New state forest camping rules adjust fees, honor veterans

Recent rule changes adopted by the Oregon Board of Forestry adjust camping fees in state forests, provide additional benefits to qualifying military veterans and active duty service members, revise overnight stay limits on state forests and initiate a pilot campsite reservation program at a Clatsop State Forest campground, the agency said Monday.

Here’s a summary of the changes, as outlined in a news release:

Fees: Campsite fees have increased to include two vehicles in the base fee. Drive-in campsites will now cost $20 per night, while walk-in tent sites will be $15 per night. This reflects the reality that many campers are already bringing two vehicles. Fees for group campsites and extra vehicle fees remain the same, as do fees for designated camping areas.

Beginning May 25, ODF will begin charging camping fees at the following designated camping areas in the Tillamook State Forest: Morrison Eddy ($15 per night for up to two vehicles) along with Cedar Creek and North Fork Wilson Designated Campsites ($5 per vehicle per night).

Honoring veterans: Military veterans with a service-connected disability who hold the Veteran’s Special Access Pass issued by Oregon State Parks can now stay in Oregon Department of Forestry campgrounds for free. Additionally, the agency will waive fees for active duty service members on Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

Stay and occupancy limits: The rule changes also address how long campers may stay. Stays on state forestland may be no longer than 14 consecutive days, or more than 42 days over a 12-month period. This change is due to the increasing trend of people who stay for long periods of time and use state forests as their primary residence. While the public is welcomed and encouraged to enjoy Oregon’s state forests, long-term camping restricts availability of camping sites for recreational uses, and creates safety and sanitation challenges.

Additionally, occupancy limits for developed campgrounds will be a maximum of eight people, two tents and two vehicles per campsite unless otherwise posted.

Establishing pilot program for Northrup Creek Horse Camp reservations: Under this pilot program, campers will reserve sites at this campground in the Clatsop State Forest through Reserve America, the same reservation system used by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. All campsites at Northrup Creek Horse Camp will be reservation only; on-site registration at the campground will no longer be offered. The new reservation system provides certainty to horse campers that they have a reserved campsite prior to trailering a horse to the campgrounds.

About State Forests Recreation: Our mission is to create lasting and diverse outdoor recreational experiences, inspiring visitors to enjoy, respect, and connect with Oregon’s state forests. To learn more about recreational opportunities in state forests, visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Recreation/Pages/default.aspx.