Camping in National Forests ?

[diggemall]

To be perfectly direct, don't ya'll get sick and tired of having 50 different states with 50 different sets of laws?

I wish the laws were the same from state to state, just like speed limit signs, and the laws that NOBODY is --deleted-- of (like murder, assault, drinking and driving, etc).

Laws shouldn't be arbitrary from state to state and town to town (especially when they say its a law when it isn't written on paper). (JMO)

B

Gotta second that one ! Especially local municipal codes & ordinances...... OK to do something in one township, but different in another 1/4 mile down the road. Enough to drive ya nuts !

Diggem'

 

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[Old Dog]

Agree 100% with you there buddy,
Beth hit it square on the head.

 

[RGINN]

It's not so much disturbing where wildlife get their water as it is runoff from a campsite polluting the water source. That's the real reason for staying back from the stream. It makes for a picturesque camp and all, but I prefer to stay about a 100 yds. back from a water source, if at all possible. Practical reasons for that (bugs, evil miasmas rising from the water, might get up to go p and fall in the creek, etc.) but mainly I have bad dreams if I camp too close to running water. Yeah, stupid I know. I still disagree with the policy Colorado has of making you pay the 'day use' fee in their state parks in addition to the camping fee. I wouldn't mind this if I thought all the money I paid went right to the park I was campin in, but I suspect it goes into a 'general fund' divided amongst operations of all parks. National forests, I don't write them a check, but I do pay them in that I try to clean up trash left behind by other folks. I would encourage everyone who visits or camps in the national forests here in Colorado to keep that in mind as your campin fee. Even just one bag helps.

 

[diggemall]

................Even just one bag helps.

It has been our family policy to always leave any site we use cleaner than when we found it. While it's a shame that there are slobs out there that need picking up after, it's still the right thing to do.

Diggem'

 

[mrs.oroblanco]

Rginn,

I agree that flowing stuff from camping is a problem for water sources, but, there is a specific law (and accompanying fine) for disturbing wildlife water sources. They can take your equipment, your camping equipment and even impound your vehicle. Of course, in the desert areas, it is a necessity.

This is from the website:

3. Protect and conserve scarce desert water resources. Camp at least 300 feet from isolated water sources to allow for wildlife access. Where possible, carry your own drinking water. Leave potholes undisturbed and wash well away from pools and springs.

Why it matters: Many desert animals, especially birds, depend on the plants around isolated water resources for food and habitat. Camping near water sources damages plants and prevents wildlife from approaching. Small quantities of pollutants can make springs and ponds unusable for wildlife. Body lotions and vehicle lubricants can remain in the water and harm aquatic life, which in egg or larval form may be invisible to the naked eye.

How to help: Camp at least 300 feet from water sources to allow wildlife access. Where feasible, carry all the water you will need for drinking and personal hygiene. Bathe and wash dishes away from desert water sources. Cool off in the shade, not in springs and potholes. Avoid driving or riding through desert water sources.


Diggemall,

Agree 100% - Leave it better than you found it. We have had people think we were wonderful, just because they saw us emptying trash that we had dug up from the beaches on the east coast. Everything from big fish hooks to hypodermic needles, and here, in our little park, we donate anything railroad that we find, to the museum, and we clean up anything we find (we've even dumped their trash). We never get hassled, and, it looks good for our hobby. (secret here is that, by getting rid of the trash, I don't have to dig it up again, either)

Just a year ago, we had some stranger say that we must make and break camp a lot, because we did it in about 15 minutes, total, and there wasn't a mark around where we had been. That's the way I like it.

Beth

 

[Treasure finder]

If you ask the authorities they will have to think about and may come up with a unappetizing answer.
However if you are lost and stay wherever you are until daylight they will think you had your "Wits
about you"! Always be lost, no permission required.
Rich

 

[Treasure finder]

I was just in the San Bernardino National Forest last week and asked the ranger where it was OK to camp. He said anywhere 300 feet
away from water sources, but the vehicle must not go off road in most areas. Two tires should still be on the berm of the road, no
further in. (I guess you are supposed to semi block the road and risk sideswipes and dust clouds from other vehicles.) Incidentally
he was friendly when we spoke no attempt to make new policy.
Rich

 

[JunGun]

Also if you are afraid of wood-be robbers, tweakers and bears, once you set up camp you can have a firearm locked and loaded for protection if you choose to exercise your 2nd rights. Check with the ranger also. but sometimes a simple google search will tell you.