I'll hopefully address all your concerns.....
There is considerably more green vegetation this year due to the extended rains. The Rangers do NOT want people to camp on the areas where the greenery is right up against the redwoods, or park vehicles on top of it. People and vehicles tend to compact the earth around the root area of the tree...not good for the tree's growth overall. Also, sometimes dogs get chained up/around the trees and cause damage. So, try to be respectful of the sorrell (looks like clover) and ferns and other vegetation which enhance the redwood forest ecosystem. Where there are split rail areas fenced off, don't troop through these areas, but stay on the established paths. There are many lovely spots to tuck in a teardrop.
I'll be camping/living up at the cookshack area. I plan to cook meals in that area as well as do continental breakfast/snacks for the EARLY Bird Cafe in the morning. Coffee, tea, other asst. things to eat. Lots of singles that were "baching" it came and ate up there in the early a.m. Dean & I will have a community cooking area/class up there as well. People often cook at their site, find or round up a few new friends and neighbors and do informal mini-potlucks in their camp area, you are welcome to come up and cook at the "shack" or use the grill up there in the front. Dean and I try to set a time to eat and whoever shows up with whatever to share eats with us. There will be a white board/charts with sign ups of who is bringing what like main dish, dessert, salad, drinks, etc. On Friday and Saturday people will be bringing potluck items to the dinners and we have a HUGE group meal, both in size and quantity of food. Remember, others follow behind you in the potluck line, and please do bring someTHING yourself to the potluck for others to share with you and eat. Sometimes we just hop from camp to camp and get samplings. People bring food to us, and Dean is partial to cookies for he'll often give raffle tickets to those who slip a few extra his way. Oh, yeah, we'd really appreciate it if our kids come through and you'd check to see if they've eaten that day!
They have their own PIF tickets to give out as well.
Water faucets are 2 on top, 3 on bottom, but do not have a "lip" that you can hook up a hose. You'd need to bring an adapter/clamp to do a hose. We will have some bottles with spigots up at the top area for people lounging around up there so they can get a drink of water. 2 pit toilets on the top and 2 on the bottom area. I dump my grey water down the sink at the CS, but because of the size of the area you can dispose of the water by your camp, and hopefully you are using biodegradable soap. There will be NO PORTA POTTIES will be hauled in for this event. I do have a bottle of RV Toilet treatment to help break down the waste and reduce odors in the pits.
The nearest market is in Hydesville, very close, about 10 min. drive. It's a nice one, and they have ice there and a gas station. Usually people will stop in there, so be sure to tell them you are with the Teardrop Group.
Did I miss anything? Hope not, and hope you find this adequate. TDN