RV travelers planning a trip to Yosemite should be prepared for challenges, as lawless Yosemite campers are taking advantage of the ongoing government shutdown.
With much of the National Park Service staff furloughed, some visitors are occupying reserved campsites without permits. It’s creating confusion, safety risks, and frustration for those following the rules.
Lawless Yosemite campers are exploiting the shutdown
A San Francisco Chronicle staff member reported that squatters moved into a reserved campsite at North Pines Campground. These falsely claimed the site was “first come, first served” because of the shutdown.
A ranger later intervened to remove the group, highlighting the lawlessness spreading through the park. Yosemite guides and former officials describe the situation as “like the Wild Wild West,” with only a single volunteer currently patrolling some areas.
Emily Thompson, executive director of the Coalition to Protect America’s National Parks, warned: “This shutdown is making an already bad situation at national parks and public lands far worse. The situation is dangerous and reckless for our parks, public lands, and the visitors who love them.”
More than 40 former National Park Service leaders in the coalition urged that all 433 national park sites be closed if funding lapsed, citing a “severe staffing crisis.”
Though illegal, BASE jumping now open season
BASE jumping (parachuting from fixed objects), though historically associated with Yosemite, has also resurfaced during the shutdown. Jumpers have leapt off El Capitan in broad daylight, despite a decades-long ban. Charles Winstead, a big-wall climber, told the Chronicle: “You hear them before you see them. Then the parachute pops and there’s no more noise.”
The National Park Service reminds visitors that BASE jumping is illegal in all national parks and carries fines of up to $5,000 or six months in jail under federal “aerial delivery” regulations.
Caveat emptor for RVers
With Yosemite operating on minimal staff, the combination of unauthorized camping, unpermitted climbing, and risky BASE jumping poses safety risks and threatens the park’s natural resources.
We are confident our RVtravel.com readers will plan carefully, respect reserved campsites, and follow park rules to avoid contributing to the chaos.
Until the government reopens and normal staffing resumes, visitors should be prepared for limited ranger presence, increased rule-breaking, and potential hazards throughout Yosemite. Careful planning, patience, and respect for park regulations will be essential for a safe visit.
Sources: Newsweek and the San Francisco Chronicle
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RVT1231b
I wonder if the State Police might be able to provide some on-call assistance by and to Park staff? Help transport violators to jail if nothing else.
Im going to use my 1st amendment rights and share my thoughts. Im sure they will not be posted.
This lawless behavior became acceptable and the norm for some people starting in 2016.
And that same lawless behavior continues…., almost as if the summer of 2020 was a feature, not a defect, of a lawless left.
Sorry You think that but opportunistic criminal behavior has been a part of humanity since the dawn of humanity.
The dust hadn’t even settled as the twin towers fell on 9/11 and looting was well under way. Before you say “New York, duh…”, in 1947 when the refinery in Texas City exploded, thieves were scavenging in the destruction while bodies still smoldered. Few of the criminals were ever caught. Some called it karma, others called it disgusting but the point is, using chaos as cover is as old as dust.
The park needs to close, triple and uphold the sentence to trespassers regardless of their partisan ideology.
I just got home from my annual camping trip to Yosemite, a few weeks earlier then usual. I made reservations 5 months in advance at Upper Pines. Campground posted as “full”, staff at checking, camp host on site. No one in my site! I did notice quite a few empty sites. There were cars and people everywhere plus many bikes. It appeared folks took advantage of no entry fees for day trips. I didn’t see any “base jumpers” but will confess I didn’t actually know what they were. There were many people walking about with camping gear though they must have been pretty stealthy if illegally camping. I brought extra trash bags and was so pleased that trash was minimal. I saw more rangers then usual
(Continued). I did notice 2 separate campers in the site next to me come in late and leave early but very quiet- maybe “sneaking in”? Campground seemed quieter this year possibly due to empty sites. My dog and I walked for miles everyday, weather was beautiful.It is possible things have gotten worse since I left
They should pass a law, that government agencies continue to get paid if no budget is passed. Both for federal agencies and State. Pa senate hasn’t passed a budget yet and schools are in financial trouble. May have to borrow money. Then you have agencies that help the poor not have money to help. In the long run taxpayers end up paying more. Politicians are not wisely spending our money and always looking for more ways to take our money and waste it.