What exactly is zone camping?

[RichardM]

https://cms.imr.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

And if the secure link doesn't work, try the more generic http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

[xseption]

And if the secure link doesn't work, try the more generic http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

Jeff's link worked. Thanks!

~ edd

[RichardM]

And if the secure link doesn't work, try the more generic http://www.nps.gov/bibe/planyourvisit/roadsidecamps.htm

Jeff's link worked. Thanks!

Yeah, but it might not tomorrow.  The NPS sites are all controlled/hosted off a central server, probably in D.C.  Stuff gets shuffled around every now and then.  I've had lots of links work one day and not the next.  And then there's the occasional site reorg thrown in to make things fun.

[Al]

There have been some GREAT posts on Zone Camping lately, to mention a couple:

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/trip-nov-2126th-t7074.0.html

http://www.bigbendchat.com/portal/forum/your-trip-reports/exploring-the-sierra-quemada-and-tornillo-creek-t7081.0.html

The first time I zone camped was in Rocky Mountain National Park. A friend's parents were managing some cabins on the Big Thompson in Estes Park. While in college I was working on a project near Denver and arranged to spend a week with my high school bud up in Estes Park. We had planned to hike in RMNP. (We had hiked together for 10 days while in boy scouts at Philmont.) We packed our stuff and went to the ranger station. Much to our dismay EVERY back country campsite was booked! We were out of luck. BUMMER!

Having nothing better to do at this point, I started reading posts on the bulletin board in the ranger station and saw an explanation of zone camping. I pointed it out to my bud and BOOM we were back in business. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the back country, camped by a beautiful mountain lake, etc. etc. etc. It was a great trip. I have leaned toward zone camping ever since.

Zone camping doesn't mean you can't take an established trail, (or not) at least for part of your hike, it just means when you want to camp you can hike off the trail and find a glorious camp site that, in the case of Big Bend, may have never been camped before . . . or perhaps not. It makes one wonder and sucks you in to the vastness and remoteness of where you are. Talk about stress reduction. I know no equivalent.

Al

PS This  thing can be distracting.
Moderator note: after a while you learn to avoid double spaces...

PSS Richard please remember you are dealing with the great unwashed masses some of whom may never learn!