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BLM campgrounds shift to off-season

Free camping, limited services
Oregon-Washington
Media Contact
Lisa L. McNee
BLM Office:
Lakeview District Office
dog sitting in a tent on a tent pad in a campground, with a red camp chair and trees in the background
Topsy Campground. Photo by BLM Oregon staff.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — While all Bureau of Land Management’s campgrounds in the Klamath Falls Field Office remain open year-round, both the Gerber Recreation Area and Topsy Campground will transition to off-season operations.

Gerber Recreation Area will enter off season starting Oct. 1, 2025. During the off-season, no amenities are provided, such as drinking water, trash collection, and no camp host will be on duty; however, camping is free. Contractors will also begin work replacing the water system infrastructure, on Sept. 8, 2025. This may cause interruptions to water service ahead of the planned shut down. Construction may also cause temporary closures to sections of the recreation area throughout the fall and spring months.

Topsy Campground will enter off season on Oct. 17, 2025. After this date, the gates will be closed and walk in camping will be free however, there will be no water, trash or camp host services provided.

“Our campgrounds are always open for adventure, even in the off-season,” said Steven Jensen, Klamath Falls Field Office Outdoor Recreation Planner. “Just come prepared for rustic conditions and help us protect these special places by practicing fire safety.”

As you head out to picnic, camp, or hike in the outdoors, we want you to be safe from the risk of wildfire. So here are some steps to ensure a fire-safe experience:

  • Make sure all off-road vehicles have a properly functioning catalytic converter or approved spark arrester.
  • Only build campfires when and where authorized and put them completely out; use plenty of water and stir until the coals are cool to the touch before leaving camp, even for a few minutes.
  • Dispose of lit, smoking materials appropriately.
  • Remember that discharging fireworks or use of incendiary ammunition or exploding targets is illegal.
  • If towing a boat or trailer, ensure your safety chains are properly secure and not dragging on the ground.
  • Never park your vehicle over dead grass and avoid driving through tall grass—your vehicle can ignite the fuels and start a fire.
  • Check fire restrictions in your area at South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership.

For more information, call the Klamath Falls Field Office at 541-883-6916.

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.