+ Do I need to organize my own camping reservation?

No. If you buy a full-weekend ticket to our 2022 Anza-Borrego Adventure and your tent campground reservation will be included.

Atheists United pre-reserved 8 campsites near each other in Borrego Palm Canyon Campground for November 10-13. Each site can hold up to eight people and two vehicles. We will coordinate campsite reservations for all attendees and keep friends and families together.

With a purchased ticket you can arrive Thursday, Friday, or Saturday and we'll have a resevred tent campsite waiting for you. We also will have full-day group sightseeing itineraries you can join Friday and Saturday.

If you'd prefer to stay at a hotel, or in an RV, you'll need to arrange your own accomodations. The park offers many great RV and hotel options locally.

+ How much does it cost to camp?

Tent camping reservations are included in the price of all full-weekend tickets.

If you were to buy an individual tent campsite at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground without going through Atheists United it would cost you $35/night. In most cases attendees will be saving lots of money by booking through us.

+ Can I just attend the rock talk and organize my own housing/camping?

Yes. We have a limited number of tickets available for those looking to organize their own housing/camping yet are still interested in attending our rock talk event Saturday at sunset. With that said, we highly recommend people join our full-weekend group and enjoy as much community time as possible.

+ Do I have to show up Thursday evening? Can I arrive Friday or Saturday?

Your full-weekend ticket includes a tent camping reservations for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at Borrego Palm Canyon Campground, but you can arrive whenever. Usually about half of our attendees can't show up until after they finish work on Friday evening.

An organizer will follow up with you before the event to confirm when you're arriving.

+ Am I required to attend the group sightseeing itinerary?

The group itineraries are suggestions for those looking for a guided group experience in the park. We recommend them but don't require ticket holders to attend.

+ Do I need to bring my own food?

Participants must plan, and pay for, their own transportation and meals.

+ Do I need to bring my own tent and camping gear?

Yes. Atheists United will NOT provide any camping gear or tents for attendees. You are responsible for organizing all necessary equipment you'll need to enjoy your stay in the park. Please google "camping gear list" if this is your first time camping.

+ How many people can share a campsite?

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground allows up to 8 people and two cars per site. If you have friends or family also buying full-weekend tickets to our event you'll be able to camp together at one of our pre-reserved sites.

+ Do I need to pay a park entrance fee to attend?

No.

Included in the price of your full-weekend ticket is access to our pre-reserved campsites and park entrance admission for all vehicles.

If possible we recommend you try and help save the planet by carpooling :)

+ What type of events or sightseeing will Atheists United be organizing that weekend?

Each morning Atheists United will share a recommended group itenerary specially designed by our organizers to highlight some of the most unique and memoriable sights in the park. They'll include various hikes and photo opportunities around the park. Email evan@atheistsunited.org for more details.

+ Will there be grills at the Borrego Palm Canyon Campground?

Borrego Palm Canyon Campground has firepits with firegrates, but no grills. We recommend you bring your own camp stoves.

NPS Rules: "Gas burning stoves are permitted. Charcoal grills are prohibited. Fires are permitted in NPS provided rings, however this campground has only 28 tent only sites with firegrates."

+ What should I bring to eat?

That's up to you! Atheists United will not be providing meals for attendees so bring what makes you happy.

Want inspiration for what makes good camping foods? Try these: http://www.camper-van-fun.com/food-to-take-camping.html

Want a weekend camping trip food list? Try these: https://www.thecampingfamily.com/camping-food-list.html

Want 47 easy camping recipe ideas? Try these: https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/favorite-camping-recipes/#:~:text=40%20Easy%20Camping%20Recipes%20Ready%20for%20the%20Campfire,Cheese%20Hash%20Brown%20Packets.%20...%20More%20items...%20

On Saturday after our sunset rock talk with the Groovy Geologist, we'll gather at our campsite and host a little after-party. If you're comfortable, we encourage you to bring your dinner and any snacks you're open to sharing.

+ Is there cellphone service in Death Valley?

While you should have service at our campground, cell reception in the park can be spotty to non-existent in many places. We recommend you download or print maps and brochures ahead of your visit. You've been warned.

+ Can I bring my dogs?

Yes, but we don't recommend it. Pets must not be left unattended. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet and under the immediate control of a person during the day. Dogs must be in a tent or vehicle during nighttime hours. Dogs are not allowed on dirt hiking trails at anytime.

If you do visit Anza-Borrego with your pet, follow the rules of BARK:

B: Bag your pet's poop.

Pet owners are responsible for the prompt removal and disposal of pet waste in trash receptacles. Poop can transmit disease to local wildlife populations.

A: Always wear a leash.

Pets must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

R: Respect wildlife.

Pets can harass or harm wildlife by making noise or scaring wildlife away.

K: Know where you can go.

Pets are welcome in developed areas, essentially wherever a car can go.

Pets are not permitted on any park trails or in wilderness.

+ Are children welcome?

Yes, and we even offer free tickets for children under 18.

Some hikes in our group itenerary will also be challenging for small children. You are responsible for the safety and behavior of your children at all times and childcare will NOT be provided.

+ What camping gear should I bring?

Whatever makes you feel safe and comfortable!

Here's a list we found that might help you pack: https://www.sunrvresorts.com/blog/tent-camping-checklist/

Atheists United will not provide any food, camping gear, or transportation for participants.

+ Can I purchase gas for my car in the park? Can I charge my electric car in the park?

There are multiple gas stations and car charging options within a mile of our campground.

Note: The price of gas in the park will likely be more expensive than your local neighborhood prices.

+ Will there be bathrooms at our campsite?

Yes, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers multiple restrooms with flush toilets and showers.

+ Will there be showers at our campsite?

Yes, Borrego Palm Canyon Campground offers multiple restrooms with flush toilets and token-operated hot showers. Tokens are available at the campground entrance.

+ Can I stay in a hotel instead of the campground?

Yes. You can purchase a "Rock Talk Only" ticket and make your own housing reservations.

+ Is Borrego Palm Canyon Campground wheelchair accessible?

All campsites are accessibly furnished and located, but none of our sites are explicitly accesible. The tent pads are 12 foot x 12 foot on soft sand. The campfire center has been made accessible.

Restrooms have five accessible unisex toilet rooms with separate showers. They are dispersed through the upper and lower ends of the campground with some near tent sites and some near sites with RV hookups. Pathways from sites to restrooms are accessible. There is also one accessible parking space adjacent to each of the accessible restrooms.

Beyond our reserved campsites there are three tent sites and two RV sites with full hookups that are accessible, according to the park.

More info: http://access.parks.ca.gov/parkinfo.asp?park=254

+ Can I consume alcohol at the campground?

Yes, you can drink at the campground. Alcohol and glass containers are prohibited beyond your campsite.

+ I have a telescope, should I bring it?

Yes! Anza-Borrego is one of the best dark-sky locations on the planet. Please bring any and all equipment that will help you and others have a memorable adventure with us.

+ Where does the money from my ticket go?

All income fom our atheist adventures go directly into event organizing expenses, such as reimbursing our speaker's travel expenses and paying for our campground reservations.

Atheists United is a 501c3 nonprofit and purposefully discounts ticket prices because this program helps build community in alignment with our mission. Any extra revenue after the event goes into general operating expenses for Atheists United.

If you'd like to make a donation to help offset some of our costs, or grow this program in the future, please visit: http://www.atheistsunited.com/donate

+ More questions?

Email evan@atheistsunited.org