Primitive Camping - Amicalola Falls State Park - Fri, Apr 22 2011

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.



Primitive Camping - Amicalola Falls State Park


The Basics:
Event Type:Camping
Event Location: National Forest near Amicalola Falls State Park
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Apr 22 2011  8:00 pm >> N/A  (Carpool Departure: 6:00 pm   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Mar 23 2011 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Apr 15 2011 5:00 pm
Event Duration:per itinerary
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Jennifer Howle
Chris L
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$36.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:20
Minimum Group Size:10
Number Registered So Far: 20 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: Yes

Itinerary:
Camping season is here! It's one of my favorite times of the year, so let's head to the woods to enjoy the season. This month, we are headed to a national forest campsite just outside of Amicalola Falls State Park. Amicalola is one of Georgia's most popular state parks. Anyone hiking to the Hike Inn or the AT knows this park well. It's also famous for the highest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River.

This is primitive camping, meaning there are NO comfort stations…although showers and bathrooms are available in the nearby state park (a 5-10 minute drive) should you be totally adverse to “roughing” it; NO electricity; NO potable water and NO shelters. Just because it is primitive camping does not mean we have to totally rough it though. Our campsite is within walking distance of our cars so feel free to bring all your luxury camping gear...large tents, air mattresses, coolers, reclining camp chairs and more...all are welcome.

We will arrive Friday, set up our campsite, then enjoy a yummy meal. As night falls, we will sit around the campfire making a tasty new dessert, singing bawdy songs (whatever those are), and telling stories ‘till late into the night. Musicians are welcome and encouraged to bring their instruments.

Saturday, after a hearty breakfast, groups can split off to do whatever they please...sleep, relax in camp and read a book, play horseshoes (bring your own!), or widdle. There are hiking trails in the neighboring state park to beautiful Amicalola Falls, Springer Mountain, or the Hike Inn.  In nearby Dahlonega you can visit the Dahlonega Appalachian Jam for some knee slapping good times.

Saturday afternoon we will have the judging of our second annual tent decorating contest.  Light up your tent with Christmas tree lights, throw in a disco ball, or set up a full bar - the sky is the limits so go nuts and impress us with your creativity!

Saturday night, we will cook up an awesome 'mouth watering' meal of your own creation (hint! hint!) and continue the fun, friendship and relaxation around our toasty fire.  Make sure you bring a headlamp or flashlight for a special midnight activity we have planned :-)

Sunday morning, we will have a lite breakfast and start to pack-up for home.

Required Items to Bring:
Tent
Sleeping bag/Pad
Camp chair
Warm/dry change of clothes
Cup and/or mug
Flashlight
Rain gear
Toilet paper
1-2 bags of firewood (very important)
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
Hiking gear
Snacks
Camera
Personal items

How to Get There:
Event Directions:Dawsonville, GA We will try to be at the site before dark (around 8:00 pm) in order to set up camp, and start cooking dinner… 15 miles northwest of Dawsonville on Ga. Hwy. 52. Take 400 North to Hwy. 53 (on your left) Take Hwy. 53 west to Hwy. 183 north to Hwy. 52 east. Park is on your left.

Directions to the campsite to be provided by email prior to the event.
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):90Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 6:00 pm
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $36.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Notes:
Are dogs permitted? Yes, dogs are welcome if leashed (no longer than six feet) while in the state park and accompanied by the owner at all times; however, they are not allowed in or around historic sites, cottages, lodges, group camps, swimming areas. Kennels are not available. Owners are responsible for care and feeding of thier dog. Owners should always clean up after their dog. Owners are solely responsible for their dogs behavior. Dogs that can not be controlled may be asked to leave the event. There is a trip limit of 3 dogs!!


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:$36.00/Person
Cost Includes:$36.00 includes your dinner Friday, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast Sunday.

Payment may be made via PayPal, PC Banking or Check. It is your responsibility to get the deposit payment and/or balance payment in meet the due dates. Please allow two days for processing a PayPal transaction, and allow seven days (from mailing date) for a check to be processed. So both should be sent well in advance of payment cut off date.

No partial payment for partial attendance.

Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Apr 15 2011.
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: If you cancel on or before April 2nd, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after April 2nd unless someone from the waitlist  replaces you and pays in full.  In that case, you are eligible for a full refund less a $5 administrative fee.

Event is rain or shine however the trip leader may cancel if extreme weather conditions are forecast. If the event is cancelled because of extreme weather conditions, you will receive a full refund. 

NOTE: Please be considerate of others. If you sign-up and cannot attend, please cancel asap so others on a waiting list may attend.