Jefferson County allowing private landowners to host campers during eclipse

All around eastern Idaho, private and public discussions are going on about how to accommodate more people for the August 21 total solar eclipse.

“We do know right now that most reservable camping is full, and all the lodging is full,” said Rebecca Squires, the public information officer and emergency manager for Jefferson County. “So we are relaxing some of the rules that allow people to set up temporary RV facilities or camping facilities on their property.”

Private land owners will be able to make a bit of money during the week of the eclipse by hosting campers and RV’s on their private property. The county simply asks that those land owners to consider several issues first, and require a permit if necessary.

“If somebody is going to have more than two occupied RV’s, or more than five tents, or have a gathering of more than 100 people, then we ask that they come in and get a no-cost administrative permit,” said Squires.

More than anything, the purpose for the permit is to let emergency and health officials know how many people are occupying your property. “This kind of helps people through the process of mapping out their property,” said Squires. “Do we have a good way to get in and get out if there is an emergency.”

The other reason for the permit is to make sure that property owners have thought about things like sanitation and waste. “If you’re going to have people on your property, are they going to use your bathroom? Do you have a septic system that can handle the extra waste? Questions like that,” said Squires.

Land owners interested in hosting campers during the event and want a permit can either go to the county offices directly in Rigby, or visit the county website (HERE) where they’ll have the permit application available soon.