Deschutes National Forest

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

Overview

Deschutes National Forest remains open for year-round recreation, though several important closures are currently in effect. The 14-day camping limit order is active (effective November 14, 2024), restricting consecutive occupation at a single location. A significant closure to note is the Cabin Butte Area south of Bend—approximately 35,000 acres (40 square miles)—closed since May 1, 2025 for at least a year for vegetation management, prescribed burns, and thinning operations to reduce wildfire risk. Four seasonal winter range closures (Cabin/Silver Lake, Metolius Winter Range, Opine Travel Management Area, and Tumalo Winter Range) protect deer and elk habitat from December 1 through March 31, prohibiting motorized vehicles including snowmobiles and e-bikes in these areas. The West Bend Area also has ongoing trail, road, and area closures for forest restoration work, with the Forest Service reporting increased closure violations. Wilderness permits for Central Cascades are managed through a reservation system. Fire season typically runs with industrial fire precaution levels monitored. Blue-green algae advisories are posted when needed, though sampling is limited mainly to Odell Lake. Firewood cutting season runs May 1 through November 30.

Campgrounds

Allen Springs Campground Allingham Campground Big River Blue Bay Bull Bend Campground Camp Sherman Campground Chief Paulina Horse Camp China Hat Campground Cinder Hill Campground Cold Springs Campground Contorta Flat Campground Contorta Point Group Camp Cow Meadow Campground Crane Prairie Campground Crescent Creek Campground Crescent Lake Campground Crescent Lake Guard Station Crescent Lake Yurts Cultus Corral Horse Camp Cultus Lake Boat In - Big Cove Campground Cultus Lake Boat In - Little Cove Campground Cultus Lake Boat In - West Campground Cultus Lake Campground Deschutes Bridge Campground Devils Lake Campground Driftwood Campground - Deschutes East Davis Campground East Lake Campground

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