The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District of the White River National Forest is implementing new regulations for dispersed camping in the Homestake Valley area. This decision comes in response to the popularity of camping along Homestake and Missouri roads.
Under the new guidelines, designated dispersed camping sites will be established along Homestake (NFSR 703) and Missouri roads (NFSR 704). These sites will be marked with camping signs and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Camping in the Homestake Valley will be restricted to designated sites or the developed Gold Park Campground. Additionally, campers will be limited to a seven-day stay at these designated sites, while the Gold Park Campground will maintain a 14-day limit.
The decision to implement these changes stems from the impact of increased camping activity on the local ecosystem. Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger Leanne Veldhuis explained, “Over the past several years, camping along the roads in the Homestake Valley has significantly increased and people are beginning to camp in more sensitive areas, causing impacts to streams and wetlands. Designating dispersed camping sites allows us to maintain current levels of use but focus camping to the less-sensitive areas that are already being used.”
Visitors to the area are also advised that campers are required to “properly store and pack out all food and trash.”
To determine the appropriate number of designated sites, the forest service conducted occupancy surveys last summer. These surveys helped project current and future use levels. The designation of sites also takes into account existing regulations that prohibit camping within 100 feet of water sources.
Veldhuis highlighted the benefits of the new system. “Designating specific, sustainable sites for dispersed camping will help visitors better understand where they are permitted to camp, help prevent wildfires, and allow us to better protect natural resources,” Veldhuis said, as reported by Vail Daily news on August 6.
The new regulations are set to take into effect on August 12.
