You may filter the Palm Springs Chapter event selections by clicking on one of these links:
     Hikes - Camping Trips - BackpackingTraining - Misc. EventsSocial Events - 
Game Nights Meetings - All Events

To see all the events by the other GO Chapters, click on one of these links:
     
Hikes - Camping - Backpacking - Training - Misc. Events Social Events -  Game/Movie Nights -  Meetings - All Events

Upcoming & Past PS Chapter Camping Trips

    • Sat, April 06, 2024
    • 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
    • Palm Springs, CA
    Register

    Do you enjoy off-grid camping? Want to do so with other Great Outdoors members? Come to the meeting and we'll open a dialog. Bring a camp chair, and your ideas of where to camp.  The park location (Palm Springs) will be sent to registrants in the reminder email sent just before the meeting. Some starter ideas/free and less-structured areas: Toro Peak (summer), East Flats (Barton Flats area), Blair Valley (S2 in Anza-Borrego), various yellow-post sites; nominal charge: Mountain Palm Springs (S2 in Anza-Borrego), etc. Other options include ad-hoc camping on BLM lands.

    Discussion Leader: Joey Duhon email click here.

    We look forward to seeing you there.  


    • Tue, April 09, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Fri, April 12, 2024
    • 11:00 AM
    • Cottonwood Campground, Joshua Tree NP, CA
    Register

    Springtime in the desert is the perfect time to visit.  Our camp is located at the south end of Joshua Tree National Park at an elevation of 3,000 feet. Unparalleled views of the Colorado Desert with wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky. A variety of nearby hiking and touring activities and cooler temperatures at the higher elevation. The southern section of the park is often overlooked and less visited. It provides a more remote experience and offers a variety of sites to explore.

    The weather is warming up in April so join us for a campout at Cottonwood Campground in Joshua Tree NP!  Come explore Joshua Tree!  There will be hikes, 4x4 excursions, potluck dinner and other fun stuff! Join us!

    Tents will set up in three large group sites. RVs will park a short distance just up the hill in individual sites in Loop A. RV owners will need to enter their vehicle dimension information when registering so we can better assign the RV sites. There are water spigots in the campgrounds, flush toilets, but no power or showers. There is a fee to enter Joshua Tree National Park, so if you have a senior or veteran pass, bring it with you! 

    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.

    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.

    Contact Trip Leaders: John Niedzwiedz email  or Pat Miyamoto email

    Nearby attractions and hikes:

    • Pinto Basin Sand Dunes and the 'Car Wash'
    • Sylvia Wash
    • Sunset hike from site A13 to the boulders on the ridge
    • Morton’s Mill
    • Mastodon Peak
    • Ruby Lee mill site and well
    • Lost Palms Oasis
    • Travel into the main part of the park to Hidden Valley, Keys View, Skull Rock, Twin Tanks, Split Rock, Live Oak, Cholla Cactus Garden
    • Tour WWII desert training camp and General Patton Museum
    • Dine at the historic Eagle Café.
    • 4WD: Pinto Basin Rd, Corn Springs, Red Canyon, Meccacopia Trail
    • Mecca hills slot canyon hikes: Painted Canyon Ladders
    • Dutch oven food preparation

    Schedule of Events

    Tue, April 9

    • Noon - Check-in (please don't arrive early)
    • 4:00 pm - Sunset hike nearby location*
    • 6:00 pm - Tea Time meet and greet BYOB - bring snacks to share. Dinner on your own
    • 7:00 pm - Group campfire (bring firewood)

    Wed, April 10

    • 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
    • 1:00 pm - Hike or other activity posted*
    • 6:00 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
    • 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)

    Thur, April 11

    • 9:00 am - Hike or other activity posted*
    • 1:00 pm - 4x4 activity posted*
    • 7:00 pm - Group Campfire (bring firewood)
    Fri, April 12
    •  9:00 am Hike posted*
    • 12:00 pm Check out

    *Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.

    Amenities: Restrooms with flush toilets (no showers); shade canopies, picnic tables, fire rings, water and paved parking. No cell service or WiFi. 

    Tent sites: Tent campers will select their campsite in three group sites among desert vegetation and on sandy soils. There are drinking water spigots, shade canopies with picnic tables and a group fire rings, and restrooms with running water and flush toilets. Campers will carry their gear a short distance from their car to their campsite.

    RV sites: RV campers need to enter their vehicle dimensions so we can assign campsites. Include total vehicle length (RV plus tow, trailer plus vehicle). Odd-numbered campsites may not accommodate driver side slideouts. Fresh water is available at the nearby dump station, no hookups. RV sites are a short walk to our group tent site. Extra parking space for tow vehicles may be available near the two restrooms. Generator use is permitted only from 7–9 am, noon–2 pm, and 5–7 pm.

    What to Bring: Camp chair, camping/cooking gear, food, warm/cool/wet weather clothing, potluck item, one bundle of firewood and the Ten EssentialsPark entrance fee $30 or bring your National Park entry pass. 

    DirectionsI-10 east to Cottonwood Spring - exit 168.  Go north 8 miles to Visitor Center/Entrance; turn right to go to the campground. GPS coordinates: 33° 44.650' -115° 48.848'. Google Map Directions - Click Here

    Climate: Day: 70s-80s & mild at night: 60s-50s; Avg. high 77, Avg. low 47. View weather forecast - click here

    RefundsCancellation for a refund for a tent or RV site must be received by April 01; a $10 cancellation fee will apply.  All cancellation requests must be sent to the Trip Leader. 

    Pets: Are welcomed. Must be kept on leash. Please pick up after your pet. Be aware there are snakes and scorpions at this location.  Pets are not permitted on park trails or in the backcountry.

    Photos: To see some photos from prior trips2018Album-1Album-2Album-3, Album-4

    Campground Map and NPS website Click Here

    RV Camping:  Campground MapGenerator use is permitted only from 7-9 am, noon-2 pm, and 5-7 pm. 

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

     
    • Thu, May 09, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Sun, May 12, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • 56375 CA Hwy 74, Mountain Center, CA 92561
    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 shopdine 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

    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.

    DirectionsThe 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. 

    RefundsCancellation 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. 







    • Sun, June 16, 2024
    • Wed, June 19, 2024
    • Guajome Regional Park, Oceanside Ca

    This event is being planned by  Great Outdoors Palm Springs

    For more information about this trip:




    • Thu, July 18, 2024
    • 2:00 PM
    • Mon, July 22, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Bonita Ca

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




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

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




    • Fri, October 18, 2024

    This event is being planned by the Los Angeles Chapter. For more information about this trip:



    © 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

    • Sun, November 24, 2024
    • 2:00 PM
    • Wed, November 27, 2024
    • 12:00 PM
    • Ramona, CA

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




    • Wed, May 07, 2025
    • Mon, May 12, 2025
    • Cottonwood AZ

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




Past events

Thu, March 14, 2024 PS - Camping - Salton Sea - Mecca Beach Campground
Fri, February 16, 2024 PS-Camp - Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Tue, January 16, 2024 PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting Jan 16
Thu, January 04, 2024 PS- Camping- 4x4 Plus Salton City
Tue, December 05, 2023 PS - Camping Rancho Jurupa - Festival of Lights
Fri, October 20, 2023 PS/CORP - 45th All Chapter Campout and Conference - Lake Perris
Mon, October 02, 2023 PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting Oct 2
Thu, September 21, 2023 PS-Camping - Hearst Castle - San Simeon State Park
Wed, August 30, 2023 PS - Trip Planning Aug 30
Fri, August 18, 2023 PS - Skyline Group and Heart Bar Camps
Thu, July 13, 2023 PS - Camp - Sweetwater Summit and San Diego Pride
Fri, June 23, 2023 PS - William Heise San Diego County Park
Thu, May 11, 2023 PS - Hurkey Creek Campground
Tue, May 02, 2023 PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting May 02
Thu, April 13, 2023 PS -Camping - Joshua Tree - Blackrock
Mon, March 27, 2023 PS - Death Valley 4x4
Thu, March 16, 2023 PS - Salton Sea - Mecca Beach Campground
Sun, February 12, 2023 PS - Stagecoach Trails - Anza Borrego
Thu, January 19, 2023 PS - Quartzite Sports, Vacation & RV Rally
Thu, December 01, 2022 PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting Dec 01
Sun, November 20, 2022 PS - Dos Picos County Park
Fri, October 14, 2022 OCLB/CORP - 44th Annual All Chapter Conference Registration
Wed, October 05, 2022 PS - Hike / Bike Planning
Sun, October 02, 2022 PS - Trip Planning Meeting Oct 2
Fri, September 23, 2022 PS - OAK GLEN CAMPING
Wed, August 31, 2022 PS - Trip Planning Aug 31
Sun, August 14, 2022 PS - Barton Flats Oso Group Camp
Sun, July 10, 2022 PS - Camping - Idyllwild Regional Park
Sun, June 12, 2022 PS - Guajome Campout
Thu, May 12, 2022 PS - Sequoia Park Three Rivers CA
Sun, April 10, 2022 PS - Cottonwood Campground Joshua Tree NP
Wed, March 16, 2022 PS - Hike / Bike Planning Meeting Wed March 16 at 6pm
Thu, March 10, 2022 PS - Campout - Agua Caliente County Park
Thu, February 17, 2022 PS - Salton Sea - Mecca Beach Campground
Tue, December 21, 2021 PS - Hike / Bike Planning
Mon, November 15, 2021 PS - Joshua Tree Park Ryan Camp
Tue, October 12, 2021 PS - Hike / Bike Planning
Thu, October 07, 2021 PS - Camp: Lone Pine/Western Film Festival
Mon, October 04, 2021 PS - Trip Planning For 2022
Mon, September 13, 2021 PS - Trip Planning For 2022
Thu, September 09, 2021 PS - Silent Valley Camp Resort Campout
Tue, September 07, 2021 PS - Trip Planning For 2022
Tue, July 20, 2021 PS - Camping - Idyllwild Regional Park
Sun, June 06, 2021 PS - Camping - Barton Flats
Thu, April 15, 2021 OCLB - Caspers Wilderness Car Camp
Thu, September 17, 2020 PS/SBVC - CANCELLED - Hearst San Simeon SP
Fri, August 07, 2020 PS - Cancelled - Big Bear Barton Flats
Thu, July 23, 2020 PS - Death Valley Pt 2 - Virtual Tour
Sun, July 12, 2020 PS - Mono Hot Springs Resort
Sun, July 12, 2020 PS - Cancelled - Rock Creek Tent Camping
Thu, July 09, 2020 PS - Death Valley Pt 1 - Virtual Tour
Fri, June 12, 2020 PS - Name That Campout-Jeopardy
Sun, June 07, 2020 PS - CANCELLED - Guajone Regional Park, Oceanside
Thu, May 28, 2020 PS - Staycamp -Saline Valley - Virtual Tour
Fri, May 15, 2020 PS - Staycamp - Lake Perris Virtual
Fri, May 15, 2020 CANCELLED - CORP - Lake Perris Jamboree
Fri, May 01, 2020 PS - Yosemite High Sierra Camps - Virtual Tour
Wed, April 29, 2020 PS - Deep Creek Hot Springs - Virtual Tour
Wed, April 22, 2020 PS - Earth Day 50 Years - Wild and Scenic Short Films
Thu, April 16, 2020 PS - Virtual- Joshua Tree NP (Cottonwood Campground)
Thu, April 16, 2020 PS - Cottonwood Campground Joshua Tree NP
Mon, March 30, 2020 PS - Cancelled - Emma Wood State Beach Campout
Thu, March 12, 2020 PS - Organ Pipe Cactus
Tue, February 11, 2020 PS - Ski Outing Big Bear
Thu, February 06, 2020 PS - Salton Sea - Mecca Beach Campground
Sat, December 28, 2019 PS - Tecopa Hot Springs 28 December 2019
Thu, November 14, 2019 PS - Kartchner Caverns
Thu, October 24, 2019 PS - Joshua Tree NP (Black Rock Campground)
Fri, October 11, 2019 SBVC/CORP - 41st Annual GO Conference, Jamboree & Campout
Thu, September 26, 2019 PS - Silent Valley Camp Resort
Wed, September 18, 2019 PS - Trip Planning For 2020
Fri, July 12, 2019 PS - Silverwood Lake - Cancelled
Sat, June 22, 2019 PS - Mt Baldy Hike and Camp
Sun, June 09, 2019 PS - Big Bear (Serrano Campground)
Sat, June 01, 2019 PS - Mt Baldy Hike and Camp
Wed, May 15, 2019 PS - Snow Canyon-St. George Utah
Sun, May 12, 2019 PS - Hurkey Creek Campout (Idyllwild)
Thu, April 11, 2019 PS - Joshua Tree NP (Cottonwood Campground)
Thu, March 14, 2019 PS - Dos Pico County Park, Ramona
Thu, March 14, 2019 PS- Camping - Dos Picos Park, Ramona, 14 March 2019
Sat, March 09, 2019 PS - CHUCKWALLA BENCH CAMPING 9 March 2019
Fri, December 28, 2018 New Year's Eve Campout (4 Nights/5 Days) 2018
Fri, December 21, 2018 PS - TECOPA HOT SPRINGS 21 December 2018
Thu, November 08, 2018 PS - So. Arizona - Catalina State Park 8 Nov 2018
Sun, October 28, 2018 PS - JOSHUA TREE PARK - JUMBO ROCKS CAMP
Fri, October 12, 2018 ANNUAL CONFERENCE - 40TH ANNIVERSARY 2018
Fri, September 21, 2018 PS - OAK GLEN RETREAT - CAMP 21 September 2018
Tue, August 14, 2018 PS - Idyllwild Park Camping
Tue, August 14, 2018 PS - IDYLLWILD CAMPING 14 August 2018
Thu, July 26, 2018 PS - WHITNEY PORTAL ALABAMA HILLS 26 July 2018
Fri, July 13, 2018 PS - Sweetwater Regional Park Camping
Sun, June 17, 2018 PS - Big Bear Serrano 17 June 2018
Thu, May 17, 2018 PS- Zion National Park, Watchman Campground 17 May 2018
Thu, December 28, 2017 PS - TECOPA HOT SPRINGS 28 December 2017
Thu, November 16, 2017 PS Death Valley 2017 Nove16

You may filter the Palm Springs Chapter event selections by clicking on one of these links:
     Hikes - Camping Trips - BackpackingTraining - Misc. EventsSocial Events - 
Game Nights Meetings - All Events

To see all the events by the other GO Chapters, click on one of these links:
     
Hikes - Camping - Backpacking - Training - Misc. Events Social Events -  Game/Movie Nights -  Meetings - All Events

If you have any questions for the PS Chapter, email us at: info-ps@greatoutdoors.org


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