This thread and the recent one on Survivorman made me think of my #1 rule for a serendipitous camping group....it goes so much smoother if everyone camps in the same manner.  Of course, that is unlikely, but some are willing to learn, and others are just plain stubborn.  There are lots of ways to do the same thing of course, but I find the easiest trips are with people who have the same camping habits and attitude toward the wilderness.  IC