Re: Tomorrow 6/25/11 -- First trip with great friends -- Any advice?

Hi MaGrace, and Welcome!

I go to DCHS most weekends and can give you some advice, in order of your questions:

Camping at Bowen Ranch is fairly plentiful for tent sites, it's an 80 acre desert/hill area with some pre-set sites, tables, firepits if you manage to get there early enough to get one that is, haven't seen a BBQ, unless you bring one, otherwise tent camping on any flat area is always available.
There are NO outhouses anywhere, shovels are needed. Fires and camping are not allowed at the creek, though some do and risk the Rangers' tickets.

Hiking to the springs can be freehiked. The ranch is private land and the owner allows naturists, adjacent to BLM land direct to the SB Forest. I freehike in and out all the time. 1.8 miles, 930' elevation change and simply beautiful scenery. Good shoes, hat and sunglasses if you want them.

Bring containers for water, there is one water sourse at the ranch, by the house, otherwise nothing... this will be rustic camping, you want it, you bring it... it's a great place though.

Any specific questions, ask away! I'll be there tomorrow myself, not camping but day use.