Where can I camp? Or expect to camp

[divenakedd]

Hello Group,

First time Burner, camping alone, though caravan/carpooling to BM.

I plan to arrive at daylight of the opening day. Everyone in our caravan will be part of theme camp, expect me. From my understanding, it's open camping / first come first serve? Is that correct?

Do I just drive out and pick a spot in the wheel? Do I have to pick that spot at the gate? Are theme camp areas fenced off, so I don't accidently pitch my camp in someone's area?

As a newbee, should I try to get to any certain area? Or are all things pretty much equal?

For those more expereinced burners, I understand the gates open at midnight, should I expect a mad dash of people trying to get in or is it just a steady flow of people arriving the first couple of days?

thank you all for any advice/experience you can share.

Chad

[phil]

You'll be given a map which shows what areas are theme camps. Kindly don't camp in a theme camp area - they are not fenced off or marked in any way on the ground - just on the map. You'll find likely places to camp, so ask around to make sure you're not in a theme area, meet your neighbors, ask for information on the location.

You don't have to pick a spot at the gate, just drive in a pick one. Kindly don't drive all over the place looking, though - it raises dust and ire.

[EB]

Hello Group,

First time Burner, camping alone, though caravan/carpooling to BM.

I plan to arrive at daylight of the opening day. Everyone in our caravan will be part of theme camp, expect me. From my understanding, it's open camping / first come first serve? Is that correct?

For the most part. As Phil said, they'll hand you a map at the gate which deliniates clearly where the theme camps are where open camping is. Most of Black Rock City is open camping. There's PLENTY of great spots.

Do I just drive out and pick a spot in the wheel?

Yep. When you leave the greeter's station, you'll drive down a long road. The road forks. You can either go right or left. Flip a coin. When I've camped in the open (Free range, as it were) I've sometimes gone left, sometimes gone right.

Do I have to pick that spot at the gate?

No. Until you drive into the city, you'll really have no idea what you're getting into. Just drive slowly (5 MPH) to keep the dust down, roll down your windows and take it in. This is where your mind starts to get blown. Enjoy it!

Are theme camp areas fenced off, so I don't accidently pitch my camp in someone's area?

If not fenced off, they'll be marked with tape or surveyor's flags. Since all of the theme camps will have been there for a couple days, everything will probably be pretty clearly marked.

As a newbee, should I try to get to any certain area?

Nope. Camp wherever you want! It's your city, too! What I've done in the past is to pull into a spot, get out and ask the campers on either side if there's a claim on the spot. Is this mandatory? No. And nobody likes a space hog, but in the long run, it's better to get this kind of bullshit out of the way first thing. People are weird when it comes to their territory, even at Burning Man. When you first approach them about setting up camp next door, they're a little prickly, but once the tent comes out and they know you're there to stay, they relax. Human nature.

After parking the car and pulling a few things out, I usually go to my neighbors with a "housewarming gift" (a cold beer, tray of fruit, otter pop) Voila! You've made your first friends! All happening in the first five minutes of parking!

For those more expereinced burners, I understand the gates open at midnight, should I expect a mad dash of people trying to get in or is it just a steady flow of people arriving the first couple of days?

Unless you're on an early arrival list, the gates open at the same time for everybody, experienced or not: Monday, 12:01 a.m. Since all vehicles pass through the bottleneck of the Greeter Stations, there's nothing like a Sooner Land Grab to get a spot. Yes, there might be a longer line when the event opens, but it's all pretty orderly.

[divenakedd]

Thanks guys! I have read and re-read (And still reading and planning), but from what's posted on the main site I wasn't getting a full picture for driving in the gate and finding a spot.

thanks for the advice and insight. I'll make sure I have some cold beers in easy reach ... I like that tip!

[Bob]

After you settle down, if you want friends to know where you're camped, or to find other campers, walk up to Playa Info in Center Camp and use the computer directory.

http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... vices.html

[Hoolie]

What I like to do is park temporarily on the outer road, unload my bike, and ride it around to scout for a space. First of all, it's nice to get out of the car and stretch the legs after the long drive. But mainly, I find it's easier to see and get a feel for things from a bike. And since it kicks up less dust than a car, you can go faster. Also, you're minimizing your driving through the area, since once you find a spot, you can retrieve your car and drive straight to it.

[Ugly Dougly]

If you arrive too early, you'll have nothing more than the open playa, some tiny stakes with small flags and possible accurate camp names on them, plus the Man to relate reality to your map. No streets for the most part. As the population grows, you'll see more and more landmarks that make it easier to use the map.

[divenakedd]

Thanks Bob, Hoolie and UD ! all great advice, I really like Hoolie's idea on using the Bike ... again, something else to consider when I'm pack the truck!

Thanks

[Dr. Pyro]

What confuses me just a smidgin, is you're caravaning and/or carpooling with a group that is part of a theme camp (or perhaps several camps), why not see if you can get yourself invited to become part of that camp? Unless, of course, you're a drama queen that nobody in their right mind would want to camp with (we have vanquished several from our camp for that very reason), in which case, park and camp way, way out in the back.

[divenakedd]

[quote="Dr. Pyro"]What confuses me just a smidgin, is you're caravaning and/or carpooling with a group that is part of a theme camp (or perhaps several camps), why not see if you can get yourself invited to become part of that camp? Unless, of course, you're a drama queen that nobody in their right mind would want to camp with (we have vanquished several from our camp for that very reason), in which case, park and camp way, way out in the back.[/quote]

Pyro, that’s funny that you see it as only two options: join a camp or I must be a drama queen.

This is my will be my 1st BM, but I’ve been planning ‘my’ trip since the beginning of the year. When the BM rideshare site recently went up, I posted for rideshare/caravan. Florida is a long way and there are a lot of benefits in sharing resources. So far our group includes 4, (2) single campers, (2) that are part of different theme camps.

Since this is my 1st BM, I decided I want to be free to experience it without any commitments to a camp. I am very capable and experienced camper, road tripper, traveler, and I would add value to a camp. I also have the resources (18’ playa dome, carport, bar, multi rugs, solar and gen power, etc) to host in my own camp.

Everything I’ve read, says we each define BM for ourselves. The goal for my 1st BM, is not to get laid, party all night, etc (those will come on there own, because that is normal life for me), My goal is seek and find out what BM is to me. Maybe it will be community, maybe it will be spiritual, or maybe it will be just one big party. I’m certainly not pre-defining it and hence I’ve decided to camp alone.

I have a few invites and maybe I will accept, but I’m more likely to wait until next year if I decide to join a camp. Do I make a commitment to a group I do not know or find a group at BM that I desire to join in the future?

Your statement would have been better if it read “Unless, of course, you’re a rolling stone (who gathers no moss) and feel the commitment to a camp would be more than you’re willing to invest.â€

[notonmysofa]

Sounds like you got the right attitude divenakedd. Have fun at your first burn!