Free camping in Calico Basin?

Yes. And it has been for some time. If you're bold (or just tired), pull into the gravel road at the end of Sandstone Drive and you've arrived. This road is also the never ending party spot, trash dump, sex in the car spot, pissing area and yes if you have to take a dump, you can do that here also. This is the back door to Red Rock, and contrary to what anybody says, it's open 24/7. The two campers that have been here for the past three days AND nights have it made, so why not everyone else. Look, the BLM does not patrol this area. Metro will only show up for private property issues, so why not acknowledge what the reality of this area is - the open back door. The nimrods who created this mess (the BLM) don't have a clue of what is going on here, and if they do, then they are extremly negligent in their responsibilty to protect the public lands for the enjoyment of all. How can creating a "parking area" that draws even more visitors to an area already undermanaged be anything less than irresponsible.
There were over 30 cars parked on the "camping road" and adjacent asphalt yesterday. That's pretty normal for this time of year and in acoupkle of weeks forty vehilces or more will be the norm. That's alot of people with no facilities. No trash cans. No bathrooms. No management! The BLM uses the argument that more bolts = more people = more trash and trail destruction, etc. Then why do they support and condone those same actions? Here we've got more people, more trash and lots more toilet paper, condoms and tampons. All courtesy of the BLM. This area is closer to the City and there are many user groups who have "discovered" Calico Basin. A lot of these people are not climbers, so the BLM can't single out one specific group as "the culprit". Unless they look in the mirror. I could go on with 25 years of tales from Calico Basin, but they would all be along the same lines - it would'nt have happened if the BLM was responsible for their guests and did what they are supposed to - manage the land.

I dunno, but maybe things like this are why the BLM wants to increase the entrance fee into the Loop Road from $5?

Nah, they are increasing the rates to build more administrative buildings probably.

Thanks for the heads up about the free camping! I will try it out next week.

Although Danny does make some interesting points...obviously there is no legal camping allowed in Calico Basin.