Furnace Creek - Full Hook Ups?

Thanks for the update!

Just wanted to update that I heard back from Tracy at Furnace Creek. She said that the electricity is going to be turned on October 15th to the 19 sites that have sewer and water now in the campground.

If you have a reservation for one of those sites already, they are going to honor the price, but if you make a reservation after October 15th the fee is $30 a night.

C'mon folks. It's the federal government. What were you expecting ?? efficiency or indecision. What a shame.

Kerry

NPS public commenting site

Most everything the National Park Service does has to have public input. So, there is typically a 90 day public comment period and local meetings so that impact can be assessed. Charging or changing fees, building new roads or visitor centers, adding trails, buying land, etc. all require a public comment period by law. People can weigh in for or against the plan; when the comment period is over, all the comments are read and posted publicly. While the NPS does not have to take a 'majority rule' approach, they do have to allow for public input.

It is pretty interesting some times. Right now, there is a big to-do about the Yosemite Plan, which has been altered quite a few times due to public input/comment and is continuing to be revised.

dahkota wrote:
NPS .. cannot turn it on until the public comment time has passed - they need to raise fees for use of the camp sites with electric.

The gov't sure can find a way to make things difficult. What's a 'public comment time'? Is that akin to an environmental impact statement?

Pretty sad that they wont turn on the power when its solar generated. I guess burning gas in your genset makes sense to them ?

NPS added the electric during the water and sewer upgrades. Unfortunately, they cannot turn it on until the public comment time has passed - they need to raise fees for use of the camp sites with electric. Once the new fee structure is approved, the campground can begin charging for electric.

More here: Death Valley proposed fee increases.

2oldman wrote:
I was there in April and was astonished to learn that the electric was installed but not energized due to some government wrangling over how much to charge. Meanwhile, the poor campers were sweltering in 90° heat.

If that story is true, that's hard to believe- even for government.

I was told the same story end of march by the Ranger at the CG entry Kiosk (which was being renovated)

They will turn the power on someday, but when is a guessing game. The generator hours are very liberal, compared to Yosemite, where generator use is allowed but highly restricted.

I drove through the FC Ranch RV area. Personally, I thought it looked like a dump. Prefer the NP CG.

Thanks! I had heard of the seasonal spots....our site has water and sewer (#67) and an electricity box, I was just wondering if anyone had heard if they will be turning them on.... I tried to call today, but only got automated run around....

We stayed once in the CG behind Furnace Creek and won't do it again. I'd rather dry camp in the large Sunset camping area and just dump/fill when needed. The FC one is small, crowded, and you're right on top of the cabins. On the plus side, it's right near the coffee shop, pool, etc. If you must have power, I think it's the only game around.