Deschutes Forest campgrounds to open for summer
The Deschutes National Forest and Hoodoo Recreation Services, the Deschutes National Forest’s concessionaire, welcome campers and outdoor recreationists to the 2014 summer camping season.
Most, but not all, campgrounds and recreation sites are accessible and open depending on snowmelt. On lakes that are accessible boat docks are in place.
Many popular tent and RV camp sites in theDeschutesNational Forestare available for reservations online at www.recreation.gov includingPaulinaLake, Trapper Creek,Camp Sherman, Gull Point, Little Lava,BigRiver,SmilingRiver, Cinder Hill and Chief Paulina Horse campgrounds. Most campgrounds also include sites that are available without a reservation on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Deschutes County will open the Cascade Lakes Highway today; however, people should be aware there is still heavy snow in some areas and access may be limited to certain activities in the high lakes area.
HoodooRecreation is responsible for all activities in the campgrounds, including general maintenance, cleaning, and fee collection. Be sure to check Hoodoo.com for information about campgrounds and availability of potable water at these sites. Many water systems are not open due to the continued cold weather.
People should be prepared for cool evenings and carry an emergency vehicle kit in case their vehicle becomes stuck. Snow and ice is still a hazard in many areas.
Many higher elevation trails remain inaccessible due to snow load.
