Mendocino Woodlands Foray
November 2023

Lodging

Camp 1 Cabin Map (PDF)

Woodlands Cabin Interior of cabin
  • You may bring a camper, van or RV, instead of staying in a cabin. Tents are not allowed.
    • There is no discount for staying in your vehicle, but you might be more comfortable with your mobile nest.
    • The Woodlands charges MSSF the same per-person-fee whether you stay in a cabin or in your vehicle.
  • Cabins are assigned by the camp registrar
    • Families and couples will be assigned a cabin
    • Individuals will be assigned to shared cabins
      • minimum 2 people per cabin
      • up to 4 people could be assigned to one cabin
    • Information supplied to the camp registrar about cabin preference assists in the assignment process
      • Friends (who register independently), can request to be assigned to the same cabin
      • People who've been before, can request a specific cabin - in the event of >1 request for the same cabin, priority goes by ticket purchase date/time
    • The camp registrar doesn't know who snores, and can't assign cabins on that basis. MSSF supplies free ear plugs.
  • Cabins contain 4 single-size cots with minimal thickness mattress.
    • The cabins were built by the WPA program in the 1930s from redwood trees logged onsite. The Woodlands facility is part of a National Historic Park - the cabin construction and amenities reflect that era for expectations of comfort level during a stay in the forest.
    • This is a camp with basic facilities
      • It's an amazingly beautiful forest with remarkable redwood buildings... but it's NOT a fancy resort with maid service, internet access, and an option to schedule a massage after your 10 mile hike
    • Bathrooms and showers (with hot water) are centrally located in the three clusters of cabins
    • Headlamp and/or flashlight will be needed.
    • 3-season sleeping bag. Many people bring extra camp pads for the cots.
  • The cabins have no electricity.
    • If you use a cpap machine, or other essential electrical device, you will need a portable power supply
    • The dining hall and dance hall have just a few electrical outlets
      • don't count on having a way to recharge your devices (staff, including foray leaders, have priority for recharging walkie-talkies and phones, etc)
  • ABSOLUTELY NO candles or lanterns with flames
  • There are fireplaces - details of that will be discussed at the 1st-time camper Zoom orientation
    • Unbreakable rule: campers cannot ever leave even the tiniest live ember in a fireplace
    • Not for 5 minutes to run to the bathroom
    • Not "I think maybe it's out - but I'm not sure - I don't want to miss breakfast..."
    • Fires must be 100% extinguished and cold to the touch unless there is a human on the spot
    • NO exceptions!