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Last summer, many Washingtonians had to put their summer adventure plans on hold. Now, as Washington state reopens on June 30, many of those outdoor adventures are back on the calendar. Here’s what you need to know about camping this summer:  

1. Camping is a great option for physically distanced summer fun

Vaccinated or not, camping is a great activity to get into the outdoors and avoid summer crowds. When around strangers, make sure to wear a mask and give them space.

2. Plan ahead for the weather and hydrate accordingly

Toast marshmallows while camping, not your skin — as long as it’s safe to have a campfire, of course. Bring sunscreen and protective clothing such as hats, shirts, and pants to protect yourself from getting sunburned. Additionally, bring extra water to stay hydrated and for use in hand washing, cooking, and dousing campfires. 

Learn more about how to recreate responsibly at www.recreateresponsibly.org.

3. Buy firewood locally

You might accidentally bring more than just campfire fuel if you bring your own firewood. You shouldn’t travel more than 100 miles with firewood because tree-killing insects and diseases can live in or on firewood. Instead, buy wood when you get closer to your camping destination. If you want to learn more about safe firewood practices, visit dontmovefirewood.org.

4. Do you need a reservation?

Before heading into public lands to camp, remember to check if your campsite requires a reservation. While many Washington State Parks require a reservation, many DNR-managed campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a Discover Pass. Arrive to your campsite early and have a backup plan if your desired campsite is full. For more information on DNR-managed campsites, click here.

5. Camping with your four-legged friends

Camping is a great way to bond with your dog, just don’t forget the treats! Keep your pup and others safe by keeping your dog on a leash at all times, and remember to bring bags to clean up after them.

6. Practice campfire safety and follow local restrictions.

If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave. Make sure your fire is completely out before leaving, and use pre-existing fire rings if available. Before leaving home, check to see if the area you’re camping in has campfire restrictions or has a burn ban by visiting dnr.wa.gov/campsites and fireinfo.dnr.wa.gov.

Use existing fire rings or fire pits if available to limit your impact on your campsite.

7. Tell someone where you’re going, and bring a map or GPS

Getting lost or injured is the last thing anyone wants while camping. To ensure your safety, tell someone where you’re going and how long you plan to be there. This way, people know where you are in case of emergency. Additionally, consider downloading the Avenza Map App to better access 1,200 miles of trails on DNR-managed landscapes. To learn more about DNR mobile maps, click here.

8. Properly secure your food

Avoid attracting bears and other animals by properly storing your food. Consider buying or renting a bear-resistant food container such as a bear canister, or hang food from a tree in a food bag. Wash dirty dishes immediately, and don’t burn excess food, tea, or coffee grounds. To learn more about storing food from bears and other animals, click here.

9. Leave No Trace

Nothing ruins a camping trip more than arriving at a dirty campsite. Clean up any trash you made and bring it with you, and ensure that your camp is left cleaner than when you got there. To learn more about respectful outdoor practices and minimizing your impact, visit the Leave No Trace website. 

10. Consider dispersed camping 

Dispersed camping is a great option for those looking to social distance — plus, it’s free! If you are willing to rough it, dispersed camping (or boondocking) offers camping areas on public lands in national forests. These areas are first-come, first-serve, so make sure you have a backup location in mind if your first choice doesn’t work out.

Dispersed camping along Washington state’s coast. Get outside and stay safe!

Camping can be a great way to get out and enjoy the benefits of public lands. By being in the know, you get the best out of your camping trip in 2021.

Want more info? Download the camping guidelines infographic.

S-503 Fire UpdateWarm Springs Fire Management, Incident Commander, Travis MoyerJune 29, 2021 - 9:00 AM A Type-3 fire management organization lead by Incident Commander (IC) Travis Moyer is in command of the S-503 Fire. Fire Updates will be distributed once daily with additional information provided throughout the day via Facebook and the Inciweb website. The S-503 Fire is located in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire.Fire Information: (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) E-mail:  javin.dimmick@ctwsbnr.orgInformation Websites:Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management” Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559Oregon Smoke Information - http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/Acreage: 6,679 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of...

 John Day, Prairie City and Hines, OR. – (June 28, 2021) Malheur National Forest Fire staff continue monitoring conditions across the Forest, including temperature, relative humidity, and fuel moisture. There are no prescribed fire units on the Malheur National Forest currently planned for active prescribed fire ignition over the next week.   Blue Mountain, Prairie City, and Emigrant Creek Ranger Districts will monitor conditions and reassess for the following week for additional ignitions.   All 3 districts will have resources patrolling previously burned units. Public can expect to see smoke and low to moderate fire activity in Murderers Creek 6, Soda Bear 4, and Galena 30 on the Blue Mountain Ranger District. Smoke will be visible from the Elk 16 units on the Prairie City district, and on the Emigrant Creek district, in Silvies units 7 and 12.   Murderers creek unit 6 will continue to consume unburned fuel along the north aspects of the unit boundaries. The photos display...

S-503 Fire UpdateNorthwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock June 27, 2021 - 9:00 AM  This will be the last fire update from Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8) as they will meet the incident objectives at the end of the work shift today. NWIMT8 will transition to a Type-3 fire management organization on Monday morning at 0600. Fire Updates will be distributed once daily with additional information provided throughout the day via Facebook and Inciweb. The S-503 Fire is located in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire. Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)  E-mail:  2021.S-503@firenet.gov Information Websites:  Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management”  Inciweb information...

BONANZA, Ore.— Containment on the Cutoff Fire has reached 96% and the remaining Level 1 (GET READY) evacuation has been lifted for all areas near the fire effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday June 27, 2021. ODF Incident Management Team 1 will hand back responsibility for the Cutoff Fire to local ODF, BLM, and Forest Service units Sunday at 8:00 a.m. The local agencies will ensure the fire is monitored and patrolled over the coming heat wave and throughout the summer. With containment nearly complete Joe Hessel, Cutoff Fire Incident Commander said, “There is little chance of the fire escaping but it still needs to be monitored and patrolled especially through the expected hot weather.” The group taking command of the fire will patrol the fire’s edge, grid for residual heat, and keep the fire’s perimeter secure during the expected heat wave. “New fires have started in the surrounding area almost every day during this incident. I’m pleased we were able to quickly take care of...

Local ODF district to take control of Cutoff Fire on SundayBONANZA, Ore.— Containment on the Cutoff Fire 6 miles north of Bonanza has reached 85 percent.  Incident Management Team 1 will officially hand back responsibility for the Cutoff Fire to ODF’s Klamath-Lake District, BLM and US Forest Service Sunday morning at 8 a.m. The District will ensure the fire is monitored and patrolled over the summer. Mike Carlson, Operations Section Chief with Incident Management Team 1, reminded the final firefighting shift to thoroughly mop up any residual heat near the fire’s edge. “There have been cases where mop-up was incomplete and a week after crews left the fire rekindled and started a new fire. Our goal is to ensure that the Cutoff Fire stays secure through the long hot summer ahead.” A small force of firefighters who worked to put out the fire will remain to conduct patrols, back haul equipment, and repair any damage from suppression activities. Hundreds of firefighters and...

 S-503 Fire Update Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock June 26, 2021 - 9:00 AM  Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8) will meet the incident objectives at the end of the work shift on Sunday.  NWIMT8 will transition to a smaller fire management organization on Monday morning. Fire Updates will be distributed once daily with additional information provided throughout the day via Facebook and Inciweb. The S-503 Fire is located in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire.  Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)  E-mail:  2021.S-503@firenet.gov  Information Websites: Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management”  Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559  Oregon Smoke...

Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds markBONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls. Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs. Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area. This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents...

Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds markBONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls. Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs. Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area. This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents...

Containment on Cutoff Fire passes two-thirds markBONANZA, Ore.— Hard work pays off. Containment has reached 67% on the Cutoff Fire. There’s been no growth in the fire’s size, which remains at 1,288 acres. The fire is located six miles north of Bonanza and 20 miles east of Klamath Falls.Today, firefighters will continue mopping up remaining hot spots close to the fire’s edge that were identified Wednesday night by air and ground-based infrared heat detection equipment. Firefighters are digging out stump holes, extinguishing smoldering duff and clearing low-hanging tree limbs. Crews from the Cutoff Fire were sent to a new fire start east of Bonanza late yesterday to help local firefighters. Together, they stopped the spread of the Painter Fire. This is the fourth time aircraft or ground resources deployed to the Cutoff Fire have responded to new fire starts in the area. This morning, officials lowered the evacuation levels for the fire area to Level 1 (Get Ready). Residents are...

S-503 Fire UpdateNorthwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin StockJune 25, 2021 - 9:00 AMFire Updates will be distributed once daily with additional information provided throughout the day via Facebook andInciweb.The S-503 Fire is located in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privatelyowned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire.Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)E-mail: 2021.S-503@firenet.govInformation Websites:     Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management”     Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559Oregon Smoke Information - http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/Acreage: 6,679 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry).Containment: 50%General Updates: The S-503 Fire has remained in its current...

 Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock June 24, 2021 - 9:00 PM The S-503 Fire is located in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire. Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) E-mail:  2021.S-503@firenet.gov Information Websites: Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management” Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559 Oregon Smoke Information - http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/ Acreage: 6,679 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry).   Containment: 50% General Updates: The fire remains in its current footprint. The fire perimeter is completely lined. Firefighters are focusing on strengthing containment lines by mitigating hazard trees so crews can...

 Fire crews mopping up hot spots ahead of coming heat wave BONANZA, Ore.— Overnight, detection operations were conducted by numerous methods including a drone, a fixed-wing airplane, and ground-based crews, all equipped with infrared heat detection equipment. These are just some of the tools that fire managers are using to ensure the Cutoff Fire is contained.  There has been no fire growth in the past 24-hours.  Firefighters have shifted their attention to the mop up process.  Mop up consists of intentionally identifying hot spots that could threaten the fire line and extinguishing them. Last night’s infrared detection resources have given firefighters detailed information on where many of these hotspots are. Firefighting traffic remains heavy in the fire area.  Fire managers ask that other traffic in the area stay aware and reduce speeds as they share the roads with firefighters.  Fire managers would also like to remind people that hazards remain in and near the fire area,...

S-503 Fire Evacuation levels lowered - Wasco Co. Sheriff Office has announced: Closures and Evacuations- The Wasco County Sheriff’s Office has determined all residences west of Kelly Springs Rd/Back Walters Rd have been lowered to Level 1 - Get Ready. Anything east of Kelly Springs to Reservation Rd, including Walters Corners and the community of Pine Grove, also remains at Level 1 - Get

 Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock  June 24, 2021 - 9:00 AM The S-503 Fire is burning in timber and grasses on the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and privately owned in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry. This fire is being managed as a full suppression fire. Fire Information: (541) 670-0812 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) or (541) 553-2004 (8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.)E-mail: 2021.S-503@firenet.govInformation Websites:Facebook page “CTWS – Fire Management” Inciweb information on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7559Oregon Smoke Information - http://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/Acreage: 6,679 (approximately 535 acres is private in-holdings protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry).Containment: 30% General Updates: For the past 48 hours, the fire has continued to remain in its current footprint. The fire perimeter is completely lined. Firefighters are focusing on securing containment lines by identifying...

Fire Crews Strengthen Control Lines Ahead of Predicted Heat Wave  BONANZA, Ore.—More precise mapping now shows the size of the Cutoff Fire as 1,288 acres. Containment has reached 41%. Firefighters have mopped up all around the fire to a distance of at least 100 feet, and to 150 feet from the edge in some places. Tonight, a drone carrying infrared heat-detection equipment will fly over the fire's perimeter to identify areas that are still hot and smoldering. Meanwhile, ground crews will use hand-held infrared heat detectors to comb over the fire looking for hot spots that need to be mopped up. The forecast calls for a heat wave in the area moving into the weekend. Temperatures could reach 100 degrees by Sunday. Fire managers are reminding firefighters to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and heat stress. Evacuation levels remain unchanged at Level 2 or 1 in areas near the fire. Residents are allowed to come and go from their properties but are asked to be alert to hazards...