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Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
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Recreational Activities
Dispersed CampingMany people enjoy the solitude and primitive experience of camping away from developed campgrounds and other campers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping anywhere in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Dispersed camping means no toilets, no treated water, and no fire grates are provided. Typically, dispersed camping is NOT allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, picnic areas or trailheads. Many people drive out on Forest Service roads into the woods and find a clearing or a spot near a stream or with a view of the mountains. There are extra responsibilities and skills that are necessary for dispersed camping. It's your responsibility to know these before you try this new experience. Dispersed CampsiteIf you are going to an area where others have camped before, pick a site that's been used before. Plants, soil and wildlife are impacted by new campsites, so using existing ones will minimize your impact on the forest. If there is no existing campsite, then follow these Leave No Trace guidelines:
CampfiresMany wildfires are caused by human activity, typically escaped campfires from dispersed campers. Campfires are allowed when you are dispersed camping UNLESS there are fire restrictions in effect due to high fire danger conditions. It is YOUR responsibility to know if fire restrictions are in effect before you go camping. Campfire Tips:
Protect Water QualityWater gets contaminated by visitors who don't take care of their human waste or their garbage and food properly.
Treating Your WaterWe used to be able to take a cup and drink directly out of a sparkling creek, a rushing waterfall or a clear, deep lake. There is NO safe water source anymore. With an increasing population and visitation to our National Forests, water sources have been contaminated with invisible, micro-organisms that can make people very ill and even kill them in some cases. Giardhea is a common contamination that has been spread to many water sources through improper toileting and wild animals. It will cause diarrhea, cramping, and other physical problems. The only way to ensure that water from an undeveloped source is safe is to treat it. That means heating it until it comes to a rolling boil, using water purification tablets or a water purification filter. Water from faucets in developed recreation areas has been tested and treated and is safe to use without treating. Camp WasteAlways "PACK IT OUT!" Please leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Pack out your garbage, including aluminum foil, cans, toilet paper, cigarette butts and plastic products. Have Fun!If you follow the tips above, you can have a safe, low impact, primitive camping experience. Thank you for helping care for YOUR National Forest!
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USDA Forest Service - Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests |