They are called bailable citations when rangers give offenders a ticket. That basically means, that if the offender has the money on hand, the issue is simply processed, dismissed, and bail forfeited. There is a $35 bailable citation for camping within either a half mile or a full mile of the springs at any time of day (camping meaning the erection of a temporary shelter), not sure what the exact distance is. Far away though, not on the beach, clearly. There is also a $35 bailable citation for just being at the springs overnight, so when they do catch someone camping with a tent at night, that person gets 2 separate citations, $35 for camping and $35 for overnight, anyone else that is just there gets one $35 overnight citation.

The big one, though, and the one I agree with everyone on this board on, is the extreme risk of campfires. The bailable citation for having an illegal campfire is $100, and it is an any time of day offense. And, besides the fine, if the fire were to spread and cause damages, there are laws that hold the person that lit the fire responsible for the cost of property damages and fighting the fire.

Worst case scenario for the camper, assuming he doesnt start a wildfire but he gets caught by a ranger - he has a campfire going, a tent on the beach, and its nighttime. He's going to owe the ranger $170 on the spot, or he is going to go to court to pay it later. Jail for life though, hell they dont even give confessed murderers that a lot of the time.

beautiful days at the springs lately, the arizona pool is has really started to cook since the creek level has dropped.... its quite relaxing later in the day as the shade from the trees covers the pool. i picked up about 40 cigarette butts though last visit yesterday on the bowen trail, please leave it cleaner than we find it... also there is a sleeping bag holder that is by the shady tree near the anniversary pool no one was claiming, if it is there tomorrow anyone is welcome to remove it.

While everyone thinks differently, I think we can all agree that we do not need another wildfire closure. Please complain to anyone you see lighting a fire about the dangers and to respectfully put them out and use campstoves or the springs themselves to keep warm and cook.