Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Recreation

Campground Definitions

Content Last Updated: August 2008

Campsite Types

• 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.


• Single Family Premium campsites are located closer to water features (streams or lakes) than standard sites. Many have a view of the water, but even if they don't, all have direct access to the water feature without going through someone else's campsite. They are also generally the nicest sites with the highest demand.


• 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.


• Dispersed Camping is permitted throughout most of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Please observe a few simple guidelines to make your stay safer and fun, and leave a clean forest for others to enjoy.

Dispersed Camping

What you need to know about camping outside of campgrounds.

Download Forest guide on Camping Outside Campgrounds (Adobe Acrobat PDF format - 142 kb)

The following rules apply to anyone camping outside of developed campgrounds on the National Forest.  Dispersed camping is permitted throughout most of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.  By observing these simple regulations your stay will be safe and fun. 

• Maximum Stay Limit: 14 days per site, 45 days per year.
• After 14 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.
• Always "PACK IT OUT!" (Take your garbage and trash with you when you leave) 
• Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it. Clean up and remove any trash, manure, hay and straw before leaving.

Leave No Trace Ethics
Practice the “Leave No-Trace” (LNT) ethic.  Follow the LNT principles:
I. Plan Ahead and Prepare
II. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
III. Dispose of Waste Properly
IV. Leave What You Find
V. Minimize Campfire Impacts
VI. Respect Wildlife
VII. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

CAMPING:

• Camp out of view from major roads and trails, where possible.
• Camp at least 100 feet away from shorelines of lakes and streams.
• Avoid trenching around sleeping areas.
• Use camp stoves to help conserve ground cover resources

Water

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

Human Waste

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.

Camp Fires

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

• You should have a bucket, shovel, and axe available to control or extinguish escaped fire. Never leave a fire unattended.  Do not burn trash in fire.

• Use an 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 campfire. Never cut live trees. (A firewood permit is required to remove wood from the Forest.)

• Remember Smokey's Message:  "Prevent Wildfires" 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.

Camp Waste

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