Erosion Forces Closure of Camp

Erosion of a steep bluff above a pristine state campground has forced the area’s closure because of the threat of a landslide, officials said Wednesday.

The 26-campsite Echo Arch campground, near the San Onofre nuclear power plant, is part of San Onofre State Beach west of Interstate 5 near the immigration checkpoint. It is regarded by campers and rangers as a jewel among state campsites.

Chief Ranger Michael Tope said Echo Arch was closed after a water pipe broke and saturated the ground on the bluff above the campground. With recent rains, a 50- to 70-yard crevice has developed that runs along the bluff top and is 5 feet deep in places.

The campground is about a quarter-mile from Trail One parking lot in an area that few park users ever see. No vehicles, dogs and radios are allowed, and all campsites are at the bottom of a large, natural bowl and thus protected from freeway noise.

The decision to close the area was made after state officials, including a state geologist, examined the bluff and determined that it posed a danger to the public.

David Pryor, a state ecologist, said the fragile bluff shifted after last year’s heavy rains. The movement then broke the water line, causing more damage, he said.

“The history of the bluffs along Camp Pendleton is that they’re highly erodible,” Pryor said. “The biggest question is not if it’s going to slump but when.”

Robin Harding, a state ranger from San Clemente, examined the area Wednesday and said the crevice is growing. “It’s bigger than the last time I saw it,” Harding said. “It’s definitely getting worse.”

State rangers have posted signs of the closure and have turned off all water into the area. The closure does not affect the larger 221-campsite San Onofre campground.