Tillamook, Clatsop State Forest recreational sites begin to reopen

Several campsites and recreation areas in the Tillamook State Forest and the Clatsop State Forest are reopening after an extended closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry. 

The Tillamook State Forest’s recreation team moved forward on May 6 with opening two sites, the Diamond Mill OHV Campground and the Jordan Creek OHV campground, while fee collection resumed at Cedar Creek designated sites and the North Fork Wilson River designated sites.

More information and locations for a variety of campgrounds, trails, trailheads, and other outdoor recreation facilities in the Tillamook State Forest can be found on the Oregon Department of Forestry’s website.

On Thursday, May 13, the Northrup Creek Horse Camp — located in the Clatsop State Forest north of Jewell — will open. Campers wishing to to stay at the site are required to book their campsite through ReserveAmerica.com prior to arriving, according to the Oregon Department of Forestry.

Many of the campsites are only available to those with horses, ODF said. 

The Spruce Run Campground and Beaver Eddy Campground in the Clatsop State Forest and Morrison Eddy Campground in the Tillamook State Forest will open on Thursday, May 20.

“Please be sure to read all information boards when you visit forest facilities to learn about site operation changes and COVID requirements,” Tillamook State Forest staff with ODF said. 

The Oregon Department of Forestry plans to reopen the Gales Creek Campground by Memorial Day weekend, according to ODF spokesperson Jason Cox, but he recommended that would-be campers check the agency’s list of recreation sites impacted by COVID-19-related closures before heading to the campground.

A reopening date for the Tillamook Forest Center has not yet been determined.

This story has been updated on May 18 with new openings announced for May 20.