Sweetwater County approves 11-site campground permit for Jared Triplett with conditions after safety debate

Sweetwater County commissioners on May 20 approved a conditional use permit allowing a proposed 11-site campground on private land owned by Jared Triplett, but added conditions and restrictions after public safety and nuisance concerns from neighbors.

Planning staff told the board the proposal was for an 11-space campground in an agricultural zone near County Road 1 (McKinnon Road) and U.S. Highway 414; sites would rely on a septic holding tank, a private well, and power from Bridger Valley Electric, and the applicant planned an on-site administrative building and electric pedestals at each site. County planner Cassidy Brown said staff found the application met zoning resolution provisions and the county comprehensive plan’s goals for regulated outdoor recreation, but identified potential impacts for nearby residents and agency concerns that warranted conditions.

The board heard about both a petition of support submitted by the applicant and a community petition opposing the project. Neighbors raised repeated concerns about fire risk (noting strong local winds and nearby dry brush), vehicle and pedestrian safety at a nearby school-bus pickup location, trash and sanitation, noise and generator use, long-term occupancy that could become workforce…