The Willamette National Forest, located in western Oregon, is part of the Cascade Range and is home to a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. Many visitors come to the forest for backpacking, camping, fishing, hunting, mountain biking and hiking. While there are developed campgrounds in the forest, some visitors choose to disperse camp – that is, setting up a campsite outside of an established campground. But can you disperse camp in Willamette National Forest?
The answer is yes – with restrictions. Dispersed camping is allowed on most public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service as long as it’s done in accordance with local regulations. In Willamette National Forest, dispersed camping is allowed on all lands except for developed recreation sites. This means that you can set up your campsite away from established campgrounds as long as you are not in an area that has been designated for specific recreational activities like picnic areas or boat launches.
When it comes to dispersed camping in Willamette National Forest, there are a few rules and regulations that must be followed. For example, no more than four people can occupy a single dispersed campsite for no longer than 16 consecutive days before having to move at least three miles away from the original site. Campsites must also be at least 100 feet away from any water source such as a lake or stream and should not be visible from any road or trail.
Campers should also always practice Leave No Trace principles while they’re out enjoying the outdoors – this means leaving no evidence of your stay behind when you leave your campsite. This includes packing out all trash and disposing of human waste properly.
Conclusion:
Yes – you can disperse camp in Willamette National Forest with restrictions; however it is important to follow local regulations and practice Leave No Trace principles while doing so.
