What we’re about
This group has been camping monthly in the Phoenix and Tucson areas since 2018. If you are a positive person who enjoys camping, related activities and the great outdoors, welcome! This group is for campers 21 years and older with RVs/campers/tents that like to camp and can play well with others. Small to mid-size rigs with higher clearance and rough, off-road capability are highly recommended. Camp sites are primitive with no hook-ups, no public toilets/showers (and usually no fees). Campers bring their own shelter, water, food, alcohol and entertainment. We camp in the lower altitudes/desert in the winter and in the mountains and pines in the summer.
RSVPs: We ask that you update your RSVP no later than the Sunday prior to the event. If there is a waitlist you will need to CONFIRM your attendance via text or in the event comments. Please remember to confirm so we don't give away your spot.
WAIT LIST: If you are in the wait list for an event keep your eye on the event as people often drop out the week before, especially if it is cold. Keep in touch with the host as sometimes we can squeeze you in a few days before or last minute. If there was a wait list on the event and you are a no-show, you may be excluded from the next waitlisted camp and if it happens again you will be removed from the group.
DISCLAIMER: There is always a chance our chosen campsite will be taken when we arrive, in spite of arriving earlier in the week to claim our spot. We try to have a plan B but sometimes that is also taken. Please understand we do the best we can but a last minute scramble is always a possibility even when we do our best. We don't do campgrounds so it is the nature of the game with dispersed. We appreciate your understanding. Again, we are always thankful for help with scouting.
ATTENDING: *If you plan to attend and want to receive the group text before each camp, please make sure I have your current phone number.* Please sign up only if you are pretty sure you can attend. The day before the camp we will text GPS coordinates and simple directions to those who signed up. We post yellow AZ/DC signs to help guide you there. Check text messages frequently as often there is poor cell service at the campsite and if our spot is taken we will find another nearby and let you know. Check directions on the map for accuracy before setting out.
LIABILITY: By attending an event you acknowledge that all liability lies with the individual camper. Hosts/members are not responsible for anyone else's choices or safety. This extends to side trips and activities as well. You are also responsible for the behavior of your dog.
ATTITUDE: Please be positive and focus on FUN! Feedback is welcome but if you complain to the host/s then we know exactly who is planning the next trip. We cover some interesting topics around the campfire so when in doubt let's cut each other some slack. We don't restrict topics; if you don’t enjoy the current discussion, give it 10 minutes and we will be on to something else. This is not a group that is overly politically correct. If there happens to be impolite discussion, please do it outside the camping area and out of earshot of the group.
PHOTOS: Hosts/members have no control over this so be aware that your photo may be posted in this app or elsewhere. We try to do a group photo on Saturday around 6:00 pm to post on each event.
GENERATOR hours are limited to 11:00 am-1:00 pm for recharging batteries. There is no flexibility on this so please don't ask (unless urgent medical need).
DOGS: Dogs are off leash. Your dog must be dog-friendly and spayed/neutered/vaccinated. If they bark excessively, you'll definitely need a bark collar.
FIREWOOD: Please bring two bags of firewood to each camp and place one bag at the fire ring when you first arrive. That way we are all sure to contribute. When fire restrictions are in effect, we'll use propane fire pits. Those that don't have one can help supply propane.
CONTACT information: Your phone number will be shared with other club members when we send the group texts. Don't share private personal info with others without asking first. *If you want to receive the group texts before each camp please make sure I have your current phone number.*
HOSTING just means you help campers with arrival and departure on a particular camp. Typically, if you are first to arrive and claim the spot you will be listed as host. Everyone is responsible for themselves, so you are just facilitating. Arrival: Please text organizers accurate coordinates to share as soon as you arrive so we can add it to the group text. Departure: Make sure people clean up after themselves, the fire is completely doused and everyone is accounted for.
GUESTS: Help your guest to be aware of club rules. Remind them NOT to post coordinates of campsites on the internet or post them in the app, to avoid campsite piracy and overcrowding. If your guest is lodging with you we do not need to include them in the head count. If they have their own RV/tent/vehicle they will need to sign up with the group as a member so we can know who we are camping with and to allow for space.
SCOUTING: Please feel free to help with finding good campsites for the club and share with organizers, but do not post coordinates in the app; text us instead. Finding good spots to camp for the group requires a lot of time and effort, which we are glad to do for the group but help is always welcome. Please give us coordinates (not a link) if you find a good spot.
PERMITS: Some camps require an Arizona State Trust Land (ASTLP) or other permit. Individual campers are responsible for any required permits. I don't always remember to post this on every event so I suggest you keep your permit current at all times just in case. Go to:
land.az.gov/applications-permits
FEES: If there is a fee for a reserved group site you will pay the organizer directly via the PayPal or Venmo app. Singles: $15, couples $20. Extra funds are unlikely but if there are any, they go to the club organizer and are applied to annual Meetup dues ($180 2x/year). The only camps with fees are the two annual gated campsite ones, LVWC and Reynolds Creek. The rest are free because there are no amenities.
TOYS: If you are bringing toys that may take up space, such as a trailer with ATVs or a load of kayaks, please let the host know if there may be an issue with allowing for additional space at the campsite.
DRUG use: Alcohol and marijuana are legal in Arizona. No illegal drug use at camp please. We don't need to remind you to be careful with matches.
MEMBER MIX: It is ideal to have a mix of people in the club for maximum fun. Please alternate invitations to men and women whenever possible. Inactive members are culled every three months and are welcome to rejoin later.
POLICING of the above: NONE. Please just everyone behave yourselves, be polite to one another and use common sense.
FUNDRAISING: The Meetup dues are $180 every 6 months, renewed in June. The Reynolds Creek for 2025 fee was $158 and LVWC fee $178. The cost to me for 2025 for the two gated camps is the total fees minus the event attendance levels ($15 individual/$20 per couple). Member contribution to group expense is optional but if each member would contribute $10-20 (or more if your budget allows) annually that would help. Please use Venmo or PayPal to donate if you give more than about $20 as Meetup takes 15% for themselves.
ORGANIZER contact: Tammy P and Vince M are the co-organizers. I do the website and Vince is the SME camping consultant. Please contact us via app initially and after that we can use app or text.
