Forest service limit is 14 days. Notify the USFS.
Setting up camp early on forest service land...
Anyone know a link to the actual law regarding how long you can have an established camp, what the repercussions are, and who enforces such a thing?
I've had it in my head for the last month and a half to camp in a particular spot, but when I went up to set my camp up for the archery hunt next weekend, the SAME two tents that have been there for more than a month are STILL THERE!
I know that next weekend they will be replaced with actual camp trailers of the hunters who set them up, but there has to be someone who can enforce the laws here.
I've had it in my head for the last month and a half to camp in a particular spot, but when I went up to set my camp up for the archery hunt next weekend, the SAME two tents that have been there for more than a month are STILL THERE!
I know that next weekend they will be replaced with actual camp trailers of the hunters who set them up, but there has to be someone who can enforce the laws here.
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We actually met a USFS worker on horseback on our way out of checking the trail camera, and I mentioned it to him... his response was, "Yes, it's illegal, you should take the tents down and take them home with you".Forest service limit is 14 days. Notify the USFS.
As funny as that was, I'm not that kind of guy... besides, I don't want to deal with the BS that would come out of all of that when these "dinks" show up next weekend to find me camped there... I camped elsewhere, but I would LOVE for an "official" to give them what they deserve.
Notify them because it should be enforced. Don't expect a result though. i think actual enforcement of this reg is alarmingly rare.
You can bet I'll be doing that, and next year I'll be documenting it more.Notify them because it should be enforced. Don't expect a result though. i think actual enforcement of this reg is alarmingly rare.
One way to ensure they check it out is just add that you may have seen them with fireworks, they are very illegal in the national forests and gets the attention of enforcement pretty quickly.
But the odds are that they still will not do anything about the campers.One way to ensure they check it out is just add that you may have seen them with fireworks, they are very illegal in the national forests and gets the attention of enforcement pretty quickly.
I couldn't tell you how many times I have reported campers to both the BLM and Forest Service only to go back into the same spot a couple of weeks later only to still see their campers or tents. I was even told by one BLM manager that there was a lot of private property in the area and that they didn't have the manpower to check it out.
break down the tents and drop them off at the USFS. Do the community a service 
A friend of mine had a LE Elk tag a couple of years ago.
We were hunting Forest Service land, staying in his 5th wheel.
We had barely hit the "limit" and one was all over us telling us to move a least a mile away. There was camping spots around us that were empty.
So, I guess it depends where you are, and what officer is around.
We were hunting Forest Service land, staying in his 5th wheel.
We had barely hit the "limit" and one was all over us telling us to move a least a mile away. There was camping spots around us that were empty.
So, I guess it depends where you are, and what officer is around.
DON'T do this. That would be theft.We actually met a USFS worker on horseback on our way out of checking the trail camera, and I mentioned it to him... his response was, "Yes, it's illegal, you should take the tents down and take them home with you".
It's disappointing that these things aren't enforced. Honestly, it wouldn't bother me if they were not proactive. I get it, they are understaffed and probably have bigger fish to fry. But if they get a complaint, at a minimum the rule should be enforced.
Vanilla, do you consider it 'theft' when I remove cans and bottles from the fire pits at a camp site? I say anything that is abandoned in the forest is subject to being cleaned up by good Samaritans.------SS
This is something that really bugs me. I see campsites all the time that look as though they've set up for the entire summer with all the junk they've got set up.
I understand the Forest Service is understaffed, but many people more or less take over certain campsites as though they own the property. I personally think they are crazy leaving nice things on the mountain myself. I wouldn't touch their stuff, but there are those who would.
I understand the Forest Service is understaffed, but many people more or less take over certain campsites as though they own the property. I personally think they are crazy leaving nice things on the mountain myself. I wouldn't touch their stuff, but there are those who would.
I wouldn't touch anything, it just isn't worth a confrontation. People are nuts and you don't want to put yourself in harms way. Call the forest service even though nothing will come of it. You could also post a note at the campsite reminding the people about the rules and how the forest service will ticket them. etc...
Remember that when you report it the time to move doesn't start until they get out and check it out themselves.
No I do not consider cleaning up trash and litter theft. You are free to make your own choices. Just don't say I didn't warn you if you pop someone's tent down and try and take it home.Vanilla, do you consider it 'theft' when I remove cans and bottles from the fire pits at a camp site? I say anything that is abandoned in the forest is subject to being cleaned up by good Samaritans.------SS
Legally it is not theft. The property is considered abandoned.
Maybe the nice people left the tents there for us to take dumps in while we are scouting??8):noidea:-----SS
Considered abandoned by whom? I think you guys ought to try it out. Go take the tents in question, leaving your identifying information for the authorities. Report back your findings in 6 months.Legally it is not theft. The property is considered abandoned.
http://thenationalforests.com/the-national-forests/national-forest-camping-rules.html
-DallanC
- Campers may stay up to 14 consecutive days within a 21-day period. Campers may not stay in the National Forests in excess of 30 days total in a calendar year.
- At least one person must occupy a camping area during the first night after camping equipment has been set up. Camping equipment cannot be left unattended for more than 24 hours.
- Camping is allowed on most areas of the forest with a few exceptions. *
- Camping is not allowed at trailheads or within 300 feet of trailheads.
- Leave No Trace
-DallanC
Burn it to the ground.
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