Forum Discussion

allegro34's avatar
allegro34
Explorer
Sep 22, 2015

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 state. We need your help to save it.

The Salida East camping area is he ONLY free open camping on this entire river and it is used by hundreds or RVers yearly. There are dozens of Parks and Wildlife and Commercial parks for those who want more amenities but Salida East is unique as a BLM site.

If you value beautiful boon docking sites please send an email to the BLM urging them NOT to lease Salida East to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Division.

You can contact the BLM at: rgfo_comments@blm.gov with Salida East in the subject line or phone Melissa Garcia at 719-269-8724.

Thanks.
Rob Dubin
Tiffen Allegro 34
Boondocking
Dry Camping
Public Lands

93 Replies

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  • allegro34's avatar
    allegro34
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    I have been using this area for maybe 30 years - long ago as a tent camper and now in an RV. I have seen no real degradation. Pit toilets were put in a number of years ago on the adjacent boat ramp and no other amenities are needed.

    What we do not need are more organized campgrounds to go with the 20 or more already on the river corridor.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    In our area, most all of the pristine public lands historically used for boondocking have all become organized (managed) campgrounds. Just too many people and the environment sometimes can't handle all the use.
  • Iraqvet05's avatar
    Iraqvet05
    Explorer
    Sep 22, 2015
    Is the free use of this area by hundreds of RVers causing degradation to the area? What does the state of Colorado usually charge for an RV camping fees at the other locations? I'm not trying to be a downer but sometimes too many people take advantage of something free (CRP and other public hunting areas as an example) and destroy the landscape. They don't pay for it up front but the rest of us do in the end.

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