Accessibility
Event: MSSF Mendocino Camp Woodlands Foray 2025 - a Member Only Event
General information
Contact name
Stephanie Wright
Contact number
no cell signal at Mendo Camp
Travel instructions
Driving instructions: https://www.mendocinowoodlands.org/directions Public transportation would not be feasible. Join Groups.io, MSSF member-only group, there will be a subgroup specifically for people registered for Mendo Camp - that will be the best place to ask about car-pooling with other camp attendees. Groups.io is a private, verified member-only discussion site - there is NO advertising, push notifications, or sharing of your data. The only content is postings by MSSF council and staff, and from other members. You can choose - in your account settings within groups.io - to receive individual emails of each posting, daily summaries, or NO EMAIL, in which case the messages are viewed on the groups.io webpage. There is also a "Wiki" associated with the foray group that contains extensive information. [note: groups.io, is a separate platform from the mssf.org member area, it has a separate username/password]
Entry instructions
STRONG RECOMMENDATION - if you have never been to Mendocino Woodlands before, it's best to ARRIVE AT LEAST ONE HOUR BEFORE SUNSET which is at 5 pm on November 14 in Mendocino. The last several miles are on gravel roads, under dense redwood canopy, with no cell signal. Even at high noon there's not a lot of light under the trees; there is minimal outdoor lighting in camp. It will take you time to unload your car, take your gear to your cabin, and find/follow the path that takes you to the dining hall - if you are unfamiliar with the camp, learning that route is best done while there is adequate light. If you are leaving from San Francisco, it takes 3.5 hours non-stop to get to Mendocino Woodlands [if there isn't any road construction, commuter traffic or other delays]. Most people want to stop for fuel [before the higher prices of Mendocino] and/or have a picnic and stretch legs, which means 4 hours is really the minimum amount of time from SF. You can do the math - this means - to arrive with one hour of daylight, you need to leave SF at noon.
After entry instructions
GO TO THE DINING HALL - that is where check-in takes place. As soon as you have checked in, you must move your car to a designated parking location near your cabin. You will need to unload, and take your camping gear to your cabin. Please be considerate of other people, don't block other cars or access to the paths. Thank you.
Hazards
Mendocino Woodlands was constructed during the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It was declared a National Historical Monument in 1997. With that in mind, be aware that changes to the facility are restricted [by its historical status]. It is in the woods with hills and dirt paths, and the 1930s did not have 21st century ideas about accessibility - this in not a wheelchair accessible venue. In November, there may have been rain resulting in mud.
Toilet location
There is one official accessible toilet, up the hill from the dining hall. It has one grab bar, which is not positioned to be useful. The dining hall and dance hall [where the lectures take place] do not have restrooms within the buildings, and have steps to the building entrances.
Accessible parking
If someone needs to be dropped off and picked up from the dining hall, that can be accommodated, but cars cannot be parked near the dining hall. No parking allowed in that area, except <10 minutes when checking in, plus as a loading zone for individuals when departing or returning from forays. The kitchen staff uses the area next to the dining hall/kitchen for their own vehicles while they are preparing and cleaning up from meals.
Call the camp registrar to discuss your needs.
If you have mobility limitations, a phone call to the significantly disabled camp registrar can help to determine if camp will work for you. [Registrar = Stephanie = 510.388.5009]
CPAP users
The cabins do NOT HAVE ELECTRICITY. If you use a CPAP machine, or other device requiring electricity, a Jackery, or other portable power supply will be needed. Charging up your devices: there are a few outlets in the dining hall and dance hall, but not very many. If you turn your phone settings to "airplane" mode it can save power - the phone won't repeatedly try to find a bluetooth or cell signal that isn't there.
Scented products
Some mushroom ID is facilitated by smelling the fungi... Campers want to smell the woods and the savory culinary treats being prepared, Please do not user scented products. Seating in the dining hall and dance hall is crowded - in November, it is cold and doors are kept closed limiting fresh air. If you in a shared cabin, others may not appreciate your favorite scented product. Thank you.