Pioneer Camping at the Squirrel’s Nest - Dog Friendly - Fri, Mar 11 2016

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Pioneer Camping at the Squirrel’s Nest - Dog Friendly


The Basics:
Event Type:Camping
Event Location: Unicoi State Park, Helen, GA   Camping: Pioneer Camping at the Squirrel’s Nest - Dog Friendly  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Mar 11 2016  1:00 pm >> Sun, Mar 13 2016 11:00 am
Registration Opens: Thu, Feb 4 2016 8:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Thu, Feb 18 2016 8:00 pm
Event Duration:1 Days 21 Hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Chris L
Kiran
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$20.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:25
Minimum Group Size:15
Number Registered So Far: 22 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:

Looking for unique camping experience? Join us for a weekend of camping at the Squirrels Nest at Unicoi State Park. This camping facility is a little different from what you find in many other campgrounds. The site consists of 16 platforms that are located on a steep hillside. The platforms are covered so there is no need for using a tent (in fact, tents are not allowed!). You are welcome to bring tarps to hang from your platform for added privacy.

 



The Squirrels Nest area, which is a village of primitive camping structures or platforms (sized 15'x14') on the side of a hill. The Nests themselves are roofed, one backwall and open on 3 sides. The site has plenty of picnic tables, running water, a large fire pit and yes, our own comfort station with sinks, flushing toilets and yes, hot showers!  The site is a short distance from the parking area. You may want to bring a cart to transport your belongings and bring a cooler with wheels. 

There are only 16 platforms, so everyone people will have to share. The platforms are designed to sleep 4 to 6 people. We will have two people per platform.

 

 

The Grand PLAN:

FRIDAY :

We can check in as early at 1:00 pm Anyone availabe to come early is welcome to join Chris any time after 1.

The rest of the group arrives at the camp site after work, set up camp, cook dinner, and enjoy our creations by the fire. Later, we sit around the campfire creating 'Smores, and telling (mostly true) stories. Accomplished musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments.


SATURDAY:

Campers have several options:

a) There are numerous hiking trails in the Unicoi State Park area.

b) Visit Anna Ruby Falls,

c)  Visit the Alpine village of Helen, just two miles from Unicoi State Park.

d) Drive to Brasstown Bald the highest point in Georgia only 45 minutes away.

e) Sleep in, relax in camp, read a book, play "Poke a Black Bear and live to tell about it," or just whittle a stick.

Toward nightfall, we flex our culinary skills once again and prepare mouth- watering dishes for a pot luck meal to share that will be the envy of campers everywhere. As we enjoy our edible artwork, we continue the fun, friendship and relaxation around a toasty fire. Note: The pot luck meal is optional. 

Sunday: 

Wake up, eat up (breakfast), pack up, clear up (the campsite), and head out.

 

DOG DETAILS:

Group Limit for dogs: 6 dogs 

Dogs are welcome on this event as long as they are supervised by their human at all times. Unicoi State Park requires your dog must be leashed. The squirrels Nest camp site is set off away from the camp ground. You may choose to allow your dog off leash at the campsite. Your dog must be well behaved and not be a nuisance to other campers. Rangers may stop by the camp site on occasion and might issue tickets for off leash dogs. Also, dogs are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, and swimming areas. Humans are responsible for the care and feeding of their dog and should ALWAYS clean up after their dog. Humans are solely responsible for their dog's behavior, and dogs that cannot be controlled may have to be leashed, or in serious cases, leave the event.

 


Required Items to Bring:
  • Air mattress or Sleeping Pad
  • Sleeping Bag or bed linens
  • Camp chair
  • Jacket and Thermals
  • Changes of clothes
  • Camp footwear
  • 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 2 Dinners
  • Camp stove or burner and fuel
  • Plate, mug and untensils
  • Beverages of choice
  • Headlamp or Flashlight
  • Rain gear
  • 2 bags of firewood  (wood is scarce in the area, so this is important)
  • A sense of humor!
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

Hiking shoes
Camelback
Camera
Black plastic or tarp to close in nest sides for privacy
Dolly to carry your equipment from your vehicle (the site is a bit of a walk from the cars)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

I-85 North to I-985 North, Exit 22; take US-129 towards Gainesville and Cleveland for 26 miles; past Cleveland, turn right on Hwy 75 for 10 miles; past Helen, turn right on Hwy 356, Unicoi State Park entrance is on the left (across for the street from The Lodge entrance).


Notes:

Are Dogs Permitted? Yes. NO other pets (ie, cats, birds, lizards, snakes, etc) are permitted. Kennels are not available. Owner is reponsible for feeding and watering. Owner should always clean up after their dog. Owner is also responsible for dogs behavior.  If the dog can not be controlled, trip leader may ask the dog to be removed from the trip. You must let the trip leader know if you are bringing a dog!!!


Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$20.00/Person
Cost Includes:

Cost Includes: Camping Fee

The Cost Does Not Include: Food - each camper is responsible for bring food and beverages. The State Park parking fee. The fee is $5.00 per car unless you have a State Park parking pass.

 

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Thu, Feb 18 2016.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!
*Note:

Memebers are welcome to join the event at any time but there is no credit for particial attendance.

This event is rain or shine.

If you cancel on or before February 18, 2016, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after February 18, 2016 unless someone from the waitlist replaces you and pays in full. You will then be elegible for a full refund less the $5 administrative fee.

It is your responsibility to get your payment in by the due date. Please allow seven days from the date mailed for a check to be processed. Note: To say "The check is in the mail" on the payment due date will not hold your spot on this event.

NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PAYMENT DUE DATE.

AFTER THE PAYMENT DUE DATE, PAYMENTS WILL NEED TO BE MADE USING PAYPAL.