Limit set for camping stays within national forests

The U-S forests continue to welcome campers for overnight stays, but there is now a limit on how long. Starting tomorrow, both the Sumter and Marion national forests will implement a 14-day stay. “We are implementing stay limits to reduce natural resource impacts, ensure camping for recreational purposes, and providing access to popular campsite areas for other visitors,” according to Forest Supervisor Rick Lint. The 14-day limit may be reached through several separate visits or 14 days of continuous camping during a 30-day period. After the 14th day, the camper has to move to another location off the forest lands. After the remainder of a 30-day period, the camper can return for another 14-day stay. Areas such as hunter camps are not affected because there is a separate permit that allows a longer stay length.