Public Camp Manual

MANUAL OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR PUBLIC CAMPS

In the two years that have elapsed since this Manual was last revised, the development of the National Forests for recreational purposes has become one of the major activities of the Forest Service. Outdoor recreation has enjoyed greatly increased popularity. The need of more adequate camping facilities has been impressed upon us by increased use of the public camps.

In order to fulfill more completely our responsibilities to the public and to make our public camps more usable and enjoyable, yet at the same time protect the inherent values involved, this Manual has been prepared.

This revision supersedes all previous issues, which should be destroyed immediately. From time to time as supplemental pages for the Manual are issued, they should be inserted herein, upon receipt.

The new Manual by no means covers the entire field, but it does contain the best and most up-to-date thought of R-5. It has been possible to establish standards of construction for many items relating to camp ground improvement. Field men will be required to follow these standards, unless it can be shown that it is not feasible to do so. In that event, the approval of the Regional Forester will be necessary before improvements of other than standard type may be constructed.

It has not been deemed advisable to set up standards for certain items, mainly those which will not receive widespread use. However, the Regional office will be glad to assist in developing plans and specifications for special items of equipment.

It is expected that federal funds will be more nearly adequate to the needs than heretofore. Every effort should be made to expedite the work as funds become available.

Every possible advantage should be taken to employ labor during slack periods in preparing material for construction in the field. Frequently CCC labor, fire guards and others can be used to advantage without cost to special camp ground funds.

Much confusion of records will be avoided if camp names are not changed. Do not change names of public camps without good reasons, and notify the Regional office at once should this occur.

All Supervisors, District Rangers, and specialists having anything to do with the planning and developing of public camps should be provided with copies of Dr. Meinecke's "Camp Ground Policy" and "Camp Planning and Camp Reconstruction" bulletins.

Picnic Areas

In certain localities, it will be necessary to develop areas solely as picnic grounds. In other instances, part of a camp should be set aside for exclusive use of picnickers.

The improvements described in this Manual should be used on picnic grounds, with certain modifications. For example, more stoves will be needed; the table cupboards should be dispensed with; a greater concentration of people will necessitate increased toilet facilities. Automobiles should be concentrated in central parking areas.

De Luxe Camps

No effort has been made herein to depict or describe the more expensive type of improvements that may be found desirable at an occasional camp, where, by reason of heavy use or long season, we would be justified in providing facilities more nearly approaching those in city parks. Where a case of this kind exists, the Regional office will be glad to cooperate in the preparation of the necessary special plans.