Malheur National Forest Establishes 14 Day Stay Limit

JOHN DAY, HINES AND PRAIRIE CITY, OR-

– Living the good life in
Eastern Oregon, for many, involves plenty of quality time in the great outdoors. Some people
even have a favorite spot they like to visit every year, if not every weekend. But what if
somebody monopolizes that spot as if it is their privately owned land?

The Malheur is joining most other National Forests in implementing a 14-day stay limit to
increase availability for all visitors. Camping longer than 14 days at popular recreation sites,
such as streamside meadows or lakeshores, tends to interfere or prevent others from enjoying
these highly sought-after spaces. The 14-day stay limit promotes a more equitable distribution
of camping, recreation, and other opportunities for everyone, especially in popular areas.

A joint Forest Order allows camping in the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National
Forests for up to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period. Camping is any overnight use
and includes people or their equipment. A common misconception is that campers need only
move to the next campsite after 14 days, but this is not accurate – the camping limit applies
across the National Forest. (Some exceptions are authorized in Forest Service permits, such as
for commercial grazing.)

In addition to providing more equal opportunities for camping, the 14-day stay limit aims to
mitigate the impacts of increased forest use. A recent rise in forest visitation has, in some areas,
caused unsafe conditions and natural resource damage. When people don’t follow “pack it in,
pack it out” practices, trash and food can attract wildlife to campsites and put others at risk.
When human waste and toilet paper are not properly disposed of or left in the open, they become
unsightly health hazards contaminating water sources. Extended stays beyond 14 days can
increase camping competition, leading some visitors to clear vegetation to create new campsites.
Natural resource damage can also occur through soil compaction and erosion.

The Malheur National Forest is an increasingly popular destination. The 14-day stay limit will
ensure that all visitors have a more equitable opportunity to camp in their favorite location and
have an enjoyable experience. Thank you for honoring the 14-day stay limit.
For more information regarding camping and campgrounds on the Malheur National Forest please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/malheur/recreation

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Elkhorn Media Group