The BLM Increases Recreation Opportunities Through Recreation.gov
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MOAB, Utah —Individual campsites are now reservable at the Ken’s Lake Campground located south of Moab. Reservations are available and must be made through recreation.gov for March 1through November 15 annually. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance and will have a $6 transaction fee. Throughout the year, camp sites that are not reserved will still be available for first come-first serve use with payment and self-registration on site. During the off season, November 16 through February 28, campsites will not be available for reservation, only on a first come-first serve basis. This is the first opportunity within the Field Office to reserve individual camp sites. Reservations are available through www.recreation.gov
Within the Ken’s Lake Campground there two group sites with shade shelters that have been available through the recreation.gov platform for many years. In the past five years the BLM has installed new toilets, added twenty-two additional camp sites, and expanded the original camp sites to accommodate larger vehicles.
In addition, the Field Office has transitioned three permit systems to recreation.gov: Westwater Canyon, the lower Dolores, and Coyote Canyon. In January 2020 private, non-commercial, river permits to float Westwater Canyon of the Colorado River transitioned to www.recreation.gov. Reservations are available 2 months in advance of the desired launch date year-round. Reservations and changes to current reservations can be made 24/7, online through the recreation.gov platform. Refunds for cancellations are available up to two weeks prior to launch date. The permit fee remained at $10 per person with a $6 transaction fee.
In January 2021 private, non-commercial, river permits to float the lower Dolores River from Gateway, Colorado to Dewey Bridge, Utah transitioned to www.recreation.gov. There are no limits on the number of permits issued for the lower Dolores River. The private permits are free and provide for resource-based stipulations such as the maximum group size of twenty-five people, carrying and using portable toilets systems and fire pans. There is a $6 reservation fee.
This year private, non-commercial permits to run the extremely challenging Coyote Canyon Motorized Trail also transitioned to www.recreation.gov. This trail is designated for rock-crawlers that are modified and capable of technical terrain. The route is “one-way” and .65 miles long. Permits continue to be available for Friday and Saturdays, from February 16 through November 30th. Permits are free with a $6 reservation fee.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.