Forest Service to designate dispersed camping areas in Homestake Valley as number of people use them increases

The Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District will require campers to use designated dispersed camping sites in the Homestake Creek watershed to better manage impacts associated with heavy use. The new regulations go into effect Aug. 12.

Approximately 50 dispersed camping sites will be designated along Homestake (NFSR 703) and Missouri Roads (NFSR 704). Sites will be marked with camping signs and available on a first-come, first-served basis, and camping stays will be limited to seven days. Camping in Homestake Valley will be limited to these sites or the expanded Gold Park Campground.

“Over the last few years, the number of campsites along the roads in Homestake Valley has increased significantly, and people are starting to camp in more sensitive areas, which is affecting the streams and wetlands,” said Leanne Veldhuis, Eagle-Holy Cross District Ranger. “Designating dispersed camping sites allows us to maintain current levels of use but focus camping in less sensitive areas that are already being used.”

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Campfires will be limited to metal fire rings provided at each site, which will be installed later this summer. Designated campgrounds do not have trash or restroom services. Visitors are required to properly store and bag all food and trash to help prevent negative interactions with bears and other wildlife. Bagging of solid human waste is also required in the Homestake area. Group size is limited to 40 people.

“Designating specific, sustainable sites for dispersed camping will help visitors better understand where they can camp, help prevent forest fires and enable us to better protect natural resources,” Veldhuis said.

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The Forest Service conducted occupancy studies last summer to determine the number of sites needed to accommodate current and projected occupancy levels. Based on that data and current regulations that limit camping within 100 feet of water, the Forest Service will designate about 50 sites.

Most existing facilities are still available, but some have been closed to better protect natural resources, for safety reasons, or because they were located on private property.

For several years, the Eagle-Holy Cross District has required camping to take place in designated areas off Piney Road (NFSR 701) north of Vail.

The maximum stay limit for designated dispersed sites is seven days. The Gold Park Campground has a 14-day stay limit. The maximum group size for the Homestake area is 40 people.

For more information, contact the Eagle-Holy Cross Ranger District (24747 US Highway 24 in Minturn). For more information, call 970-827-5715.