JEFFERSON COUNTY — Torrential rainstorms may have made Jefferson County Open Space trails soggy and caused flooding early this season, but the rain hasn’t had much effect on camping.
Jeffco Open Space, which , has so far had a record number of campers using them. Open Space has also tweaked some of the rules for its campers this year, requiring a permit ahead of time, but that hasn’t dampened the experience, according to Mary Ann Bonnell, visitor services supervisor for Jeffco Open Space.
“It’s so funny — we don’t really feel like we have a season anymore. People don’t stop camping,” Bonnell said.
The two parks that allow free camping are Reynolds Park in Conifer with its Idylease Campground and White Ranch Park in Golden, which has Sourdough Springs Equestrian and Sawmill Hikers campgrounds.
Idylease has five camping plots while Sawmill Hikers and Sourdough Springs Equestrian each have 10.
This year, Bonnell said, Open Space decided to disallow drop-in camping and is requiring all campers to book plots ahead of time with a permit from the Open Space administration office, 700 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden. The rules went into effect May 21.
Bonnell said this is common practice at other campgrounds. This also gives staff a chance to know that campers understand all the rules and expectations and it helps ensure that people don’t show up to a full campsite. Campers must bring their own water and each site requires a half-mile to 1
½ -mile hike from a vehicle to the campground. Firewood, however, is provided.
Open Space also has installed “bear boxes” at each site and is encouraging campers to store food and clothes that may smell like food in the boxes so as not to attract bears.
“We wanted to make it clear that while camping is free, it’s a privilege and something people need to respect,” Bonnell said. “We weren’t getting that behavior.”
Past infractions included guests leaving fires unattended, littering and camping in the parking lots, which don’t have adequate facilities.
“Not everyone is like that, but there were a few bad apples. We needed to get our arms around the idea of getting everyone coming to camp to be respectful,” Bonnell said. “We feel like this is a good direction for us and those who use our facilities.”
Brenna Vaughn, who was camping with her husband and three children recently at Reynolds Park, said she hadn’t camped with Jeffco Open Space in the past, but she appreciated the seclusion of the campsites.
“It’s just quiet compared to the drive-up sites,” she said, noting that she would like to be able to get a permit online rather than having to go to Golden.
Pine Valley Ranch resident ranger Erik Collette said that online permits are likely coming, possibly for next summer.
Collette, who oversees camping at Reynolds Park as part of his patrol, said things seem to be going well this summer with the new policies.
“It’s only been in effect for several weeks, but it seems like it’s been going very smoothly,” Collette said. “We haven’t had issues with people showing up and not knowing what to do.”
Lindsay Moore also was camping at Reynolds Park, with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. Moore said she had a good experience working with Open Space staff and noted that the half-mile hike from her car to the campsite wasn’t too grueling for her daughter.
“It’s a good starter for families who want to try things,” Moore said. “I like the idea of (my daughter) being outside. Kids need that sense of adventure.”
Joe Vaccarelli: 303-954-2396, jvaccarelli@denverpost.com or twitter.com/joe_vacc
