Upcoming & Past PS Chapter Camping Trips

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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. 

  Directions:  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.

  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 

  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

  Sunday

  • 1:00 pm - arrival
  • 6:00 PM Meet & Greet Site #xxx
  • 7:30 pm campfire

  Monday

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

  ** As generator hours start at 8:00 am, every effort possible will be made to have coffee available at 7:30 am, depending on availability of power at the campground.

  Tuesday

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

  Wednesday

  •  7:30 am ~ Coffee and muffins  
  •  9:00 am Drive and hike to the northern side of the park to Arch Canyon (1.1/85') and Bull Pasture Loop Trail (2.6/479); bring lunch.
  •  6:00 pm - Dinner will be provided by the club
  • 7:30 pm campfire (?) 

  Thursday -

  • 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.

  
  

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• 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 include hiking a slot canyon in the Mecca Hills, a 4x4 excursion, an easy hike to the Visitor Center to view exhibits and a video on the Salton Sea, and 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 here and Dale Solomon here

  *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 Mike, @site 140, 

  • 8am – *The sensationally stupefying PANCAKE Breakfast! Come and enjoy 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!  A special dessert will be supplied by our local proliferator of pastries, Beth!  @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 Mike and 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 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, 2023.

  Campsite Amenities:  The Mecca Beach campground has portable toilets and one free solar hot 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 some shade.  Sites are shared with another tent or an RV at the Mecca Beach campground. 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 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. 

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• PS- Camp Amboy Crater- Save The Date

  • 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• 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

          Los Angeles and Palm Springs Chapters Present

   Central Coast and Morro Bay Camping

  REGISTRATION will open January 1, 2025

  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."

  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: To be determined (possibly campfire weenie roast)
  • Saturday: 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.
  • 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:

  This campout is limited by the number of vehicles allowed at the group sites. Our group site (35 persons max) comes with 15 parking spaces. After the 15 spaces are full, during the day parking is available on the street outside of the campground, and at night extra cars will have to 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.

  We will assign the first 15 parking spots at the group site in the order people register. The remaining vehicles will need to park outside as noted. It may be helpful to ask each other to help shuttle folks back/forth.

  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

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

  
  

  
  

  

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  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

  
  

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• 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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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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• 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• 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

  
  

  
  

  
  

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