Why Are There Designated Campsites?
Wilderness managers are asking people to camp in designated campsites for several
reasons:
- To reduce resource damage in high elevation/high use areas due to lack of
leave “leave no trace” practices.
- To concentrate the impact of a few often-used campsites rather than many rarely
used campsites.
- To improve the social and physical conditions of these high use areas while
providing for more enjoyable experiences at popular Wilderness destinations.
How Do You Find A Campsite?
- Finding a campsite is much easier in the daylight. Plan ahead
so you arrive at your destination before dark.
- Signs have been posted along the trail to inform you when you
are entering a designated campsite zone. If you cannot find a
site you must camp outside these boundaries.
- Take time to study the aerial photo maps in this brochure and
adjust your sense of scale to the landscape. Look for landmarks
such as trails, the shape of a lake, or other forest openings
as points of reference.
- Each designated campsite is marked with a three-foot post engraved
with a tent symbol (see drawing at left).
- It does not matter how attractive a site may be -- if it does
not have a post, it is not a designated campsite.
- Map
(pdf file)
How Should I Camp In A Designated Campsite?
Once you have located a suitable site for your camp, the following suggestions
will enhance yours and other’s wilderness experience.
- Your tent(s) must be within 20 feet of the campsite post.
- Keep a clean camp, pack out all your food, trash and toilet paper. Protect
wild animals by keeping your food safely stowed off the ground, not in your tent.
- Remember you are in a popular area, try to minimize your level of noise and
activity in consideration of other campers.
Can I Have A Campfire?
In general, campfires cause impacts to the soil, trees and to the site itself.
Campfire scars are unsightly.
- You may have a campfire within Indian Heaven Wilderness, but it is discouraged.
- Use existing firerings, burn only downed wood and keep your fire small.
- Make sure your fire is cold before leaving.
How Do I Manage Sanitation?
Properly managing all of your wastes is very important.
- Use a pan or other container to carry water away from a lake or stream to
wash your hands, face and body. This helps prevent the water source from becoming
contaminated with bug repellant, sunscreen, or soap.
- Never use soap in lakes, even biodegradable soap. All surface water and its
inhabitants are very sensitive to any foreign substance. Wash all dishes, pans
and utensils at least 100 feet away from any water source.
- Personal waste must be as far away from any campsite and water source as possible.
Dig a hole 6 inches deep, bury your personal waste and pack out all of your toilet
paper.
Is Camping In Designated Campsites Enforced?
Camping within designated sites is strongly encouraged at this time. While
perhaps an inconvenience, this measure is intended to improve the quality of your
visit at these Wilderness sites. A list of Wilderness regulations for actions
punishable by fine is posted at all trailhead bulletin boards. We would rather
you “leave no trace” and be considerate of other people.
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