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Commissioners approve 11-site campground permit for McKinnon amid safety and fire concerns
Summary
After extensive public comment and staff conditions, the Sweetwater County commissioners approved a conditional-use permit for an 11-site seasonal campground on land owned by Jared Triplett, 4–1, adding conditions including WDEQ septic approval and requirements on fencing and fireworks.
The Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 on May 20 to approve a conditional‑use permit for an 11‑site seasonal campground on property near MacKinnon Road and U.S. Highway 414, despite concerns from nearby residents about fire risk, long‑term occupancy and a school bus stop adjacent to the proposed entrance.
County planner Cassidy Brown told the board the proposal "the proposal here is for a 11 space campground" and outlined staff conditions: WDEQ approval and installation of the septic holding tank prior to occupancy, electrical pedestals at each campsite, the permit to be personal to applicant Jared Triplett and a limit on stays. Brown also summarized agency input, noting YDOT required any new utility work in a state right of way to have permitting and asked the existing gated highway frontage be fenced closed.
During public comment, neighbors warned of wildfire risk and proximity to the bus stop. Charles Bergmeier, who said he lives approximately 460 feet from the proposed site, urged stronger fire safeguards and suggested non‑flammable fencing and onsite extinguishers. Applicant Jared Triplett told the board he planned managed camp rules and seasonal operation; when pressed about stay limits he said "That's not my intent whatsoever" to allow the site to become a long‑term man‑camp, and described planned web‑based booking, quiet hours and enclosed fire rings.
Commissioners debated stay restrictions and additional conditions. Commissioner Slaughter, who moved approval with edits, said he supported staff conditions plus edits requiring non‑flammable fencing, observance of BLM fire restrictions, and a fireworks ban; Commissioner Richards seconded and expanded the fire‑safety requirements. Commissioner Toman cast the sole dissenting vote, citing ongoing safety concerns around the bus stop and long‑term stays.
The permit was approved with the stated staff conditions and the additional edits; the board recorded the vote 4–1. The permit is personal to the applicant and requires the applicant to secure the required septic, well and electrical permits prior to occupancy. The county will return to the permit if site changes are proposed.
