There are no designated campsites in Parashant National Monument. Camping on the monument requires planning, preparation and care in order to protect the visitor and the fragile desert and mountain ecosystems. Site Selection Some areas of the desert and mountain ecosystems are remarkably fragile and take years, decades or even centuries to recover. Likewise, there are many areas in the monument that are prone to flash floods which can begin miles from your campsite. When selecting a campsite try to
Setting up camp Before entering the monument make sure you have everything you need for your stay. Select a durable surface for your campsite. Do not trench for tents or cut branches for bedding. Use lighter soled shoes to lessen your impact. Before you leave, make every effort to return your campsite to a natural appearance. Cooking and campfires To many campers, the campfire has served as a centerpiece for group outings. The backcountry nature of the monument does not provide developed campsites or fire rings for use and gas or propane stoves for cooking are strongly recommended. If you decide that a fire is appropriate for your outing, please follow these guidelines when building a fire in the backcountry.
Water Many areas of the monument contain water pockets or pools, and natural springs, and seeps. Even though the monument is in a remote area some water sources may contain Giardia lamblia, or other intestinal parasites. For your safety it is recommended that you drink only boiled, filtered or chemically treated water. To protect the water quality,
Human waste With no comfort facilities within the monument boundaries the sense of exploration and remoteness can be spoiled by stumbling across someone's "bathroom". Human feces carry harmful micro-organisms that easily contaminate water sources and can spread disease. During your visit it is important to
Private property While travel through the monument is remote, you may encounter private property, cabins, residences and livestock.
There are no designated campsites in Parashant National Monument. Camping on the monument requires planning, preparation and care in order to protect the visitor and the fragile desert and mountain ecosystems. Site SelectionSome areas of the desert and mountain ecosystems are remarkably fragile and take years, decades or even centuries to recover. Likewise, there are many areas in the monument that are prone to flash floods which can begin miles from your campsite. When selecting a campsite try to
Setting up CampBefore entering the monument make sure you have everything you need for your stay. Select a durable surface for your campsite. Do not trench for tents or cut branches for bedding. Use lighter soled shoes to lessen your impact. Before you leave, make every effort to return your campsite to a natural appearance. Cooking and CampfiresTo many campers, the campfire has served as a centerpiece for group outings. The backcountry nature of the monument does not provide developed campsites or fire rings for use and gas or propane stoves for cooking are strongly recommended. If you decide that a fire is appropriate for your outing, please follow these guidelines when building a fire in the backcountry.
WaterMany areas of the monument contain water pockets or pools, and natural springs, and seeps. Even though the monument is in a remote area some water sources may contain Giardia lamblia, or other intestinal parasites. For your safety it is recommended that you drink only boiled, filtered or chemically treated water. To protect the water quality,
Human WasteWith no comfort facilities within the monument boundaries the sense of exploration and remoteness can be spoiled by stumbling across someone's "bathroom". Human feces carry harmful micro-organisms that easily contaminate water sources and can spread disease. During your visit it is important to
Private PropertyWhile travel through the monument is remote, you may encounter private property, cabins, residences and livestock.
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Last updated: May 10, 2023