INDULGENCES passport by joel martens SUMMER FUN To Tent or Not To Tent
At first glance most people think that I am not someone who spends a whole lot of time in the wilderness—and I get it. Just because I like my Veuve Clicquot chilled (45 to 48 °F to be exact) and my Camembert with the chill off (slightly below room temperature), doesn’t mean that I can’t adapt to the great out-of-doors. After all, I grew up in the north woods of Wisconsin, roughing it was part of the deal. By the way, who says you can’t drink Champagne and nosh said cheese while sitting at a campsite by a lovely fire and a group of friends—or better yet a lover? Perfection. There are quite a few great options for gay-exclusive or gay-friendly camping within a minimal drive in California, most accommodate RV, trailer or tent stations and have numerous amenities—some even offer catering so you don’t even have to cook! I will stick to gay or gay friendly, but don’t limit your adventures, check out the sidebar and you will see some of the most popular throughout the state.
CATHEDERAL PALMS DESERT RV PARK 35901 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234 Phone 760.324.8244. This is the closest “camping” resort town to Palm Springs with facilities for RVs/tents and full hook-ups. Swimming pool, hot tub, clubhouse and bike trail.
If you want
nature, you will want to head outside of the campground for it here. There are lots of options such as the Ramona Trail, and close by is beautiful Cathedral Canyon, and over by Cathedral Palms you find the Pacific Crest Trail as well. This is the place for you RVers especially those who don’t want to “rough it.” Mostly straight but gay friendly.
resortparks.com/xap/nwb/MR010?resort=796
STARLAND DESERT RETREAT, Yucca Valley, CA 92284, Phone 760.364.2069. This is a rustic, adult (21 and up) membership-only campground located in the Mojave Desert.
It is a small, interesting, collaborative environment geared towards
men (women are welcome and encouraged to come) that is very basic but has all of the things you need as a camper. They have a main hall with shower facilities, and can provide an indoor space if “tenting it” doesn’t suit you. It is quite isolated and provides hiking terrain that varies from sandy to rocky with many well-marked trails. The ad- dress, which is only provided once a membership is established, is super affordable.
starlandretreat.com/FormContact.htm
HIGHLANDS RESORT 14000 Woodland Drive, Guerneville, CA 95446 Phone 707.869.0333. Highlands Resort is a relaxing and peaceful retreat that has been in existence since the 1920s in the beauty that is the Russian River Valley. One of the few primarily gay and lesbian sites (they say 98 percent, but are very straight-friendly), the camp has been gay owned and operated since the ‘70s and they have been renovating and improving the entire time. Primarily an adult resort, as it is known to be clothing optional! A full line of activities and amenities are available (you can even schedule a massage). Located in the Russian River Recreational Area, there are many options for outdoor entertainment such as river canoeing, birding, fishing or hiking in the ancient redwood forest. No RVs are allowed, cabins are available in a wide array of sizes and prices and you can pitch your tent on site as well.
highlandsresort.com
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RAGE monthly | JULY 2011
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