Newbie question(s) about camping

[Batonrogue]

Hello all.  Forgive me if this has been asked before.  We are planning on camping on AHE weekend and I was wondering at what time is too late to come in on Friday night?  We are planning on leaving Baton Rouge as early in the afternoon as possible but it will still be pretty late when we arrive.  Do the gates close at a certain time?  We also want to be courteous to everyone around and not be setting up too late. Would it be better to just come in on Saturday morning?  It's a 6 hour drive barring traffic FYI.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[SolRac]

Gates for camping are open all night as far as i know. As to setting up late? Usually not a problem. Everyone is up late anyhow. I have seen some people arrive as late as 2 am sometimes. Hope this helps

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[Batonrogue]

Yes that helps quite a bit.  I just don't want to come in late and annoy anyone with my goings on of setting up.  Next question, what would be considered a good supply/variety of alcohol for the weekend for 2 people and any other folks we may meet that would like to share a drink or four? I'm thinking at least a couple cases of beer and a bottle or two of rum.  Suggestions would be most helpful.

[Yrose]

Yes that helps quite a bit.  I just don't want to come in late and annoy anyone with my goings on of setting up.  Next question, what would be considered a good supply/variety of alcohol for the weekend for 2 people and any other folks we may meet that would like to share a drink or four? I'm thinking at least a couple cases of beer and a bottle or two of rum.  Suggestions would be most helpful.

The only place you would be coming into to late would be family camping. Regular camping you will be fine in. Always bring one more bottle. If you don't drink it, you can take it home.

[Riot]

Once gates open Friday, the gate remain open until Monday when the campground closes. The only time they would close when anyone is in the campground is if they open the gates Thursday at all (do to the line)

[Batonrogue]

Thanks for the help!  We generally bring a lot more than one more bottle since we hate to drink alone.  Any suggestions on a good area to camp in?  The map looks very intimidating.  There is a lot of acreage there.  We are two very gregarious people so we would welcome a nice area to meet as many great people as possible.

[mpullen]

I am the Patron's campgrounds host and can be found touring all over the campgrounds in my golf utility cart. Just look for the old phart looking everywhere at once.

I usually crash around 9-10 PM each night (hey, I'm 62 and need my beauty rest).

I start the campgrounds bonfire about 30 minutes before dusk on Friday and Saturday.

If you come onsite and are looking for a spot to setup camp, catch me during my tours. I have 170 acres available and I think I can find an area that will suit your needs.

[Batonrogue]

Thanks mpullen.  We are going to try our best to be there Friday before 8.  I will look you up when we get on site.  We are really looking forward to experiencing the new campground!  I am bringing a relative faire newbie so it should be interesting!  She is a country girl from Northern Germany( she made sure I added that distinction) and I believe she will fit right in!

[Autumn Blaize]

My daughters high school has had homecoming on halloween weekend for the last three years. So we have stayed for the game ( she is in band) and left our area about midnight. It is a 2 1/2 - 3 hour drive for us and we have never had issues setting up our tent at 3 - 4 am. I would suggest getting a lantern and using that to set up not your headlights!
Have fun! That is one of my favorite weekends to camp!

[Batonrogue]

Thanks for the tip Autumn!  We are going to try and get there by dusk.  It depends on when I can leave work Friday.  We will just use the flashlight and lanterns to set up.  I have a large SUV so we will have the tent partially ready when we get there and it wont take long to get set up.  How hard is the ground there?  Also, any good ideas on a serviceable fire pit?  Are Swedish candles ok to use in a fire pit?