BRECKSVILLE, Ohio – Cuyahoga Valley National Park, effective Nov. 1, has closed the Stanford Backcountry Campsites due to resource damage, according to the park.

Opened in 2008, the campsites were intended to be temporary until a permanent site could be established. Camping had been permitted through a commercial use authorization, however the park found that the authorization was not in keeping with the National Parks Service policy, and resources had been damaged as a result.

The park said it needs time to consider possible acceptable locations for camping and hopes to offer improved camping options in the future. The park is asking for the public’s input on the process. Questions and comments can be emailed to cuva_info@nps.gov until the park establishes a platform to gather input.

“As CVNP approaches its 50th birthday in 2024, we want to work towards providing the type of camping experience that a national park should provide. We will explore locations and evaluate them on how they can meet the needs of our visitors,” Superintendent Craig Kenkel said in a release. “We’ll look at options that include RV hook-ups, car camping and hike-in camping.”

Once a new campsite has been established, the park will negotiate a new commercial use authorization through a competitive process.

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