Sad state of national parks and forests - II
I've less than 2 years ago reported here the sad state of our national parks and national forests after family camping in Yosemite, Redwood, Raiinier, Lassen Volcanic, Lake Tahoe... which I posit with...
Forum Discussion
I think part of this is due to a change in users. Years ago, most "campers" were younger. As folks aged, camping became uncomfortable, so they stopped. Hauling gear, dealing with tents, sleeping on the ground, etc, began to outweigh being outdoors. Older folks stayed in lodges and limited their time roughing it.
Now, with RVs decked out with all the comforts of home, older folks are able to keep camping. And as they have the time to do a lot of it, they have become the majority. So many campgrounds are trying to cater to their wants. That means electricity, water, sewer, flush toilets, etc.
Fortunately, there are lots of options. I love USFS campgrounds. They allow dogs on trails, they are more old school and usually have privacy between sites, and they are inexpensive. For someone else, a state park campground with hookups is ideal. For another, a private campground with store, playground, laundry, hookups, pool, etc, is perfect.
As long as our campgrounds continue to offer such options, there is a place for everyone. It's when they all cater to the same demographic that we all lose.
Now, with RVs decked out with all the comforts of home, older folks are able to keep camping. And as they have the time to do a lot of it, they have become the majority. So many campgrounds are trying to cater to their wants. That means electricity, water, sewer, flush toilets, etc.
Fortunately, there are lots of options. I love USFS campgrounds. They allow dogs on trails, they are more old school and usually have privacy between sites, and they are inexpensive. For someone else, a state park campground with hookups is ideal. For another, a private campground with store, playground, laundry, hookups, pool, etc, is perfect.
As long as our campgrounds continue to offer such options, there is a place for everyone. It's when they all cater to the same demographic that we all lose.
