Does the Hillside owner own any other camps in Pennsylvania?
Q. I'm 18 years old. May I become a member of Hillside and what is the membership cost?
A. Sorry, you must be 21 years old or older to become a member. Proper ID must be presented when you register at the campgrounds' office for the first time. The yearly membership fee is $4.
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Q. When is Hillside open for the season? When does the pool open?
A. Hillside is open from early May until the end of September. The pool opens as soon as possible once the camp is open. We cannot give a specific date since the weather plays a part in when the pool can open. If we have a cold spring we cannot heat the pool well enough to say the pool is open. We understand the importance of the pool so we do our best each season to open the pool as early as possible and keep it open when the weather permits. Check this Web site early in the new year to find out the season's calendar, which will normally be posted in January or February at the latest.
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Q. How can I get a Hillside flier mailed to me?
A. You can have the Hillside flier mailed to you by checking the box on the registration form or you can visit this Web site in January or February and download a PDF of the flier and print out your personal copy.
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Q. I'm gay but I'm not "out." Is my Hillside member information confidential?
A. All personal information is kept confidential and you will receive no mailings form Hillside Campgrounds unless you check the box on the registration form requesting that the camp flier be mailed to you in February.
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Q. May I visit Hillside for a day without a reservation?
A. Yes, day campers are welcome and may check in any day after 10 a.m.
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Q. How do I make reservations for this season?
A. Reservations may be made only by phone or in person at the campgrounds. To make phone reservations call 570-756-2007. Go to the "RESERVATIONS" page on this Web site for helpful information before calling.
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Q. Will you take credit cards for payment?
A. Sorry, we are not set up to take credit cards. Checks or money orders will be accepted for deposits. Checks cannot be accepted at the time of check-in.
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Q. Where is Hillside Campgrounds located?
A. Hillside Campgrounds is located off I-81 about half way between Scranton, PA and Binghamton, NY at the Gibson, PA exit (exit 219). Although the mailing address is in Binghamton, NY, the actual campgrounds is located on Creek Road in Gibson, PA, about three miles from I-81. For travel directions check the Web site.
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Q. Where do I send my reservation deposit?
A. Send your deposit to: Hillside Campgrounds, PO Box 726, Binghamton, NY 13902
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Q. Is it true that all people want is sex when they visit Hillside or is this a misleading perception?
A. NO that's not true and if it's a perception it's a misleading one! Hillside is what you want to make of it. Many people come to Hillside to enjoy camping and the company of others without alcohol or sex. It's a great place to meet new friends and many couples visit Hillside for the friendships they develop.
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Q. Is Hillside a nudist camp?
A. Hillside is an all-male clothing-optional camp. It's up to each individual if he wishes to walk around the camp nude. No one is forced to be nude and many campers do not bare all. Again, it depends on what each individual is comfortable doing.
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Q. Does Hillside have a pool?
A. YES an in-ground heated pool is near the center of the campgrounds just up from the Rec Hall. Men may swim and/or sun nude or with their bathing suits on. It's your choice.
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Q. How can I get more questions answered?
A. First review each page of this Web site. Most questions are answered. If you cannot find an answer to your question call the campgrounds at 570-756-2007 any day but Friday after 10 a.m., the time the office opens. We hope to limit calls on Fridays since they are busy check-in days and we want to devote our time to those checking in.
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Q. Does the camp have entertainment?
A. YES. Every weekend there are parties planned by the campgrounds or individuals. Also every Friday and Saturday night there is a big fire at the Rec Hall and a disco with a professional DJ. On special weekends there are shows on the Rec Hall stage. During the week there are games at the Rec Hall organized by perms. Check at the office or just stop by the Rec Hall around 8 p.m. on any weekday night to see what's happening. If you want to plan a game night at the Rec Hall just talk to the owners. The pool is open until dark unless the weather is bad. On very hot nights the pool is known to stay open late but there is no regular schedule for such a treat.
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Q. How can I get involved in camp shows?
A. We thought you would never ask. If you are interested in performing or helping with the season's shows stop by Ag's site located across from the Outback at the upper level. He’ll be happy to answer your questions as to what is involved in signing up and performing. Or if you want to help out during set up, etc. just let him know.
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Q. I'd love to camp at Hillside but must check my e-mail frequently. Can that be done at camp?
A. You can connect to the Internet using a high-speed wireless network without leaving camp. You should be able to access the wireless network from several locations. Your computer must be equipped with a wireless card and that has nothing to do with Bluetooth that is used to connect wirelessly to hardware like keyboards, mice, printers, etc. We cannot guarantee this wireless service since it's made available by several perms and may not be available at all times; however, it's worth a try. An alternative connection may be found at the Flying-J truck stop at the Gibson, PA, I-81 exit about three miles from camp. Either way you should be able to check your e-mail or cruise the Internet and still enjoy camping.
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Q. Are there things to do around Hillside if it rains or we just want to get away for a while?
A. Yes. You can go to the "LINKS" page and check the two sites that give information about what's happening around the Gibson, PA area. One is a weekend publication listing events in the immediate area and one is a comprehensive listing of events throughout Pennsylvania. The first publication changes every Friday.
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Q. I've been to Hillside a few times and love it there. How does one get to be a perm?
A. The first thing to do is to get your name on the "perm list." That's a list kept by the camp owner and is used when someone wants to sell his site. Perm sites sell very quickly — usually within a day or two depending on location and amount the site owner is asking for the trailer and/or structure, decks, etc. When you're at Hillside ask around if any site is for sale. Word gets around quickly. Normally no advertising is done since sites are in such a demand. It's just word of mouth. Not many, if any, sites are for sale during a given season so the best thing to do is to keep asking around. Site structures and/or trailers are sold and may remain on the site. The land remains the property of the campgrounds. To sell a site the seller gets the approval of the camp owner. The camp owner approves the price being asked to make sure the price is what the site is worth. No one may charge more than the market value that usually includes the work done on structures, decking, etc. This protects the buyer and helps the perm in deciding the amount to charge. Overpriced sites are not allowed at Hillside unlike some campgrounds. Hillside's policy is to be fair to the gay community. No commission is charged by the camp's owner for the selling of sites. At the present time the only way to get a perm site is to buy an existing one. No new perm sites are being planned at this time. Hillside keeps a good balance between the number of perm sites and the number of rental sites. This adds variety each week since most of the sites are rentals. If you would like to get on the perm list ask in the camp office and you'll receive information as to whom to see. Good luck!
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Q. Is there a secret on how to get reservations at Hillside on busy weekends?
A. There is no secret. Call the reservation telephone number posted on this Web site until you get through. Reservations are taken only by telephone so don't send an e-mail. It will probably take several tries to get through. The early reservation service has become so popular that people take March 1 off from work just to try to get through to make reservations. It's a popular speed-dialing day. March 1 is normally when the reservations telephone line is answered. Hundreds of calls come in the first few days with staff working long hours. Those calling know to make their reservations for the most popular weekends first. You need to be prepared when you call with the names and correct spelling of all men who will be on your site. Since there are always a possibility of cancellations you might check back just before a popular weekend to see if any sites have become available. The secret, if there is one, is not to give up. If you want to make a weekday reservation or a non-holiday weekend (with the exception of bear or illumination) you might consider waiting until after the first week in March to make your call. That way you are not as likely to get a busy signal. It's your call but one thing for sure, reservations are taken one call at a time so be patient. Good luck!
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Q. Does the Hillside owner own any other camps in Pennsylvania?
A. No he does not own other gay camps. There are several other gay campgrounds in Pennsylvania, but only one is owned by Hillside owner Dave.
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