Duplicate from 2018 April event
Great Outdoors Palm Springs is headed for the hills near San Diego. Sweetwater Summit Regional Park (SSRP) is nestled in acres of stream side vegetation, grassland, and open areas that provide a variety of habitats for hikers to enjoy. We plan to do some great hikes. But that's not the only thing here. We will be camping just a few miles from San Diego and are planning to explore the wonderful Zoo, park and water front there. With the zoo located in a canyon, it is a great hiking spot, and you get to see the best display of animals in the world. We are also planning to share a beach bonfire with the GO San Diego Chapter.
Balboa park has a wonderfully diverse collection of museums including a model railroad museum, an Air and Space Museum and a photographic arts museum.
On the waterfront, we can visit the USS Midway, and explore one of the best collections of historic sailing vessels anywhere.
We can accommodate up to 5 RVs and 5 tents in a single circle of the campground. The park is located at 3218 Summit Meadow Road, Bonita, CA 91902. Map Directions & GPS 32°40'53.0"N 116°59'52.6"W
Prices: Costs are per person. $60.00 in a tent; $70.00 in an RV. If you book your own accommodations the cost is $15.00. If you are only going to join us for our day activities, the cost is $5.00 (this does not include your park entrance fee if your accommodations are outside the park). Prices are for paid GO Members. See Note 1 below if you are not currently a GO Member. See Note 2 below for site assignments.
Because park cancellation penalties are high, we have reserved only a few shared campsites, but more are likely available. We have filled our six sites (115, 119, 120, 121, 123 & 138). We are not taking any further RV site reservations or wait lists for RV sites. Feel free to book your own site near one of ours. If you wish to make you own Sweetwater site reservations, you can do so at: www.reservations.sdparks.org. The rate will be $137 for four nights. Each site can accommodate 1 RV & 1 tent or 2 tents.
If a registration category is full, please put you name on the wait list, and it is very likely we can add another site.
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, April 4
Noon - Check-in at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park
4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
6:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet. Drawing for two half price tickets to Zoo. Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - Group campfire (firewood will be provided)
Thursday, April 5
10:00 am – Visit San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park** 
Noon – Lunch on your own*
1:00 am – Continue to explore the Zoo
5:00 pm - Return to camp for Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - Beach Campfire with San Diego Great Outdoors
Friday, April 6
9:30 am – Hike in the hills near SSRP
1:00 pm – Visit and explore the museums (your choice) in Balboa park***
6:00 pm – Dinner on your own
7:00 pm - Group Campfire (firewood will be provided)
Saturday, April 7
10:30 am – Visit the USS Midway or San Diego Maritime Museum
1:00 pm – Lunch at Fish Market (or Lunch on your own)
2:00 pm – Continue to explore the waterfront or museums, USS Midway and San Diego Maritime Museum****
6:00 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
7:00 pm – Group Campfire (firewood will be provided)
Sunday, April 8
9:30 am – Optional early morning hike near SSRP*
11:00 am - Check-out time
* Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
** A one-day pass to the San Diego Zoo is $54.00. This price will be collected at the Ticket Office at the Zoo. We are giving away 2 half-price tickets to the zoo during tea time.
*** There are many museums in the park including a model railroad museum, the Fleet Science Center, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA), the Air and Space Museum, and the Automotive Museum. Each has their own ticket prices, or you can purchase daily or multi-day museum passes.
**** The cost to tour the USS Midway is $23.00 for adults and $20.00 for seniors (Purchase them online and save $2.00 per ticket) The SD Maritime Museum costs $18.00 for adults and $13.00 for seniors.
Amenities: Restrooms have electricity, flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking stalls. We are sharing sites with tents/RVs. Tents will have access to a 20 amp electric service, so feel free to bring an electric blanket or heater if you like (bring an extension cord).
Amenities For RVs: This is full hookup camping event with 50 amp service.
WiFi: Excellent Verizon 4G cell service" is available at the campground.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, and a potluck item for Saturday night. Bring cash for any planned ticket purchases. Do not bring your own firewood! It is included in the fees.
We recommend you read our suggested 10 essential items to bring - click here.
Climate: March-April: 50-70 degrees. Rain is not likely but be prepared.
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund minus service fee of $5.00 must be received by March 3, 2017. After April 1: Refund less $25. Please notify one of our Trip Leaders listed below.
Payments: Although a PayPal screen will appear requesting payment via PayPal, you can scroll down on that screen and pay with a credit card without needing a PayPal account.
Trip Leaders: Byron at blpostma@gmail.com or Ritch at ritch.barron@gmail.com
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 and scorpions at this location. There is a Pet fee of $1 per night - Pay the park directly upon your arrival.
Note 1: You must be a paid member of one of the Great Outdoor (GO) Chapters to register for this event. If not currently a member, you will have an opportunity to sign up for a $25 annual membership. You can also join by clicking here. Other GO Chapter members who are not registered on the GOPS website should contact our Webmaster (click here) who will verify your membership and then add you to our website, so you can register for this event without paying for another membership.
Note 2: You will be sent further instructions (via email) as to which campsite you are assigned to, payment of extra vehicle fees (which are included in your registration fee), any event schedule changes, etc.
Sweetwater Regional Park website here
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 the hike leader if you wish.
