Perdido Key at Gulf Islands National Seashore is being trashed by walk-in and bike-in campers/NPS

Trash left behind by campers who either hike or bike into the Perdido Key area of Gulf Islands National Seashore has prompted the park to close the primitive camping area there while they write a backcountry management plan for it. Beer and soda cans, cups, and other trash pinpoint where the campers have partied.

"These actions have seriously endangered the natural resources in the Perdido Key Area. This damage has primarily been caused by campers who violate or ignore federal laws and park regulations managing the primitive camping area," a park notice said, adding that, "Access to backcountry camping by boat is still available."

While that ban is in place, park staff are taking comment on possible solutions for managing the seashore's backcountry areas in a manner that doesn't adversely impact the resources. Suggestions are being taken through October.

"The National Park Service is currently in the process of evaluating the extent of the natural resource impacts from primitive camping, including sea turtle nesting, completing an environmental assessment, and collecting public input on the future of primitive camping at the Perdido Key Area," a park release said.