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Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 2:56 pm
by ikazuchi
So I'm heading to Chuckwalla for the first time (have to miss the PCA event, but will be at the NASA event on 2/4-5) and had some concerns about camping at the track and wanted to get some takes from anybody who has been there.

Looked into renting the trailer on-site - already booked within a week of registration opening.
With the closest lodging 45 minutes away, that doesn't sound like a fun option after a day of hard driving.
I even looked into renting an RV in San Diego, but nobody lets you tow.

So that leaves camping. I'm told there's no place to have a fire (at least 40 at night) and there's no showers (I'm not against being stinky for a couple days, but a hot shower after a cold night would be nice). I'm shocked about the showers... event BW has showers. I'm also told you're on the pavement (need to make sure I buy a new air mattress) so I'll need to make sure the tent is weighted/tied down.

Anybody have any feedback on the camping experience? Am I'm making it out to be worse (or better) than it actually is?

Even better, anybody going to be there for the NASA event who has an RV/trailer that wouldn't mind two guys hanging out with them for dinners and using their shower? We'd be happy to bring food and cook.

Thanks- Marc

Re: Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 5:21 pm
by Mike
There is very good on site catering/bbq for meals.
You can tent camp there if you like.

Re: Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Thu Jan 19, 2012 7:30 pm
by ikazuchi
Like I mentioned, the on-site trailer rental is booked. So while that was the preferred option, it's out for this trip.

Re: Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 8:11 am
by Cajundaddy
Camping at Chuckwalla in Jan? It would be a lot like camping at Joshua Tree. Bring a tent, air mattress, warm sleeping bag, and a small cook stove. It can get down to 32F in winter so bring lots of layers. You can get a solar/camping shower which works even in winter or just heat some wash water on your stove. I used to do this a lot back in the MX racing days, now I am spoiled on the motorhome life. :D

Re: Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2012 7:49 pm
by jenniferreinhardt
Chuckwalla in November - 2 pitcrew people, a short haired dog and one husband Racer sleeping in an enclosed Car Trailer. Pretty darn cold outside at night. Layers, Layers, Layers of blankets and clothes and beanies (for dog too!). Sore muscle rub ointment on feet keep them warm. Camp stove for lots of hot beverages. It's not glamorous, but kind of fun and very peaceful. There was a guy sleeping in a tent who was practically blown away in the wind. He looked miserable.

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Re: Camping at Chuckwalla?

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2012 11:06 pm
by Steve Grosekemper
When you are freezing your tail off you will be thinking how short that 45 minute drive is. Think of it as a 45 minutes end of day debrief.