Changes to Long-Term Camper Storage on the Medicine Wheel Ranger District

Earlier this spring, the Bighorn National Forest updated its Occupancy and Use Prohibitions with an order that prohibits camping in the Forest for more than 14 days within a 28-day period without moving all equipment and personal property a minimum of five road miles after the 14th day. According to a media release from the Bighorn National Forest, the Medicine Wheel Ranger District has allowed for several decades limited use of long-term storage for campers off Forest Service Road 648. This past year, the district closely examined its authority to provide this use and the impacts of this long-term storage. The district identified issues with campers potentially being abandoned at the site for long periods of time (years). District Ranger Mark Foster determined that the lawful and appropriate course of action consistent with the Occupancy and Use Prohibitions is to pause the long-term storage of campers on the district.

The Bighorn National Forest is evaluating options for long-term storage including operations by external concessionaires, consistent with the recommendation from the Bighorn dispersed damping citizens task force and from public comments.  The public may still use the site but must comply with the 14-day stay limit requirements, similar to the rest of the Forest. Property, like camp trailers, left after 14 days will be subject to a notice of violation and fines, as well as possible seizure and removal.