I've been to almost every KOH, never paid a cent to camp, spectate racing, and watch the nightly redneck activities.
I've always camped off Bessimer, north of the lakebed up the hill a bit, there is a nice little came site tucked close to a mountain to shield the camp from wind. It's only 20 minutes to Boone in a prerunner, so close enough to the shit show if you want to partake in some visual shenanigans, but far away that you don't have to deal with the dust bowl and random idiots while at camp.
Totally hear that and can appreciate your point of view...
At the same time why not support the event efforts.
The time and energy, costs to bring in all the bathrooms, fencing, safety personnel, Insurance permits, etc
In order to keep BLM happy. Spectators are now "participants"
The race is authorized by a BLM Special Recreation Permit and the temporary closure is necessary to facilitate public safety and provide an enhanced recreation experience for event participants and spectators.
The BLM has
approved a five-year public land closure for up to 10 days a year through 2027. Registered race spectators, participants, and race officials are exempt from the closure. Approximately 81,000 acres of the Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area will be temporarily closed to public use and approximately 46,000 acres will be available for public use during the event.
“The safety of spectators and participants is our top priority. The public is reminded to recreate responsibly and cooperate with race officials and local law enforcement officers to stay safe and ensure the success of the off-road races,”
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/b...:text=2 – Feb.,the Hammers desert race event.
Free is a much better rate... but if it keeps the event rolling in these clown world times...
I'm sure they are going to have a hard time policing that much open land and checking everyone's passes but why not just support the event and pay the fee?
