ZookiMelt 2010 General Information
(Pages on this site are updated on a regular basis. Click on your browser's Update button to load the latest version of this page)Campgrounds and Motels
Attica Family Campground
(765) 762-6189
Across from the Entrance to the Badlands ORV Park. Convenient, showers and and toilet facilites, RV hook ups and primative camping, level property, not much shade. Attica Family Campground is the home base for ZookiMelt events.
Attica Inn
710 E State Road 28
Attica, IN 47918
(765) 762-3699
Located on State Road 29 across from Pamida. Off-street parking. No stairs
Hotel Attica
126 North Perry Street
Attica, IN 47918-1348
(765) 762-3088
Located in downtown Attica.
Steam Corner Flea Market
2164 South US 41
Veedersburg, IN 47987
765-798-5710
RV and primitive camping with shaded areas. Toilet and shower facilites. Approximately 15 miles south of Attica on US 41.
Summers Campground
5509 North 200 East
Attica, Indiana 47918
(765) 762-2832
RV and primitive camping, Toilet and shower facilities, swimming pool, shelter house, fishing pond. Not for the rowdy-minded.
Weather
Normally in the high 80's to low 90's in the day, dropping to 60-75 at night, depending on humidity. Rain can come, but if it does, it won't last long. It can get humid if it crawls above 90, and it can cool off to the low 50's at night if the humidity is low.
Mud
If it has been raining a bit before the event, parts of the trails (especially Orange) can get really muddy and deep. In that case, bring some wader boots, and a towel and water to wash off with. This mud is a sandy-type, but beware, it will stain clothes.
Poison Ivy or Oak
If you're sensitive to these, be prepared. It's not everywhere, but it is there, and a lot of the trails are in the woods and narrow.
Mosquitoes
Not really a big deal, either at the trail or the campsite. A moderate repellent should do fine.
CB Radio
Almost mandatory. Makes your trail ride much more fun when you can keep track of what's going on or who's just gone rubber-side-up...
Tools/spares
Please don't depend on others for these. We're all willing to pitch in and help, just be prepared.
Fire Extinguisher
They're cheap, and it's just good common sense.
Muffler
For the sanity of your trail-mates, please have a functioning muffler, unless you like the idea of doing all the trail rides by yourself.
Tow Strap
Please bring a decent strap with loops on either end and rated in the 20,000 pound range. 3" Shackles for each end will be needed also, which you can get at any farm store. Some of the trails are so tight, if the vehicle in front or in back of you gets stuck, you will be pulling them out, because there's no room to maneuver.
Tow Points
In order to tow, or be towed, you've got to have someplace to hook the tow strap to your vehicle on both ends! The front factory tow "loops are marginal at best. It is almost mandatory that you have 20,000-pound-rated tow loops or hooks at both ends of your vehicle, secured to the frame by means of bolts or professional welds.
Air
At the Badlands, there is (usually) only one air hose. Most of the filling stations in town have air available.
Car wash
There is only a single quarter-operated high pressure hose at Attica Family Camp. During Friday & Saturday last year, someone showed up with a pay-for-time pressure washer. The car wash in Attica specifically prohibits trucks.
Fuel
There are plenty of fuel stations a few blocks away in Attica.
Lunch
There is a small lunch stand in the park with your basic foods: sandwiches, burgers, fries, chips, soft drinks, etc. However, they are only open Saturday & Sunday for lunch. Be prepared, and pack your lunch for the trail. Attica has the usual McDonald’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, and a good grocery store.
Lawn Chairs
Bring enough for your party and extras if you have them. There never seems to be enough to go around the campfire(s).
Firewood
Speaking of campfires, if you have the means to bring some along, please do. Bring kindling and papers too. We've got plenty of folks who know how to start fires! Please check your local laws. Many areas have restrictions on firewood. Please do not spread pests like the Ash Borer.
Badlands & Attica Family Camp rules
ZookiMelt operates in compliance with their established rules. Photo I.D.The Badlands may ask to see photo identification, especially if you are registering a minor.
Minors (under age 18)
Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, otherwise the Badlands will require notarized consent form(s). The consent form(s) located here should be filled out ahead of time. Bring the completed form(s) with you to registration.
Seatbelts
Mandatory for each occupant. Trail leaders will check for operating seatbelts. No working seat belt, no trail riding.
Soft top vehicles: roll protection is required There must be substantial roll protection directly above and behind each occupant's head while seated in the vehicle. No roll protection, no trail riding. The factory sport bar in Samurais, or the targa "hoop" in Sidekicks/Trackers will suffice for the front seat passengers ONLY, therefore if you plan on having folks riding in the back seat, you will need to have an extra cage to protect them, or they cannot ride back there. It is also strongly recommended that children 12 and under wear a motorcycle-type helmet at all times on the trail.
Drinks
Alcohol is STRICTLY PROHIBITED in the park! Cooler checks will be carried out at the gate. If the Badlands or ZookiMelt Staff catches a glimpse of alcohol, The Badlands owners will be notified, and you will be evicted from the park.
Littering
DON'T.
Pack out your litter. If you see someone else's litter on the trail, pack it out too. Litter control costs money. Keep the Badlands entry fee for ZookiMlet reasonable for all of us!
Don't litter!
For detailed rules, go to badlandsoffroad.com
Participation in activities related to ZookiMelt is done AT YOUR OWN RISK.