Camping Crisis Near Zion National Park Prompts Government Action

The Bureau of Land Management wants to hear what people think about new plans for camping areas near Zion National Park. Too many people are camping in places they shouldn’t be.

The number of visitors to Zion grew by 164 percent between 2013 and 2023. With more visitors, more people are camping outside official campgrounds on public land, which is called ‘dispersed camping’.

“This has led to significant environmental degradation, including soil compaction, vegetation loss, litter and human waste”, explains the Bureau of Land Management in their report, writes St. George News.

Protected areas
Many people are now camping in protected areas where camping isn’t allowed. Officials worry this problem will worsen as tourism and the local population grow.

Dispersed camping means camping outside of regular campgrounds on public lands. These areas don’t have toilets, fire rings, or other facilities like regular campgrounds.

The government is now asking for public feedback on better managing these camping areas along State Route 9, west of the national park.