News Release

Temporary Summer Closure of Devils Postpile National Monument Campground

Date: May 9, 2018

Release Date: May 11, 2018
Contact: Deanna Dulen, Superintendent
Phone Number: 760-924-2289

Subject: Temporary Summer Closure of Devils Postpile National Monument Campground

In order to accommodate and plan for increasing day use visitation, Devils Postpile National Monument is announcing the temporary summer closure of its 20-site campground. There are seven U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, including two group campgrounds and a horse camp, in the immediate area that can accommodate several hundred campers a night.
 
Devils Postpile National Monument has limited day-use facilities that do not meet the demands of the 150,000 annual visitors. There is a lack of day-use facilities, such as picnic areas and parking spaces. Access to the river is impeded by the location of the campground.  To enhance day use opportunities, the campground area adjacent to the river will be open for picnicking and improved river access for fishing.

When the mandatory shuttle operations cease after Labor Day, extensive congestion occurs in the day use parking lot. The current parking capacity of 65 spaces cannot accommodate visitation during the shoulder season, when on average, 500 cars arrive daily between 10 am and 5 pm. By using the campsites for overflow parking, many more vehicles can park and fewer vehicles will be turned away.

The monument will be developing a long-term plan for the campground and day-use area to better meet visitor needs. Due to the small size of the non-wilderness portion of the monument, there is limited space to develop additional facilities and parking.