On Lakes, Surface Water, and Camping

Bad Tent Location - Too Close to surface water
(Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/meganpru/5914413517/)

Updated on 6/25/22 at 6:33 AM California time to indicate actual conditions.

Creeks and other surface water provide water for animals in the area and spawning grounds for fish.  Water is the heart of the ecosystem. When folks disrespect the lake, they disrespect the land on which we gather as well as the heart of the gathering itself.

While one or two people swimming in a lake can have minimal impact, when there are a few thousand of us, we can negatively impact the lake if we do not take the same precautions our local public pool requires.

Tips & Tricks for protecting the creeks and marshes

Grab a bucket of water and rinse off at least 300 feet away from the lake and where the water won't run back into the lake.  This helps remove sunscreens, tick repellent including natural remedies, and skin oils that are harmful to the lake and the creatures that live there.

Don't pee in the creek, marshy areas, or willowy areas.

Do not camp within 100  feet of wetlands.  Let's save creek-front real estate for sun bathing, swimming, naked massage parties and other communal uses. 

~~~Nothing is biodegradable in water.~~~

Good Tent Location - In woods 100 feet away from surface water
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/50461467@N00/6075694833/)

Soil filters and decomposes soapy water, food scraps and urine.  We always need to make sure we keep all our waste far enough back from the lake and other surface water so that the wonderful micro-organisms in the soil have the chance to do their magic.

In my mind, our shining stars are folks who make signs asking people to not camp along the creek. Family who go around and talk to people about why we don’t camp adjacent to surface waters are my heroes and I worship at your feet.

When we gather, we are visitors to the land. The plants and animals that live there year round are depending on us to tread lightly and leave the ground and the WATER upon which we drummed and danced, ate and loved, in better shape than when we arrived. This, my friends, is the Rainbow way. 

Of course every site is different. The soil drainage and the type of surface water varies ecosystem to ecosystem and the down-stream features indicate how close is too close. Different areas have different animals who need access to the creek for drinking purposes. If you’re too close, you’ll scare them off. When you come home, check in with INFO to learn any site specific considerations for this year's gathering. Or find a friendly Forest Service Resource person and pick their brain.


A gathering is not a festival. Please don’t camp on the grass.  Camp in the woods, under the trees, 100 feet back from a , creek, or other surface water.

Be the consciousness you wish to see in this world!