Camper Cabins in National Forest Campgrounds Jon Benson Recreation Specialist USDA Forest Service Superior National Forest
Superior National Forest The Superior National Forest is known locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally for providing a variety of quality recreation opportunities. The Superior is the eighth most visited national forest in the nation.
Camping Opportunities The Superior National Forest offers a wide variety of camping opportunities Fee Campgrounds- Operated by campground concessionaires Rustic Campgrounds Dispersed Sites Wilderness campsites Camper Cabins
Fee Campgrounds 23 on the Superior National Forest All but one are operated by Concessionaire One has electricity All provide water, usually via solar powered wells All have trash pickup and dumpsters Some sell firewood, bait, or offer rental services Many have a campground host providing area information
Rustic Campgrounds 17 on the Superior National Forest Maintained by the USFS Limited services Vault Toilets Fire Grates Picnic Tables No camp hosts or trash pickup
Dispersed Sites Maintained by USFS Very limited services Wilderness style latrine Picnic table Fire grate Minimal interaction between USFS and visitors
Why Camper Cabins? Public demand for a diversity of recreation options Opportunity to expose outdoor recreation opportunities to a larger group of users Youth Retirees Opportunity for the concessionaire to generate additional revenue
Why now on the Superior National Forest? Increase visitation of National Forest Campgrounds Diversify the types of users Provide a unique opportunity at a lower price point Increase usage of underutilized campsites
Similar opportunities Camper Cabins on State Park lands Camper Cabins and Fire lookouts on National Forest Land Camper Cabins on privately owned land
Camper Cabins on MN State Parks Very high occupancy Managed and maintained by the State Parks Many of these cabins have heat and electricity to extend the camping season
Cabins and other lodging on National Forests Many National Forests manage camper cabins Some have electricity, heat and plumbing. Others do not.
Superior National Forest East Bearskin Campground Concessionaire built, owned, and operated The first Camper Cabin was approved and constructed in 2009, a second in 2011, and 3 more were approved in 2014. Camper Cabins
Development of a process Initially two camper cabins were approved in 2009 and 2011 prior to developing a formal process When the 2014 proposal was submitted, we decided to develop a formal approval process
Approval Process Internal Scoping External Scoping Market Analysis Performed by concessionaire
Market Analysis Performed by the concessionaire Must include: Customer Base Use Levels Proximity to other similar opportunities Potential impacts to law enforcement or emergency response
The Matrix Development of a process that could be replicated for future proposals Puts most of the work back on the concessionaire Final Decision resides with the District Ranger
What were the considerations? Does the proposal fit the SNF Land and Resource Management Plan? Does the proposal fit the SNF recreation niche? Does the proposal fit the campground theme or desired character? Is NEPA required?
Considerations cont. Will this proposal impact or have implications with the local volunteer firefighting organization? Are there any added concerns for wildland fire programs? Does the current use allow for this proposal? Are there apparent campsites (with low use levels) that fit the proposal?
Considerations cont. Has an adequate market analysis been done by the concessionaire? Has the Forest Service done outreach on the proposal (local businesses and public)? Is the concessionaire currently maintaining this facility to standard? Are all permit requirements adequately fulfilled? Are there unique campground features that may not be conducive to camper cabins?
Considerations cont. What National, Regional, or Local Direction exists in manual and handbooks? Summer/winter use Consider electrification if electricity is available. Cabin design?
Considerations cont. Consider standardization in design, color and amenities. Facilities should meet the local code requirements including fire, structural, egress, etc. Cabins must meet ADA accessibility guidelines
Considerations cont. Proposals should begin with construction of one cabin, if use and cabin condition are maintained; consideration of additional cabins should be reviewed at that time. Consider grouping cabin proposals.
Considerations cont. Consider the permit age when proposal is submitted. Make allowance for one season of public involvement. Scoping should at a minimum include posting at the campground, posting online and communication with the surrounding businesses and public.
Considerations cont. Is another business associated with this permittee? If so, determine if this is a stand along proposal or an extension onto their other business. Will this proposal set precedence for future proposals on the District, Forest, or Region?
Considerations cont. Are there any tribal concerns? Every proposal shall discuss end of permit process. For example, removal of structures, turning over the structures to the government (if authorized) and/or selling of structures. All structures at this time shall be temporary, as in removable.
Considerations cont. The Forest Service shall review the campground development scale in relation to cabin request and other structural facility requests. The proposal shall include a recommendation on campsites but the Forest Service will make the final decision. Cabins should utilize existing low use non water campsites. A thorough review should be made before allowance of new campsites.
Considerations cont. Consider the proximity to concessionaire and availability of staff for key transfer, late night arrival, clean up, etc. To maintain the character of National Forest campgrounds, water and plumbing should not be considered. Is vegetation removal required for construction of the cabin? Does this vegetation manipulation fall within the vegetation management plan for the campground.
Site selection The East Bearskin Campground is a low-moderate use campground with campsites being reserved on just over 12% of nights during the open season (May 10- September 30) The current concessionaire lives and operates a lodge within ½ mile of the campground The two existing camper cabins have been reserved between 45% and 50% of nights during this season
Conclusions Camper Cabins can dramatically increase usage of Forest Service Campgrounds Especially low-use sites Construction of camper cabins as a part of the concessionaire permit has not caused an increase in work for recreation technicians or special use permit administrators Feedback from the public has been overwhelmingly positive as long as the most popular campsites are avoided.
Questions? Thank You