VVGMC Tailgate

Hello, California adventurers and treasure hunters! If you're seeking a truly unique outdoor experience that combines the thrill of discovery with the wide-open spaces of the Mojave Desert, then the VVGMC Tailgate is an event you simply must put on your radar. This isn't your typical "campground" in the traditional sense of lush forests and designated campsites. Instead, it's a vibrant, community-driven gathering point on a vast dry lake bed, where rockhounds, gem enthusiasts, and curious locals come together to explore, buy, sell, and share in a spirit of camaraderie that's genuinely infectious. Imagine a weekend filled with fascinating "treasures" to look at, friendly faces, and the freedom of "free boondocking" under the expansive desert sky.

The VVGMC (Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club) Tailgate is renowned for its lively atmosphere, offering a unique blend of a gem and mineral show, a swap meet, and a communal camping experience. It’s a "great gem of a show" that attracts a diverse array of vendors, showcasing everything from raw minerals and fossils to handcrafted jewelry and lapidary equipment. While the journey to get there might involve a "rough & bumpy ride" on a dirt road, and the desert can be "windy & dusty," as one happy visitor noted, the sentiment is consistently, "it was so worth it!" This event exemplifies the spirit of outdoor adventure and community that many Californians cherish.

What makes the VVGMC Tailgate particularly appealing for locals is its accessibility and the welcoming environment it fosters. It's an opportunity to connect with like-minded people, learn about geology and lapidary arts, and simply enjoy a weekend in the high desert, away from the concrete jungle. Despite being "so far out in the boondocks," as one person affectionately put it, the sense of discovery and the friendly interactions create an unforgettable experience that makes the journey worthwhile. It's a testament to the passionate community behind the Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club.

In the following sections, we'll delve deeper into what makes the VVGMC Tailgate such a distinctive and appealing option for California locals, covering its unique location and accessibility, the type of experience it offers, and how to get in touch. Get ready to discover a true "gem" of an event right here in your California backyard!

The VVGMC Tailgate event is typically held at a location referred to by its general address as MVCQ+5X, Apple Valley, CA 92307, USA. More specifically, it takes place on a dry lake bed in the Stoddard Wells area, which is roughly 7 miles east of Dale Evans Parkway on Stoddard Wells Road, outside of Victorville and within the broader Apple Valley region. This location places it in the vast and rugged beauty of California's high desert.

Accessibility to the VVGMC Tailgate site is a key factor for attendees, and it's important to be prepared for the desert terrain. The access road leading to the site is described by visitors as "rough & bumpy" and a "dirt road." While some vehicles might navigate it with care, it's strongly implied that an SUV or truck would offer a more comfortable ride due to the uneven surface and "lots of rocks" often found on such desert access roads. However, it's also noted that "no 4-wheel drive is needed to attend," suggesting it's generally passable for standard vehicles, provided you drive cautiously.

Despite the somewhat challenging journey, the site's "boondocks" location contributes directly to its unique appeal. This remote setting ensures plenty of space for vendors and campers, creating an open and uncrowded environment. The feeling of being "so far out in the boondocks" is, for many, part of the adventure and charm. The high desert environment, while potentially windy and dusty, offers expansive views and a distinct natural backdrop that is a departure from typical camping areas.

Signage, such as "Tailgate signs high on NW corner power pole" at the Dale Evans Parkway intersection and along Stoddard Wells Road, helps guide visitors to the site. While the event is held in a remote area, its relative proximity to towns like Victorville and Apple Valley means essential services are not excessively far, though visitors should come prepared with most of their necessities. This combination of adventurous access and wide-open space makes the VVGMC Tailgate an accessible yet wonderfully wild destination for Californians.

The VVGMC Tailgate is more of an event than a traditional campground, offering specific services tailored to its unique nature as a rockhound gathering:

• Free Vendor Spaces: The event provides free vendor spaces, encouraging a wide "variety of vendors" to participate and showcase their "treasures," including "handcrafted and faceted jewelry, slabs and cabs, findings and equipment, minerals and fossils, TONS of rough material and LOT 'S of surprises."

• Free Boondocking/Dry Camping: For attendees, the event offers "free boondocking" or "dry camping" directly on the site. This means campers can stay overnight without charge, but without any hookups (water, electricity, sewer) or designated campsites. Visitors bring their own self-contained setups.

• On-Site Restrooms: The event provides "restrooms" (likely portable toilets) for convenience, which is a valuable amenity in a remote, unimproved camping environment.

• Food and Drink Options: While it's noted "NO competing with food tent or VVGMC's fundraising activities: Food, drinks, grab bags, spin the wheel or auctions," this indicates that food and drink options are available on-site, likely as part of the club's fundraising efforts.

• Family Field Trip: For some events, a "Saturday family field trip collecting tri-color marble" is offered, providing an interactive and educational experience.

• Entertainment/Activities: The event features various activities such as "grab bags," "Spin the Wheel," and "Silent Auction," adding to the fun and engagement for attendees.

• Free Admission and Parking: The entire event is generally "FREE Event!" with "FREE Admission" and "FREE Parking," making it highly accessible to the public.

These services create a vibrant, self-sufficient, and engaging environment for the rockhound community and visitors alike.

The VVGMC Tailgate offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a truly memorable and highly recommended experience for locals:

• Vast Array of "Treasures": The core highlight is the incredible selection of gems, minerals, fossils, and related items. Visitors describe the "treasures were wonderful to look at" and appreciate the "variety of vendors" offering "TONS of Rough Material and LOT 'S of surprises." This makes it a paradise for collectors and curious minds alike.

• Free and Accessible Event: The fact that it's a "FREE Event!" with "Free Admission" and "Free Vendor Spaces" is a massive draw. This accessibility allows everyone to participate, fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere without financial barriers.

• Unique Boondocking Experience: Offering "Free boondocking" directly on the dry lake bed provides a distinctive and adventurous camping experience. It's perfect for self-contained campers who enjoy the freedom and wide-open spaces of dispersed camping, right where the action is.

• Strong Sense of Camaraderie: Visitors consistently emphasize the positive social aspect, noting they "met so many nice people" and enjoyed "Great camaraderie." The shared passion for rockhounding creates a friendly and supportive community atmosphere that enhances the entire weekend.

• Family-Friendly Outing: Described as a "great day or weekend out for the whole family," the event provides entertainment and educational opportunities for all ages, making it a fantastic destination for a unique family adventure.

• Desert Grandeur: While the "windy & dusty" and "rough & bumpy ride" are acknowledged, the overall experience is deemed "so worth it!" The wide-open desert landscape offers a distinct beauty and a sense of escape that is unique to the region.

• Educational Opportunities: Beyond just buying and selling, the presence of various materials and experienced vendors offers an informal educational experience for those interested in geology, paleontology, and lapidary arts.

These highlights collectively paint a picture of the VVGMC Tailgate as a vibrant, community-focused, and highly rewarding event that provides a unique blend of outdoor activity and specialized interest.

For inquiries or more information about the VVGMC Tailgate events, the Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club is the primary contact.

• Address: The physical event location is typically at Stoddard Wells Road and Dale Evans Parkway, in the Apple Valley/Victorville area of Lucerne Valley, CA. The provided MVCQ+5X, Apple Valley, CA 92307, USA is a Google Plus Code for a general area.

• Phone: (619) 333-8348 (Please note that club contact numbers are more likely for general inquiries or event information rather than a specific campground booking line, as it's primarily a boondocking event.)

• Mobile Phone: +1 619-333-8348

• For the most accurate and up-to-date information on event dates, details, and specific directions, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of the Victor Valley Gem & Mineral Club (VVGMC), often found at vvgmc.org/tailgate.html or related club pages. They typically post schedules, maps, and any important advisories regarding weather or site conditions.

Due to the nature of a desert event, checking for current conditions (especially wind and recent rain that could affect the dry lake bed) is crucial before heading out.

For California locals, the VVGMC Tailgate represents a perfectly suitable and exhilarating option for a weekend adventure, especially for those who crave unique experiences beyond typical recreation. Its most compelling draw is the sheer originality of the event: combining "free boondocking" with a massive gem and mineral show. This offers an unparalleled opportunity for self-contained campers to enjoy the vast, open spaces of the Mojave Desert while being part of a lively, passionate community. It's a chance to truly "get out into the boondocks" and disconnect, without the need for a reservation system or crowded, designated campsites.

Secondly, the VVGMC Tailgate caters to a distinct passion for discovery and collecting. For anyone with an interest in geology, rockhounding, or simply finding unique items, the "wonderful treasures" and "variety of vendors" provide endless fascination. It's an interactive and engaging environment where you can learn, trade, and connect with fellow enthusiasts, fostering a "great camaraderie" that adds immense value to the experience. This sense of shared interest and friendly interaction is something that many traditional camping trips lack.

Finally, while acknowledging the "rough & bumpy ride" and potential for "windy & dusty" conditions, the overwhelming sentiment from visitors is that the experience is "so worth it!" This resilience and appreciation for the raw beauty of the desert resonate strongly with the adventurous spirit often found in Californians. For those seeking an affordable, community-driven, and genuinely unique outdoor event that offers both exciting discoveries and the freedom of dispersed camping, the VVGMC Tailgate in Apple Valley is not just a place to go; it's an annual tradition waiting to be embraced. It’s an authentic taste of California’s diverse outdoor culture, proving that the best "campgrounds" sometimes come with a side of sparkling minerals and vibrant community spirit.

VVGMC Tailgate

MVCQ+5X, Apple Valley, CA 92307, USA