All dispersed camping (aka boondocking) in Oregon State Forests is temporarily closed as of Monday, May 11 due to excessive trash and human waste accumulation. According to the Oregon Department of Forestry, the closure may last for several weeks until additional resources can be brought on to sanitize the sites and make them safe for public use again.
Unlike campgrounds and RV parks, dispersed camping areas do not typically have restrooms or garbage disposal available. Campers, as always, are expected to take out everything they bring in (pack it in, pack it out) and to properly dispose of their waste. This is essential for the health and safety of other campers as well as the forests and the local wildlife.
“We have strived to continue to allow as much access to Oregon’s state forests as possible while ensuring everyone’s safety, including our staff,” State Forester Peter Daugherty said in the Department of Forestry’s recent news release. “Unfortunately, the current conditions are hazardous to the public and our employees. We appreciate the public’s understanding and look forward to reopening these areas as soon as we can safely do so.”
Boondocking in the PNW. Photo via iRV2 Forums
The closure applies to boondocking in the Tillamook, Clatsop, Santiam, Sun Pass, and Gilchrist state forests, as well as all other lands managed by the Oregon Department of Forestry. Forest roads and trails still remain open at this time.
ODF urges the public to keep these things in mind:
- No restrooms or garbage disposal sites are available. Leave no trace and take out everything that you brought in—including trash.
- Human waste must be buried at least 6 inches underground and away from trails, parking areas, bodies of water, and any areas where people may be gathered.
- Continue physical distancing. Plan on maintaining a 6-foot distance from other people even when you’re outdoors and wear a cloth face covering if you’re interacting with others.
- Bring your own personal hygiene supplies. This includes TP, biodegradable soap, etc.
There is no date set for when dispersed camping in the state forests will be permitted again. State park camping also remains temporarily closed through at least May 25 due to COVID-19. The best resource for finding what is open and closed is CampgroundReviews.com as well as on the RV LIFE App and RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
This is not the first time camping has been closed due to excessive trash. Even if you don’t live in Oregon or plan on camping in the forests here, closures will happen in your area too if trash becomes insurmountable. To keep this from happening, always leave your campsite better than you found it, even if it means grabbing an extra trash bag and picking up garbage you find that has been carelessly littered by someone else.
I always pack out more than I brought in. It is the only policy that will work.
I live in an Oregon town that’s surrounded by a national forest. Lest me tell you that I’m tired of picking up after boondockers finally leave. There is NO maid service in the wild. Anyone leaving piles of garbage in a park doesn’t have any respect for nature. They’re lazy bums with no conscience. Leave no trace means leaving your campsite better than you found it. If you don’t know where to dump your garbage, call or Facebook the nearest Ranger station. They would much rather you ask, than find your garage left behind.
When you close the campgrounds and it’s the only place left, it will NOT work, but rather makes things worse. What are they going to do, fine people or arrest them? Pure BS on the government’s part. I can walk around in town at “some” businesses but can’t go to the woods???
Idiots are running the Big Top and the tent will be burnt down…. if they keep doing stupid stuff like this. The Great Outdoors are the PEOPLE’S property, NOT the government’s.
Yes, we may allow them to maintain them on OUR behalf, but they are OUR’s, NOT theirs. It’s time to put Pandora back into the box by voting
the stupid ones out of office the next time you can!!!
Oh yeah… and have a nice day, just not in the woods!!!
You can’t camp on state property and leave your filth behind for someone else to deal with. If you do you will find public lands closed as they should be when people don’t take care of them. How would you like to pull into a spot and find filth?
Amen to that
Amen. a few bad apples make it bad for everyone. You don’t have to be filthy. Its your own fault if your filthy. Don’t leave you and your dog’s poop and trash out in the open and then be mad when they shut it down. We go to woods to avoid cities and being policed. We go to be free. Not free to be nasty and filthy. You all keep stinking up the the land and they’ll begin surveillance, and monitoring. You may soon see drones watching you walk away from your pile of poop. Maybe they should start charging a fee that is returned when you drop your trash in the proper place.
Yea, it’s people like Hersh who tromp all over “their” land and leave shit and trash behind like it’s going to magically disappear! Yea, it’s our land but NOT ours to desecrate and destroy. If morons like Hersh have their way, our public spaces will end up as no better than trash dumps. If they won’t positively respond to the carrot of benefitting from these beautiful spaces, hell yes use the stick and slap fines and jail on their sorry selves!
So your all for leaving your feces on the ground along with all your trash. This has nothing to do with big brother just people who believe it is not their responsibility to be adults and pick up after themselves. Mom and Daddy aren’t raising you anymore so change your own diaper.
Wow. You are only being asked to not be dirty.
youre exactly right Sue if people would not act like pigs this wouldnt happen
Thank you. “Everything is banned. Just sit in your homes until it’s time to go to work.” I’ve had just about enough of people I don’t even know pushing me around no matter where I turn.
You are aiming your anger at the wrong people, it’s not the Governments fault for the closings, its the Boondockers in trailers that shows no respect for themselves or anyone else, they leave their trash where they camp and even worse, they dump their tanks in the woods spreading filth and germs.
So I suggest that you direct your anger when it is deserved and show respect for our Government that provided us all the National Parks and they maintain it and them clean, if our Government did not manage all the National Parks, it would soon be a vast abused area covered with garbage everywhere and human waste everywhere also!
I have been in RV Parks where the trailers pull in and the people act like wild animals with music blaring to wee hours of the night, they are constantly drunk and cursing out loud and they go onto other RV’ers site without being ask to do so. I have seen this happen many times and I imagine that the Trailers Rolling into the National Parks and Forrest are doing the same or worse since there is no one there to tell them there are rules.
Excessive trash and human excrement …are you prepared to help clean-up then? If not STFU
Yes, i agree the few rotten apples spoil it for everyone else, but I must take issue with your statement about the government “providing” us with the Parks. That land is held in trust for all Americans and it is our taxes and fees that pay for them being taken care of. The “Government” is doing what we pay them for, they do not technically “own” the land.
I guess you tracked those pesky tariler campers and verified its them leaving the trash?? I have tent and trailer camped and its not what you use, its how you take out what you use. Its called character and moral fortitude. Sadly this is not being taught today, ther is no personal accountability any more..
I do think part of the problem is, (and this really has nothing to do with the filthy slobs,) is the fact campers and Rving is growing by leaps and bounds. I live on Oregon and try to find a camp ground any time during the season is impossible unless you have reserved close to a year ahead of time. It takes the spontaneity out of it and makes camping no fun. I know We are just about to sell the 5er because of the camping crowds. Some camp sites are like cities.
It’s the me for me attitude that people have today. They are taught no respect for themselves , anything or anyone else. If it feels good do it don’t worry about the person that comes behind you. Me for. Me.
I live in an Oregon town that’s surrounded by a national forest. Lest me tell you that I’m tired of picking up after boondockers finally leave. There is NO maid service in the wild. Anyone leaving piles of garbage in a park doesn’t have any respect for nature. They’re lazy bums with no conscience. Leave no trace means leaving your campsite better than you found it. If you don’t know where to dump your garbage, call or Facebook the nearest Ranger station. They would much rather you ask, than find your garage left behind.
It’s interesting that you think it’s anyone’s right as an American to leave trash and feces in the state forest, and the the government should not have anything to say about it. Contrary to your opinion, these lands are administered by the government just for times like this – now they have to clean it up.
Politics aside, and I am sure I can guess yours, its always the tree hugger, lay in front of a bulldozer crowd that talks the talk, but can’t walk the walk when it comes to environmentalism. Look at any rally they throw or attend and then look at the mess they leave afterwards. Its the side they/you are always against that camp, hunt, and fish but then leave the area as it was or better than when they arrived so that we may return to enjoy it again. So my advice to you is direct your anger towards the correct group or get your lazy a** out an start cleaning it up!
Francis, Here is an idea , it sounds like you go through the forests reguarly, next time take a pen and paper write down license numbers and a description of where they are. After they leave if there is garbage turn your info over to park rangers. And remind them that they may try the same thing.
You totally mis the point. Maybe you would be ok if we dump trash and krap in your back yard, would that be ok with you?
Ok, but who’s fault is it that someone or someone’s leaving their trash other other waste behind? Not the forest but those who seem to think it’s another persons’ job to clean up behind them. Everything isn’t about the government. In this case they closed the park to clean up behind some inconsiderate buttholes.
WELL SAID, A FEW ROTTEN SLOBS RUIN IT FOR EVERY ONE
I agree that it is not the government’s fault but it is not necessarily the fault of the folks in a trailer eithe. You can’t blame everyone in a trailer because you don’t like them or the trailer camping thing. I have seen the same Issues with tent campers that dot the woods with TP and their waste. They hide behind a bush and go expecting Mother Nature to reclaim it but in the meantime we all get to look at and smell it. If you are going to go in the woods at least dig a hole and bury it at least six inches deep like the government requires. It is not the method of camping you use that is the problem it is the people abusing the resources. Sorry but the facts are facts.
Always pack out more than you brought in and do your best to not leave your mark on the territory.
Yes you’re right!!! The Great Outdoors is OUR land, so it’s mine too!!! So don’t leave your G…D…filth on MY land!!!!
Inconsiderate behind holes wants to blame closing on “government”, when park is closed due to excessive waste and trash is left and someone has to clean up behind them. Someone should take pictures of them mess and those leaving it so the “government” can track them down and issue fines or whatever appropriate punishment.
Well no kidding… of course the ones who left the trash is at fault, but had they not closed the campgrounds where our tax money already goes to clean up after the pigs we wouldn’t be in THIS problem now would we?
Most people understand when dealing with, or fixing a problem you goes to as close to the source to fix it as possible, and since no one seems to be able to fix stupid, uncaring people, the next step is DON”T create another one/problem!!!
I agree completely…. fine the hell out of them and never allow them back in a National campground or Park.
BUT instead of creating the problem (closing campgrounds) and having to pick their crap up, keep the campgrounds open and take note of every vehicle license plate and if they leave a mess send them a bill and notice they are NOT welcomed every again!!!
Before Oregon closed the State Parks I was camping at the lake where is CLEARLY SAYS “Camping ONLY not for Day use” and up pulled a family with 4 kids. They ate McDonald’s, joked around the campsite for 45 minutes, and when they drove off left all the trash behind. OHHHHHHhhhhhhhhhhh how I wished I had taken a pic of their vehicle’s plate and gave it to the Host…. but trying to ignore all the noise I didn’t instead I hid in my RV. Guess who picked up the trash???? I’ll give you a hint… it wasn’t the PIGS!!!
I can say they same stuff about dog owners allowing their dogs to crap everywhere and not picking it up… Grrrrrrrrrrr
Not surprising I see it in RV parks and in dispersed camping, too many with no respect for others. It’s all about me and I have not consideration for anyone else. I also noted while not all the time, the majority of the time, it’s the same all about me generation. You know the ones, you owe me because I am, not the older folks.
I’ll add this…. those PIGS who are disrespectful and self-centered… yeah those… they were many of your rotten, snot nosed, brats that you didn’t spend enough time disciplining. So maybe it’s really not the Gov’s fault and it’s not the Pigs fault, but rather their parents that didn’t do their job parenting.
My point was/is, of course its the PIGs fault for trashing the place, but the government put them in the woods. Had they left them in the campgrounds/parks where there are bathrooms and trashcans, maybe, just maybe it wouldn’t be this bad!!! You keep pigs in pig pens for a reason!!!
Not real sure why so many of you are “getting it”???
exactly. poop is poop. just because i like some dogs doesn’t mean i like to look at dog shit.
I see both sides here but since no one else has voluntarily cleaned up behind the pigs that left it and in these trying times I’m sure that the state is overwhelmed. They (the state forest service) really wasn’t left much choice but to close the area for use and shut it down. They have to have the resources to clean up the mess in a safe manner that does not jeopardize their employees. I know I would not want to be out cleaning up human waste. I pick up trash all the time, I have even stopped on the backroads and picked it up but not someone’s waste. I have buried it before when I did not want to look at it but I don’t go around baby sitting the inconsiderate. If you want it open sooner then offer to go out and clean it up. Maybe if it is closed for a while folks will be more diligent at picking up after their self and calling others out or reporting violators. It is public land that belongs to the people, this is correct. But if you want for it to be free for public use then you have to do your part. It is our responsibility as citizens to be good stewards of all resources. And before anyone comments I am not a so called tree hugger just a responsible person who loves the outdoors. I hunt, fish, hike, prospect, camp, and love to explore the outdoors. This is all of our lands for responsible use. Not yours not mine but all of our land.
I don’t believe my camping fee is a maid fee. It pays to maintain the park, trails, shoreline and other equipment that freaks damage. The least a “normal” human species can do is put your own garbage away where it belongs. Stop being a worthless pig and pick up your own crap.
amen!
Nothing like a good old crapfest to bring out the best in people… huh?
Well, Hersh, do you work for a living in Oregon? Do you own property and pay property taxes? Probably not. If free camping in dispersed areas operated by the Oregon forestry service is what boils your blood, you are probably part of the problem and contribute NO funds toward maintenance. Graded roads aren’t free.
You can complain about this type of camper all you want. They won’t care, and they won’t change their behavior.
What does closing the forests to camping really accomplish? Does it stop Pigs from doing this again? NO! More than likely, someone else who wants to use that area will clean it up! I like to boondock on an occasion and anyone who routinely does it knows you “pack it in you take it out”. That also means cleaning up after pigs so you don’t get accused of being a pig, but more importantly keeping a place you want to return to!
Lets face it, Forest service is not going to clean up every pig pile.
For those who leave their garbage out in the open and leave…perhaps it would be an idéa to also leave your adress àlong with your garbage so We could also go and leave our garbage in your living room !
Once again they are penalizing everyone for the sins of a few.
I know plenty of boondockers who would never trash dispersed camping sites. Not only that, we routinely clean up areas when & where we do go boondocking. In order to keep these areas open for us not only would we continue to volunteer for area cleanups, but would strongly support registration of boondockers going into an area so tracking of responsible parties might be enabled. Kind of like some areas require registration of backpackers heading off into wilderness areas.
This is not rocket science. Just like the small % of crime in an urban area is committed by just a small segment of the population – it is the same in this situation. It only takes a few thoughtless slobs to create the mess – but they are not the norm – they are the exception. So why make all the rest of us pay for their “criminal” actions?
The solution is to employ responsible boondockers to police and clean up remote areas. We are the ones who appreciate the beauty of these areas but know that we need to protect it as well.
I guess you tracked those pesky tariler campers and verified its them leaving the trash?? I have tent and trailer camped and its not what you use, its how you take out what you use. Its called character and moral fortitude. Sadly this is not being taught today, ther is no personal accountability any more..
They closed the State Lands. Then the BLM lands. Then came the beaches. Next, they closed the parks. Then the national forests. And the national monument, and the wildlife refuges. Will they close the roads due to drunk drivers and speeders, the people wondered.
And we all wish we had stood up to them at the first closures of public lands in Oregon, but it was too late.
I’m so sick of learning that people can behave like pigs … cleanup already! Love the land … !
So we were riding our bikes near the very beautiful Trillium lake reflecting Mt Hood. Human poop piles started to increase until we approached a trail head that was occupied by young forest gangster types blocking the trail with their filthy campground. The entire area was trashed by the locals.
So it is better closed than open.