CAMPING: A proposal for Idaho

I recently read the article in your paper about “Dispersed Camping” being offered in Montana. The article describes dispersed camping as an alternative area for people to camp when campgrounds are full. Often this area may not have a picnic table, fire pit, water, or toilets available, but it is still a place to rest your head for the night. This sounds like a great idea to me. Why not offer this option here in Idaho?

I am 81 years old and still like to camp in a tent or tent trailer. I realize most people make their reservations online, but it seems too bad you have to have a computer to go camping these days. I feel it is important to always have some sites set aside as “non-reservable” walk-ups or first-come, first-served sites for those campers who don’t have computers or are just traveling through. When traveling, you don’t always know where you will end up and may not have access to the Internet. The dispersed camping option would be a good alternative when you’re not in a position to make a reservation.

I recently experienced a problem at Farragut State Park when I showed up to camp without a reservation and was turned away because all their sites were reserved online. It seems unfair that I’m forced to pay an online convenience fee in order to reserve a camping site. It’s also a shame that I purchased an annual park pass, yet couldn’t take advantage of the $5 per day camping discount because I didn’t reserve in advance online.

I have spent many years backpacking, hiking and camping all over the Northwest. I moved from central Washington to Idaho specifically for the scenic beauty and my love for the outdoors. I am a proud supporter of our parks and forests. It is my hope that everyone has the opportunity to camp and enjoy our area, with or without a computer and with or without a reservation. Please join me in encouraging all our Idaho campgrounds and state parks to offer non-reservable sites or at the very least a “Dispersed Camping” area.

BRIAN TAYLOR

Hayden