Acei wrote:
In the National Forest website, it specifically says you can't leave your equipment unattended for more than 24 hours in your campsite. Same for the BLM. I can't find the same text in the National Parks though, so perhaps the rules are different there...
The OP was specifically asking about National Parks, not National Forests. (as was said, different agencies and sometimes different rules). But since NFs were raised by others...let's chase that rabbit! :)
The 24 hour rule is true for the national forests.
I would talk with a ranger/volunteer/host (if you can find one) to see if it would be OK, once you explained your situation.
The unattended for 24 hour rule was largely developed so people wouldn't "squat" on a first/come, first/served site. Get there on Wednesday with the trailer, park it and leave it unattended, while they return in the tow vehicle to their house a couple of hours away. Then come back with the family on Friday and are guaranteed a site, because all the weekenders have filled up the campground.
