Question about size of camp with no pre-placement

[RedManRising]

Hi,

I have some questions about acceptable/appropriate size of a camp. I do not have placement, so will be staking an area out when I get to the event.

So, assuming I pull in to a big, open area with no neighbors yet, how to I go about measuring and marking an area off to build my camp. May I measure a perimeter, set some temporary stakes and string line with flags for visibility to "claim" an area in which to build?

How large of an area may I stake out? Don't want more than I need, just a set back from the road and big enough to build my structures (including keeping guy wire stakes off the road, which will set structure back from road anyway).

My optimal estimate (including guy wire stakes) is 60' by 80'. Once built, there would be space for others to slide in their camping next to my structure to take advantage of shade and wind block, but only after it was erected.

So, I need some guidance on the polite way to do this.

[motskyroonmatick]

Choose a potential spot, talk with the neighbors about if you are encroaching on their space and your plans. Set out the things you are going to set up to mark the space you need and then set up. I would advise arriving in the morning so you have all day to make as much progress as possible. Needing to defend space at night for future setup is a bitch. People can't see what is going on as easily and frequently occupy other peoples camp space when they set up at night. Roping off space is frowned upon but you will see many camps do it. Many of those camps are trying to save space for weekend arriving camp mates. The concept is occupy only what you need. I use survey flags for laying out my camp. It is perfectly appropriate to get out a rag tape and measure off the area that you will need and mark it for the features your camp will have. It shows you have a plan and that is good. Most likely none is going to give you any grief for the amount of land you take up unless it is obviously not going to be used constructively.

[Elderberry]

...Needing to defend space at night for future setup is a bitch. People can't see what is going on as easily and frequently occupy other peoples camp space when they set up at night.

This has happened on land reserved for theme camps too!

[Mojojita]

Although many camps do it, the real answer is that you are not allowed to set out rope, flags, or markers to save space. You can set out your tent, dome, car, chairs, etc. in the corners you want to protect to try to save space but if you literally mark off where you want your camp boundaries to be, you will be asked to remove the markers. Worse, your markers could be removed for you if you are not in camp at the time.

I know this because it has happened to me. How long do you need to save the space? If you come in on Sunday and your friends won't be there 'till Wednesday, then working in collaboration with your neighbors is key.

[MikeGyver]

Hi,

I have some questions about acceptable/appropriate size of a camp. I do not have placement, so will be staking an area out when I get to the event.

So, assuming I pull in to a big, open area with no neighbors yet, how to I go about measuring and marking an area off to build my camp. May I measure a perimeter, set some temporary stakes and string line with flags for visibility to "claim" an area in which to build?

How large of an area may I stake out? Don't want more than I need, just a set back from the road and big enough to build my structures (including keeping guy wire stakes off the road, which will set structure back from road anyway).

My optimal estimate (including guy wire stakes) is 60' by 80'. Once built, there would be space for others to slide in their camping next to my structure to take advantage of shade and wind block, but only after it was erected.

So, I need some guidance on the polite way to do this.

If your mostly worried about the space for your structure than first thing I would do is lay out your roof poles flat on the ground. Shows that you intend to use the space and what for. Its highly unlikely that they would walk away and that's the only concern I would have.

[RedManRising]

I like the idea of temporarily using survey flags, just to lay out space to mark corners and where stakes need to go. I have no intention of "saving" space for anyone and I plan to build my structure as quickly as possible after arriving. My concern is pulling up in an open, large enough space and having others set up so quickly next to me that I do not have room to build my camp and structure. Perhaps this is not something that I should worry about because my impression is that most people attending BM are pretty considerate and collaborative.

I would never rope anything off ... I want people to be welcome and included. My assumption is that if people were pulling up next to me that they would check in with me first to see what I was up to before setting up themselves, but I suppose that depends on the ethic of the neighbor arriving.

I guess my goal is to politely communicate my intentions regarding layout so as to not have someone park a car where I need to plant a stake. Does that make sense?

[Jovankat]

This is for theme camps requesting placement but it might help to give you an idea.

3 to 6 campers - up to 2500 sq ft 50 x 50
7 to 12 campers - up to 5000 sq ft 50 x 100
13 to 18 campers - up to 7500 sq ft-50 x 150
19 to 25 campers - up to 10000 sq ft-100 x 100
26 to 37 campers - up to 15000 sq ft-100 x 150
38 to 50 campers - up to 20000 sq ft-100 x 200
51 to 75 campers - up to 30000 sq ft-150 x 200
76 to 100 campers - up to 40000 sq ft-200 x 200
101 to 125 campers - up to 50000 sq ft-200 x 250
126 to 150 campers - up to 60000 sq ft-200 x 300
151 to 175 campers - up to 70000 sq ft-200 x 350
176 to 200 campers - up to 80000 sq ft-200 x 400
201 to 300 campers - up to 120000 sq ft-300 x 400
301 to 350 campers - up to 140000 sq ft-350 x 400
351 to 400 campers - up to 160000 sq ft-400 x 400
401 campers + - up to 250000 sq ft-??? x 400

One one hand theme camps are required to have interactive elements so that would take up space. On the other hand theme camps often have shared communal spaces which would save space. But like I said this might help give you some context.

[RedManRising]

That is a really helpful guideline. Thanks!

[Token]

OMFG Jovanka, you shared privileged information in a public forum!

[Jovankat]

I don't know how privileged it is when anyone could have accessed it while theme camp applications were open.

Plus it is pretty damn useful.

[Token]

Jovankat, been wanting to ask the etymology of you ePlaya name.

Is there a story behind that?

T

[Jovankat]

It comes from this lady;



That's Tegan Jovanka, an Australian flight attendant who was a Doctor Who companion in the eighties. She appeared in Tom Baker's final story and accompanied Peter Davison for quite a while.

My actual name is Teegan and I am an Australian Doctor Who fan from the eighties. The character is actually where my parents got my name.

[maladroit]

God dammit, and you're already taken.

[Token]

Super Cool! Thanks for sharing.

I speculated that the "t" at the end was an initial though the misspelled "kat" would throw the "English speaking" portion of me brain for a loop.

Jovanka is the feminine of Jovan and the equivalent of the English John in many Slavic languages.

So it tickled me if it was Jovan Kat or Jovanka T

Cool beans.