Field Day 2013 Location Possibilities

[SteeevO]

Lets get this squared away early this year!
Even if it mean wheeling in the snow...

Jon and I had scouted out a few location last year that would work but Ideally we want a location that we can escape temporarily from the radios and do some wheeling.
But Camp needs to be at a Prime location for radio propagation..

Ideas?

[Crismateski]

Holcomb Valley boy scout camp. It is about 4-5 miles east of where we were last year. I spoke to them last year but they already had a reservation for the weekend but seemed open to the idea, and are used to large groups. There are a few other boy scout camps on the mountain also.

http://www.sgvcbsa.org/programs/camping ... eservation

I am planning on camping up there this weekend I will swing by and see if I can get a few pictures of the area

[DaveK]

There are a few considerations to remember. The site must allow the use of generators and the placement of our tall antennas. It would be a definite plus if the site was near some 4x4 trails, but it must not be too difficult to access for those who want to join us with 2WD vehicles.

The first thing that we need to do is identify the possible locations. We will pull all the ideas from last year, but if there any new ones, please post up. Once we have a list, we can plan a day or a weekend to visit the sites.

Let's get your ideas.

[SteeevO]

Just bumping this thread,
Let the locations fly!

We're looking to do some scouting around here in the next few weeks, I'm willing to do some snow wheeling as well. I just want to get this together earlier this year so please post up any locations that you think my be suitable.

[DaveK]

I will post all of the suggestions from last year and some new ones that have come up just recently. From what we can gather, we will plan a trip or two to get a look at each site. If anyone can do a trip on their own, complete with pictures, we can speed up this process.

There are a few requisites for any site we consider (in most cases, group sites will be the only option):

1. We must be able to use generators all day and into most of the night;
2. We must have sufficient space allowed for many vehicles - probably 25, possibly more;
3. We must be allowed to erect the antenna towers;
4. We will need access to some minimum facilities, such as restrooms.
5. The site must be accessible by 2WD vehicles;
6. They take reservations (and it does not cost an arm and a leg)

Sites from last year's discussion of locations (for links to information on these sites see: viewtopic.php?f=163&t=3158:

1. Table Mountain:

This site was probably the 2nd best solution that we found. There are 40 sites total. There are about a half-dozen sites with a max number of 16 people and one group site with a max number of 32 people. These sites can be reserved.

Table Mountain is better than coon creek cabin however being that it isn't a group site we won't have that central main camp that is always good to have to keep the group together. Radio coverage should be decent with minimal mountain propagation blockage.

2. Jackson Flats

This was probably my favorite site that we went to look at. There are 5 large group sites that can hold 30 or 40 people depending on the site. Site # 1 was a particular favorite, looking out to the north and east. The biggest drawback to the site is that it's a walk-in site. From the parking lot to the camping area is about 200 feet (very rough estimate). This might be an issue for people with RTTs and/or trailers. Sites can be reserved.

Jackson flat I think is absolutely awesome however, as you can see above.. we would have to carry in our radio and camping equipment from the camp parking lot. These sites are all really really cool and are high up on the mountain.
I did notice a gate that we may request to be opened for at least getting radio equipment set up but i doubt they'll let us keep numerous rigs back there which puts a damper on trailers and roof top tents...
The best site at Jackson Flat is less than a few hundred feet from the parking lot so the walk really isn't a big deal..

3. Camp Alto

By far the best site I think that has been mentioned so far is the Campo Alto Campground in Fraizer park however my understanding is that the gate is still closed. I know jon has tried to get up there numerous times now to to get a closer look. the only drawback to campo alto is that it is first come first serve and can't be reserved for the group. Right now we're going off of what we see on google earth and pictured we've found online.

4. Tehachapi Mountain Park -

http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/tehachapi.asp

They have a group campground and a the developed Mountain Camp with cabins and other facilities. Both would work although Brite Lake does enforce a quite time at 10PM. The mountain camp is pretty nice if it is available and there is power so generators would not be needed. Both the group camp and the mountain camp are located at about 7000 feet on the North side of Tehachapi Mountain. There are large trees which could be used to string antennas.

5. Brite Lake -

http://www.tvrpd.org/facilities/facilit ... -lake.html

Brite Lake is relatively open with some moderate sized trees. Quiet time could be the only problem with this site.

There is no four wheeling in the immediate area but the El Pasos, Red Rock Canyon, and Dove Springs OHV area are only about 20 road miles away. I'd be happy to lead a run over Bird Springs Pass and back Jaw Bone Canyon. There is also Burro Schmitd's Tunnel and the talc mines near by. There are a few local runs I haven't done yet which could be interesting like Cow Haven and Lost Grove.

RECENT SUGGESTIONS

Coming soon

[SteeevO]

Just a reminder hut there is a ham group that uses camp Alto already if I remember right. So that might not be an option.

Jackson flat I think is absolutely awesome but there isn't any wheeling nearby.. wheeling would be a nice alternate activity. Lack of 4x4 trails there is my only complaint on that but I'm usually glued to the radio anyways.

[DaveK]

UPDATE

A little more information about Tehachapi Mountain Park, from notamog:

Site: http://www.co.kern.ca.us/parks/tehachapi.asp

1. The camp has power so no generators are needed. The rest of the park has quiet hours from 10PM to 7:AM

2. The park is 100miles North of San Fernando. There is no wheeling locally but it's only about 30 road miles from Mojave with access to the whole area to the North.

3. The park is 100miles North of San Fernando. There is no wheeling locally but it's only about 30 road miles from Mojave with access to the whole area to the North.

[DaveK]

Anyone with input on possible sites in Idyllwild, Orange County (such as Santiago Peak) or San Diego Area?

[salad_man]

Steveo and I are going to do a scouting trip to a known group site on the northern side of big bear in the end of march.

[Crismateski]

Steveo and I are going to do a scouting trip to a known group site on the northern side of big bear in the end of march.

If you dont mind me tagging along, let me know when you go