BLM Opens Seasonal Campgrounds for 2026 Summer Season Across Oregon and Washington

May 11, 2026

By Officialwebsite

campgrounds in Oregon and Washington begin opening for the 2026 summer season

Gerber and Topsy Campgrounds Open May 13
Mid-May Kickoff for BLM Camping Season
Other BLM Campground Opening Dates
Planning Your Trip

Gerber and Topsy Campgrounds Open May 13

The Bureau of Land Management's Lakeview District in Oregon will open the Gerber and Topsy campgrounds for the 2026 recreation season on Wednesday, May 13, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Both sites are managed by the Klamath Falls Field Office and offer camping in the Cascade Range foothills of southern Oregon. Gerber Campground sits near Gerber Reservoir, a popular spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Topsy Campground provides access to the Klamath River and nearby hiking trails.

Mid-May Kickoff for BLM Camping Season

Most seasonal campgrounds across Oregon and Washington open by mid-May, though specific dates vary based on local conditions and elevation. The BLM manages hundreds of developed campgrounds and dispersed camping areas across both states, ranging from old-growth forests west of the Cascades to high desert landscapes east of the mountains. The agency encourages visitors to check individual campground status before traveling, as higher-elevation sites may open later depending on snowmelt and road conditions.

Other BLM Campground Opening Dates

Additional BLM campgrounds across the region have announced opening schedules for 2026. The Eagleview Group, Susan Creek, Cavitt Creek, and Scaredman campgrounds in Oregon require advance reservations through Recreation.gov at least three days before arrival. Other sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. On the Washington side, the BLM's Spokane District manages several seasonal campgrounds along the Columbia River and in eastern Washington's scrub-steppe terrain.

The BLM is also seeking volunteer campground hosts for the 2026 season at various locations, including the Mattole Campground at the King Range National Conservation Area on California's Lost Coast — a remote area popular with overlanders and adventure travelers.

Planning Your Trip

For overlanders and campers planning summer trips on BLM lands, the agency recommends the following:

Check opening dates at blm.gov before heading out — higher-elevation sites may open later than mid-May
Reserve in advance at Recreation.gov for group sites and popular locations
Bring your own water — many BLM campgrounds do not have potable water available until later in the season
Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve public lands for future visitors

Dispersed camping is also permitted on most BLM-managed public lands outside developed campgrounds, subject to local regulations and fire restrictions. This option is particularly popular among overlanders who prefer remote, self-sufficient camping away from developed facilities.