Dirt Rider Magazine

For the campsite, for myself I bring a 2-person tent and air mattress and sleeping bag for sleeping.  I have a Pacific Trail tent that has lasted me for over 10 years, it's a very good brand.  Make sure your tent has a rain cover!  Stay with an average sleeping bag, because the expensive ones will be too warm for Cal City, of course this is coming from a guy who lives in Montana.  A small pup tent would be too small for changing clothes or getting meals ready (if it's raining).   Bring weather-related stuff like tarps and plastic bags to keep things dry if it does rain.  Bring firewood if you can.  Don't forget to bring a good sturdy table for cooking and other food prep.   I bring a lot of water, figure about 5 gallons per day of camping/cleaning for 2 people.   Setting up a shower is a nuisance so I forego showers for the few days I'm in the desert, and make up for it at home or at a motel on the way home.   A washcloth with soap and water is enough for just those few days IMO.   Don't forget camp chairs to relax and sit around the camp fire.   That's about it, really.   I go pretty primitive because I don't want to spend a lot of time at camp but out riding my dirt bike.  It's not fair to come up with a fancy food menu and then stick someone with all the cooking/cleaning chores.

For the bike, I bring a spare air filter and the stuff to clean the one in the bike as well.  I run heavy duty tubes like Kiwi mentioned, and keep my rear tire inflated to 14 pounds.   Of course I have spare tubes at camp.   A 21" front inner tube will fit in either the front or rear tire so that is what I carry IF I carry a spare tube while riding.  I bring about 7.5 gallons of fuel per bike when I go to Cal City, and use about 2.5 gallons per day when out riding, besides having cash on hand for emergency refuels on the trail.   You don't have to worry about premix oil if you ride 4 strokes only.   I usually plan a gas stop in Johanesburg on each day of riding when I'm out there.   I carry energy bars on every ride, and of course a backpack with water for drinking.  Cal City can be hot (mid 80's) or cold (mid 30's) in March, so I pack gear for both conditions.  

Remember that you and your family are not alone!  The RUTS club is filled with great people who make instant friends!  If you need something someone will help you!  If you forget something someone will provide.   If the weather gets nasty I always get invitations from several folks to stay in their camper/motorhome overnight.  I always get invitations to join others for a meal, and take them up on it.  I don't plan on it, but it happens every year.   Last year I ended up giving all my food to those who graciously hosted me in their campers.  If you guys do come out, I'll set up camp next to you and help out with what I have.