Types of Campsites

Single Family (SF) campsite a single unit that will accommodate up to six people with one primary vehicle and up to one extra vehicle. There is a charge for the extra vehicle.

Multi Family (MF) campsites accommodate up to 12 people with two primary vehicles and up to 2 extra vehicles. There is a charge for the extra vehicles.

Group campsites can accommodate varying numbers of people and vehicles. Small group campsites accomodate twenty or fewer people. Campsite capacities are listed separately for each campground. The number of vehicles is limited by the parking space available for each campsite. The vehicle fee is included with the campsite fee.

Camping outside of campgrounds is permitted throughout most of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Please observe a few simple guidelines to make your stay safer and fun, practice the 'No Trace' ethic and leave a clean forest for others to enjoy.

• Maximum Stay Limit: 28 days per site, 45 days per year.
• After 28 days, you are required to move at least 5 miles away.
• Locate your camping spot outside of fragile meadows and restricted areas, and preferably on bare or mineral soil.
• Camp out of view from major roads and trails, where possible.
• Camp at least 100 feet away from the shoreline of lakes and streams to help protect plants and animals that use these areas.
• Avoid trenching around sleeping areas. Select a campsite with good natural drainage.

Streams and lakes are home to many microscopic organisms; some of them can make you very sick. So don't take a chance; treat your water or bring water from home... and, of course, never clean dishes or fish in a stream or lake.

If there are no toilets available, choose a suitable, screened spot at least 100 feet away from any stream or lake. Dig a small hole about 6 inches deep by 8 inches in diameter. After use, fill the hole with soil and replace the duff. This allows the waste to decompose naturally. Bury toilet paper in the same hole. Empty built-in or portable toilets at sanitary dump stations.

Campfires are a favorite camping tradition. Help protect the site and forest with a few precautions:

• Use camp stoves to help conserve ground cover resources or....
• Use and existing fire ring where available. If you need one, build it small and in a safe place and not under overhanging branches.
• Gather only dead and down wood for your fire while camping. Never cut (or nail into) live trees. (A firewood permit is required to remove wood from the Forest.)
• You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. Never leave a fire unattended.
• Remember Smokey's Message:
  "Prevent Forest Fires" Be sure your fire is DEAD OUT before you leave -- drown it, turn it, stir it until it's cool to the touch -- including charcoal.

Always "PACK IT OUT!" Please leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any manure, hay and straw before leaving.

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