Don’t be a campground jerk!

Okay, we are not usually this this full of angst. You know us, easy going, kind, roll with the punch’s kind of people. But, honestly, this subject just really grates on us! Have you heard of ghost camping?  Let me explain…

Have you ever been out and about just before a holiday weekend looking for a campsite to enjoy with family and friends? And then this happens, you drive by site after site, after site, after site only to find that someone has set up camp and then left their stuff there for days and days to return just for the holiday weekend? These people take up campsites that could be utilized by others which only adds to the dilemma of everyone thinking there is no longer enough campsites.

We have come across this over and over again, especially prior to a holiday weekend, but really it happens all year long and especially during the summer season. We understand that you want to get that perfect spot.  But, come on people, let’s be respectful! If you are going to claim a campsite then use it! 

We are really not sure what the answer is as our forest service employees are very short-staffed and there are not enough officials to monitor off-grid camping. Now, we are NOT talking about those people who set up camp and then go off exploring for the day. We can tell the difference, and I am sure you can too. What happened to common courtesy?  

That brings us to the second portion of this story.  Campsites are available if you are diligent in seeking them out and/or if you plan ahead for those big holiday weekends. We have found that BLM land and first-come/first-served campgrounds can be places where you can find a site if you are diligent and forward thinking. Don’t always depend on the online reservation systems. Often times, especially in private campgrounds if you give them a call they will know of campsites before they are added back into the reservation system.

 The moral of this story? Don’t be someone who ghost camps. Be diligent, plan ahead and perhaps even take a chance on some off-grid camping. You will be glad you did!