Ive been around the desert racing world for years now but to be honest im still pretty much a noob when it comes to the wheeling stuff. Ive never been to TDS before and im looking to go this year. What should I expect? What should I bring? Is there fuel stations relatively close by? etc etc...
Think Burning Man, only 4X4-centric and not as many hippies...
It's a very family friendly event. Expect about 2k+ Jeeps and other assorted 4X4's. There is plenty of room to camp just about anywhere.
The raffle after the 4X run is epic. First year I went with a buddy, he won a box of stuff worth about $1200... I won a set of tires last year.
Bring whatever you need to camp with and something to sit on, as the raffle usually takes a couple hours.
They have a huge vendor area set up. Don't bring credit cards or check books though unless you have a ton of money burning a hole in your pocket. It's like being 10 years old again and let loose inside Toys-R-Us. They sell food and drinks as well...
Last year they had a HUGE fireworks display. Not sure if they are doing that again this year.
There is a gas station/convenience store right there. It's pretty big and will have just about anything you forgot to bring. Oh, diesel too...
Come out, it's a blast.
And if you like to gamble, there is a casino nearby. Red Earth I think it's called...