The Hawea Community Association (HCA) erected the blockades at three troublesome lakeside areas which were being left fouled with litter and human waste by travellers.
HCA president Rachel Brown said a group of Hawea residents, volunteers, and Department of Conservation staff took part in a clean-up of areas at Deep Bay, Craigburn, and near the Lake Hawea lookout on State Highway 6.
"It was unbelievable the amount of toilet paper, [human waste] and rubbish which was cleaned up."
The association intended to remove the boulders at the three areas last month, but bad weather had delayed the clean-up and rock removal operation.
The association's move to bring in the boulders to stop vehicle access to the three lakeside areas was untenable in the long term, Ms Brown said. However, the move, which cost the association $2675, brought the messy habits of camper van travellers to the attention of the national media and highlighted concerns about the blocked access to public land.
Ms Brown admitted the boulder blockades were a publicity stunt.
"Our main reason for putting them in place was to make a statement. Before then we weren't getting any attention about the problem. It made people sit up and listen," she said.
However, the impending removal of the big rocks had given rise to some apprehension about the return of travellers and freedom campers to the scenic lakeside spots.
"I can't say I'm overly confident about the [litter] problem being solved. We're going to monitor the areas during the summer."
People had a right to visit the areas and enjoy the scenic lakeside spots, despite the actions of "irresponsible" campers, Ms Brown said.
