Hollister Hills 2023 SyncroFest Camp Info
Volunteer Opportunity: SyncroFest is 100% volunteer run, it always has been. It’s all about the Vanagon community being a cool community. Some put in more time, some put in less, but everything is appreciated. This is the most important thing: We ask that if you can help server an hour or so during this long weekend, things will go smooth. We need help checking in people, prepping Potluck dinner, running the raffle booth, and if you volunteer you will get a FREE SyncroFest Volunteer t-shirt. Please sign up at the Main Booth for a slot, we appreciate this so much.
Potluck Dinner: Saturday night at 6:30pm is the legendary Potluck BBQ dinner. Part of your entrance fees and our company sponsors paid for the Harris Ranch Beef, Lunden Ranch free-range Chicken. We only ask you for a few things. Bring something to share with the everyone. Ideas: chips, deserts, salads, pasta salad, home-made garlic potatoes, sweets for the kids, greens, vegies, cookies, deviled eggs, etc. Also please bring your own plate fork knife etc. to dinner. This cuts down on waste and costs. Also don’t forget to bring your own beverage(s).
Driving and Vehicles: The campground speed limit is 5 mph. There are children playing in the campground and dogs all over the place.
On the trail — you are responsible for you own vehicle in the park. All vehicles taken into the park must be in safe mechanical condition. Proper working emergency brake and seat belts are required. Do not travel off clearly established trails. Any accidents, tip-overs, damage means that you will have to pay for it or use your own insurance to fix it.
Warren Chapman Syncro Cup Challenge: We have a van knowledge and driving competition each year. If you want to test your knowledge and skills. Sign up at the Main Tent before 10:30am on Saturday
As always, there are 4 challenges to test your knowledge and skills:
1) Syncro Cup Parts ID Quiz (Located at the Main Tent)
2) Syncro Cup Tech Quiz (Located at the Main Tent)
3) Syncro Cup CV Challenge (Located at the Main Tent)
4) Syncro Cup Driving Obstacle Course (Saturday at 12 noon)
Raffle: We want to thank our amazing Sponsors that donate goods to the raffle each year. We couldn’t do it without there support and donations. Our raffle winners will be announced on Saturday after the Potluck Dinner and Syncro-Cup winner announcements. You will be receiving 5 tickets in your welcome packet and if you want to buy more, they are 1$ per additional ticket and available at the main tent.
Noise: While we don’t have any strict time rules and have generally never had problems with noise. We ask all participants to be respectful of each other. This is a family friendly event and there are campers with young children and others who need sleep. We also have Park Rangers that patrol and give warnings and tickets to late-night excessive music. We ask that you please respect all Park Rangers and your neighbors. If there are any issue with this, you will be asked to leave and won’t be invited next year.
Dogs: We love our dogs but not everyone shares our view. Please keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them.
Park Rules: There is a sign with the park rules by the stage. Please read and follow the rules of the park.
Not Allowed: Explosives and/or fireworks.
Driving Ramps: This year GoWesty will bring their ramps for divers to test their mad skills. Although there have only been a few accidents in the past, we encourage you to be safe but also test your skills and your van. Its set up perfect for van success, its 99% is mental.
Fires: Fires are allowed only in the large cement fire pits at the park. FREE sweet-smelling, long burning California Oak firewood will be provided this year by Mike at VanCafe / Rocky Mountain Westy. Make sure to thank him for his genericity.
Bounce House: GoWesty will be providing their Bounce House for the kids again this year. There are over 50 kids coming! This Bounce House is made for fun and honesty a “baby sitting” opportunity. This said, please make sure to check in with your kids throughout the day and make sure they are safe, hydrated and having a good time.
Alcohol: The same rules that apply to the real world apply in the Stare Park. Drunk Driving is still Illegal. The Park Rangers can and will issue a DUI at the camp and on the trails of the park. Drinking and driving is not allowed. Please drink responsibly.
Drugs: Despite SyncroFest being an official Vanagon National Holiday… if it’s illegal in CA it’s also illegal at SyncroFest. No illegal drugs allowed.
Suggestions:
1. Please do not leave food outside your van (especially at night). The park is home to many feral pigs. We can tell you from experience that they are quite capable of opening a cooler!
2. If you are new to SyncroFest it can be overwhelming to find a place to set up camp. We encourage you to take your time to drive around, recognize anyone you may know and feel out how people are camping. If you have kids, look for other families, if you like say up late, look for these pods of people, etc. Camp 5 is a group camp spot with many options but if you arrive on Saturday when people are all filled in, it may look overwhelming.
3. Bring your bike, scooter, or electric bike to cruise around the camp.
4. Cell coverage is pretty bad at camp but if you need to get coverage, we have seen success driving up the hill a little bit (nothing crazy) or driving into town nearby.
5. If you don’t have a Syncro or 4x4, there are always Syncro’s heading to the hills. People like GoWesty, BudLab, SmallCar Performance and Peacevan are always going up in there vans. Jump in their vans and sit back and enjoy the ride.