Newbie - Introduction and question about RTR

[bettersimplerlife]

Hello everyone!

I've been following the YouTube videos for quite some time, but just stumbled upon the forum.

I'm currently living in a house in LA, (yuk!) but am hoping to transition to the full-time life in the next couple of years.  I am an avid backpacker/thru-hiker, and have been part-timing in my Rav 4 for several years while camping or traveling.  While I can't full-time yet, my goal for this year is to spend at least 60-90 total days on the road.  I've been doing this on a smaller scale for awhile, and typically camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains several times a year.  I've pretty much got living out of a vehicle down to what makes me comfortable, but am not familiar with RTR.

My question is this - 
I was hoping to make it out to RTR for just a couple of days.  My current schedule prevents coming for the whole time.  I love the community aspect, and would like to introduce myself and get to know a few folks.  I've read the gathering page, but are there any rules/etiquette that I should be aware of?  I wouldn't want to do anything that would upset anyone.  Is it ok to just show up for a couple of days and park wherever you want?  Or is there some sort of system?  BTW - where exactly do you get a permit?

Sorry for asking such a newbie question, and appreciate you taking the time to read this.

 

[glennski]

I have the same few questions! Enlighten us newbs please


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[MrNoodly]

Pick a spot that's not too close to someone else, unless you ask first or already know them.
Don't make a lot of noise.
Leash your dogs.
And generally, follow the golden rule: Don't be an @sshole.

 

[user 13531]

You can pick up a camp permit (Free) from the camp host which is located along the frontage road adjacent to I-10...  Primitive or dispersed camping doesn't have a designated site.  Just pick yourself a spot that doesn't intrude on anyone already there and you're good to go... I'm coming over next week for one or two nights and really don't care where I park or camp... It's all good!

 

[bettersimplerlife]

Pick a spot that's not too close to someone else, unless you ask first or already know them.
Don't make a lot of noise.
Leash your dogs.
And generally, follow the golden rule: Don't be an @sshole.

Awesome.  All common sense.  I try to be very respectful.  Thanks for the reply!

 

[bettersimplerlife]

[Same here.  Just coming for a couple of nights.  Thanks for the heads up on the camp permit.  I hadn't seen specifics on that.  Appreciate it!

 

[user 13531]

Directions/map to the RTR camp site and camp host permit area....

 

[GotSmart]

Etiquette?   UHHH   Don't walk around with your fly open?  No generators after dark or before 8 AM.  No drunken crying jags.  

In other words, What Mr Noodly said. 

In the past I would drive in until I saw the campfire / meeting area, and ask someone.  There are miles of parking places.

 

[bettersimplerlife]

Directions/map to the RTR camp site and camp host permit area....

Thank you!  Very helpful!  I missed this one somehow.

 

[bettersimplerlife]

Etiquette?   UHHH   Don't walk around with your fly open?  No generators after dark or before 8 AM.  No drunken crying jags.  

In other words, What Mr Noodly said. 

In the past I would drive in until I saw the campfire / meeting area, and ask someone.  There are miles of parking places.

 Good ones.  Don't have to worry about any of those, so I guess I'm golden.

 

[GotSmart]

Usually by the center gathering place there is a Roadtrek with the awning out.  Nelda and Jerry will make you feel at home.

 

[bettersimplerlife]

Usually by the center gathering place there is a Roadtrek with the awning out.  Nelda and Jerry will make you feel at home.

Thanks.  That is awesome.  I tend to be shy and introverted by nature, but trying to get out of my shell a bit, so that is nice to know.

 

[ArtW]

Welcome, it'll be my first RTR too, if I make it

 

[SolarBlue]

Won't make it to RTR.
Are there any other groups that meet in winter/ early spring?
I am wanting to travel southern Oregon/northern California.
Thanks all

 

[DivineGypsy]

Hello Everyone,

I'm new to the forum as well.  Currently living in an apartment but very interested in the nomad life.  Learning a lot from the YouTube videos.  

A friend and I are coming to RTR  - will be there on January 21, just overnight.  We'll be in her Prius - I'll sleep in the car and she's planning on sleeping in a tent.  We're wondering where we should park and whether there will be some kind of bathroom access?  Being that we're coming so late to the RTR not sure what will be available at that time. Thanks for any information or guidance you may have for us!

Looking forward to this new adventure!

Dara

P.S. Not sure I posted this correctly - used "post reply" as couldn't find way to post otherwise.  Newbie mistake... :s

 

[DuneElliot]

DivineGypsy, I've not yet been but from every thing I've seen, read, heard and understand about BLM...no bathroom facilities

I'm sure everyone has their own solutions...mostly centered around buckets or chemical toilets (or black tanks in RVs and trailers)

 

[jimindenver]

Dara
It is my first RTR but from what I understand there are no bathrooms, trash bins, water, etc. You have to provide what ever you will need. My trailer has one but many use a bucket and bags.

 

[DivineGypsy]

Thanks for letting me know...we'll work something out!

 

[DivineGypsy]

Thanks for letting me know.  We have time to figure something out.

 

[akrvbob]

I'll put up two potty tents with 5 gallon buckets. I'll leave toilet paper and tall kitchen garbage bags--it's pack it in, pack it out. For urine bring your own container to carry it out and dump as you see fit.