BAAAHS Campout 2026: SideQuest

Adventurer,

You could stay on the main quest.

But you’re here, so clearly you didn’t.

SideQuest is a three-night queer campout in the Mendocino hills, built around the idea that the best experiences aren’t mandatory—they’re found by wandering. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure weekend of music in the trees, art tucked off the path, and moments that happen when someone enters your orbit at just the right time.

Nothing here is consumed. Everything is made together, in small ways and unexpected ones.

The BAAAHS crew is gearing up for another year in the desert, and this is our proving ground, our dress rehearsal, our "does this flame effect actually work?" weekend. It’s a chance to get intimate with the BAAAHS fam before we hit the dust, or if you can't make it to BRC this year, to get a little taste of what it's like.

Take the detour.

What Lies Beyond the Gate:

• Nightly dance rituals with heroic DJs

• Art hidden in the woods (seek and you shall find)

• Workshops, wanderings, daytime delights

• Some of the best co-adventurers you could hope to find

• Surprises we refuse to spoil

Your Registration Unlocks:

• Entry to the realm

• Two feasts per day (legendary brunch + hearty dinner)

• A campsite for your tent

• Gear transport from/to San Francisco

• Limited camp power

• A role in building the magic
  
  

Drawing inspiration from the principles of Burning Man and BAAAHS, our aim is to foster an inclusive environment that embraces all forms of self-expression.

We believe in the power of teamwork and active participation to create an extraordinary event together. Every adventurer will contribute a few hours of service during the weekend. Many hands, lighter load-out.

IMPORTANT: Things to know While Registering:

Vehicles: if you’re driving, you need to get a vehicle pass.

There are a limited number of RV spots available. Please note that there are no hookups. Your RV must be able to climb a mountain. Please get your RV ticket ASAP!

NEW THIS YEAR!  There are a limited number of car camping spots. Please get your Car Camping ticket ASAP!

Tickets cannot be re-sold, but we offer a full refund policy for tickets canceled up to one month before the event (June 2). If you’d like to transfer your ticket, email us at campout@baaahs.org.

This is a fundraising event for BAAAHS. Proceeds help bring our big gay sheep to playa and making next year's SideQuest even better! All adventurers will be asked to contribute a couple hours during the weekend to help run the event. Many hands make light work.

This is a LEAVE NO TRACE event!

Regardless of it being a fundraising event, we will NOT turn anyone away for lack of funds. If you need assistance purchasing a ticket, please please PLEASE reach out to us via email: campout@baaahs.org. We understand that times are tough and we will gladly work with you.

Q & A: (Also on our site)

Where is The Incline?
The Incline is in Potter Valley Mendocino County, about two and a half hours' drive from San Francisco. We’ll help you get there with detailed directions.

Do I need a special vehicle to get to The Incline?
Probably not. The road is a little steep (it's called The Incline for a reason) and we recommend an all-wheel drive vehicle if possible, but as long as you’ve got some tread on your tires you’re probably good. To encourage carpooling we offer a free option to load your gear on a truck in San Francisco and it'll be waiting for you at the Incline!

When is it?
July 2nd – 5th. Arrival will start on Thursday noon. We encourage everyone to arrive by 6PM so you can find a spot and set up with some daylight. The fun starts Thursday evening, and Saturday and Sunday are full days of activities. Monday we clean up and pack out.

Can I still come if I’m not in BAAAHS?
You bet! The campout is created by BAAAHS but is intended for everyone. If you’re curious about joining BAAAHS Station for Burning Man, this is the perfect on-ramp. If you just want to dance in the forest and meet glorious weirdos — also valid.

This is everything I want. I’m in. What do I need to bring?
Check out our packing list. Don’t forget a good tent, lights, outfits, and your own cup, plate and utensils.

Is smoking allowed at the campout?
NO, sorry. We are deep in the forest where wildfires are a very real thing, and July is the start of wildfire season. Absolutely no open flame. DON'T BE LIKE ONE OF THOSE STUPID GENDER REVEAL PARTIES!

Is there anything I SHOULD NOT bring?
Dogs, giraffes, dragons, or pets of any kind. Sorry! Anything that draws too much power (fridge, A/C, etc). Email us if you have specific power needs.

Do I need to bring food?
Breakfast and dinner are included — omnivore, veggie, and vegan options. Bring snacks to share if you like. Sharing food is an instant charisma boost.

Can I bring my dog to the event?
NO! Dogs (or any other pet) are not allowed at the event. Leave your fur babies at home and away from coyotes.

Will there be a schedule or artist list?
Yes there will be! We’ll send out a post and put it here when we have it ready.

What can I expect for Arrival?
There will be a check-in stop on the way to the grounds. If you are camping, you will park your car and we’ll transport you from there to your site, where you'll find any gear you sent earlier (See above). If you are car camping or RVing, you’ll be directed where to go.

What can I expect for Departure?
Monday will be our pack up and go day. Everyone will be expected to clean up their own area as well as help out when asked to help with event tear down and pack up. It goes quick when everyone helps! Again, this is a LEAVE NO TRACE event!

I have another question!
Email campout@baaahs.org and we'll get back to ya quick!

Refund Policy

We understand that sometimes life happens so we offer a full refund up to one month before the event (June 2). After that then unfortunately, we can't refund you as we have already accounted for you to attend for things like food.