Camping
The campground at Diamond Mountain is permitted for ten sites, which currently consist of 4 sleeping yurts and 6 RV sites, and has ample space for wilderness tent camping. RV, yurt and tent spaces are available on a first come, first served basis.
Tents
Most of the tent sites are situated on a beautiful raised sand bar between 2 low washes that surround the main gathering and study area of Diamond Mountain. Camping IN the washes is not permitted because it is not safe. Trails to most sites are clearly marked with borders of rocks to make it easier to find your way “home” in the dark. Consider bringing a smaller low-profile tent to withstand the high winds that can sweep through the area. Other campers will gladly help you choose a site and secure your tent if you are not used to camping.
RVs
Volunteers’, visitors’, and students’ RVs and trailers may not be stored at Diamond Mountain but must be removed when their occupants leave the land. Please contact the Campground Host for more information regarding RV camping. Sites are extremely limited and off-grid.
Kitchens, Bathrooms, and more
Shared facilities include a kitchen yurt with a refrigerator and cookstove, indoor bathrooms with hot showers, outdoor showers (except in winter), a small room with community computer and internet, wireless DSL internet, a washing machine, and a common outdoor tent with couches and coffee tables. There is limited additional refrigeration and food storage shelves available for full-time campers. If you are coming for a weekend or short visit during a time when the food storage facilities may be shared among a large number of visitors, please bring a cooler and/or a closed, mouse-proof container for non-refrigerated food storage. Please also note that the campground shared facilities (kitchen yurt and Nectar Lounge) are meat - free. Out of respect for others, please do not cook or bring meat into these facilities. NOTE: Boxes or bags of food left on shelves attract mice who leave their own small gifts in return. Please keep foods, such as grains, beans, etc. in the large shared food bins in the kitchen yurt or in closed personal food containers or coolers. Personal or shared food bags found torn open by mice or skunks will be composted by the cleaning crew.
Agreements
Support for practice
We keep silence in the campground and especially around the temple (study, meditation, and yoga) from 10 p.m. to 10 a.m.
Protecting the desert brush and each other from fire
Fires, camp stoves, candles, flame lanterns, and incense are not allowed in tents or at individual camp sites.
Smoking cigarettes
If you must smoke, please take a walk on the road or down the wash to keep smoke from gravitating to others and to keep ash and flame from the dry vegetation.
Food in tents
We would like to discourage storing or eating food in tents or at individual camping sites, but we don’t have to. Food at tents brings wild animals who are happy to tear through your tent to get at your food. We feel this is discouragement enough.
Living an ethical way of life
All campers, students, visitors, etc. are expected to uphold the 5 Lifetime Layperson’s Precepts while on the land.
- Not harming living beings — Protecting life
- Not taking things not offered — Protecting others’ things
- No sexual misconduct — Protecting others’ relationships
- Not lying — Speaking truthfully
- Not bringing or using alcohol or other intoxicants — Protecting our own and others’ minds
Costs of the Campground
It costs about $25 per camper per month to pay the expenses of the campground (propane, toilet paper, maintenance, repairs, supplies, trash removal, etc.) We encourage those who can to contribute by check or cash which can be given to the Campground Host. Sometimes we also host a campground fundraiser to meet these costs.
Community health and safety
Pets, weapons, and alcohol are not permitted on the land. It is also recommended that one’s tetanus immunization be current (within 5 years). All campground visitors must sign DM’s liability waiver, emergency medical contact form, and community agreements form.
Diamond Mountain Service
During terms of rigorous study, students volunteer at Diamond Mountain by cleaning up after themselves and helping to maintain the facilities. In addition, three days per term are reserved as “service days” when we gather in teams to address development and maintenance of Diamond Mountain. Some teams include landscaping, building, cleaning, trails, etc. Between terms, campers are asked to arrange a schedule of 20 hours per week (average) of volunteer service. This can be arranged through our Volunteer Coordinator and Campground Host. Please read our web page on volunteering for more information.
Coming for a day or a month
Bring a water bottle you can refill. It is vital to remain hydrated in the desert. You need to bring your own food and food storage while at Diamond Mountain. Bring a flashlight or headlamp as there are few exterior lights and none near the tent sites. Please bring your favorite hat and a good sunscreen to prevent sunburn, which can happen at any time of year in the high desert. If you are particularly sensitive, you may want to use an umbrella for sun protection. Nights can be cold, even in summer, so make sure you have warm clothing. Temperatures can drop to 45 degrees F or lower in the desert even in fall and spring. Make sure you have a good pair of closed-toe shoes or boots and comfortable socks. There is no pavement, and the snakes and other critters have the right of way.
It’s fun!
Camping at Diamond Mountain is fun. During the Great Retreat Teachings, the campground is a vibrant, creative place to gather, study, and serve. Here you join a family of practitioners for community meals, impromptu debates, classes, and even yoga Asana-thons! But the atmosphere is also one of serious practice. During the in-between times, the campground is much quieter with perhaps a handful of people helping to bring food and supplies to those in 3-year retreat. Please consider camping at Diamond Mountain to immerse yourself in the possibility of deep practice and selfless service to all living beings.