Campground host did not tell us we needed a pass to swim in the river. There’s nothing on the reservation that states this. We were fined $180 for not having this pass. The Ranger (last name Cox) told us it was our job to know the rules yet these “rules” are NOWHERE to be found in my reservation or on the Campground site. Additionally, we stopped at the visitor center at the entrance into Echo Park and we asked if we needed a pass and we were told NO! It is a long drive to the campground, it is hot and full of bugs, but it is a beautiful special place that we have been to before and wanted to take our kids and friends back to. We take care of campgrounds, we don’t break rules, we aren’t there to cause problems. We are there to enjoy and respect nature and I am absolutely furious about this. The ranger demanded our drivers licenses then came back with tickets for us and our friends. His demeanor was poor and it was clear he was on a tremendous power trip. We’ve stayed at Echo before and NEVER been told about a “play pass”. Shame on the campground host for not telling us about it. Shame on the employee at the visitor center for giving us bad information. Shame on the Ranger for being so callous. Hugely disappointed.

So many rocks, lots of dirt, and bugs.

I love this place! However, it was hot.