Last month, many of you signed our action alert to let the BLM know you did not want to lose free, primitive dispersed camping outside of Capitol Reef National Park. While the BLM heard you and scaled back their initial proposal, the updated Environmental Assessment plan for the Beas Lewis Campground project is still too restrictive. We're once again demanding further changes that will serve recreationsists of all backgrounds— whether they prefer developed campgrounds or dispersed camping.
Beas Lewis Campground Project: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t
The BLM still has a large "limited to designated camping" area in which dispersed camping will be prohibited and users can only camp in designated sites that are in the proposed developed campground. Although, the BLM has reduced the size of the "limited to designated camping area." You can see in the images below that the top portion that has Sulpher Creek is now excluded from the "limited to designated camping" area. Yet, there is still a restricted area buffer that envelopes critical roads and trails leading into popular dispersed sites. This new closure directly contradicts the Travel Management Plan (TMP) that designated these routes as open. Now, with this proposal, those open routes will essentially lose one of their primary purposes.
Beas Lewis Flat delivers a unique and unspoiled public land experience: a rugged open terrain boon-docking area just outside Capitol Reef National Park:
• Free
• Easy vehicle access, including for RVs and trailers, with numerous level scenic fire ring sites
• Outstanding views and solitude
Our Recommendation: A Sensible Quarter Mile Buffer to Allow for Dispersed Camping
We propose a more balanced approach: limit dispersed camping within 0.25 miles of the developed campground footprint, rather than the overly broad exclusion currently in the proposal. This would eliminate the "Limited to Designated Camping Area" and still allow dispersed camping at an appropriate distance away from the proposed developed campground. A 0.25 mile buffer is an often applied standard across other public lands to separate developed campgrounds from primitive camping. This would help:
• Preserve public safety and protect the developed site
• Maintain dispersed camping access along existing open routes
• Allow for campground camping and primitive dispersed camping to coexist
Act Now: Voices Make a Difference
While the BLM scaled back its initial proposal, this plan is still too restrictive. We need the BLM to hear our concerns once again. Submit your comments below by September 17, 2025 to save free, dispersed camping near Capitol Reef National Park.
