!

  
  

  
  

  Come Join Us!  You'll have a great time!

  
  

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• PS- Guagome County Park Campout- Save The Date

  • Start
    Sun, June 15, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Wed, June 18, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Oceanside

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• OCLB - CAMPING - LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Fri, July 11, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Tue, July 15, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    LASSEN VOLCANIC NATIONAL PARK
  • Spaces left

  

  This event is being planned by OCLB chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our OCLB Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PS- Camping - Save The Date -Sweetwater Park SD Pride

  • Start
    Thu, July 17, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, July 21, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Sweetwater Regional Park Bonita Ca

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - BACKPACKING - BEGINNERS BACKPACK TRIP - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Fri, July 18, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, July 21, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    EASTERN SIERRAS
  • Spaces left

  

  This event is being planned by OCLB chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our OCLB Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - CAMPING - PERSEID METEOR SHOWES AT JOSHUA TREE - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Sun, August 10, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, August 11, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK COTTONWOOD GROUP SITE
  • Spaces left

  

  This event is being planned by OCLB chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our OCLB Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PS- Camping - Barton Flats - Plus Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, August 14, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, August 18, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Barton Flats San Bernardino NF

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OCLB - CAMPING - SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK - Save the Date!

  • Start
    Fri, August 22, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, August 25, 2025
  •  
    5:00 PM
  • Location
    SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK
  • Spaces left

  

  This event is being planned by OCLB chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our OCLB Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-OCLB@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• LA - Camping: Carpenteria State Beach Campout- Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, September 11, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, September 14, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Carpenteria State Beach, Carpenteria, CA

  

  
  

  This event is being planned by Russell Hammerl  LA Chapter. For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our LA Chapter VPO - via email:  VPO-LA@greatoutdoors.org

  
  

  Note:  Registration for this event will initially be limited to paid members of Great Outdoors. Paid members get "first crack" at our events. If you'd like to become a member to register for this campout - click here - and then return to this page.

  
  

  © 1981 - 2024 CALIFORNIA GREAT OUTDOORS, INC., a 501(c)7 not-for-profit, all-volunteer LGBTQA+ organization dedicated to the enjoyment of the outdoors. All rights reserved.  Privacy policy

  Show details
• PS-Camp - Old Shady Rest Mammoth - Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, September 18, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Thu, September 25, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Bishop

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• PS- Camping - Death Valley 4x4 - Plus Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, November 13, 2025
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, November 17, 2025
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Death Valley National Park

  

  This event is being planned by Palm Springs Chapter.d For more information about this trip:

  • Please check back here for updates; or
  • Please contact our PS Chapter VPO - via email: VPO-PS@GreatOutdoors.org

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details