Let’s go camping, have fun and make some friends!
Every week I get hundreds of emails and by far the two most frequent questions are; “Where can I go and join some friends?” and “Will I be safe?”
As I searched for a solution, it finally dawned on me that caravans are the ideal answer. We have written a schedule and at anytime you will know where you can go to meet people and be safe in a community. There you will make lifelong friends, have fun, be safe and your new nomadic life can begin. I am sure you will have many questions so please read the frequently asked questions below for answers.
The caravans have become so popular that we now will be putting them into place year round using a program called Meetup!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Question 1: How long will the caravans be in one place?
Question 3: What do I need to do to be prepared and what kind of vehicle do I need?
Question 4: How long can I stay in the caravan?
Question 5: What is the cost; and how do I reserve my spot in a Caravan Group?
Question 6: What will we do in the caravans?
Question 7: How do I deal with conflict in my Caravan Group?
Question 8: Are pets welcome in the Caravan Groups?
Question 9: What are the current camping locations for the Caravans?
Question 10: Where can I find dispersed camping rules and information on the BLM website?
**For any additional questions that are not answered here you can send an Email to [email protected]**
Question 1:How long will the caravans be in one place?
Answer 1: Everyone must move every 14 days and then meet-up at the next location. Campers will drive individually to the next location, not convoy as one large group. We expect most Caravan Groups to be about 25 rigs, but will go up to 38 if needed.
Question 2: How will it work?
Answer 2: The caravans will be very fluid and unstructured. They are scheduled to satisfy the rules associated with the land we will be camped on (Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM’s), National Forest Service (NSF), etc.). Typically we can only stay in one location for 14 days and then must move at least 25 miles to the next campsite. We’re all expected to abide by common courtesy and be thoughtful of each other and other campers in the area. We will do that by maintaining clean camps, restraining and cleaning up after our pets, and not making noise that bothers others. Each group will make sure regulations are followed and that we leave each location in better condition than when the group arrived. See LeaveNoTrace and TreadLightly.
Question 3: What do I need to do to be prepared and what kind of vehicle do I need?
Answer 3: Be 100% self-sufficient. Nothing will be provided.
- All vehicles are welcome from tiny cars to huge Class A’s, but make sure your vehicle is dependable.
- Bring enough funds to live and drive for your entire time of participation.
- Have a savings in case of an emergency.
- Bring food; provide methods of cooking; carry water (1 gallon/day minimum) have a bed; be prepared to store and dispose of your own garbage: and make a way to go to the bathroom at your personal camp.
- Securely store your (and your pet’s) solid waste and dispose of it when you go into town.
- Be prepared for weather in the desert where it can freeze, be very windy, hot, and/or rain.
In sum, make sure you have everything you need to stay in the desert.
Question 4: How long can I stay in the caravan?
Answer 4: Because the groups are so fluid, anyone can join or leave any group at any time as long as the size doesn’t go over the maximum number of people. To make sure we stay within that maximum, all participants use Meetup to RSVP to the Caravan. If the participant leaves before the Caravan breaks camp, then we ask that the participant change their RSVP status on Meetup.
What usually happens, is that people make friends, gain confidence and then go off to travel together in small unofficial groups. Thus, maintaining a stable size as new people join and experienced people leave. On the other hand, many will decide to stay with the larger group until the end of the season.
Question 5: What is the cost; and how do I reserve my spot in a Caravan Group?
Answer 5: No cost! All are welcome.
To reserve your spot, go to Meetup and RSVP for your selected Caravan dates and location.
Question 6: What will we do in the caravans?
Answer 6: The Caravans are for fun, friendship and individual learning. Be creative and have fun! There will be no formal classes. As you make friends, you will teach them things you have learned and they will teach you things they have learned. We expect there will spontaneous activities as groups form and go off and do things together. For example: a trip into Algodones, day hikes, art classes, trips into town to shop, music groups etc. Most campsites will be within 20 miles of a town.
Question 7: How do I deal with conflict in my Caravan Group?
Answer 7: If reasonable efforts to resolve a conflict have failed, drive away. Noise is probably the number one conflict in groups, specifically generators and music. The simple answer is to be thoughtful, compassionate and considerate, don’t annoy your neighbors. If you happen to be camped next to a jerk who will not be considerate, you live on wheels, move away! Move to another location within your current encampment, join another Caravan Group, or split off and create an independent (non-CRVL) group. In the worst case that you fear for your safety, call 911.
Question 8: Are pets welcome in Caravan Groups?
Answer 8: Pets are welcome! Typically a large number of pets attend gatherings, therefore, pets must be on leash while outside and roaming the camp. If your dog has a tendency to bark a lot, please camp further way from the group. Most importantly, pick up your pet’s feces and dispose of properly in town.
Question 9: What are the current camping locations for the Caravan Groups?
Answer 9: The following link will take you to the Meetup page for each Caravan during the Second Quarter 2019, April-June — http://www.meetup.com/caravans/events
**For any additional questions that are not answered here you can send an Email to [email protected]*https://www.meetup.com/Caravans/events/
Question 10: Where can I find dispersed camping rules and information on the BLM website?
*Answer 10: Resources: BLM Camping Guidelines, BLM Dispersed Recreation Camping Rules, All BLM Laws and Regulations and Outdoor Ethics.
