Gray's Arch area is not really "back country", but i suppose it could feel like that if no one else is around. Yeah, camping in the caves and rockhouses is illegal. Also, if you build a fire in one, you will likely smoke yourself out anyway. Please take some time to learn the rules when going into semi-wilderness spots like this. P.S. :do not wash in the streams-the soap wreaks havoc on the life in the creeks and river. use apan and dump the water on the ground at least 50 feet from the stream.
I didn't have the map when I camped here, only a pdf map I got off the web. I got the permit at the Shell Gas Station off of HWY 15. No mention of cave camping. I would imagine there should be some kind of sign or notice, but there wasn't.
Caves are included with the camping rules pertaining to rock shelters.....not allowed.
Despite experienced people who know how to camp and respect the park (i.e. no camp fires, no trash etc.) too many people obviously disrespect the rules and ruin it for everyone else. You didn't know the rule but negligence is not an excuse and a ranger would be more than happy to ticket you anyways.
BTW I was there just this passed weekend, we hit up the staircase but the fire and people traffic made us decide to camp over by Cloud Splitter which we climbed the next day. Man it was hot.
The irony about Grays is that signs are posted way beyond Grays. Even a fence is there with a sign to keep people out. No sign at all in the gorge itself where (I would assume) the bulk of the hikers go. Not sure what you mean by negligence however? I always practice "Leave NO TRACE". There was no fire either. If a Ranger had come by, then I would have happily moved. Just didn't know.
I came to comment about the camping in the rock shelter too. No biggie. Now you know, and knowing is half the battle.
michaelppfaff 11 months ago
Gray's Arch area is not really "back country", but i suppose it could feel like that if no one else is around. Yeah, camping in the caves and rockhouses is illegal. Also, if you build a fire in one, you will likely smoke yourself out anyway. Please take some time to learn the rules when going into semi-wilderness spots like this. P.S. :do not wash in the streams-the soap wreaks havoc on the life in the creeks and river. use apan and dump the water on the ground at least 50 feet from the stream.
RHODOAN 1 year ago
Hey man not trying to get on you about the camping, just what I meant by negligence...
I should have said ignorance, meaning any rule or park law that you may not have been aware of.......
Some rangers don't care if you know the rules or not, they will be quick to give you a citation. Just keep a look out.
51georg 2 years ago
I didn't have the map when I camped here, only a pdf map I got off the web. I got the permit at the Shell Gas Station off of HWY 15. No mention of cave camping. I would imagine there should be some kind of sign or notice, but there wasn't.
nocmanus 2 years ago
Caves are included with the camping rules pertaining to rock shelters.....not allowed.
Despite experienced people who know how to camp and respect the park (i.e. no camp fires, no trash etc.) too many people obviously disrespect the rules and ruin it for everyone else. You didn't know the rule but negligence is not an excuse and a ranger would be more than happy to ticket you anyways.
51georg 2 years ago
BTW I was there just this passed weekend, we hit up the staircase but the fire and people traffic made us decide to camp over by Cloud Splitter which we climbed the next day. Man it was hot.
51georg 2 years ago
The irony about Grays is that signs are posted way beyond Grays. Even a fence is there with a sign to keep people out. No sign at all in the gorge itself where (I would assume) the bulk of the hikers go. Not sure what you mean by negligence however? I always practice "Leave NO TRACE". There was no fire either. If a Ranger had come by, then I would have happily moved. Just didn't know.
nocmanus 2 years ago
Just so you will know before you hike there next time!!!!!
CAMPING - Camping is NOT permitted:
In any picnic area or parking area.
Within 300 feet of any road or developed trail.
Within 100 feet of the base of any cliff, or the back of any rockshelter.
Within 600 feet of Grays Arch.
Within any area posted No Camping.
TURKEYHUNTERDELUXE 2 years ago