Where: Guilford Lake State Park Ohio
When: Monday July 20th through Monday July 27th 2020 for those wishing extended stay, or join us for any part thereof!!! The most fun is usually had over the full weekend.
Cost: $24.00 a night per campsite, $25.00 Fri and Sat nights (Approx. State Park may change the prices, but not more than a couple dollars or so.) (Misc costs see below)
Time: Check-in 3PM... Checkout 1PM
Reservations can be made starting January 2020!!!!!
RULES and REGISTRATIONS
Registration is by reservation. Sites 1 - 4 are local walk-in sites. Sites 5 - 41 are by reservation. We can stop in the office or call 1-866-644-6727. I am looking to get us all in one area, preferably starting with site 11 lakeside as in the past. HOWEVER... we will take what we can get so long as we all are together or as close as possible. Everything is within easy walking distance, so if you are unable to get a site right in the main area we seek, it is not a big deal... even for wheelchair use. There are paved areas that are easily accessible to every site!!! For those who like to get there early, you will be charged the night before if you arrive before 6AM, and you will be charged another day if not out by 1PM. (They are lenient about checkout so long as you are actively packing up.)
Bicycling is permitted in the campground but not after dark.
Those visiting people camping may visit from 6AM to 10PM. (Meh... LOL)
Two (2) pets permitted per campsite but must remain leashed. (We already have the Princess and Raziel. One is a minpin, the other is part pitbull, part bloodhound, but mostly chowhound.)
No firearms or fireworks... this goes without saying.
No alcohol. Rag's interpretation... keep it quiet, responsible and in plain cups with bottles and cans hidden and there should not be an issue, but get hammered at your own risk. Our Gatherings have always been responsible before, so I see no reason why that should change now. Bring a good insulated cup/mug with straw or spout and be adults and there should be no reason to question. It IS nice to have a couple drinks just to relax with friends and family. This IS PUBLIC STATE LAND and open container and public intoxication laws of Ohio apply!!!
Fires permitted only in stoves, grills, or designated areas. Leave no fire unattended.
NOISE must be kept to a minimum between 11PM and 7AM. (Meh... LOL)
The park has a dumping station for waste water. USE IT. There are also drinking fountains and spigots for usable water.
Ice is available on site, though a bit steep. There are also a couple soda machines.
No collecting firewood or cutting down trees. I usually supply.
A campsite may not be occupied by more than six people. Parents with multiple children excepted. (Meh... so long as not abused. No issues yet!!!)
No trespassing on other people's sites. We seem to be the only ones that adhere to this. They can dredge for their bodies later.
Camping Equipment Limited To;
1.) One tent or tents having a separate or combined floor space not in excess of 200 sq ft or
2.) One bus, travel trailer, house vehicle, motor home, station wagon, motorcycle, car, truck, van, pickup camper (None of these may exceed 35 feet in length) in combination with a tent or tents listed above.
3.) One motor vehicle, in addition to one of the above mentioned vehicle, may be parked on the site parking pad in lieu of other vehicles.
We have plenty of room if we get our lakeside camping areas. We will find a way to squeeze people in. No worries. It is all in how you stack'em!
MISC DETAILS;
A fishing license is required to fish. As woob and I are usually out fishing before July, we will post if the fishing is good or not before money is spent on an out of state license. Some years are good here... and some suck. You never know until you fish it and see. Most use the online app when on site if it looks good. Weather has alot to do with it and this IS Ohio. Weather can and does change quickly.
There is a staffed office and workers at the campground.
Ice machines and soda machines, canoe, party barge, mini private beach, and paddle boat rentals.
There is firewood available for purchase on site, and I will be bringing wood as well. (SSshhhhh... theirs is expensive!!!!! Roughly a buck a split!!!!!)
There is a small beach at the campground, a small playground, showers and heads. There is also various gaming stuff available from the park office for use. As a family, we do welcome kids!!! We have always been family oriented, and do quite well except for the occasional slip of the lip, but we do try to avoid such.
There is a larger public beach not far away with facilities and parking as well, and a swing-set.
There is also an ice cream stand open during summer hours nearby the beach.
MISC COSTS;
In addition to the site fee(s). In the past, we have tried meal plans, everyone for themselves, etc. This only works to some degree. What seems to work best, is if you choose to dine on your own, do so, just join us so we can eat together. Some do have medical mandated dietary needs that do not work for others. Raziel enjoys food that is so hot it tears you up like a rabid cougar clawing its way out of your ass 15 minutes after you regain consciousness from eating it. So the norm, is everyone decides what they want, we pool resources and make a store run. So please bring some money for these runs. It helps more than you know rather than just a couple dropping big bucks to make sure everyone gets something to eat and drink. So do plan on bringing funds for various miscellaneous expenses that arise. IE, propane, starter fluid, paper plates, plastics, and napkins/paper towels. We do approach this as a family, and families share. None go without, but do not take advantage. Share and share alike!!!
If you do not have much in the way of camping gear, do not worry about it. If you have a tent, a chair, a flashlight, and something to sleep on/in, we can usually help with the rest. We set up a main commissary and main fire area, so that covers almost all the required needs.
This seems like a lot for a Gathering, but it is mostly rules and regs for the campsite. My rules are much simpler. Have fun but be responsible... remember we are a family and if kids do attend try not to be dropping the F bomb like some crazed bombardier. Keep the drinking low key and the noise level low ... and if Raziel, one of the regulars, or myself ask you to do something if you may be getting a bit loud or something, just listen and be cool about it all. We are all there to have fun and build memories to last us all a lifetime!!!!!
More info and such will be posted as it is gathered.
For pics see Gathering 2018 thread
DO NOTE... the site fees are subject to change, but I do not expect them to change. If they do, the change will be minimal.
Any questions you may have can be fielded my myself, Raziel, Sidona, or the Ubara.
Do bear in mind this is OHIO. Weather changes drastically in a very short time!!! Be prepared for rain, broiling sun and heat, or downright cold!!!
On a different note, with regards to showers, disability showers are also available large enough for wheelchairs, shower chairs etc, and these come with an upper and lower shower-head. One or both may be used. As I discovered the hard way, if you use these showers, turn the water on BEFORE stepping into it. One can receive a very rude awakening being hit squarely in the nether regions with cold water until the hot water clears the pipes!!! Rest assured you will immediately be wide awake. Bring a pair of shower shoes (flip-flops) for use in the showers. They are cleaned and maintained, but not after each individual use.
We intend to try and get lakeside lots. If using tents, remember to bring some good stakes and extra rope. If weather blows in, the wind coming over the water can become rather harsh at times.
If you wish to travel light, and are interested, you can ship your larger items to woob and I, and we will get it to the campground for you. This should help a great deal for those who my be traveling by air, bike, etc. Just get a hold of me so we can work out the details.
For those leaving their gear here, PLEASE get a footlocker of sorts, preferably a large plastic one with latches that you can put your things in for storage. I can NOT keep trying to make heads or tails of mattresses, blankets, flipflops, etc that is just loaded up for travel. Place everything in the locker, we zip tie it closed, and it is just as you packed it the following ear. Simple. We do not use woobie's vardo just for Gatherings. It is a regular packing/unpacking venture. Please be considerate.
I AM ALREADY EXCITED ABOUT SEEING MY FAMILY AGAIN!!!!!
