Got this in my inbox a few minutes ago. Only wanted to camp there to hike the Mt. again. Pretty far to drive just to camp at the Portal. How bad is it (ethically) to camp there and hike up without a permit?

Important Update for WHITNEY PORTAL

Check in: June 21, 2020
Check out: June 23, 2020


We are looking forward to hosting you soon at one of the fabulous US Forest Service campgrounds we operate in California. However, ahead of your stay, California State law requires us to notify you of changing procedures related to keeping the public safe from COVID-19.

First and foremost, if you or anyone in your household is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, the state of California requires that you reschedule or cancel your reservation. The fees you paid in advance will be refunded to you.

Second, you should expect some changes in the campground and how it operates. For example:

• Campground workers will be wearing gloves and masks when in your presence. If you do not believe our employees are exercising sufficient caution, email our hotline at covid19@camprrm.com to let us know.

• Campground hosts are required to do an online health assessment each day and any employees showing symptoms will be removed from the campground or quarantined.

• Bathrooms are being cleaned more frequently – schedules will be posted on the bathroom door. Other contact areas in the campground are being disinfected as well.

• Our hosts will be strictly enforcing Forest Service campsite occupancy of 8 people and will encourage social distancing between groups from different households.

As a reservation holder via Recreation.gov, you can bypass the fee station and go straight to your site to set up. A campground host will check you in later and bring you a hang tag without ever getting closer than 6 feet.

It is awesome that we can finally open these campgrounds and help Americans who have been cooped up for months enjoy the outdoors. We hope your visit is terrific, and we appreciate your help in following these requirements so that we can continue to stay open.[u][/u]

Last edited by ilyawine; 06/17/20 09:00 AM.