By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning, and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Additional information on fire restrictions stages can be located at the Douglas County Emergency Management website.
The Board of Douglas County Commissioners is committed to practicing and promoting responsible stewardship of historic and natural resources in rural and suburban areas.
July 2025 Update: Following community feedback and further fire risk analysis, the Board has decided not to pursue any camping proposals at Sandstone Ranch. Read the news here.
The Board wants to continue to engage in the best use of open spaces, including Sandstone and the more than a dozen other open spaces the County owns and maintains. The Board is going to convene a task force to study camping at other open spaces.
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Across our beautiful state, there are many different ways to camp – from traditional tent camping and RV camping to backcountry and primitive camping. Each type comes with its own set of rules and requirements based on the location. Any sites in Douglas County will follow the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace.
No. Campfires would be prohibited. The rules will be enforced per Resolution No. R-013-153. Please also see Rules and Regulations Concerning the use of Douglas County owned or operated Buildings, Facilities, Parks, Trails and Open Spaces.
Commissioners are looking into this idea due to a communicated desire for public access to Sandstone Ranch.
The costs will be from staff time for development of the proposal and planning. Additionally, Open Space has requested an additional Ranger and Camp Host position to be funded. An initial estimate for the pilot sites at Sandstone is $379,400 for the first year.
To receive a camping permit, visitors will take and pass a Leave no Trace training program that will be integrated into the reservation system.
Yes, Prairie Canyon Ranch, Nelson Ranch Open Space, Red Mesa and Lincoln Mountain Ranch Open Space have also been considered.
