COE and National Parks

[FredFB]

It is really hard to project a travel plan when I can't help but worry that there may be reclosures of these facilities. Anyone else share this concern?

[fletch460]

You really need to check location out, Big Bend in Tx just closed

[baraff]

Originally Posted by FredFB

It is really hard to project a travel plan when I can't help but worry that there may be reclosures of these facilities. Anyone else share this concern?

I share the concern too. We have October plans for New Mexico at Oliver Lee SP. We were able to reserve a spot, but who knows whether they'll be open then? From there we'll be moving on to AZ, but have not made any reservations yet.

All we do is try at this point. We've already had a bucket list Europe cruise cancelled on us in April, so we're hoping our fall trip won't be toast too. In the meantime we've been doing and planning 5 day weekday trips locally, at local COE and State parks.
Beats sitting at home, and it really is still social distancing!

[twogypsies]

It would be simple if you boondocked on public lands. No reservations and excellent spacing.

[Milford 47]

Several areas have been closed due to trashy people

Others due to squeamish park or land management

Boondocking doesn't work well in extreme weather for me

Hopefully more parks will be built and others expanded

[Spdracr39]

I personally would not make any reservations that require a deposit. There are many issues with refunds when the parks close. The balance of this year is hit or miss so use caution and err on the side of protecting your resources. I have a reservation in Florida that was made before the pandemic and fully expect to be it doomed.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

Several areas have been closed due to trashy people

Others due to squeamish park or land management

Boondocking doesn't work well in extreme weather for me

Hopefully more parks will be built and others expanded

Shut down because of trash? I believe there was a state forest close to the big city of Portland that was but haven't heard of any others. Can you cite some?

People boondock all summer and all weather, as we did. Of course, you travel with the weather and it can be very comfortable. In summer, elevation is the key. You either go to the western coast or stay above 7,000' EL for great temperatures.

[Milford 47]

Look it up, we were in the Tetons and some dispersed areas were closed due to camping violations

Check the forums it unfortunately happens as have some Wally docking

Are you just hoping everyone is a good camper?

[Ndrorder]

Originally Posted by baraff

I share the concern too. We have October plans for New Mexico at Oliver Lee SP. We were able to reserve a spot, but who knows whether they'll be open then? From there we'll be moving on to AZ, but have not made any reservations yet.

All we do is try at this point. We've already had a bucket list Europe cruise cancelled on us in April, so we're hoping our fall trip won't be toast too. In the meantime we've been doing and planning 5 day weekday trips locally, at local COE and State parks.
Beats sitting at home, and it really is still social distancing!

If Oliver Lee is closed for camping, check Valley of Fires in Carrizozo. It is Blm managed. Down side is it is about an hour from Oliver lee.

Primitive camping is available at Red Sands OHV area. It is only a couple miles from Oliver lee. Also operated by the BLM. Bigger rigs should stay on the flat ground near the entrance.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Milford 47

Look it up, we were in the Tetons and some dispersed areas were closed due to camping violations

Check the forums it unfortunately happens as have some Wally docking

Are you just hoping everyone is a good camper?

I did a Google for national forest closures around the Tetons and nothing came up.

No, I understand not everyone is a good camper. As volunteers in national and state parks we've picked up plenty of trash including fish guts tossed a few hundred yards from a new fishing cleaning station with a grinder. We've cleaned out many campfires of diapers, cans, garbage, etc. We've walked miles of trails specifically to clean up the trails. We've picked up thousands of cigarette butts at campsites.

We've boondocked on public lands 90% of our 16 years of full-timing. The folks that do this take care of their lands. It's the folks in campgrounds and trails that aren't as conscientious.

WalMarts are no comparison.

[Spk64]

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