The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has opened a public scoping comment period for the proposed Beas Lewis Flat Campground, located just outside of Capitol Reef National Park in the Henry Mountains/Fremont Gorge Travel Management Area.
In January 2025, literally in the final hours of the Biden administration, the BLM released a signed travel management decision for this area that closed 612 miles of routes, many of which provided access to dispersed camping sites. BlueRibbon Coalition is actively challenging this decision.
Now, with dispersed camping areas eliminated, the BLM is proposing to construct a large developed campground. The first phase would include up to 45 campsites, with the potential to build more in future phases.
As the BLM notes in their proposal, this large pad-style campground is at odds with the primitive camping style that many visitors of this area seek:
The campground would include a variety of accommodations, including single sites, group sites, RV/multi-unit sites, and tent camping. Campsites would vary in size and would include amenities such as parking, tent pads, fire rings, protective and/or perimeter fencing, shade structures, and picnic tables. Up to two campsites would be designated for campground hosts. Shared amenities would include vault toilets, trash collection, a fee collection site, and information and interpretive signage. Additional campground amenities may include the development of a day-use group shelter and small hiking trails within the proposed campground footprint, providing campground connectivity and to an interpretive overlook at the northern end of the project area.
BRC does not oppose developed campgrounds in principle. However, we strongly oppose the approach of concentrating camping into a single location while removing the dispersed camping opportunities that have long been part of the public’s access to these lands. This strategy reduces choice, displaces recreation users, and changes the character of the area.
If the BLM wants to add a campground, it should be in addition to, not instead of, the dispersed camping experiences that so many visitors value.
Comments are accepted through August 14, 2025.
