'It's illegal': Zilker Park a popular spot for camping, but not with camping tents

AUSTIN (KXAN)-- Zilker Park is a popular place to visit in Austin, however it has likewise end up being a place that some individuals are using to camp.

You will not find camping tents set up, however instead you will see RVs, buses or people living in their cars in the lot on Stratford Drive.

" I truly think the architecture in the city is gorgeous," stated Chrisopher Moogalian, who simply pulled into Austin a few days earlier.

Moogalian, who is traveling with his dog Bo, said he drove from Virginia. Presently, he is living out of a camper he pulls behind his automobile.

" It's got a queen size bed, a washroom a shower, a sink," said Moogalian.

Moogalian becomes part of a growing variety of individuals who live a nomadic way of life, and he's not the only one who has established in the lot next to Zilker.

" There are a number of people around who are doing it," stated Moogalian. "Once you have seen one city for a year, possibly move to the next."

The City of Austin said throughout the pandemic, someone made a post about the lot, motivating people to use it as a RV outdoor camping area.

" It is not a publicized thing but a known thing that if you are concerning Austin, and you are a tourist that this is a good location," stated a female who was residing in her automobile in the lot.

In 2021, there were as many as 20 lorries utilizing the lot as a camping location.

Park rangers made an effort to inform individuals camping in the lot and to let them know outdoor camping there was unlawful.

The city informed KXAN it is unlawful to park a RV or to camp over night on any parkland aside from City Park and that is if you have a booking.

Signs have been published around the lot explaining there is no parking after 10 p.m., and anyone in the park could get a curfew violation. The people KXAN spoke to stated they didn't see the signs.

" If there was an indication I would read an indication, if it states ‘‘ do not camp here over night' then I will try not to camp here," stated Moogalian. "There are a great deal of car park that say that."

Campers KXAN spoke to said they do not feel like they are causing a concern and want to see the city make some modifications to the guidelines.

"I could comprehend if there was a great deal of trash or people drinking," said a camper who wished to remain anonymous.

Moogalian stated no one has approached him about camping in the lot, however he plans on discovering somewhere else to go quickly.