[Pike Hunter]

Is the Little Thompson River not availiable to camp on if it is passing through private property and can that owner kick you off or not because the government owns it or who ever owns it. And there Is NO No -Tresspassing Signs. My brother and his friends are wondering before we plan this big camping trip this week end.


WHAT SHOULD WE DO!!! ??? ??? ???

 

[TroutFishingBear]

I believe they can kick you off but I'm not 100% sure.

 

[James]

You can buy cheap camo mesh that you can cover tents w/.

 

[epic]

Most states I'm not sure about Colorado, if you are in a state or national park you have to camp in designated camping spots. But since Colorado has a bunch of back counrty enthusists this might not be true here. However Colorado is pretty big on the campfire thing, so if you do go camping make sure you build a fire ring and make sure you put your fire out when unattended, and if there is a fire danger dont have a campfire. After you put your campfire out touch the coals with your hands if they are warm you need more water. Then place the coals in a bag or your hands or whatever and carry them a 100 yards or so from the camp and scatter them. Deer and other animals eat these coals so please dont burn trash cans or plastics.

 

[OURAY]

Pike Hunter, Here is the Boys Scouts link to low impact camping. Good practices everybody should follow when camping in the backcountry.
http://www.usscouts.org/camping/bslowimp.html

 

[Pike Hunter]

Thanks ourray that was alot of help I used it......

It worked alot.

 

[Zman]

Private land doesnt have to be posted for you to be tresspassing. And it can be darn tough to tell where what is private what isnt. And some government BLM land is leased to ranchers and I believe it is private too. It is kind of scary, I read an article in the post or news in the last six months where a guy had fished into private land and was hit the $1500 tresspassing fine and arrested by the land owner. The land owner is pushing the state if I remember correctly to take his fishing license away with rights for like 5 years. Which I guess is written into the laws. The other scary part I remember from the article is the state has a reciprocal aggreement with a bunch of other states like Wyoming/Nebraska so he cannot get a fishing license there either. I wish I would of saved it. I have looked for it many times. I was wondering if anyone else read it when it was in the recreation section of one of the two papers. I never knew they had the power to do all of that. The land owners have all the power in this state. At least I believe in Montana that you have stream and lake access to the high water mark.

 

[OURAY]

Zman,
I also read that article. That landowner was a real jerk about the situation. If I recall the reason he pressed charges was because he leased that water to other anglers who pay a hefty fee for access. He wanted to make an example out of the old guy.
There ought to be some new laws written to protect the every day Joe and not just the priveleged landowners. Montanas high water rule would be one and clearly marking private property in order to press charges for trespassing would be an other.

 

[James]

One other thing to check, is if there's a fire ban. Alot of areas last year couldn't have campfires, even if there was a pit. There's a pretty hefty fine involved.
Also, I think even if the land is National Forest, I think you need a permit to back-country camp. Remember, leave no trace.

 

[OURAY]

So far none of the high country is under fire ban. That can change quickly over the next few weeks and is very regional so always check before you intend on having a fire. Backcountry permits are only necessary for National Parks, National Monuments and some Wilderness Areas, Indian Peaks Wilderness is the only one I can think of but there may be more. You are required to sign the register at the trailheads of other wilderneess areas and of course follow the posted regulations for varoius national forests and BLM lands.

 

[IceInTheVeins]

Wherever I want to I camp, wherever I don't I don't. If asked to leave I will leave.