Campgrounds in national parks and reserves - design, management and administration : This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Diploma in Parks and Recreation

Abstract

Since their very beginnings camping has always been an accepted use of our National Parks and Reserves. For many people camping provides an unequalled means of escaping the confines of our cities and developed lands, to obtain the refreshing experience of being closer to nature.

In the beginning there were little or no facilities provided for the camper but the growth in affluence, mobility and leisure time has seen the increased popularity of outdoor recreation such as camping. To cope with increasing numbers of campers the establishment of more formal organised campgrounds has been necessary. More recent phenomena such as caravans and mobile homes have placed even greater demands on campground development and management.

With this increased level of use of our natural areas has come a greater awareness among park and reserve managers that they have a twofold responsibility - to both the user and the resource. This responsibility is enshrined in both legislation and the policy of the National Parks and Reserves Authority and Department of Lands and Survey.