What's up with all the not so stealthy van campers near Red Rock?

This is sure to be an inflammatory discussion, but I've noticed a steady row of vans camped on 159 night after night after night. It seems to me that this is a negative thing for the climbing community as a whole. I own a van, but I think it's only appropriate to practice a little more stealth than what I see currently in Red Rock. Talking to rangers around there, I know they feel the same. A line of seven to twelve vans and cars, people cooking right off the road, etc just doesn't seem like something that will last long without something negative occuring.

I think about the Save Red Rock campaign and little things like this give climbers a bad name. It's pretty easy to find spots that are off the main drive, out of sight of most of the surrounding community.

What do others think?

assuming they're climbers, we all know that once you've resigned to living your van, the world is you bedroom and all of those who don't live in their vehicle are inconsequential because we live with hot showers, high speed internet, property taxes, utilities, and most of all, social interaction with people who aren't climbers.  

Until the highway department posts signs that literally spell out, "no dirtbag sh*thead climbers camping overnight in their vans.  Yes, you! A$shole", they'll continue to do so with no regard to their surroundings.

Remember,those living their vehicles aren't necessarily up on the news of the day, can't afford to be an Access Fund/AAC member, and don't receive regular emails and therefore aren't up on the delicate situation at Red Rock and don't give two fu*cks because the next stop is Bishop when the weather turns.

btw: saveredrock.com/

I have slept in the spot you're referring to (I think), and I was super surprised to see people fully set up for camping out when I drove by. I thought that pulling in in the dark and leaving early to climb was no big deal, but people had chairs/stoves/Etc. all set up. I do think this is a bad practice and will likely lead to enforcement of some kind. Camping in RR area can feel like a challenge, but I totally agree with Clint. I think that the entitlement demonstrated by people setting up in this way gives climbers a bad name, and will cause problems in the future.

I don't know if they're new but I noticed some "No Parking Between 10pm and 5am" signs along there this past weekend. 

An ancillary benefit of the Gypsum Resources development will be that this problem will be displaced onto its streets.

These van hobos are ruining America! Get off the side of my road!

I have heard that in one of the 'freecamping dot net' sites, the 'row' is open for camping.  We need to get that climbers camp expanded for more people.  Is that possible?
Steve

I see the angle that the bourgeoisie might be offended at the sight of those "living the dream" and that may effect climbing but really, who cares if people camp on the side of the road?? I don't. Shine On You Crazy Diamonds

It'll be ending soon...LOTS of people, that aren't climbers, are complaining about it 

I bivied off of Lovell Canyon Road once when visiting Red Rock. It's rustic, but free and out of the way. And it's not that far from Red Rock, especially if heading for Black Velvet canyon. Seems like a pretty ideal spot for van campers.

Tradiban wrote: I see the angle that the bourgeoisie might be offended at the sight of those "living the dream" and that may effect climbing but really, who cares if people camp on the side of the road?? I don't. Shine On You Crazy Diamonds

Sanitation becomes a big issue in these kind of encampments. Didn’t someone in another thread say this is a problem at the Movement gym in Boulder and will be part of the rationale for shutting down vanlife in their parking lot?

Marc801 C wrote:

Sanitation becomes a big issue in these kind of encampments. Didn’t someone in another thread say this is a problem at the Movement gym in Boulder and will be part of the rationale for shutting down vanlife in their parking lot?

Lol, like piss and shit? A problem in a business parking lot but on the side of a highway?

Are you referring to the Mercedes dealership on 160?

Yes, it's an eyesore... But after I paused and gave it some thought, I decided I'd rather these dirtbags camp there on the side of the highway than go out and ruin the more wild, scenic spots that only require a little more effort.

Although better still would be utilizing the campground or Walmart parking lots.

Agree with wilder... it sucks. I dont like them. I've lived in my van here. I would not have dont it before becoming house broken and will not consider again

Same issue in Squamish. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I'm just now noticing it, but it sure seems like entitlement and wealth are becoming evermore prevalent indicators of the climbing scene.

How can it possibly be a better option to live in a van instead of paying for camping? Are all of these climbers living in their vans long enough to offset the cost of the vehicle and the customization?

Nate Ball wrote: Same issue in Squamish. Maybe it's just me, or maybe I'm just now noticing it, but it sure seems like entitlement and wealth are becoming evermore prevalent indicators of the climbing scene.

How can it possibly be a better option to live in a van instead of paying for camping? Are all of these climbers living in their vans long enough to offset the cost of the vehicle and the customization?

Nope, it isn't just you...  but don't forget, that #vanlife van that is worth more than the average salary of a person in this city.  Oh and of course that van lifer is living "simply" and being a good steward of the land.

Actually the best kept secret for free camping in Vegas is at Las Vegas Blvd and Foremaster! Has free facilities and camping in the area. It’s definitely worth the trip into town to take advantage of! 

sounds like San Francisco! 

would you rather see vans or developments? think about that. but yeah i do the van thing and i hate vegas and refuse to go there. the vanlife deal kinda blows there. the city proximity really makes it not work. if it was a deserted wasteland it would be a different story.

But, better because you can get hooked up with raviolis! 

Plus, like, they ain’t even local, brah!