It has been drummed into me over here that unless you are going to land at a licenced airport, it is YOUR responsibility to find out everything you can about the destination aerodrome BEFORE you take off.
The regulations are quite specific and they even provide a checklist of what you should be asking.
In my humble and uninformed opinion, it makes absolutely no sense NOT to telephone and get the latest gen on your destination before you leave, and if you are met with incredulity on the other end of the phone, well tough!
I would much rather be thought a timid wimp for asking permission and seeking advice then have to stand there with a busted aeroplane with some guy saying "Didn't you know about the (pothole/mud/powerline/ kangaroos/emus/cattle/ditch/ gliders/quicksand or whatever)?