National Park Campsite is Trashed with 150 LBS of Rubbish

It’s a story we’ve heard time and again recently, but this one hits different.

Every trashed campsite we’ve reported in 2021 has been on public land, but not inside an actual National Park with an entire ranger staff.

Here’s the scoop.

What National Park Was Trashed?

The incident happened at Arches National Park, one of the busiest parks in America. It’s located in Moab, Utah.

Here’s what the park reported:

“Arches backcountry rangers recently cleaned up an illegal camp full of trash that was discovered in the park. They hauled out 150 pounds of trash to help preserve the beautiful Arches backcountry.”

150lbs is no joke.

We have to believe these were van campers or overlanders due to the sheer amount of trash and the off-grid nature of the site.

In most national parks, camping anywhere other than established campsites is illegal.

What Is A National Park Backcountry?

Backcountry camping is camping done in the wilderness far away from roads or developed areas. 

Moreover, this camping style is primitive camping with no facilities, no designated campsites, and minimal vehicle access. 

Camping in the wilderness is not a sport for inexperienced campers, though. Backcountry activities are for outdoors people with the knowledge and experience to survive without amenities or even help.

You need to know backcountry skills such as wilderness first aid, weather awareness, thermoregulation, and navigation.

About Arches National Park

Arches National Park lies in east-central Utah, just north of the town of Moab. The area has been protected since 1929, first as a national monument. It was officially made a national park in 1971.

Native American history in the area dates back as far as 10,000 years. Little is known about whether any groups permanently settled the land that later became Arches. Local newspaper editor Loren “Bish” Taylor, who wrote extensively about the area’s beauty, led early efforts to preserve Arches. 

These days, Arches hosts more than a million and a half visitors each year. Many are drawn by the unique hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. 

Why We Must Leave It Better Than We Found It

One of the greatest benefits of being human is free will. We can choose to follow these 7 leave no trace principles, or we can choose not to. However, if we choose not to, in the long run, we are also choosing to lose the beauty of this planet and everything that it has to offer. 

RV travel is great, but it is more about the destination than it is about the RV itself. We have to leave places better than we found them if we want to continue to have the same access to these places that we love.  

Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA

To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).

You should give it a try!

As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.

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