BLM access about to be lost
There is a fantastic BLM dispersed camping site in Colorado on the Arkansas River that is in danger of being converted from free BLM camping to an expensive, reservation only campground run by the sta...
Forum Discussion
I am not sure who instigated this. The Arkansas River is a prime mecca for fisherman, whitewater rafters and kayakers. It has more commercial rafting than any other river in North America.
About 20 years ago the state formed an entity to manage it called the Arkansas Headwaters Rec Area. They put boat ramps and campgrounds all along the river. Most of that has been beneficial - everyone uses those ramps and avoids crossing private property. There is a boat ramp adjacent to this BLM area managed by AHRA and that works well for everyone. The campgrounds are also popular.
However this BLM piece is the ONLY property where you can camp without a fee and more importantly without an advance reservation. The only place along the river where you can roll in late at night and always find a spot to throw out a tent or park a camper or RV.
The benefit to BLM is they would no longer have to monitor it. The benefit to the state is they get to charge for camping at $16 per night. The benefit to the public is NOTHING.
About 20 years ago the state formed an entity to manage it called the Arkansas Headwaters Rec Area. They put boat ramps and campgrounds all along the river. Most of that has been beneficial - everyone uses those ramps and avoids crossing private property. There is a boat ramp adjacent to this BLM area managed by AHRA and that works well for everyone. The campgrounds are also popular.
However this BLM piece is the ONLY property where you can camp without a fee and more importantly without an advance reservation. The only place along the river where you can roll in late at night and always find a spot to throw out a tent or park a camper or RV.
The benefit to BLM is they would no longer have to monitor it. The benefit to the state is they get to charge for camping at $16 per night. The benefit to the public is NOTHING.
