Oregonians can return to outdoor activities, like camping in many of the state’s scenic parks. Here’s what you can do to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.
OREGON – Oregon State Parks is excited to welcome back campers, just in time for summer. The agency reopened eight eastern Oregon campgrounds May 29, with many more slated to open for limited camping June 9. The full list of open and soon-to-open campgrounds is posted at stateparks.oregon.gov.
“I am cautiously delighted to resume some camping,” said Lisa Sumption, director of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “We are working hard to welcome campers wherever we can safely do so, as soon as we can.”
The department is opening campgrounds only when the following conditions are met:
- Public health guidelines established by the Oregon Health Authority for the county are fulfilled;
- The local community agrees;
- The park has enough staff, supplies and equipment to safely open and operate at a basic level.
Dozens of parks are also open to day-use, following the same criteria. Visit the Park Status Map at stateparks.oregon.gov to identify what parks are open and what services and facilities may be limited. Details about the opening plan are on this FAQ page.
Park rangers can’t wait to resume doing what they love — facilitating great experiences for visitors. But they caution that the experience will be different. COVID-19 is still a reality in Oregon, and park staff made some changes to keep visitors and staff safe.
What to expect
Oregon State Parks is asking visitors to please Prepare + Care. Prepare before a trip, then care while in a park. Here’s some information about what to expect:
- Expect fewer park rangers and hosts as the agency adjusts to a steep reduction in revenue and a staff shortage.
- Some services and park programs may be closed or unavailable, such as the info booths, welcome centers and firewood/ice sales. Staff need to prioritize park cleanliness and visitor safety.
- Some campground sections or specific sites may be closed due to proximity of sites, staffing shortages or availability of equipment. The best way to prepare is to review the park’s webpage. Campground loop and site closures will also be reflected on the reservation website.
- Most cabins and yurts will be closed. Open cabins and yurts will have modified check in and check out times.
- Group camping areas may be closed where it would be difficult to maintain OHA-recommended 6 feet from others.
- Showers and bathrooms may be limited. Each park will have at least one restroom or shower facility open for campers.
- Trash and recycling cleanup may be reduced. Rangers will empty garbage and recycling bins/stations less frequently, due to staff shortages. Visitors can help by packing out what they pack in.
- Campfire restrictions may be in effect.
June is the start of wildfire season in Oregon. Many state parks have campfire restrictions throughout the summer. Check park webpages or call ahead to get the latest info. - Normal park rules still apply. Read our Statewide FAQ if you need a refresher.
In addition to some state parks, dispersed camping is now open in Tillamook, Clatsop, Santiam, Sun Pass and Gilchrist state forests and other lands managed by Oregon Department of Forestry. If you go, please pack out what you pack in and leave no trace. For more info, go to ODF Updates and Closures.
