In the Summer of 1970, my first year visiting the springs, a commune of sorts established itself in and around the pools. The first time I saw the gathering there were about 20 campers. A few weeks later the resident crowd had grown to between 30-40 persons, including children. Although people with the early group said they were going to act responsibly, in the few weeks between my visits things had changed. Trash accumulated everywhere and civil decorum had vanished. Little kids of 4 years were smoking pot and dropping acid and theft of food, water and other belongings became commonplace.

One summer morning legions of rangers, deputy sheriffs and other authorities descended on the hot springs from the goat trail and from up & down stream. About 60 persons were marched off to custody along with all kinds of illegal substances and a horse train of trash bags. The camping ban went into effect right after "the Raid".

I believe the ban will stay.