Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

It is our goal to make the festival as comfortable and convenient as possible, and we are always looking to improve what is available to those who attend. In this regard, there are a number of questions that are frequently asked. Below are our best answers at this time.

QUESTION NO 1: Is it possible to obtain a reserved RV site?

ANSWER: Yes, by selecting the Electric Package (see Question 2 below).  This is the only way you can purchase a reserved campsite. You automatically get a reserved campsite when you purchase the Electric Package (both the electric option AND a Camping Package together).

QUESTION 2: Is electric available, and does it include the camp site fee?

ANSWER: Yes, electric hook-ups will be available in specified campsites from Thursday evening through Sunday 6 PM. But, no. The fee for the electric option only covers the electric service to the campsite.

How to purchase: To purchase this option you must also first purchase a camping package which includes a campsite and one three day festival ticket. 

Current costs are listed on our Tickets Page.

NOTE: As stated above, the Electric Package is the Only way to obtain a reserved RV site.  Further, a limited number of electric sites will be available, so early purchase is advised.  Once they are gone, they are gone.

QUESTION NO 3: Is it possible for people, such as families, to arrange to camp together?

ANSWER: This is possible but not something we can guarantee.

For RVs: There are three possible options

• The best option is to purchase an electric site, if available, which is priced over and above the camping price (i.e., Festival ticket + camping + electric). (Also see Q & A #16.).  This will result in a reserved site.

• The second best option is to arrive at the same time and ask for sites together. All campers must be advanced ticket holders.

• The next option is to have one party arrive when the gate opens and seek a site that has an open site next to it, and ask that this site be saved until Friday at noon. Depending on the needs of those with advance tickets arriving prior to Friday noon, we may, or may not be able to hold such sites until that time. NOTE: All campers seeking to camp together MUST be advanced ticket holders.

For tent campers: This should not be a problem as long as they arrive by noon Friday.

QUESTION 4: How many families can camp in one campsite (including tents and RV's)? Can we have one RV and multiple tents in one campsite?  Can we have one RV and multiple tents in one campsite?

ANSWER: Each campsite is intended for ONE family group. Only one RV is allowed per site. If you need further explanation or plan on more than 2 tents or one RV plus one tent in one campsite, please call contact   our camping coordinator at camping@summergrass.net.

QUESTION 5: What are the arrival times for RV's?

ANSWER: The earliest you can arrive is Wednesday, 4:00 pm (Please note: Any RVs, or other vehicles in the camping area prior to that time are official vehicles there for festival operation, not festival ticket holders).

If you come earlier you will be turned away as there is no place to wait before the gate opens; the adjacent school uses these facilities until 4:00 PM, so there is NO space to wait there. In addition it is posted and the police do issue traffic tickets for stopping on North Santa Fe at Museum Way, the entrance to the festival.

There is a shopping center which is large enough to accommodate a RV parking if you go south less than a mile on North Santa Fe Avenue to Bobier, Early arrivals may choose to “go shopping” for some groceries at the supermarket there while waiting.

QUESTION 6: After Wednesday, what are the daily arrival times?

ANSWER: It depends upon day of arrival.

• Thursday and Friday 8:00am- 8:00pm- it is recommended you NOT arrive between 2:00pm and 4:00pm as there is a traffic jam from the school on Museum Way.

• Saturday 8:00am - 8:00pm

• Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

NOTE: In order to avoid accidents and/or damage to property, those arriving after closing time will be expected to wait at the gate area until it opens the next morning.

QUESTION 7: What are the times of on stage music?

ANSWER: Friday 3:00 PM through 10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM through 10:00 PM, Sunday 9:00 AM through 6:00 PM

QUESTION 8: I plan to arrive with my RV before the festival starts. When does the food service begin for the campers?

ANSWER: Food service at the festival is controlled by the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum (AGSEM) volunteers, not Summergrass.

On-site food service: Do not count on on-grounds food availability on Wednesday or Thursday. Typically the food service opens for some of the booths on Friday about noon, more at supper time Friday, but this opening  time is variable, so inquire with the AGSEM volunteers on that day.  Food is reasonably priced, short order food, including hot dogs & hamburgers, Mexican food, BBQ, sandwich deli, pastries, ice cream, and a Saturday/Sunday morning full breakfast in the Assembly Building.  Food booths typically close before the performances end at night.

Off-site food service: For other meals there are several restaurants in the vicinity. When you exit AGSEM, turning right, you will find several along North Santa Fe Avenue, starting less than a mile, and more full service restaurants at Highway 78 and Vista Village Drive about 4.5 miles. Turning left from AGSEM, there is a large shopping center with many restaurants at/near Highway 76 and College Boulevard (about 6.5 miles away).

Please patronize our sponsor restaurants.

QUESTION 9: Are you able to handle 40-foot motorhomes and/or slide-outs in the campground?

ANSWER: There are multiple campground areas and the answer to this question depends upon the area.

Main Campground: RV site spaces in the main campground vary because of the irregularity of the campground boundary.

• We aim to have most of the sites 19 feet wide and 35 feet long

• A few sites are 40 feet long, or more, in order to accommodate RVs over 35 feet length, and these are usually held to accommodate those over 35 feet.

• Some sites are smaller than 19 x 35 feet where the real estate and/or layout parameters dictates it.

There are two possible ways to assure a large enough space in the main campground:

• Advance camping purchase allows you to choose the main campground until it fills up, which is not the case for those purchasing at the gate. However this does not imply you have a specific site reserved for you there. Arrival at or near  but not before 4:00 pm Wednesday, Aug. 17, is the best way to assure placement in an appropriate sized campground.

• Electric Package (see Question 2 above) in addition to the advance camping purchase will provide a reserved site in the main campground (see Question 16 below).

West Campground: In the West campground, which is not as level as the main campground, sites are typically at least 19 feet wide by 35 feet long and we are more casual about these. The widths are not necessarily always lined out, and that camping area never fills, so you should be able to find a spot there that has a little extra sprawl space where you can extend everything without a problem. With your advance purchase you may also elect to camp in this area.

Quiet area campground: There is a small area set aside that accommodates 35 foot RVs and may have not more than one or two spaces that can handle a 40 foot RV. Units longer than 40 feet are not likely to fit in provided spaces in this area.

Bottom line - Fear not - we will have a spot for your 40 foot and longer rig... somewhere on the festival grounds... within walking distance to the stage. In general, the campsites have their nearest boundary that is about a football field distance from the show area. Finding campground space has never been a "show stopper" in the past..

QUESTION 10: Will I have enough room in my RV campsite to park my passenger vehicle and extend my slide and awning?

ANSWER: The answer to this question is essentially the same as the answer to Question 9 above.

There are multiple campground areas and the answer to this question depends upon the area chosen.

Main Campground: RV site spaces in the main campground vary because of the irregularity of the campground boundary.

• We aim to have most of the sites 19 feet wide and 35 feet long

• A few sites are 40 feet long, or more, in order to accommodate RVs over 35 feet length, and these are usually held to accommodate those over 35 feet.

• Some sites are smaller than 19 x 35 feet where the real estate or layout parameters dictates it. 

• Real estate in the main campground is at a premium.  If you are not be able to fit both a RV and passenger vehicles in your space you may be asked to park the passenger vehicle either in the day parking outside the main gate or at the far end of the West Campground. Campers are issued ID stickers which waives additional fees for parking in these areas, and one can flag down a ride to and from their parked vehicle. Parking in the access and fire lanes is strictly PROHIBITED (by law).

Depending on the size of your slide, you should be able to get both the slide and at least extend the awning most or all of the way, provided you wind up in a 19 foot wide site in the main campground. There are two possible ways to assure a large enough space in the main campground:

• Advance camping purchase allows you to choose the main campground until it fills up, which is not the case for those purchasing at the gate. However this does not imply you have a specific site reserved for you there. Arrival at or near 4:00 pm Wednesday, Aug. 17, is the best way to assure placement in an appropriate sized campground.

• Electric Option in addition to the advance camping purchase will provide a reserved site in the main campground (see Question 2 above).

West Campground: In the West campground, which is not as level, sites are typically at least 19 feet wide by 35 feet long and we are more casual about these. The widths are not necessarily always lined out, and that camping area never fills, so you should be able to find a spot there that has a little extra sprawl space where you can extend everything without a problem. With your advance purchase you may also elect to camp in this area.

QUESTION NO 11: What about handicap facilities?

ANSWER: Consideration is made for handicap needs.

Campground: The main campground is essentially level, but the secondary camping areas have some rolling inclines and are not recommended for those who are mobility impaired. So that we can set aside appropriate handicap accessible space in the campground, we recommend making advance camping purchase if you have handicap needs.

Show area and vendors: The show area is level, and roads that lead between the show area and the main campground are rough dirt surface with minor inclines.

Vehicles: We issue handicap passes which allow handicap personal vehicles (cars & vans) to travel between the camping area and the show area. You may also flag down one of the Summergrass volunteers in a golf cart if you need a ride to a destination.

 Non-handicap personal vehicles, such as scooters and bicycles will be restricted to the main campground confines, and may not be used to go to or in the audience or vendor areas.

For the safety of all who attend, anyone determined by Summergrass officials to be using a personal vehicle in an unsafe manner will be required to park it for the remainder of the event. Under no circumstances are children to be allowed to use any motorized vehicle of any kind.

QUESTION NO 12: Is there a non-generator area available?

ANSWER: Yes, there is a limited non-generator RV area that will be filled on a first come, first served basis. You may request non-generator area on your camping order form, but there are not guarantees as the area may get full.

QUESTION 13: Is it possible to have a non- generator, handicap spot?

ANSWER: No. You may choose either handicap or non-generator, but not both. The non-generator area does not accommodate handicap, as one must traverse an incline in the terrain to access this particular camping area.

QUESTION NO 14: Are showers available?

ANSWER: There are NO showers available to festival attendees on the festival grounds. It is currently not possible for AGSEM to install enough showers for our use. Those camping in RVs may, of course, use any showers they have inside the RV.  Please arrive with an adequate water supply for your time at the festival. To use the free on grounds dump station, you must provide and use a tight fitting standard RV hose and fittings.

Off-site camping: Showers and more are available those who camp at nearby Guajome Regional Park, which, has water, electric hookups, showers, a dump station, is separately managed, however it does NOT allow jamming after 10 pm. Summergrass has NO arrangements with this campground. Reservations are required, and must be made through the Park and Recreational Department of San Diego County Click HERE  for further information about that facility and another RV park nearby.

QUESTION NO 15: You say there are showers at the Guajome County Park. Can the Summergrass campers use them on a day use basis?

ANSWER: No, absolutely not. We have attempted to make such arrangements but have been turned down. The ONLY way to use the facilities there is to camp there.

QUESTION NO 16: Is there a dump station available?

ANSWER: Yes,  there is a dump station.

   to find the location of the dump station on the venue map (it is #9)

  for information about using the dump station.

QUESTION NO 17: Are campfires be allowed in the campgrounds?

ANSWER: At this time, no. This may change, but it will depend on weather conditions leading up to the festival. August is in the California fire season. This includes no fires in a washtub style fire pit.

We will allow propane stoves and charcoal grills, but you must keep the open flame to less than a foot when you start your charcoal grill, as well as soaking the ashes if you leave the grill unattended.  Immediate access to an adequate fire extinguisher is required in these instances.

QUESTION NO 18: Is there a quiet time curfew in the Summergrass campground?

ANSWER: Yes, 10PM to 7AM. Unless there is a complaint, we will ignore the quiet hour rule for jamming but we will be enforcing the 10 PM – 7 AM quiet hour for individual private generators and general noise that disturbs a sleeper.

PLEASE NOTE: The big generator that supplies power to the campground RVs is exempt, and will run all night, but they are the "whisper quiet" type of generators.

QUESTION NO 19: Are pets allowed at Summergrass?

ANSWER: Only in the campground area, provided they are tethered to the boundaries of your campsite, and you immediately clean up their waste. Of course, you may walk pets on a leash in the campground area. Pets are not allowed in the show area. Failure to observe this restriction is cause for removal and forfeiture of all fees.

NOTE: Service animals (e.g., seeing eye dogs) are not pets and can go anywhere on the grounds (by law). Any who have service dogs must provide appropriate documentation and make sure their dogs neither disrupt, nor soil the festival site.

QUESTION NO 20: What about alcohol? or smoking? or drugs?

ANSWER: No alcohol is sold on the grounds. No alcohol is allowed in the show area. If kept within the confines of your own campsite, and it does not present a social problem, we will overlook the activity. But remember, this is a family event, so moderation is the rule. We apply the same rules as does the California Highway Patrol when judging this activity. (We won’t tolerate drunks)

Smoking on the venue grounds is prohibited by the San Diego County Park Department but not enforced outside the show area unless a complaint is received.

And naturally, no illicit drug use! Drugs are not welcome; don't use them on the premises, period.

QUESTION NO 21: Where can I find an ATM machine?

ANSWER: At this time there is no permanent ATM machine on the AGSEM grounds.  For several years now we have attempted to provide one during the festival, and we believe that for 2012 we have obtained one for the Summergrass festival only, but please bring cash and a check book, particularly to the gate for your admission and camping if you plan to arrive prior to Friday.  Credit cards are not accepted by the gate, or at the food vendors.  Purchases at other vendors, depend on the policy of the individual vendor.

Off-site ATMs: The Stater Brothers grocery is in the nearest shopping center to the south of the museum grounds (exit right turn at North Santa Fe & Museum Way, go 1 mile to Bobier). They accept ATM cards with cash back on a purchase. Chase Bank offers ATM transactions for a fee to non-Chase customers (free to Chase customers) at 615 College Blvd (Highway 76 & College Blvd) 2.8 miles from Summergrass festival. (Exit left turn at Museum Way & North Santa Fe, turn left at Highway 76).

Other banks within 2 miles of the festival with ATM machines are:

• Marine West Federal Credit Union (1.45 miles) 1591 E vista Way

• Bank Of America (1.53 miles) 1025 East Bobier Drive

• U.S. Bank (1.56 miles) 1385 East Vista Way

• Wells Fargo (1.62 miles) 1150 East Vista Way

• Citibank (1.66 miles) 898 East Vista Way

• Chase, previously Washington Mutual, (1.72 miles) 985 East Vista Way

QUESTION 22: Is the Summergrass venue “kid safe”

ANSWER: The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum is family oriented and has made provisions for children, including a playground area.

Caution areas:However they do have machinery and technology that was manufactured prior to adoption of modern safety laws and technology. You are STRONGLY advised to watch and alert your children in addition to watching for certain unavoidable hazards that are inherent to the equipment and venue. In particular do not walk in front of, dangerously near, or climb on any operating machinery, and consciously avoid hazards such as areas of water and electrical power. Be particularly careful to observe areas that are marked with signage.

QUESTION 23: I have friends that want to visit me during the festival but not attend the performances. How does this work?

ANSWER: Non-camping vehicles must park outside the gate in the day parking and are assessed a parking fee for any part of a day.  The gate personnel at their sole discretion may refuse admission, or require a visitor cash deposit above that sufficient to cover the admission for the entire show weekend plus surrendering a key piece of identification (e.g. Driver’s license) while visiting for a stated limited and short length of time. Exceeding the stated time limit forfeits the deposit.  We suggest you meet your friends at the gate.

Wrist Bands: All people inside the gate area must be permanently wearing a valid wrist band on their body (not on clothing) while music is being played on stage.  Removal of a wrist band by other than Summergrass personnel invalidates it and requires repurchasing admission. Worn-out wrist bands may be replaced only if removed by Summergrass gate personnel.