Idyllwild Summer Getaway
Experience the cool, star‑filled mountain nights beneath a canopy of conifers at Idyllwild Regional Park. This mid‑week summer escape offers a peaceful, uncrowded campground surrounded by towering pines, granite outcrops, and lush mountain vegetation.
Enjoy three nights of camping, hiking, and exploring the charming village of Idyllwild—home to unique shops, local art, and inviting restaurants. Whether you’re relaxing under the trees, hitting the trails, or wandering through town, this trip blends mountain serenity with easy access to amenities.
Sunday, July 12
Monday, July 13
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 13
*Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Amenities: Restrooms have flush toilets and hot showers that take quarters. Campsites have picnic tables, fire rings (although wood fires may not be allowed due to fire restrictions), and drinking water. The town of Idyllwild is 1/2 mile away with shops and restaurants.
Amenities For Tents: The sites are fairly flat and with intermittent shade. Tents and RV's will be in same area and may share site. Restroom and showers are located uphill of the campsites.
Amenities For RVs: There are no services for RVs. Fill your water tank prior to arrival. This is dry camping. Generators may be operated between 7 am and 10 pm.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camp chair, nametag, daypack for hiking, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, quarters for showers. Bring a dish to share at the potluck dinner. There are water spigots located in the camp.
Consider going green! - Please bring your own reusable plates, cups, mugs, eating utensils, etc.
Fire Restrictions: Propane fire pits are allowed with proper clearance of 10 ft from trees, brush and other ignitable material. NO wood or charcoal fires allowed.
Directions: 54000 County Playground Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549. Map - Click Here.
Climate: Ave High 80 Ave Low 47 Weather forecast click here
Sunrise 5:47 AM - Sunset 7:58 PM
Nearby Hikes:
4x4 Trails Near Idyllwild
Pets: Pets are welcomed. $2 per day pet fee payable upon arrival may apply. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Photos: Click Here
Payment: This event is limited to GO members. When you register, you'll need to be logged-in, have your credit card (MC, VISA, Discover or Amex.) ready and pay within 15 mins.
Prices are based upon you being a GO paid member. If not currently a GO member, you can complete a membership application ($25 for 1 yr.) prior to registration. Each person attending must complete a separate registration. You can click here for membership application.
Refunds: Cancellation must be received by July 1 to qualify for a refund, minus a $10 administrative fee. To cancel your registration, please contact the trip leader directly.
Contact: Trip Leaders: John N. and Scott C.
Health Problems/allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the event leader that may affect your ability to participate in this event.
Led Len Burkhart and Camp Host KJ Archer
Thursday, July 30 – Tuesday, August 4
This multiday tent camping and urban exploration trip is centered around Vancouver Pride, so don't forget your passport, with camping based in Point Roberts, Washington. Come adventure with us and explore coastal marine wildlife, botanic gardens, possible whale sightings, and Vancouver Pride in British Columbia Canada!
Campout Start Time and Location: Thursday, July 30 – Tuesday, August 4
Campout Type (car parking, group camp, hike-in): Group site
Campground Details: Lighthouse Marine Park Campground is one of the best places in the country to view Orcas from land! Peak orca viewing season is mid-July to mid-September so we'll be at a perfect time to hopefully catch a glimpse from near camp.
Campground challenges (temperatures, animals, allergens): Travel to and from the campground including possible international portions if arriving via the Vancouver airport are the responsibility of attendees. No GO representative will be coordinating travel.
Equipment Needed: Camping and Pride gear. Camping gear is the responsibility of the attendee to transport. If you would like to ship gear ahead of time please reach out to discuss options.
Parking Information: On site
Costs involved: $120 first tent camper, $35 second/third tent camper, $15 day tripper
Cancellation and Refund Policy: A cancellation fee of $5 or 5% of your cost, whichever his higher, will apply to any cancellations after registering. Full refunds less that fee will be issued until June 15th due to the international nature of the trip and the extra planning required
Pets Permitted: Not allowed
What to Bring in Addition to the 10 Essentials*: Pride!
Who to Contact with Questions: Trip leader Len Burkhart at [email protected] or Camp Host KJ Archer at [email protected]
THURSDAY, JULY 30 – ARRIVAL & CAMP SETUP
FRIDAY, JULY 31 – BEACHES & GARDENS
SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 – VANCOUVER PRIDE
MONDAY, AUGUST 3 – NATURE & CITY
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4 – DEPARTURE
*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.
Escape to the Cool Mountain Forest Under the Stars
Join us for a peaceful midweek getaway at 6,500 feet, where the night sky sparkles above a quiet conifer forest. Nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, this serene campground offers a refreshing break from the summer heat and the crowds.
Spend three relaxing nights surrounded by towering pines, fresh mountain air, and the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy nearby Jenks Lake, hike along the scenic Santa Ana River, or explore further adventures with Big Bear Lake just 25 miles away.
Whether you’re looking to hike, unwind, or simply take in the starlit sky, this is the perfect mountain escape.
Thursday, August 13
Friday, Aug. 14
Saturday, Aug. 15
7:00 am - Coffee and pastries
Hike* or 4x4 trip
Sunday, Aug. 16
Amenities and Notes:
Notes/conditions for RVs: This is a dry camping. Fresh water spigots available throughout camp and at the dump station. The dump site is located nearby ($10 fee). Generators may be operated between 7 am and 10 pm. Maximum site size is 35 feet. Maximum of 2 vehicles per site. RV with tow vehicle attached upon arrival counts as 1 vehicle. If tow vehicle is not attached upon arrival, occupant is responsible for extra parking fees $8 per day. Your tow vehicle must fit on your site with all tires on the pavement.
What to Bring: Ten Essentials, camp chair, daypack for hiking, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool weather clothing, some cash, and your name tag. Bring your senior Golden Age Park pass if you have one.
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.
Location/Directions: Latitude 34.171955, Longitude -116.875098
Distance is approx. 70 miles from Palm Springs via Interstate10.
From I-10 take SR-38 North. From the Mill Creek Ranger Station. The campground is approximately 20 miles to the entrance. Turn left into the campground. From the Big Bear Discovery Center take SR-38 towards Redlands for 25.8 miles and turn right into the campground. Google Map
Hazard Warning!! - Dangerous intersection at entrance to camp from Highway 38 - limited visibility. Use extra caution when exiting the camp back on to the highway.
Nearby Trails:
Website: San Bernardino National Forest.
Climate: Ave Temps: 77° / 44° Current Weather click here
Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet.
Photos: click here
Contact Leaders:
Health Problems/Allergies: Discuss any medical concerns with the trip leader that may affect your ability to complete the event.
Ready for an Unforgettable Escape? Come join your GO friends to Southern Utah! -Updated ticket costs-
Tired of the daily grind? Then it’s time to trade traffic for towering trees and spreadsheets for starry skies! Join your Great Outdoors friends on a five-day, four-night camping adventure in the breathtaking landscapes of Southern Utah!
We’ll be setting up camp at Duck Creek Campground, a peaceful hideaway nestled in the Dixie National Forest near Cedar City—just 450 miles east of LA. You’ll be surrounded by groves of aspen and Douglas fir, with ancient ponderosa pines (some over 500 years old!) standing tall all around you.
There are hiking trails right from camp,Duck Creek Pond and Navajo lake nearby if you feel like casting a line, renting a boat or just kicking back. One day, we’ll hit the trails at Cedar Breaks National Monument—a jaw-dropping natural amphitheater—on a scenic hike along the South Rim Trail (note: there’s a $15–$25 fee per vehicle to enter). We’ll also explore the Mammoth Lava Caves, a wild formation from Utah’s volcanic past.
And if that’s not enough? Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks are just about an hour away. If you forget something or need supplies, Duck Creek Village is just down the road with shops, firewood, and a few local eats.
So….Let’s get outside, breathe in that mountain air, and make some memories!
Details:
We have reserved campsites 087,089, 090(Loop D)
We are allowed one vehicle per site, however there is overflow parking which is about ¼ mile away at the visitor’s center. We may be able to park a few more vehicles at the campsite but that will be figured out when you get there. There is a fee for overflow vehicles in camp which the driver will be reimbursed.
Sorry because of the limited space, this is tent camping only.
There are no showers so bring your solar shower, however, Pine Wood resorts, which is in Duck Creek Village,offer showers if availability permits, $10/person.
Campground amenities include flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables and potable water.
Make sure to bring firewood and buy it locally as they are discouraging firewood brought in from outside the area due to exotic pest infestation.
For more info about duck Creek Campground go to:
Duck Creek, Dixie National Forest - Recreation.gov
Registration $85 for driver, $70 for Passenger, tent camping only
Registration by credit card only
Each camp site is allowed one vehicle per site, (we probably can squeeze a few more in) but overflow parking is available at the visitor’s center, and carpooling is highly encouraged to limit the number of vehicles. Let the trip leader know if you have room to share in your vehicle.
Itinerary:
Wednesday Aug. 19th: Arrival AFTER 2pm. Meet and Greet tea and other yummies! Feel free to share your favorite finger food and/or beverage if you so desire, GO will be providing drinks and snacks as well. BYOB. Dinner on your own. Campfire gathering
Thursday Aug. 20th: Breakfast on your own. Explore local trails around the area, TBD at the site. Lunch on your own, more exploring, Potluck dinner! Prepare your favorite dish for 4 to 6 people. Campfire gathering
Friday Aug 21th:Breakfast on your own then drive to Cedar Breaks National Monument (carpooling to be figured out) Pack a lunch. Taking the5-mile South Rim trail which offers spectacular views, a moderately strenuous hike but well worth it! Have plenty of water, comfortable hiking shoes and sunscreen! Dinner at a nearby restaurant. (Paesano’s Pizzeria or Aunt Sues Chalet) Return for our Campfire gathering.
Saturday Aug 22th:Breakfast on your own, visit Navajo Lake, maybe rent a boat or walk around the lake, more exploring TBD. Have lunch in Duck Creek Village. Dinner on your own, relax, take in the beauty, campfire gathering.
Sunday Aug 13th: Our last day! Breakfast on your own, pack up and head out and prepare for your next GO adventure!
Note: This itinerary is subject to change as weather, moods and circumstances permit!
Refund Policy: Cancel on or before August 10th you will receive a refund minus a $10 processing fee. Sorry but no refunds will be issued after that date.
Contact the trip leader if you need to cancel.
This event is limited to GO members only. When you register, you’ll need to have your credit card ready and pay your registration fee within 15 minutes. If you’re not a member, you can first join as a member online and then return to register for the event. We’d love to have you join!!
Dogs are allowed if they are on a leash.
Weather this time of year is usually pleasantly warm and breezy (low 80’s high 70’s) Very slight chance of rain but it has been known that an occasional thunderstorm can pass through now and again, so be prepared!
Bring your 10 essentials, camping and cooking gear, food and a bundle or two or three of firewood. (We can always go down the road to buy more)
Sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat and comfortable hiking shoes highly recommended!
Additional e-mails will be sent out with more details, changes and other pertinent info as the date of the trip nears.
Your Trip Leader, Brian Miller: Duck Creek, UT (circa 1963) [email protected]
Join us for a relaxing getaway to one of California's most spectacular coastal campgrounds!
Nestled along the rugged shoreline about an hour west of Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a rare opportunity to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Central Coast. Early September is one of the best times to visit. The summer crowds have begun to thin, while the days remain warm and sunny with cool, comfortable evenings perfect for gathering around a campfire. Wake up to the sound of crashing waves, take a leisurely stroll along miles of sandy beach, search for shells and driftwood, or simply sit back and watch pelicans, dolphins, and perhaps even migrating whales offshore.
No visit to Jalama is complete without trying the legendary Jalama Burger at the campground's beachfront store and grill—a favorite among campers and day visitors alike. The camp store also carries groceries, camping essentials, ice, firewood, and other necessities, making it easy to settle in and enjoy your stay. Evenings are magical at Jalama. As the sun sinks into the Pacific, the sky often explodes into brilliant shades of orange, pink, and purple before giving way to a canopy of stars rarely seen from the city. It's the perfect setting for happy hour, shared meals, campfire stories, and great conversation with your Great Outdoor friends old and new. Whether you're looking for peaceful solitude, outdoor adventure, or simply a weekend of good company in an unforgettable setting, Jalama Beach is the perfect destination. Pack your camping gear, bring your favorite beach chair, and come enjoy one of California's hidden coastal treasures with us!
Cost: $100 for drivers or $80 for passengers.
Campout start time: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026 -check-in 3 pm, check-out Mon. Sept. 7, 11:00 AM. Duration: 4 nights, 5 days.
Location: Jalama State Beach, 9999 Jalama Rd, Lompoc, CA 93436.
Star Fish Group Site.
Special Note: Jalama Beach is about 20 miles South of Vandenberg Space Force Base (VSFB), which is where most, if not all west coast rocket launches take place. (90% SpaceX) There is the possibility one could launch during our camp out! -Its averaging 3/month! You can refer to rocket launch schedule times and what actions we may need to take at this link:
Vandenberg SFB - Space Launch Schedule
Thursday, Sept. 3
Friday, Sept. 4
Saturday, Sept. 5
Sunday, Sept. 6
The groups site includes (4) picnic tables, (1) prep table, (2) 30-amp RV pedestals -25 yards from the restrooms. Hot showers and flush toilets are nearby.
We are limited to only 8 vehicles with no overflow parking. Each 'tent first person' registration includes parking for 1 vehicle, the second or third person etc. registered with you must arrive in same vehicle. Due to the parking limit, because of this limitation, sorry no RV's.
You must be a paid GO member to register. If you are not a GO member, visit our Join page, click here, and sign up as a member and then return here to register for this event.
Refund Policy: Full refund if cancellation is prior to 20 days (August 14) before the event. 50% refund 10 days (August 24) No refund after that.
Any questions contact trip Leaders:
Justin or Brian
Beach Camping Under Sycamore Trees
Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon Campground
Located in the far western Santa Monica Mountains, this park features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, wide grassy valleys and a shaded campground filled with Sycamore trees. Camping below the bluffs provides additional shade in the afternoon. It is a beautiful spot, a short walk to the beach and many options for hiking. Bike riders will love Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, transversing the Santa Monica Mountains.
Directions: Google Map
Tent and RV sites:
Parking:
Sycamore Cove, Mugu Beach, and La Jolla Canyon parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.
Sycamore Canyon campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.
Click here for carpool opportunities.
Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles may be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle.
Day use and overflow parking is available at the following rates:
All day – $12.00 per car, per day
3 hrs – $9.00 per car
2 hrs – $6.00 per car
1 hr – $3.00 per car
Point Mugu SP spans from the western
limits of Malibu and into Ventura County.
Schedule of Events:
Thurs, Sep 24
Fri, Sep 25
Sat, Sep 26
Sun, Sep 27
*-Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.
Climate: 73/57 degrees. View weather forecast: Click here
Amenities: Showers - The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills, and you will receive 2 tokens for a dollar. Change for larger bills is not available.
Pictured is one of our reserved campsites, all of which are shaded by the sycamore trees.
What to Bring: The Ten Essentials, Meet and Greet item, Potluck item, and other considerations:
Pets: Pets are welcomed but must be kept on leash in campground and day-use areas. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on park trails.
Carpool Sign-Up: Carpool Sign-Up Site
Photo Album: Click here to add your photos
WhatsApp Group Chat: click here to join the WhatsApp Group for this campout
Campground Info: General Info & How to Book Private Site
Trip Leader Contact: John Butta, [email protected], Russell Hammerl
Refunds: Cancellation for a refund must be received by August 15; a $20 cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations after August 15 will receive no refund. All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader. Please let the trip leader know whether you prefer to receive your refund via PayPal or Zelle. You will need to provide the email address associated with the means you choose.
Lake Lopez - Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival The Arroyo Grande Harvest Festival is a local favorite event that features everything from entertainment to food, scarecrow and baking contests, games for the kids, movie night, and so much more! This family-friendly event highlights the best of Arroyo Grande and its neighboring communities. When: Sept 24 - 27, 2026 @ TBD *Registration is not open yet at this time. More info to follow...*
*** SAVE THE DATE ***
Hello GO!
Please make sure that you mark your calendars for the 48th All Chapter Conference and Campout Hosted by GO-SBVC
Dates Friday, October 16 thru Sunday, October 18, 2026 Location TBA
Palomar Mountain State Park
Friday through Sunday November 6-8, 2026 for 2 Nights!
Who says you have to book a flight to Mammoth just to see fall colors? Less than ninety minutes from San Diego, Palomar Mountain State Park serves as a lush, dramatic, floating oasis. Thanks to a moody unique microclimate that regularly traps coastal mist and heavy mountain fogs, this alpine island thrives in conditions far wetter and cooler than the dry valleys below. Wandering through its deep, shaded canyons, you’ll encounter magnificent stands of white fir, incense cedar, and massive pines—a majestic sanctuary with a rugged, high-altitude character that is giving total High Sierra energy. It’s a stunning, mist-shrouded escape where classic, crisp autumn magic is incredibly close to home.
To all those New England transplants swearing SoCal only has two seasons, take a hike! Under an autumn canopy, that is. Early November brings a spectacular transformation to Palomar Mountain's higher elevations. Sheltered among the deep green conifers, the native California black oaks (Quercus kelloggii) reach their peak peak color right around this time, erupting into brilliant crowns of vivid gold, copper, and warm orange.
Tired of getting fished on the apps? Time to head up the mountain and do it right. Kept perfectly chilled by the high altitude and regularly stocked with rainbow trout, Doane Pond is the ultimate spot to cast a line this weekend. Whether you're actually trying to reel something in or just looking to enjoy a quiet morning surrounded by gorgeous autumn leaves, the views here are a total catch.
Cost:
Amenities: flush toilets, showers, potable water, picnic tables, fire ring/grill
Location: Cedar Grove Group Campground, Campsite #3
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kQ3SDnbSKUFYBM7c7?g_st=ic
Contact/Questions - If you have any questions not addressed by the information above or on our registration page, please feel free to contact the trip leaders: Tyler or Tavo at 619.240.6087
Schedule
Friday 11/6/2026
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM 5 PM - Meet and Greet; dinner on your own
2 PM - Check in after 2 PM
5 PM - Meet and Greet; dinner on your own
Breakfast - on your own 10 AM - 3-mile hike Scott’s Cabin & Boucher Hill loop (800’/800’; moderate) 2 PM - Grub Time! Carne asada (Bring your own beverage!)* *Note: The plan is to make micheladas (michelada mix). Bring your favorite beverage/NA beer or sparkling water! 5 PM - Campfire
Breakfast - on your own
10 AM - 3-mile hike Scott’s Cabin & Boucher Hill loop (800’/800’; moderate)
2 PM - Grub Time! Carne asada (Bring your own beverage!)*
*Note: The plan is to make micheladas (michelada mix). Bring your favorite beverage/NA beer or sparkling water!
5 PM - Campfire
Sunday 11/8/2026
Breakfast - on your own 12 PM - Pack up & Depart
12 PM - Pack up & Depart
