Upcoming & Past PS Chapter Camping Trips

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• PS - Hurkey Creek Campground

  • Start
    Thu, May 09, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Sun, May 12, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    56375 CA Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
  • Registered
    54 registrants

  Register

  

   Hikes, cowboy breakfast, group dinners, Bingo, raffle, and more. Dale has some great prizes for the raffle and bingo! New this year: Pontoon Boat ride on Lake Hemet! SOLD OUT. SEND EMAIL TO TRIP LEADER TO JOIN WAIT LIST FOR BOAT RIDE. Plenty of camp spots available.

  The Great Outdoors Palm Springs (GOPS) is giving back! This is a low cost, member appreciation campout. We'll be staying in a group site where both tents and RVs are welcome. The weekend will include one complimentary dinner and a hot breakfasts and continental breakfast.

  Hurkey Creek Campground is located in the San Jacinto Mountains (4,500') near the town of Mountain Center and Idyllwild. Our large group camp site is nestled in a grove of pine trees and offers a wide range of nearby opportunities, including beautiful scenery, a group fire pit, hiking, 4x4 trail ride and group activities. Just 9 miles away, the mountain town of Idyllwild offers the chance to shop, dine or visit the picturesque town’s museum. If it’s water you like, Lake Hemet is nearby. Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.

  Meals: We are providing a complimentary meal on Saturday night:¹ hot dogs with veggie option, buns, baked beans, potato salad, green salad, chips, desserts and bottled water. Enjoy a cowboy hot breakfasts on Friday and a continental breakfast on Saturday mornings prepared by Chef Robert. A potluck dinner for Friday night. Bring a dish to share.

  GOING GREEN!  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 the nearby restroom for washing dishes.

  Schedule Of Events

  Thursday, May 9

  • 2 pm - Check-in at gate (your name will be on a list)
  • Before dinner - Relax and enjoy. Check white board for any activities
  • 6 pm - Meet and Greet. Bring appetizer to share. Bring your favorite beverage
  • 8 pm - Group campfire activities*

  Friday, May 10

  • 7 am - Coffee time
  • 8 am -  Complimentary hot breakfast
  • 9:30 am - Hike * Hurkey Creek trail to waterfall approx. 3 miles
  • 1:30 pm - Check white board* 
  • 6 pm  POTLUCK Dinner bring a dish to share
  • 7 pm - Group Campfire activities - bingo and popcorn 

  Saturday, May 11

  • 7 am - Coffee time
  • 8 am -  Complimentary continental breakfast
  • 9:30 am - Hike*
  • 9:00 am - Meet at marina - Pontoon Boat Ride Lake Hemet 2 hrs. (9:30-11:30)  Extra charge and preregistration required
  • 11:00 am - Meet at marina  Pontoon Boat Ride Lake Hemet 2 hrs. (11:30-12:30). Extra charge and preregistration required
  • 2:00 pm - 4x4 drive Thomas Mt. or Idyllwild shops*
  • 6 pm - Complimentary dinner¹
  • 7 pm - Group campfire activities - check whiteboard*
  • 7:15 pm - Raffle- great prizes!

  Sunday, May 12

  • 7 am - Continental breakfast
  • 8 am - relax and enjoy. Check white board for any activities*
  • 1 pm - Clean up our campground area. Check out. Safe travels home.

  Nearby Attractions:

  • Boat ride Lake Hemet Saturday $25 extra charge
  • Hike PCT N74 4.3 440' Info  or PCT-South_74S 5.4 700' Info 
  • Hike K Flat to waterfall from Apple Canyon Rd
  • Hike Gold Hill Jacks Shack 4.9 735' Info 
  • Hike Cedar Spring 5.3_ 1400'  Info
  • Hike Forbes-Morris Ranch  3.3  Info
  • Hike Lake Hemet Dam
  • Hike Hurkey Creek trail 3.3  370'  Info 
  • Hike Pines to Palms upper section 4 mi Info  
  • Thomas Mt. 4x4 16 mi   Info
  • Santa RosaTruckTrail - Toro Peak 25 mi RT Info
  • Idyllwild shops and restaurants
  • Biking Hurkey Creek excellent for bicycling. In addition to extensive paved roads within the park, there’s also a specially designated paved hiking/walking path. Adjacent to the park’s Highway 74 entrance is the paved Apple Canyon Road which is an excellent lightly-traveled eBike gradual climb leading to the  Zen Center.

  Price: $45 for 3 nights for GO members. If not a GO member, you may join for $25 for a one (1) year membership. You can click here to join. Cancellation: A refund of $25 available if you notify trip leader of cancelation by May 5.

  Campsite Amenities: We will be in group camp B which has restrooms  with flush toilets, running water and hot showers that take quarters, picnic tables, fire rings, water and level campground spots for your tent or RV. There is a small store near Lake Hemet  with limited supplies. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Additional park rules click here. Park brochure: click here

  Amenities For RVs:  This is a dry camping event. There are no hookups. Fresh water spigots are available around the campsite. Camp area is level throughout our site. Generators are allowed 6 AM – 10 PM (but please be considerate of the tent persons sleeping near you).There is a dump site, for a fee, located at  Lake Hemet campground.

  What to Bring:  Name tag, camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, cash for raffle, warm/cool weather clothing, one bundle of firewood per person. Please do not bring particle board, old furniture, plywood or construction materials.  Firewood is for sale at nearby Lake Hemet and maybe at the campground. We recommend you read our suggested Ten Essentials.

  Directions: The Hurkey Creek Campground is located at 56375 CA Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561, 4 miles SE of Mountain Center off of CA-74. Map click here. There are 3 approaches available: Hwy 74 from Palm Desert, Hwy 243 from Banning, and Hwy 74 from Hemet.

  Climate & Elevation - Average Temps: High 74, Low 51, 4500'  Weather forecast click here

  Your hosts:

  Head Chef: -Robert Varga

  Sous chefs on deck:

  • -Martin Colucci
  • -José G
  • -Peter Edmond- Worline
  • -John Simonsen 
  • Sous chefs on the bench:
  • -Mike Keller
  • -Ken Bell

  Contact Trip Leader:  Scott Connelly email click here and Dale Solomon

  Photos: To see some photos from prior trips to Hurkey Creek - click here

  Pets: Pets are welcomed - leashed, controlled, picked up after. $2 per dog, per day - pay upon entry if requested. 

  Refunds: Cancellation for a full refund minus service fee of $10.00 must be received by May 01, 2024. No refunds for boat ride..
  

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

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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• PS - Guajome Park in Oceanside, CA Campout

  • Start
    Sun, June 16, 2024
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Wed, June 19, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Guajome Regional Park, Oceanside, CA
  • Registered
    33 registrants

  Register

  Guajome Regional Park offers full hookup sites water, electric 20/30/50 amps, sewer hookups, paved driveways, fire rings, and tables. Coin-operated, hot showers, restrooms with flush toilets, and a waste water dump station. One tent and one RV (< or = 45ft.) or two tents will share each each site.  Both inhabitants will have access to the water and electricity. There is plenty of overflow parking for extra vehicles.

  The park is at an elevation of 130 ft. above sea level. Afternoon ocean breezes keep the park pleasant year-round.

  

  Guajome Regional Park is great for bicycling enthusiasts. It has numerous paved roadways within the park suitable for bicycling. There is also an excellent 10 mile bike only path from just outside the park into the Oceanside beachfront. At the beachfront, The trail merges with the oceanfront road leading to many shops and restaurants. 

  There are 3.5 miles of well-maintained hiking trails that meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands, and mixed grasslands. There are eight named trails, including a short self guided nature trail, and a couple of unnamed trails.

  The park is close to other historical points of interest such as the Rancho Guajome Adobe, designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1970 and the San Luis Rey Mission, one of the twenty-one California missions, which was founded in 1798.

  There is a bicycle trailhead just outside of the park that extends through nearby Oceanside, all the way to the coast. The city of Oceanside itself offers beaches, a pier and harbor, shopping, and restaurants.  Black's Beach is a 45 minute drive down the I-5.

  Park brochure - click here.

  Tentative Schedule of Events

  Sunday, June 16

  • 2pm - Check-in @ site #10 (please don't arrive early, they are strict about this)
  • 6pm - Meet n’ Greet @ Site #10: BYOB, bring Hor'devours to share, if you want
  • 7pm - Dinner on your own, many many restaurants nearby
  • 8pm - Group campfire @ Site #10 (bring firewood)

  Monday, June 17

  • 7am - Coffee and Continental Breakfast @ Site #10 (volunteer coffee Tsar wanted)
  • 9am - *Bike ride on paved biking trail to the ocean, and back.  Transportation will be provided for those who cannot or do not want to ride back.
  • 1pm: *Sun and fun at the beach!  There are several beaches to choose from, suggestions welcome.  Parking will come with a fee, so carpool is encouraged.  Local Beaches
  • 6pm - Potluck @ Site #10 (bring a dish to share)
  • 8pm - Group campfire @ site #10 (bring firewood)

  Tuesday, June 18

  • 7am - Coffee and continental breakfast @ Site #10 (volunteer coffee Tsar wanted) 
  • 9am - *Hike the local nature trails in the park and explore the marshes/lake, how about a volleyball game or game of horseshoes?
  • 11am - *Carpool to Del Rey Mission, 15-minute drive, there is an admission fee you will have to pay. Alternative activity: suggestions welcome, See whiteboard
  • 2pm - *Wine aficionados, there are two vineyards in the area: Carruth Cellars and Coomber Craft Wines, tasting room reservations required
  • 6pm - Dinner on our own, or leftovers dinner together @ Site #10
  • 8pm - Group campfire @ Site #10 (bring firewood)

  Wednesday, June 19

  • 7am - Coffee and continental breakfast leftovers (volunteer coffee Tsar wanted)
  • 9am - pack up and clean up, say our tearful goodbyes, lots of hugging encouraged! 
  • 12pm - Check out
    

  *All activities are subject to change, check campout whiteboard for updates.

  Contact Trip Leader: Robert Varga - via email to rvarga0@icloud.com or text (760) 641-9112.
  
  Prices:  Prices listed are per person.  Each person going must complete a separate registration. We do this so each registrant acknowledges our liability waiver condition.

  Registration: Enter the license number of your primary vehicle and a tow vehicle. This will speed the check in process at the gate.

  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 (click here) and then return here to register.

  Refunds:  Cancellation for a refund, minus $10, will be allowed only if there is a waitlist and must be received by June 4th.  All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader (see email above). 

  What to Bring:  Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood per person and the Ten Essentials. 

  Directions:  Guajome Regional Park Campground, 3000 Guajome Lake Road, Oceanside, CA 92057.  Google map directions - click here.

  From Coachella Valley:  Take I-10W to I-215S to I-15, exit onto Highway 76, turn right on SR-76 and head west. Turn left onto Guajome Lake Road.  The campground entrance will be on the right.

  Climate: Average temperatures - high 75,  low 65. View weather forecast - click here. 

  Pets: Are permitted if they are properly restrained and under the control of the owner. Dogs must be licensed, restrained on a leash no longer than six feet, and attended at all times. Please pick up after your pet.   $1/night for each pet; you would pay upon arrival.

  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 - Sweetwater Regional Park & SD Pride - Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, July 18, 2024
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Mon, July 22, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    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- Barton Flats Campout -Save The Date

  • Start
    Thu, August 15, 2024
  • End
    Sun, August 18, 2024
  • Location
    Barton Flats Angelus Oak

  

  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/CORP - Save The Date - 46th All Chapter Campout and Conference

  • When
    Fri, October 18, 2024

  

  This event is being planned by the Los Angeles 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

  
  

  
  

  © 1981 - 2022 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
  

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• PS - Death Valley 4x4 Plus - Save the Dates

  • Start
    Fri, November 01, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • End
    Tue, November 05, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Death Valley Stovepipe Wells

  SAVE THE DATES

  RV Camping is at Stove Pipe Wells. Each RV site has full hookups.  Stove Pipe Wells Village has a general store, restaurant, and gas station. The village/RV site is about 28 miles from Furnace Creek. 

  Attention 4 X 4's and Hikers!!!Tour Death Valley's Backcountry in November 2024. We have reserved 10 RV sites at Stovepipe Wells in Death Valley.  The dates are Friday, Nov 1 thru Tuesday, Nov 5.  (4 nights/5days).  Tour the backcountry in November Additional information to come.  Save the dates. If you are planning to stay in the hotel, contact them directly:  Stovepipe Wells Village.  760-786-7060
  

  
  

  TRIP LEADERS CLIFF CLUE email 

  Itinerary ~ (subject to weather and road conditions)

  Friday

  • 12:00 pm Check in at Stove Pipe Wells Campground. Meet & greet at 6:00 pm

  Saturday

  • 7: 00 am ~ Coffee and continental breakfast
  • 
    

  Sunday

  • 7: 00 am ~ Coffee and continental breakfast
    
  • 
    

  Monday

  • 7: 00 am ~ Coffee and continental breakfast
    
  • 8:45 am ~ Meet for 4X4 trip ~ 

  Tuesday

  • 12:00 pm

  For each of the day trips, make certain you have gassed up the night before. Bring lunch and water for each day trip.

  Travel Options

  Break up the travel time by spending a night either on the way  and /or on the return trip home at Tecopa Hot Springs and Campground.  Refer to the website below to make your OWN reservations. 

  https://www.tecopahotspringscampground.com/d-section-campsites/

  Additional items to bring

  • 2-way radio: baofeng uv-5r, available on Amazon.com
  • Reliable 4 WD Vehicle with 2 Speed Transfer Case, tires rated for off road travel
  • Fire extinguisher

   Lodging Options

  Tent sites at Stove Pipe Wells Campground, Operated by the National Park Service. First Come First Serve. $12.00 per night

  https://www.nps.gov/deva/planyourvisit/stovepipe-wells-campground.htm

  Best sites in the back near the sand dunes

  Lodging ~ Stove Pipe Wells Lodge

  • https://deathvalleyhotels.com/our-hotel/

  Stovepipe Wells NPS campground click here for photos and information

  Tent Area

  Special COVID Related Requirements: This event requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated.

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

  
  

  
  

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• PS- Dos Picos County Park Campout- Save The Date

  • Start
    Sun, November 24, 2024
  •  
    2:00 PM
  • End
    Wed, November 27, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Ramona, 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 Bicycle Camping Notes for various camps

  • When
    Tue, December 31, 2024
  • Location
    Various camps

  Reference Notes for Trip Leaders

  For Information only to use in trip notes

  BICYCLE CAMPING NOTES

  _____________________________________

  WILLIAM HEISE REGIONAL PARK, SAN DIEGO COUNTY

  Ample bicycling opportunities exist in this regional park located a half-dozen miles from the unincorporated Julian community (famous for its pies). It includes more than 12 miles of multi-use non-motorized trails. Situated 4,200 feet above sea level in a forest of pines and oaks along the northern extremity of the Cuyamaca Mountain Range.  The day-use and camping park spans over 1,000 acres. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  BORREGO SPRINGS CAMPING

  An active bicycling community exists in the Borrego Springs community. Smack in the middle of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, and unpretentious, the town of Borrego Springs, population 3,429. is the only California town that is completely surrounded by a state park. It’s also an official International Dark Sky Community—the first and only one in California—dedicated to protecting the night sky from light pollution

  The downtown area has a passel of ice cream shops, restaurants, and lodgings, but the local art scene evokes the most community pride. First, there are the supersize prehistoric and fantastical beasts that both line area roads and are  sometimes seemingly dropped randomly in the middle of nowhere, far from any road or foot traffic. The meticulously crafted metal creatures, rust-colored and featuring such details as curling eyelashes and “fur” of shaved iron, are the work of metal sculptor Ricardo Breceda. Visitors to Borrego Springs who would like to camp have it especially good—you are allowed to camp for free anywhere in the surrounding Anza-Borrego State Park.

  The lightly traveled roads, including the 9 mile route from town to park, are all Bicycle friendly. Expect to encounter bicycling families and riding groups on the excellently maintained paths.  Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  HURKEY CREEK HIGHWAY 74 CAMPING 

  Last year Hurkey Creek proved excellent for bicycling. In addition to extensive paved roads within the park, there’s also a specially designated paved hiking/walking path.

  Adjacent to the park’s Highway 74 entrance is the paved Apple Canyon Road which is an excellent lightly-traveled eBike gradual climb leading to the  Zen Center. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  GUAJOME REGIONAL PARK, OCEANSIDE, SAN DIEGO COUNTY 

  Guajome Regional Park Camping Is recommended for bicycling. It has numerous paved roadways within the park suitable for bicycling. There is also an excellent 10 mile bike path from the park into Oceanside. The trail there merges with the waterfront road leading to many shops and restaurants. And the area adjacent to the park includes signed bikeways. The bike paths and routes are all considered good quality and recommended..

  Guajome Regional Park’s brochure states there are approximately 3.5 miles of well-maintained trails that meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands, and mixed grasslands. There are eight named trails, including a short self guided nature trail, and a couple of unnamed trails. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  SWEETWATER RESERVOIR SAN DIEGO AREA

  Bicycles are recommended for the several shared roads provide ample opportunity for cycling exercise.

  The park entrance is adjacent to the county’s Bonita and Chula Vista communities and the multitude of excellent bicycle paths within the greater San Diego city communities. The San Diego area is nationally recognized as one of the premier bicycling areas. The county website has an entire information section that includes bicycling maps, interactive route planning guides, and much more. The 10 mile outing to the distant waterfront and oceanside are all on available bike paths. Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  IDYLLWILD REGIONAL COUNTY PARK CAMPING

  This Riverside County Idyllwild regional camping park has a single entrance/exit road devoid of vehicle traffic. It provides bicyclists a route into the adjacent unincorporated Idyllwild downtown community. Restaurants, shopping options and tourist attractions exist.  The area’s hilly terrain limits other bicycle opportunities. State Highway 256 runs through the town and bicycle road-warrior use of the two-lane road is not uncommon. 

  Camping trip bicycle use is recommended.

  _____________________________________

  MECCA CAMPING

  Fronting on heavily traveled, and sometimes dangerous State Highway 111, this Salton Sea area state park is rather small with no bicycle paths. Without bicycle options it is NOT recommended. Camping bicycle use is NOT recommended. 

  Above information provide by member Bond Shands

  Possible custom registration options:

  • Will you be bringing a bicycle?
  • Would you be interested in a group bicycle ride?

  
  

  
  

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• PS- Camping - Dead Horse Ranch Save the date

  • Start
    Wed, May 07, 2025
  • End
    Mon, May 12, 2025
  • Location
    Cottonwood AZ

  

  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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