I think the no-camping rule at DCHS began back in the late 60's and early 70's when the area was heavily used by groups of people who used to live there for extended periods. These camps of people impacted the area around the springs rather heavily. In those times I heard that a porta potty used to exist for a time at DCHS and helicopters would fly gathered trash out when necessary. As Ron said the area was also affected more recently by Deep Creek being designated as Arroyo Toad ( endangered ) critical habitat which I think caused the length of Deep Creek to be under a no camping and day use only rules. Also various access roads, including the old road to the Indian Camp were closed and destroyed with heavy equipment. The no camping and day use rules apply to everything within a mile, either side of Deep Creek. Outside of this area you can camp either in BLM or in USFS lands. In talking with Brad Burns the enforcement Ranger for the DCHS area I think he indicated that its would be OK to camp withing the USFS lands as long as you were a mile away from Deep Creek by sunset. Before camping in USFS lands I would suggest calling them for thier current status on camping in thier lands.
