This picture clearly illustrates where not to camp. Please do not camp here. There is plenty of great, free camping all along the road on National Forest land. There's a sign at the parking area saying "NO CAMPING/ FIRES". Landowners don't want you camping at their gate, and this is a Wildlife Area where it is clearly stated, no camping.
Please Don't Do This.

Sweet pic, though ;)

Come on, Monty - call em' out. Tell us who....

Just doing a little PSA... not namin' names or photographers or nothing. Just a friendly reminder not to camp at the gate.
-Cheers

I don't even understand this, considering what fantastic camping there is all along the road in on Natl Forest land. You just have to take a minute or two, get out of the car, and walk around and find a sweet (legit) spot. Camping/fires in the spot shown above is really unacceptable & poor lack of judgment. I'd hate to see access issues arise because of it at such a fantastic area :(

You can practically see the 'no camping' sign in the background. Not good.

You're a class act Monty, I'll do my best to follow your lead and bite my tongue.

Maybe their car broke down and they were forced to bivy on the State Trust Land right next to the ginormous 4x8 sign that clearly says "NO CAMPING". I really hope the "Tour Guides" for this photographer have a good reason for jeopardizing access to Thunder by pissing off the rangers and land owners.

Please do not camp on the State Trust Land which is clearly marked with signs. As stated above, drive back up the road a few minutes and camp on National Forest land.

I happen to know a few rangers that patrol the area and they would throw the book at them for sure!

What I find ridiculous is that given the amount of other, way more picturesque camping spots near here, a dirt parking area at the gate fence of a road is quite the grunge spot. Geez, that these guys choose right there to begin with wreaks of idiotism. If it was staged photo, o.k., but if this is truly legit, then these guys are boneheads.