Newbie Camping Question

[jasnusc]

I want to start doing overnight trips but I am confused and intimidated by the whole permit process. I consider myself a newbie only hiking San Jacinto about 10 times including Deer Springs, Suicide Rock, Devils Slide, Tahquitz Peak etc... Learning those permits and limited permits for Devils Slide and parking pass was the most difficult part.

This weekend I cut through Tahquitz, Fern,Skunk Cabbage Valley for the first time and saw a few tents set up right off the side of the trail.

My questions are:
1) Are you allowed to camp just anywhere?
2) I thought you had to camp at a campsite.
3) The form I found for camping had to be mailed in and wait 14 days for a response is that really the fastest way?
4) The permit asks where Im camping would I answer "somewhere in tahquitz valley"?

Thank you in advance for any advice you can give me.


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[Hikin_Jim]

You have good reason to be a little bit confused. Let's see if I can shed any light on it at all:

First, the source of some of the confusion: There are two jurisdictions on the mountain, one state, and one federal. If you camp in the area controlled by the US Forest Service, they do things by zone. If you camp in the area controlled by the California State Park Service, you must camp in a specific camp. If you do some kind of a loop that takes you through both areas, you must have an overnight permit from the agency that controls where you plan to camp. If you're "just a passin' through" (i.e. you won't camp overnight in a given area) both agencies accept the other agency's permit.
This map shows the overall areas fairly clearly and shows the camps (all four of them) for the state portion of the wilderness.

For the Federal portion, you must select a zone. You may camp anywhere within that zone provided that you meet certain requirements -- see the pdf link below for the requirements.

San Jacinto Wilderness Zones
Map of zones: http://www.fsva.org/pdf/WildernessMap_2007%20II.pdf

Chinquapin Zone
The best camping area in this zone is along Chinquapin Flats Trail — Pacific Crest Trail about a quarter mile south of Saddle Junction. The closest water is in Skunk Cabbage. Zone capacity is 75.

Skunk Cabbage Zone
This is the most used and, consequently, the most abused area in the wilderness. Camping is not allowed in the meadow because the ecosystem is extremely fragile. Water is available at the north end of Skunk Cabbage Meadow and at Willow Creek. Zone capacity is 75.

Tahquitz Zone
Easy access, lots of water and lush vegetation make this zone very popular. Water is available almost year-round in this zone. Zone capacity is 50.

North Rim Zone
Although this zone covers a large area, there are few suitable camping areas because of its steep terrain. Because of erosion problems, camping is not allowed at Willow Creek Crossing. Water is available in this zone. Zone capacity is 75.

Lower Basin Zone
A lot of beautiful camping areas are on the large plateau in this zone. During the summer, the water does not flow freely and, consequently, the area’s popularity drops. Zone capacity is 75.

Desert View Zone
This zone is located at the southernmost end of the wilderness. The vegetation varies from coniferous to high chaparral and scrub brush. Very little water is in this zone. Zone capacity is 50.

OK, so clear as mud?

Hope that helps,

HJ

[bluerail]

And so what's the deal if you are a through hiker?

[Florian]

And so what's the deal if you are a through hiker?

I always understood that PCT through hikers were exempt from camping permits. Maybe just unofficially exempt. But based on another thread seems there is a PCT specific permit available. I'm not sure what agency issues that.

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

And so what's the deal if you are a through hiker?

Dunno. Never looked into it, but I believe that there is some kind of a permit for PCT through hikers. I suppose an interested party ought to call the Forest Service.

HJ

[Ulysses]

So what is the punishment for losing your permit, or accidently leaving leaving it at home or in your car?

[Hikin_Jim]

You have to clean the latrine at Little Round Valley.

Seriously, though, I dunno what it is these days. We got asked to leave once from the San Gorgonio Wilderness (years ago) when my dad* and I didn't have a permit. I don't know what they'd do today.

HJ

*Dad figured since he'd been hiking there since the 30's and 40's that nobody had a right to tell him when and where he could hike.

[jasnusc]

Thanks Hikin Jim...

Im still a little confused but I will figure it out.

It is a shame they make it so difficult to hike and camp. I like the fact that it keeps out the Riff Raff but it sure is a pain!


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[Hikin_Jim]

[quote="jasnusc"]Thanks Hikin Jim...

Im still a little confused but I will figure it out.quote] It's a bit cumbersome, isn't it, but do it a couple of times, and you'll get the hang of it.

Where ya headed?

HJ

[jasnusc]

So what is the punishment for losing your permit, or accidently leaving leaving it at home or in your car?

The last few times I have hiked Devils Slide I have been lucky to be one of the last few people to get a permit. (they limit the amount they pass out)

6 hours later as Im hiking back down to humber park I still see 50+ people walking up the trail and Im 99% sure they dont have permits.

I am still going to do it the "right way" and get a permit but I have always wondered what happens if you get cuaght without one.

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