CampFAQ

Here are a handful of questions that we've been asked in the past. If you have any questions that this doesn't answer, please email info@toorcamp.org. We have also created a Google Group and Discord Chat for discussing planning, general questions about the camp, and announcements.

Where?

Where exactly is the camp?

ToorCamp is located at Doe Bay Resort & Spa in Orcas Island, WA.

What airport should I fly into?

Please see the Travel page.

What?

What is the area like out there?

Check out the Site Photos. The area has lots of trees, rocky cliffs, and beaches. The camping area has been leveled a bit and there aren't as many trees near the beach. The area is very temperate and gets very little rainfall in June, but will probably get fog and could get minor drizzle in the early mornings. Expect the weather to vary between 50-75 degrees and around 3mph wind.

How?

What should we bring?

You should bring everything that you would normally bring when you go camping. Here's an example checklist:

• Water (all Doe Bay water is potable)
• Food
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Camping Mattress
• Lantern (preferably non-burning)
• Flashlights (headlights are best) (red headlights are even better)
• Sunscreen
• Bugspray
• Warm clothing (it'll get down to 50 degrees outdoors at night)
• Cash
• Towel and swimsuit

You may also want to bring stuff that you normally wouldn't take camping:

• A laptop
• Plain Old Telephone, fax machine, modem, BBS, etc. (Please bring your own cord--about 25 feet or more)
• Your Shadybucks card from 2022
• An RTL-SDR dongle to receive Shadyvision
• Ham/FRS/GMRS radios
• Ways to power your electronics
  • e.g., power banks, batteries, extension cables (don't forget to label your stuff!)
  • See Power for extra details

Can I bring an RV?

Please see Vehicle_camping. There is a limited number of drive-in campsites that are large enough to park a small RV or camper (maximum 25 feet long). If you are bringing an RV you will need to purchase an RV parking ticket. A limited number of RVs will be allowed to park on-site.

Can I book a cabin?

Most cabins with a toilet and shower go to groups over 10. It's mainly to make sure we maintain a good butt to potty ratio to minimize the impact on public restrooms and spaces. So a lot of the cabins are reserved for our staff, sponsors, and villages. For everyone else with large groups or villages of 10+ people, email cabins@toorcon.org to request a cabin. Cabins and yurts are limited so deluxe cabins with running water are reserved leaving only the rustic ones with no plumbing available to general attendees. We'll try our best to accommodate any special needs. Cabin bookings are an add-on so do not include admission to ToorCamp and do not include a parking permit.

Will I be able to park on-site?

Please see Parking.

If I'm not part of a village, where can I camp?

General Camping: For those of you who are not affiliated with a village (or don't want to camp with your village), we have several General Camping areas. These areas are shown as clusters of tents on the map.

• Social District (Lower Field): This is the party area so don't expect any quiet here. We recommend this area for anyone who likes to party and stumble home. The general camping area is the field by the playground behind Reg.

• Prime District (Upper Field): If you like your peace and quiet, this is where you'll want to camp. There are talks in the Prime Dome during the day and the music at night will end promptly at 10pm. You can camp anywhere on the grass field north of the drainage field (which is roped off).

• Nerd Zone: This is where the Hardware Hacking Stage is and the majority of villages are placed in this area, including Kids Camp. It is centrally located between Upper and Lower Fields. There is a lot going on here during the day and some villages will have evening activities, but no amplified music or parties. If you plan to hack all the things or like to hear random conversations, this is a good spot to camp. The general camping area is around the Hardware Hacking Stage.

• If you are hammock camping, there are a lot of trees throughout the property. Please use your best judgment when finding a spot, stay out of vegetation, don't block paths and trails, stay out of the official campsites, and be respectful of other's spaces or views.

Are camps/people expected to pack out their own trash or will there be dumpsters with scheduled pickup provided where trash can be dumped?

We would greatly appreciate it if people would pack out their own trash. (Yes, we're talking to you Camp Craigslist -- please don't dump multiple couches in the dumpster on your way out of town this time :-)

Who?

I'm press and I'd like to cover the event, do you offer any press passes?

Please email david@toorcon.org for press registration information.

I'm giving a talk, does this mean I get in for free?

Because of the costs of running the conference, we aren't providing free admission to people who speak or run workshops unless they are traveling overseas or are students. We are trying to help some people running workshops, however, since they require a major time investment with prep, setup, equipment, and running them over the weekend so we are providing free admission to people who run workshops. Either way, if you are speaking, doing a workshop, or organizing any other sort of event and need financial help, we are more than happy to work with you. Please email david@toorcon.org to discuss how we can help.

I'm under 18, am I allowed to come?

There are quite a bit of activities for teens and young adults. We don't have a problem with minors coming to the camp as long as they are escorted by a parent or authorized guardian. Also, children 12 years old and younger are allowed in free! Please see ToorCamp_Kids.

Can I bring my dog?

Please see ToorCamp Dogs. ToorCamp loves dogs, but there are a limited number of dogs allowed and we have some rules and regulations. Most importantly, please register your dog by emailing david@toorcon.org to ensure they can come. Registering your dog does not guarantee they will be allowed to come.

Why?

Why is ToorCamp so expensive?!

It actually isn't. Most security conferences cost much more, especially for a 5 day conference, and most people also end up paying for expensive hotels while staying at conferences which ends up usually costing much more than the conference admission and/or flight. We are cheaper than most of the other camping events out there let-alone 5 day computer security conferences.

What is included in the ticket cost?

The ticket gets you:

• Camping space
• Utilities (Power, Internet, Toilets, Water refill, etc)
• Access to all Talks & Workshops
• Access to special performances & nighttime events

Note that it does not include any travel, parking, food, beverage, lodging, equipment, etc.

Is there going to be just a weekend ticket?

Because the event is limited to only 600 tickets this year, we will not be providing weekend tickets.

Sponsors

We want to give you a bunch of money to have our name on stuff.

Perfect, we don't mind taking your money. Please email sponsor@toorcon.org to discuss our different sponsorship options.

Liability

What if I get injured at the camp?

We will be providing on-site EMT staff as well as a Fire Marshal and will have proper evacuation plans in place. If you come to the camp, we will do all we can do to make sure you have the safest time possible, but please don't come after us if something happens to you. We would like to continue throwing these events in the future so please take responsibility for your own actions while at ToorCamp.