Updated: Dispersed camping re-opens, some state forest recreation areas opened, campgrounds still closed for overnight stays
Effective Friday, May 29, dispersed camping is available in Oregon state forests, such as the Tillamook, Clatsop and Santiam state forests. (View a map of lands managed by ODF.) Dispersed camping means no restrooms and no garbage disposal: Please pack out what you pack in.
Below, you can find a list of recreation areas that have recently re-opened. All trailheads, OHV areas, target shooting areas and forest roads remain open. Campgrounds are still closed for overnight use; see the list below for details on which day use sites have re-opened.
Recreate responsibly
Keeping popular outdoor areas sanitary and safe from fire is critical. Here's how you can recreate responsibly:
Before you go
- Plan your visit for an area close to home.
- If you're ill, stay home.
- Please visit with members of your household rather than extended circles.
- Prepare for your visit with food, water, clothing, supplies, and knowledge to have a safe visit.
- Consider visiting during off-peak times (weekdays rather than weekends) if possible.
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Check your local fire regulations and, if allowed, build campfires only in sites with existing rings or pits.
During your visit
- Leave no trace: Be prepared to pack out what you pack in, and bury any human waste where restrooms are not available. (Please don't make someone else clean up your poop!)
- If a place is crowded, keep moving to another location.
- Maintain physical distance and wear a mask when around other people not in your group.
- Bring hand sanitizer or soap and water – while some restrooms are open, most are vault toilets and do not have running water.
Some state forest recreation areas opened
Effective Friday, May 22, some recreation sites in state forests have re-opened for day use only. Trails (including OHV), target shooting areas and forest roads remain open. Camping in campgrounds is still closed, but dispersed camping is open.
Clatsop State Forest
Restrooms are now open at the following facilities. These facilities are open for day use activity only - no camping.
- Gnat Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area
- Lost Lake Day Use Area
- Northrup Creek Horse Camp day use area is open. The campground remains closed to camping.
- Viewpoint Campground and OHV Staging Area – The restroom is being opened to accommodate day use activity. The campground remains closed to camping.
- Shingle Mill OHV Staging Area – The restroom is being opened to accommodate day use activity. The campsites remain closed to camping.
Santiam State Forest
Restrooms are now open at the following facilities. These facilities are open for day use activity only - no camping.
- Shellburg Falls Campground - The restroom is being opened to accommodate day use activity. The campground remains closed to camping.
- Santiam Horse Camp - The restroom is being opened to accommodate day use activity. The campground remains closed to camping.
Tillamook State Forest
Restrooms are now open at the following facilities. These facilities are open for day use activity only - no camping.
- Jones Creek Day Use Area – Opening of this facility will also include installation of a dumpster for trash service.
- Smith Homestead Day Use Area – Opening this facility will also include installation of two trash cans.
- Footbridge Trailhead
- Kings Mountain Trailhead
- Elk Creek Campground - The restrooms are being opened to accommodate day use activity. The campground remains closed to camping. The gate at the highway will remain closed.
- Rogers Camp Trailhead
- Gales Creek Day Use Area - The gate at the highway will remain closed.
ODF is installing dumpsters for trash service at Footbridge Trailhead and Cedar Creek OHV Staging Area. Last updated 5/29/2020
Questions?
Please call your local ODF office.
Land manager websites
Follow the COVID-19 updates
Please do not conduct outdoor burning
Some areas of the state have already prohibited outdoor burning or require a permit. Statewide, Oregonians are being asked to voluntarily refrain from outdoor burning while communities are responding to COVID-19.
View public use restrictions in your area. Last updated 5/22/2020
ODF offices offering public services by appointment only
Offices will remain open and can be reached by phone during regular business hours, but in-person interactions between staff and the public will be by appointment only.
Please call your local ODF office for an appointment. Last updated 3/23/2020