The BLM restores overnight camping at some sites in Washington State
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Spokane, Wash. – With the lifting of public health and safety restrictions enacted by Washington State officials, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) today announced that the Spokane District is opening certain developed sites in Washington to overnight camping. The BLM is working with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a case-by-case basis.
This week, the following sites will begin to reopen access to overnight camping:
- Blind Island
- Coffeepot Lake
- Lakeview Ranch
- Pacific Lake
- Patos Island
- Posey Island
- Rock Creek/Escure Ranch
- Twin Lakes
- Yakima River Canyon (Umtanum, Big Pines, Lmuma, and Roza)
Be sure to call 509-536-1200 or 509-665-2100 to confirm the site you’re interested in is allowing camping. The public should still follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, practice social distancing, and avoid high-risk outdoor activities while recreating.
The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At the Spokane District, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and to regularly monitor these. We continue to work closely with the Department of the Interior and follow CDC guidance to ensure public and employee spaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.
The BLM encourages responsible, local recreation to avoid putting strain on other communities. The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating on public lands prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.
Details and updates on operations will continue to be posted on our website and social media channels. Updates about BLM operations will be posted on www.blm.gov.
The BLM manages more than 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.