Wilderness campsite conditions under an unregulated camping policy: An eastern example

Abstract

This study identified and assessed 110 campsites in seven designated wilderness areas in the Jefferson National Forest of Virginia. The campsites were unevenly distributed within each wilderness, concentrating along trail corridors and near popular destination areas. With a few exceptions, most campsites surveyed were in good condition. The findings indicate that management actions should be directed at reducing both the number of campsites and the problems associated with campsite expansion. The Forest’s unregulated camping policy could be focused through educational programs to encourage dispersed camping or camping containment to further reduce social and resource impacts.

Parent Publication

• Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23-27; Missoula, MT

Citation

Leung, Yu-Fai; Marion, Jeffrey L. 2000. Wilderness campsite conditions under an unregulated camping policy: An eastern example. In: Cole, David N.; McCool, Stephen F.; Borrie, William T.; O’Loughlin, Jennifer, comps. 2000. Wilderness science in a time of change conference-Volume 5: Wilderness ecosystems, threats, and management; 1999 May 23–27; Missoula, MT. Proceedings RMRS-P-15-VOL-5. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 148-152