RVers could soon see more developed camping options along the busy corridor between Hurricane, Utah, and Zion National Park, as federal officials consider changes to how camping is managed in the area.
The Bureau of Land Management is proposing two new campgrounds, one near a former quarry and another on Gooseberry Mesa, that together would add roughly 230 sites with basic amenities.
At the same time, the plan would sharply reduce dispersed camping across nearly 14,000 acres of public land, pretty much limiting campers to designated sites.
This will be viewed by RVers as good news or bad news, depending upon how and where they camp. Those who prefer camping in designated areas with individual campsites will likely welcome this news. Those who boondock on public lands wherever they choose may not be happy.
Officials say the changes are needed to address environmental damage from heavy use, including trash and human waste pollution, and vegetation loss.
Critics argue the move could make it harder for RVers to find affordable places to stay near one of the nation’s most popular national parks, where campsites are already difficult to come by.
The proposal is still under review, with a final decision expected after the appeal process concludes.
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RVT1257b
Sounds like some (or many?) of the dispersed campers are ruining the boondocking opportunities for everyone by leaving garbage, not taking proper care of their human waste, and ripping up the landscapes. Sad.
There is a state boondocking area just miles from where I live. It’s horrendous what many of those folks do. Garbage left all over, they rip up the land with ATVs and dirt bikes causing significant erosion. There is a natural spring at the dispersed camp area that used to have a pool 2′ deep…now filled with sand. 😔
I live very close to this area. Those decrying that their public land is being closed need to know they brought this upon themselves. The RVers that take up permanent residence or overstay their welcome, trash the area, tear up the vegetation, etc. are doing this to themselves. I know so many indignantly say, “I always leave no trace, it’s not fair to close the land.” Well maybe you leave no trace, but there are thousands and thousands of full-timers who take advantage, live on the land for free that they think is their right, then trash the area and move on to the next place that has caused this. Until all the RVers decide to act right, then these closures will continue to happen.
Susan, conflating “RV’ers” and “Squatters” doesn’t help the situation, it makes it worse.
There is a huge difference between boondockers who respect the 14 day rule and homeless people who drag their piece of trash onto public lands, let their tanks drip and ruin it for all.
Imagine if your town decided to close your sidewalk because there’s too many homeless people living on it. Would you accuse everyone who use the sidewalk as intended as complicit and deserving of such action?
Here’s a thought – Instead of denying public lands from the responsible as penalty for mismanaging the irresponsible, don’t change the law, enforce the existing law.