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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Chris
Friday 18th of February 2022
Thank you so much for picking up the litter left by those who do not yet know the impact that their trash has on our land and wildlife. I am a litter picker upper as well. I am currently picking up litter that collects along the roadside. I like hearing that other folks, like yourselves, are helping keep our beautiful lands clean.
Susan
Monday 6th of December 2021
I would think in all of that trash there must have been records of who did it. Records on envelopes, sales receipts, letters, labels on packages, etc, etc
They need to look for them, contact the people and file charges, as well as denying them access to National Parks.
Varney Ice
Saturday 4th of December 2021
I would like to see the person or person's involved be punished like the one person said community service for a year maybe even 2 years.
kittynana
Saturday 4th of December 2021
It could also be another set of people camping out of necessity because they're running from Border Patrol. It may not be campers at all.
Thea
Saturday 4th of December 2021
I am always amazed how people that confess national pride at any and every occasion can treat "their country" with so much disrespect!