July 20, 2011
Summer Fun - To Tent Or Not To Tent
Kevin Mark Kline READ TIME: 4 MIN.
At first glance most people think that I am not someone who spends a whole lot of time in the wilderness-and I get it. Just because I like my Veuve Clicquot chilled (45 to 48 �F to be exact) and my Camembert with the chill off (slightly below room temperature), doesn't mean that I can't adapt to the great out-of-doors. After all, I grew up in the north woods of Wisconsin, roughing it was part of the deal. By the way, who says you can't drink Champagne and nosh said cheese while sitting at a campsite by a lovely fire and a group of friends-or better yet a lover? Perfection.
There are quite a few great options for gay-exclusive or gay-friendly camping within a minimal drive in California, most accommodate RV, trailer or tent stations and have numerous amenities-some even offer catering so you don't even have to cook! I will stick to gay or gay friendly, but don't limit your adventures, check out the sidebar and you will see some of the most popular throughout the state.
Cathederal Palms Desert RV Park
35901 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, Ca 92234
Phone 760.324.8244
This is the closest "camping" resort town to Palm Springs with facilities for RVs/tents and full hook-ups. Swimming pool, hot tub, clubhouse and bike trail. If you want nature, you will want to head outside of the campground for it here. There are lots of options such as the Ramona Trail, and close by is beautiful Cathedral Canyon, and over by Cathedral Palms you find the Pacific Crest Trail as well. This is the place for you RVers especially those who don't want to "rough it." Mostly straight but gay friendly.
resortparks.com/xap/nwb/MR010?resort=796
Starland Desert Retreat
Yucca Valley, Ca 92284
Phone 760.364.2069
This is a rustic, adult (21 and up) membership-only campground located in the Mojave Desert. It is a small, interesting, collaborative environment geared towards men (women are welcome and encouraged to come) that is very basic but has all of the things you need as a camper. They have a main hall with shower facilities, and can provide an indoor space if"tenting it"doesn't suit you. It is quite isolated and provides hiking terrain that varies from sandy to rocky with many well-marked trails. The ad- dress, which is only provided once a membership is established, is super affordable.
starlandretreat.com/FormContact.htm
Highlands Resort
14000 Woodland Drive Guerneville, Ca 95446
Phone 707.869.0333
Highlands Resort is a relaxing and peaceful retreat that has been in existence since the 1920s in the beauty that is the Russian River Valley. One of the few primarily gay and lesbian sites (they say 98 percent, but are very straight-friendly), the camp has been gay owned and operated since the '70s and they have been renovating and improving the entire time. Primarily an adult resort, as it is known to be clothing optional! A full line of activities and amenities are available (you can even schedule a massage). Located in the Russian River Recreational Area, there are many options for outdoor entertainment such as river canoeing, birding, fishing or hiking in the ancient redwood forest. No RVs are allowed, cabins are available in a wide array of sizes and prices and you can pitch your tent on site as well.
Ranch Campground - Ranch Weekends
1570 Ink Grade, Pope Valley, Ca 94567
Phone 707.965.2383
This is a men's only (sorry ladies) site that is nestled in an eastern branch of Napa Valley just 25 minutes from St. Helena. Another location that offers pretty much any- thing that you could want in not only camping, but a total vacation get away. Cabins, tent-cabins and campsites are available so you can bring in your own gear or take advantage of theirs. Far from roughing it, they have amenities such as a pool, hot tub, a large lawn area for sunbathing (clothing optional), and a creek-fed swimming hole. Extensive organic vegetable and flower gardens abound, a private orchard, warm sunshine and gallons of fresh mountain air. The resort boasts it's original ranch house with a on-site chef cooking meals daily. Like they say: "In short, it's catered camping.
Burning Man
Black rock desert, northwest of reno, somewhere-in-the-middle-of know-where.
For the mother of all camping experiences, take a look at Burning Man. A once a year, camping experience that includes tens of thousands of people from every walk of life imaginable, who come together in Nevada's Black Rock Desert to create a temporary town called Black Rock City. In no way is this a traditional camping environment, but let me tell you it is one of the most eye-opening, interesting and life-altering outdoor experiences that you will have. Approximately 40,000 people pitch tents and various temporary"structures"in what can only be termed as a cultural camping extravaganza of millennial proportions. The only thing available is ice, water (in the form of tanker trucks that drive around the site) and coffee (it never tasted so good)-oh and porta- potties (thank the gods). The motto; "what you pack in, you must pack out-leave no footprint." Make sure to look at the website for pointers and pay attention to what they say-getting caught with your pants down/off in this clothing-optional world is acceptable, being unprepared is not! For all information and photos check out:
