These 45 camping parties who have camped in a wilderness area
or indicated a desire to do so were analyzed further as to their
preferences for campground features. Ninety-three percent of them
had expressed preferences for 2 or more of the following features
as having importance to them: wide distance between camping spaces,
privacy (by screening of spaces), acreage to use near the camping
spaces, trails, nature study opportunity, and low price for camping
space. These features could reflect interests of the type of camper
that might also enjoy wilderness camping. However, preferences for
features of importance to 64 percent of these same camping parties
also included shower baths, store on the grounds or within 2 miles
of the campground, and flush toilets. Although these 3 service
facility features are not compatible with wilderness camping many
of the 45 camping parties expressed their desires for an experience
of the rough type camping but not to be done annually or for the
majority of their outings. Apparently there can be a legitimate
desire for same wilderness area experiences with full knowledge
that it is rough type camping while at the same time holding preferences
for modern facilities at campgrounds where most of the participant
days of camping are done.
SUMMARY OF MAJOR FINDINGS
The following findings are not listed by priority of importance.
1. Scores of the 82 campgrounds studied for adequacy and quality
have the following distribution by 5 status ratings with A for the
highest and E for the lowest: A's-14 (avg. 88 score); B's-23 (avg.
78 score); C's-24 (avg. 66 score); D's-17 (avg. 54 score) and E's-
4 (avg. 40 score). No campground scored over 95 or under 36 (i.e.
percentage points obtained fran rated points divided by possible
points). Forty-five percent have A or B status rating and 55 percent
C, D or E.
2. In general, the campground design and site-area features
did not score as favorably as the sections (of score card) on access,
circulation roads and general service facilities. Sane strong scoring
sub-items include: roads blending with natural topography and their
adequacy of width, toilet and drinking water locations and adequacy,
cleanliness, lighting and outlets and set-back of camping spaces
fran lake or stream. Sane weaker scoring sub-items include: distance
between camping spaces, barriers to define parking spaces and privacy
for camp use area, garbage disposal facilities and satisfactoriness
of registration station and area.
3. Thirty-nine percent of the ownerships have only 1 recreation
enterprise--camping. The others (61 percent) have 1 or more additional
recreation enterprises, but only 15 percent of all ownerships have
3 or more. A boat rentas enterprise is the most common second recreation
enterprise and is found on 45 percent of the ownerships. Eighty-
five percent of thN ownerships also have 1 or more no recreation
enterprises; only 6 do not have a second recreation enterprise or
a nonrecreation enterprise. The camping enterprise accounts for
one-half or more of the total recreation business gross income on
84.2 percent (69) of the ownerships. It is 90-100 percent on 42.7


percent of the enterprises and only on 5 ownerships does it account
for less than one-fifth of all recreation business gross income.


- 68 -