how close is too close in an empty canyon?

[JP]

I would have to agree. I bet I would have gotten them to move

[asdf]

I see a few differences in your campsite poaching story than the others.
1. You arrived after dark
2. didn't know of any nearby sites, and
3. probably were pretty quiet about setting up camp.
You must have all three factors there to make campsite poaching somewhat acceptable. Wandering over to the original campers for an apology & explanation in the morning also helps.

I agree, had that been the situation I would of been cool with it.

Bullshit. I would have walked over and picked a fight. Period. I do like beeches approach. Take off all your clothes and walk over to them and welcome them to the site. Take something you can keep dropping and do lots of bending over. Then just walk over by their tent and say here is where we've been shitting and pissing. Then proceed to pee.

I had my wife, two kids, and little sister with me so going ape shit was not really an option.

Just curious, how did they respond? Did they realize their mistake?

They seemed shocked that I was pissed

[Garbanzo]

Well, we have a group headed to Coyote Gulch in a month, so maybe I will get the chance to test this situation. I certainly hope not. I know the reason I do these trips is to get AWAY from people other than those in the group.

[mattandersao]

Just got back from Coyote Gulch for the first time and after seeing it with so many awesome campsites setting up anywhere near anyone else is ludicrous! I would have been pissed!!!

[gnwatts]

Overall, given what I have read here, I believe the "get naked and introduce yourself to the rude backpackers" scenario is the most prudent, and effective way to rid yourself of these interlopers. The only hitch to this is they might like to see naked men (or women), thereby neutralizing your advantage, so to speak.

My only concern is this: Is it against the law in Utah to get naked and interact with rude people (in a wilderness setting)?

[Scott Card]

Yes, butt.....

[Scott Card]

good luck prosecuting (unless you have photographs and and prosecutor who wants to find you.)