How do ya'll do it? (Camp/sleep strategies)

[BeatTheSkunk]

Hey Barrett-heads! (SO much cooler than Jimmy Buffet fans)

I'm headed to Barrett soon, (pumped!) but I wanted to ask some logistics of you seasoned veterans. I'm coming from O-side and due to the length of drive, I was thinking about camping or sleeping in my car in order to get in with the first wave of entrants when the gate is opened. I recall a campsite opening nearby...have any of you tried it?

Or, what if I just sleep in the back of my van by the gate somewhere? Is that too illegal/would I get in trouble, or cause problems by doing this? (this would be my preference cuz my car is great to sleep in and its FREE), but I don't wanna ruffle any feathers if you guys advise against that.

Thanks as always for the great info and support that the members of this community have always provided me.

[DarkShadow]

We used to leave LA at around 12 or so. We'd stop at the Denny's near SDSU (which at 2ish am is a frickin human circus!) and get a bite. We'd be in line by 3:30, and usually had 10 to 20 or so vehicles in front of us, which was manageable.

Now? We leave around 9, get to Denny's around 11:30 (which isn't as entertaining as 2:30 am, but oh well) and we'd get in line around 1. I bring my backpacking tent and inflatable mattress and pass out in the bed of my truck until opening. I haven't been harassed yet, except once by a curious raccoon.

[Seaway]

01:30 departing Los Angeles.. I wish I was as close as you.. your only 70 miles.. I am 350 round trip...I was lucky and got tickets for Saturday and Sunday a few years ago.. Camped at the Skyline Ranch down the street from the lake.. That was very convenient ...

[Shawn5]

Normally I show up by 9pm the night before and sleep in my truck ,I have a full size cab so it makes it easy for me I pack a lunch/snacks and something for the morning I also grab something on the way for dinner

[falafeluver]

We usually arrive close to the gate opening times, we used to get there earlier but I hate to say it, while there have not been any weird “The Hills Have Eyes” issues just too eerie for us now lol.

[jmytuna]

Drive down from Torrance so better for me to get there earlier and catch a few hours sleep in the truck.

[bendopolo 44+]

Great Place to camp, 4 miles from entrance, Fishermen friendly!

[Gotfish?]

There is a park and ride along the way: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Park+ ... ?entry=ttu

I live close enough that I don't have to use it though. I wouldn't expect a problem but if anyone bothers you, just tell them you were driving and got tired and pulled over to be safe. That line has worked for me before.

[camobass]

I do it by living 10 min away.
That camp site bendopolo mentioned would work if you wanted to camp the night before. There’s also a huge dirt parking lot by Japatul valley fire station off Lyons valley rd. that is a trail head to pine creek/horsethief canyon that you wouldn’t be bothered if you slept in your vehicle. It’s only a couple miles from the entrance to Barrett.
If you wanted to sleep in comfort, alpine has a hotel. Get up early and drive.

[bendopolo 44+]

The nice thing about the Campground is proper restrooms and access to electricity for a very small extra cost. Also they are a local small business, ran by Fisher-people.

[camobass]

I thought they were a bunch of new age pot farming frisbee throwers?

[Tcfish]

Some serious big cats lurking in the hills. If you’re in Oceanside, that’s an hour drive. Why go the night before? We get there around 4 o’clock. Usually there’s a few cars in line. We go right in and get to it. Usually take a break around noon take a cat nap get out of the sun And go back and finish the day. I used to drive from San Clemente now I live in Fallbrook and it’s a lot easier. Get up early go fishing drink coffee and Red Bulls, catch a shit load of fish and go home and have sweet dreams.

[camobass]

I’d be more worried about Sasquatch